How Many Times Should a Comedian Perform to Be “Established” in Open Mics?

The short answer is that there isn't a specific or magic number of performances; it 'depends'. Comedy is a craft, and an open mic is a tool for comics to explore and experiment with their material. However, becoming an 'established' comedian involves more than just the number of times you hit the stage. Let's dive into the detailed process and criteria.

Comedy: A Craft and Open Mics: A Tool

Comedy is not just about performing. It's about continually refining and developing a unique comedic voice. An open mic is an excellent platform for comedians to test their material on a forgiving audience. It allows them to see what works and what doesn't, and to continuously improve their craft. But an open mic is not a proper display for that craft. It serves as a proving ground, where comedians can gain valuable experience and feedback.

Becoming "Established": A Journey of Consistent Comedy

Comics become 'established' by being consistently funny and gaining recognition for their talents. Making it in the comedy world is about more than just performing at open mics; it's about getting booked for stage shows, participating in comedy competitions, and taking your act on the road. These experiences contribute to a comedian's growth and showcases their abilities to a broader audience.

Open Mics: A Proving Ground

Open mics are essential for comedians looking to establish themselves in the industry. However, they are not the end goal. Open mics serve as a proving ground where comedians can refine their material and connect with audiences. Out of the millions of open mic performances, an incredibly small percentage of comedians ever make a dime. The vast majority continue to perform for the love of the craft and the joy of performing.

Success Beyond the Open Mic

To truly become established, comedians need to progress beyond open mics. They need to get booked for stage shows, participate in comedy competitions, and take their act on the road. This includes opening for shows, standing as middle acts, or headlining. The financial rewards are often modest, with opening acts making around 20-100 per show, middle acts making around 250 per week, and headliners earning 300-3000 per week.

The Path to Excellence

The path to becoming a well-known and established comedian is a long and challenging one. It requires consistent practice, dedication, and a willingness to continually improve. Here's a rough timeline to consider:

First 5 Years: Focus on honing your craft. Performing 5 sets per week for the first five years will help you learn the art of standup and write your first 30-minute clean comedy act. Next 5 Years: Increase your performance frequency to 7 sets per week. This will help you perfect your perspective, your onstage character, and your ability to write quality jokes. Next 10 Years: Continue to perform and refine your act. This period will help you build a reputation and a following, leading to more opportunities and recognition.

This journey is far from easy, but with dedication and hard work, comedians can become well-known and established in their careers.

Conclusion

Becoming an established comedian is not just about the number of times you perform at an open mic. It's about consistently delivering quality comedy, gaining recognition, and taking your act beyond the stage. While open mics are an essential step in the journey, the true test lies in your ability to connect with audiences and make a lasting impact in the comedy world.