We are deep into the first round of the 2017 Funny Women Awards heats and, as we have been running the Awards for 15 years, it seems high time we share some top tips for anybody out there who wants to enter comedy competitions.
Do your research…
Before you show up, or even register, it’s useful to find out all you can about the competition. Who are the past winners? Is it audience vote? Probably the most important thing to find out is how long you have got so you show up with the right amount of material and when you’re there be sure to ask about how they will notify you that you’re coming to the end of your allotted time. Make sure you’re familiar with how the competition works so you can make it work for you!
Prepare…
If this competition is your first gig then great, everybody’s got to start somewhere! However, it is worth trying to get as many gigs in as possible beforehand so you’re going on stage with a tried and tested set that is to time. You will seem more professional and feel more confident.
Don’t plagiarise!
The judges see a lot of comedy. A lot of live comedy. If you’ve cribbed some material from someone else on the circuit then chances are the judges have seen it and will question your comedy credentials, ‘cos it’s bloody bad form. On top of that you won’t perform the material as well as the comedian you’ve nabbed it from so do yourself a favour and be original.
Do your most suitable material…
It should be a no-brainer to do your best material, however take some time to decide if this is also your most suitable material. Blue jokes tend not to do well in a competition environment for example. Also usually judges are looking for something different, you don’t want to be the fifth person taking to the stage with another round of jokes about Donald Trump’s hair.
Treat it like another gig…
Try to douse your nerves by thinking of the competition as a gig – whatever happens you have added to your stage time and you have put yourself in front of promoters and comedians you might not have met otherwise.
Don’t waste your time…
Don’t eat into your time by introducing yourself – the MC has done that. You also won’t win any points for complimenting the MC, it’s unwise to try to interact with an audience member and now is not the time to try out some improv. If you’re a musical comedian then make sure you have allowed for time to not just introduce your song, but sing it.
Bring support…
Invite your friends and family so you know you have a fanbase out there!
Stick around…
Whether you think you killed it or died, it’s always worth sticking around to support your fellow comedians. It will help you get the measure of your heat and it’s important to see as much live comedy as possible if you want to become a better comic.
If you get through…
Well done! You’ve obviously got a great set, the judges don’t expect you to write a whole new set for each round, so it’s best to stick to what you know has worked before.
If you don’t get through…
Don’t be disheartened. Do apply next year! You might simply be a bit green and need more stage time. At the Funny Women Awards we see so many talented acts who we love but don’t think are ready to be a finalist. It’s always a pleasure for us to see acts come back the following year better than ever.
Most importantly of all, have fun. We’re all rooting for you so relax and do the best you can out there!
