Hey Mr. Comedy Guy,

I think I am pretty funny. I would like to try my hand at stand up comedy. Where can I go as a beginner?
-Richard "I know I am funnier than you" Joaks

Thank you for this week's question Dick, this is a nice segue into the world of Comedy Showcases and Open Mics. I am glad to answer your question as it is asked of me often. First, let's define the difference between these two types of shows because even though they are often done at the same time, they really are different.

A comedy open mic means that anyone who has a mind to, can come to the venue, register about an hour or so in advance (it is usually on a first-come, first-served basis), then go up on stage and do about five minutes of material.

A comedy showcase is a bit more selective. Yes, there are still many newbie and wannabe comics, as this is a perfect training environment and proving ground for things like timing, stage presence and character development, but the comics that perform generally have some experience under their belt and were invited back to perform.

So, if you want to perform for your friends and family, here is my advice:

• Come prepared! - You need a solid five minutes of good material (as there is the possiblility that there may not be any uproarious laughter and applause to fill in the time). Write it down. Don't try to make conversation with the audience ("riff") until you know what you are doing (and then, only sparingly). If you don't have a "strong five minutes", don't come up until you do. Simple. Five minutes. Got it?
• Practice - In front of a mirror. In front of your friends, family and strangers. Use your water bottle or hairbrush for your mike. Decide which hand you will hold it in as you deliver your material. Make sure you know your material (solid five, remember?) inside and out. It is not good form to giggle and say.. "Ah, let me start over".
• Timing is everything - Keep your set to the agreed upon length. If you are killing the room, they will ask you to come back again, (and the audience will come back to see you!) so save some of your killer material for next time.

Do you want to watch? What about attending these shows as an audience member? If you love the audition shows on "America's Got Talent" and "So You Think You Can Dance," and like picking the next great star, then you are perfect spectator for these shows.

Just so your expectations are inline with the experience, here is what you can expect:

• You will see some terrible comics! Yes, even though I am one of the greatest supporters of new talent and encourage anyone who feels that draw to the stage to go up and try it, there are people that will make you wonder, "What were they thinking? How could they allow themselves to be such a train wreck!"
• You will see some wonderful comics! I have had the opportunity to see Sacramento Comics Mike E. Winfield, Tapan Triveti, Tom McClain, Keith Lowell Jensen (and many more, too numerous to list here) in the very beginning of their careers perform at showcases and open mics. You could see then that they were very talented and that not only would they go far, but you would pay to see them perform again in a longer format.
• You might see a big star! Well-seasoned and famous comics often will use a showcase to come up and perfect new material. You never know who is going to show up!

Where can you find these venues? Glad you asked! Our Sacramento Comedy Clubs & Venues page and Sacramento Comedy Calendar of Events give you most of the information you need. If we have missed any, please let us know so we can add them. Showcases and Open Mics are invaluable to rounding out a vibrant comedy environment, so please support them!

If you would like to experience an open mic with a group, there is an Sacramento Comedy Meetup Group outing to the Showcase/Open Mic at Laughs Unlimited (one of the oldest established comedy rooms in the US!) this Tuesday, October 6, 2009 at 8:00 PM. Please join us Tuesday.

Keep those questions coming!

Until next week,

The Comedy Guy