Expert: Tom - 7/18/2009

Question
Hey.  I'm a 16 year old boy and i have admired stand up comedy for a long time now, a lot of people have told me I'm funny and i could do stand up (but lets be honest they're not professional critics) I've started writing my own material which is coming along quite well for a beginner.  I am considering doing my school talent show next year to get some experience, but i want to ask what age would be ideal to start doing open mic gigs etc?

Answer
Ryan --

This is an interesting question. Most people wonder how quickly they can move through various stages in developing their talents, but you're phrasing this question with the idea (I think) that it might not be in your best interests to rush things ahead absolutely as fast as you can.

For at least a few more years, your age is going to make you stand out when performing. If you go to an open mic event in a venue that has mostly adult performers, people are going to see you as a kid doing comedy, not as just a person doing comedy. While this could work to your advantage in some cases, I would tend to guess (and it's really just a guess, since I don't have any experience with this situation) that your age could be a distraction to people.

The other thing to note is that in a few more years, you're not going to be eligible for school talent shows anymore. There might be value in focusing on that sort of event for now, since it will give you a different kind of experience than open mic would. At a school talent show, people will be able to admire what exceptional talent :) you have for such a young person, but your youth itself wouldn't be a distraction because that's what's expected for a school talent show.

All things considered, I'd recommend a focus on the talent shows for now. I'd also recommend other activities that develop your skills at communicating with various groups. Give speeches, teach classes (yes, there are opportunities for 16-year-olds to teach!), join Toastmasters -- anything you can do to get "air time" with communication in front of a group. It's all valuable.

Good luck!

-- Tom