How to Be Stand-up Instructor - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Oct 11, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

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The rise of stand-up comedy classes as a popular form of entertainment has had a profound effect on the entertainment industry. From the growth of stand-up comedy clubs to the emergence of streaming services like Netflix and Amazon, stand-up comedy has become a vital part of the entertainment landscape. This increased popularity has caused an increase in the number of stand-up comedians, as well as a rise in the number of stand-up comedy classes offered by universities, comedy clubs, and private instructors.

As a result, aspiring comedians have more access to quality instruction and opportunities to hone their craft, leading to an overall increase in the quality of stand-up comedy. Furthermore, more comedians are now able to make a living from stand-up comedy, allowing them to pursue their dreams and make an impact in the industry.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's degree in educational theory, counseling, or psychology. This will help you to understand the fundamentals of teaching, counseling, and psychology, as well as build your communication skills.
Take classes in stand-up comedy. Learn the ins and outs of stand-up and practice your routine. Knowing how to deliver jokes and stories is essential to becoming a stand-up instructor.
Gather materials and resources to use in your teaching. You will need to have a good understanding of the materials and be able to communicate it to others.
Develop a stand-up curriculum. This should include topics such as joke writing, story telling, delivery techniques, improvisation, and audience interaction.
Get certified as a stand-up instructor. Many organizations offer certification programs for stand-up instructors. These programs usually require you to have a certain amount of experience and knowledge before you can become certified.
Network with other stand-up instructors. Reach out to local comedy clubs and theaters to find other instructors in the area and start building relationships. This will help you learn more about the industry and get your name out there.
Market yourself as a stand-up instructor. Build a website, create social media accounts, and reach out to potential clients. Offer classes or workshops at local venues or travel to different cities to find new students.

In order to become an ideal and capable stand-up instructor, it is important to have a good understanding of the fundamentals of stand-up comedy. This includes learning the basics of joke writing, comedic timing, and audience interaction. it is essential to be able to evaluate and analyze the performance of other comedians in order to develop and refine ones technique.

Finally, having a strong sense of self-confidence and determination is key to becoming a successful stand-up instructor. With these qualities, one can master the art of stand-up comedy and become an ideal and capable instructor.

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Job Description

Develop and lead stand-up comedy classes and workshops.
Create interesting and engaging lesson plans for students of all levels.
Provide feedback and advice on students work.
Conduct individual and group coaching sessions.
Act as a mentor and support for students.
Monitor student progress and provide support for improvement.
Facilitate open discussions to help students develop their own comic voices.
Offer constructive criticism to help students improve their comedic timing and delivery.
Research current trends in stand-up comedy and integrate them into lessons.
Organize comedy show events to showcase student work.

Skills and Competencies to Have

A thorough knowledge of comedy and stand-up performance
Strong improvisation and public speaking skills
Ability to effectively critique and provide constructive feedback
Understanding of the fundamentals of comedic timing and delivery
Knowledge of the differences between various comedy styles
A keen eye for detail and ability to encourage creativity
Ability to collaborate, brainstorm and problem-solve
Excellent organizational and communication skills
Ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures
Understanding of the principles of stage presence, blocking, and audience engagement

Good stand-up instructors must be creative, organized, and have excellent communication skills. Creativity is essential for developing interesting and engaging material for a stand-up routine. Organization is also important, as it ensures that the instructor can make the most of the limited time available for teaching.

strong communication skills are necessary for instructors to effectively explain the fundamentals of stand-up comedy to their students. Good communication also helps instructors to develop a rapport with their students, which is critical for ensuring a successful learning experience. By combining these three key qualities, stand-up instructors can provide an invaluable learning experience to their students and help them become successful comedians.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What inspired you to become a stand-up instructor?
What experience do you have teaching stand-up comedy?
How do you assess the progress of your students?
What strategies do you use to engage and motivate your students?
How do you handle challenging behavior from students?
What methods do you use to ensure that all students understand the material?
How would you design a stand-up comedy class for beginner students?
What advice would you give to someone wanting to break into the stand-up comedy industry?
What is your philosophy on the importance of humor in society?
What do you think makes a good stand-up routine?

Common Tools in Industry

Microphone. Used to amplify sound for a larger audience. (eg: wired or wireless mics)
Sound System. Used to amplify sound from a microphone or other audio device. (eg: PA system)
Projector. Used to display visuals on a wall or projector screen. (eg: LCD or DLP projector)
Computer. Used to record and store video and audio recordings. (eg: laptop or tablet)
Lighting Setup. Used to provide lighting for a stand-up routine. (eg: spotlights or LED lighting)
Timer. Used to keep track of time during a stand-up routine. (eg: stopwatch or timer app)
Video Camera. Used to capture video of the stand-up routine. (eg: DSLR camera or camcorder)
Writing Tools. Used to create scripts and outlines for the stand-up routine. (eg: pen and paper, word processing software)

Professional Organizations to Know

Association for Applied Sport Psychology
National Association for Sport and Physical Education
American College of Sports Medicine
International Council for Coaching Excellence
National Strength and Conditioning Association
International Society of Sports Nutrition
American Academy of Private Trainers
National Exercise and Sports Trainers Association
American Council on Exercise
American Physical Therapy Association

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Common Important Terms

Punchline. The closing line of a joke (or comedy routine) that is typically the funniest line and intended to evoke laughter from the audience.
Callback. A reference to an earlier joke or bit that has been used in a comedy routine. It is meant to evoke a sense of familiarity with the audience.
Improv. Short for improvisation, this refers to a style of comedy where performers make up material on the spot, often in response to audience suggestions.
Timing. The art of delivering a joke or comedy bit at the right moment in order to maximize comedic effect.
Delivery. The way a comedian says their jokes and lines, which often influences the comedic impact.
Setup. The lead-in to a joke or comedy bit which sets up the context for the punchline.
Tag. A follow-up or extension to a joke or comedy bit, usually related to the punchline or setup.
Joke Writing. The craft of writing jokes and comedy bits, often involving elements such as setup, punchline, timing, delivery, and taglines.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications do Stand-up Instructors need?

Stand-up Instructors should have a minimum of 5 years' experience in the stand-up, comedy and/or improv industry, as well as a Bachelor's degree in Theater, Comedy, or a related field.

What tasks do Stand-up Instructors perform?

Stand-up Instructors provide guidance and feedback on performance techniques, comedic timing, and material to students who are learning how to write and perform stand-up comedy. They also teach classes on topics such as character development, joke writing, and improvisation.

How many students typically attend a Stand-up Instructor's class?

A Stand-up Instructor's class typically consists of 10-12 students.

What is the average salary for a Stand-up Instructor?

The average salary for a Stand-up Instructor is $50,000 per year.

What kind of environment do Stand-up Instructors work in?

Stand-up Instructors typically work in a classroom or studio environment with the students they are teaching. They may also work in comedy clubs or other performance venues to observe students' sets or provide feedback after their performances.