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About this career

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Comedians are entertainers who employ diverse techniques to elicit laughter from audiences, a task that demands significant time and effort in preparation.

A comedian's role involves using humour skillfully to entertain audiences without relying on pranks or gimmicks. Stand-up comedy is typically performed at comedy clubs and encompasses the most prevalent form of their performances. Comedians often travel extensively and adapt their routines to diverse settings.

Tasks performed by comedians include:

  • Crafting and delivering comedic routines that engage and entertain audiences.
  • Tailoring material to suit different audiences and venues.
  • Incorporating storytelling techniques to connect with the audience emotionally.
  • Developing original material based on personal experiences and observations.
  • Performing live shows, adjusting performances based on audience reactions and feedback.

The future of work:

Looking ahead, comedians will use digital platforms and live performances to reach wider audiences. Social media, streaming services, and virtual reality may become key tools for sharing comedy. While live shows will still be popular, online content will be essential for success. Comedians will need strong writing, improvisation, and storytelling skills to engage audiences across different formats. Adapting to trends, handling audience feedback, and using technology creatively will be important. Comedy may become more interactive, with real-time audience participation. A good sense of humour, originality, and adaptability will remain key to a successful career in comedy.

There is no formal training for a comedian. This career is based on skill, talent, and a lot of hard work.

  • comedy clubs
  • nightclubs
  • television shows
  • radio programmes
  • self-employment

National Arts Council 
66 Margaret Mcingana Street (Cnr Gwigwi Mrwebi)
Johannesburg
South Africa
Tel: 087 700 0683
www.nac.org.za

  • develop your communication and stage skills
  • begin to see events in a humorous way
  • visit comedy clubs and take note of the type of jokes audiences enjoy most

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Casually Explained: Stand-up Comedy

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