Stand-Up Comedy: The Book

by Judy Carter

Book Overview

All the world loves a clown and whether you want to clown around at parties or make a living as a standup comic, comedian Judy Carter can show you how to do comedy.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0440502438
• ISBN13: 9780440502432
• Release Date: August 1989
• Publisher: Dell
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 1.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 7.0" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

This Book Works PERIOD!!

From the first page I was hooked. After finishing it I'm reading parts of it again. The techniques used in this book work. I purposely tried what I used to do on stage & Judy's techniques in the same set & Judy's received more laughs. This book is in fact the bible for anyone getting in to the business from Stand up's to comedy writers, to people looking to do one man/woman shows. It spans so many areas within comedy, even developing ideas for spec scripts for sitcoms. I've already recommended this book to two aspiring writers & one comic & I will update this review with their reactions, I know they'll be impressed. If you're out there looking to get in to stand up GET THIS BOOK!!, it's straight to the point & yes its long but for those of us without A.D.D. we can handle it!. JD Hazelwood says, "The author tells you all these "no no's " that you can't do in stand up comedy, that I hear comedians doing all the time." The idea of stand up is to become your own stand up comic, not to follow the crowd. Finding your own nitch is the key, not doing what everyone else does. Otherwise you're a "HACK!" No disrespect, but I recommend JD read this book again and this time think only about what you're capable of doing & try out Judy's techniques, you've got nothing to lose & so much to gain.

You will start killing them after reading this

I started doing stand-up after taking a class. I must say this book was better than the class! Everything you need to develop your own funny monologue. Even if you decide not to pursue a career as a comedian, you can improve your sense of humor which will help you in your communication skills. What is funny is usually something with a surprise at the end. Another funny topic is a known truth that society tries to keep under the rugs. The life as a comedian is rough, no pay and minimum required guests (at least in NYC). In addition to excerpts of monologues from famous comedians, this book also offers encouragement to beginners. It was told that during Arsenio Hall's first time at stand-up, he walked out the door when they announced his name. So don't feel bad if you get nervous.

Hilarious and immensely-informative

"Stand-Up Comedy" is a hilarious and immensely-informative guide to creating a "killer act," performing it, and even making money with it. Judy Carter, as sexy as she is talented, reveals a wealth of stand-up techniques. Even at the start of the book, Carter writes about the "Five Big Secrets to Making People Laugh" (one of them is, ironically, "Don't try to be funny"). This quintet of comedic wisdom is, in itself, worth the price of the book. Another estimable featue is the assemblage of master comedians (Jerry Seinfeld, Paul Poundstone, Garry Shandling, etc.) and Carter's a fine accessment of what makes each of them so unique--not to mention funny. Carter's prose is concise, witty, and insightful (though I don't agree with her when she says "the more miserable your life, the better your act"). The book's layout is appealing and has plenty of white space. And in the Appendix, Carter includes a list of comedy clubs, comedy publications, and agents who handle comedians. My only hope is that Carter is preparing a much-needed second edition to this classic work.

The best "how to" for aspiring comedians!

Judy Carter gives in detail what it takes to develope ones own act for stand up comedy. Her tips and workshops are great stepping tools that allow those that find it hard to free associate begin to. Stand-Up Comedy: The Book, does not leave the reader alone with tools to become a comedian but also advice. From getting up there for the first time and the "no's" that go along with that, to the booking of your first major performance, she gives all the advice one needs. If you so desire to be a comedian than this book is a must