Tips for Open Mic Comics, New and Old

Hey kids! Michelle here.  As you know, we here at SuperEgo are loving, nurturing, supportive...and bossy.  Way bossy.  We older-and-wiser types just love to impart our collective comedy wisdom to you.

A while back, on an improv message board, I posted some tips for improving your open mic experience.  I wrote that in about ten minutes.  I'm going to post them here, with some additional quickly-written but thoughtful commentary.

Open Mic Rules to Live By

1. Don't shit on the room, the host or the other comics.  Yes, we know we don't all play in the cushiest venues.  But we operators of open mics like to create a positive atmosphere, and, moreover, we depend on the kindness of the various clubs and bars to keep us in business.  So man up and sip that $4 Coke!

2. It's OK to acknowledge you're a newbie. Even open-mic comics can be supportive and reminiscent of their first time.  And if subsequent comics are lovingly picking on you from on stage, you've likely made a good impression.

3. However, don't apologize for tripping on a joke or making a mistake. We know. It's OK.  Don't waste your 5 minutes in regret.  That's what life is for.

4. It's OK to bring notes as a backup.  Other mics have rules about this; we don't.  As far as we're concerned a mic is a place to work out things that are new and perhaps you haven't memorized them yet.

5. Don't be drunk.  Or visibly high.  Seriously.  Not cute.

6. It's OK to be nervous. You'll always be a little nervous.  Just get your cute little butt up there and do it.

7. Go and watch the room a few times before you put yourself up. Different mics have different vibes. Talk to comics and the host.  There's no pressure to get up there the first day.  Bring a friend if it will help your nerves and push you onto stage when it's your turn.

8. The light that the host is waving at you means 'wrap it up.' It doesn't mean 'leave' and it doesn't mean 'hello.' Don't blow off the light or loudly call it out. That's hack, we've seen it before, and we're not amused.

9. Have fun. It's supposed to be fun. Yeah, call me cheesy, and yeah, it is hard work, but it's still fucking fun.

10.  Don't be a dick.  Seriously.  My long-held personal belief.  Simple, right?

Now, go forth and amuse us.