Comedians

Full-time comedians usually spend a lot of time traveling between shows. A comedian may have a strong following in the Midwest, for example, and in the course of a week he or she may have two shows in Detroit, two shows in Chicago, and a show in St. Louis. Some people may find this lifestyle exciting, but for many it is exhausting and lonely. Those who perform as part of an improv troupe may also travel a lot. Once a comedian has developed a good following, the traveling may subside somewhat. More established comedians perform at one or two clubs in the same city on a fairly regular basis.

Performing in front of an audience can be very demanding. Not all audiences are receptive (especially to new material), and a comedian may encounter unresponsive crowds. It is also not uncommon for comedians to perform for small audiences in bars and nightclubs. Many of these nightclubs may be small, dark, and filled with smoke and noise.

Despite these challenges, comedians can have fascinating careers. They experience the thrill of performing in front of audiences and positively affecting people's lives. Comedians may go on to achieve a good deal of fame, especially those who perform on television or in the movies. As creative artists, comedians may find it very satisfying to express their views and get positive feedback from others. There can be a lot of pleasure in making people laugh and seeing others enjoy themselves.

Comedians usually work late into the night, often not starting performances until 9 or 10 P.M. They also generally work weekends, when people have more time to go to nightclubs and comedy clubs.

Part-time comedians often hold day jobs and perform at night. Similarly, comedy writers may have to work other jobs to make ends meet financially. They might prepare material in their homes or in small offices with other writers.