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How can I improve my comedy performance?

Kendall Payne
Writer, Director, & Stand-up Comedian
Kendall Payne is a Writer, Director, and Stand-up Comedian based in Brooklyn, New York. Kendall specializes in directing, writing, and producing comedic short films. Her films have screened at Indie Short Fest, Brooklyn Comedy Collective, Channel 101 NY, and 8 Ball TV. She has also written and directed content for the Netflix is a Joke social channels and has written marketing scripts for Between Two Ferns: The Movie, Astronomy Club, Wine Country, Bash Brothers, Stand Up Specials and more. Kendall runs an IRL internet comedy show at Caveat called Extremely Online, and a comedy show for @ssholes called Sugarp!ss at Easy Lover. She studied at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre and at New York University (NYU) Tisch in the TV Writing Certificate Program.

Kendall Payne

Writer, Director, & Stand-up Comedian

Expert Answer

If you're trying to do comedy, attend a lot of open mic nights so you have opportunities to perform your jokes.

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Question

What can I do to improve my stage presence?

Kendall Payne
Writer, Director, & Stand-up Comedian
Kendall Payne is a Writer, Director, and Stand-up Comedian based in Brooklyn, New York. Kendall specializes in directing, writing, and producing comedic short films. Her films have screened at Indie Short Fest, Brooklyn Comedy Collective, Channel 101 NY, and 8 Ball TV. She has also written and directed content for the Netflix is a Joke social channels and has written marketing scripts for Between Two Ferns: The Movie, Astronomy Club, Wine Country, Bash Brothers, Stand Up Specials and more. Kendall runs an IRL internet comedy show at Caveat called Extremely Online, and a comedy show for @ssholes called Sugarp!ss at Easy Lover. She studied at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre and at New York University (NYU) Tisch in the TV Writing Certificate Program.

Kendall Payne

Writer, Director, & Stand-up Comedian

Expert Answer

It really helps if you record all of your performances so you can watch or listen to them again. That way you can point out ways you can improve.

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Question

Can I still be a performer if I have anxiety and am a really shy person?

Community Answer

Yes of course! I have an extreme anxiety disorder, but, surprisingly, being on stage is the only time I'm not afraid. It took me a while to learn this, but you just gotta "Lose Yourself" (Eminem). Some shy, anxious people find that they're able to take on the persona of the characters they're acting while on stage, leaving their anxious selves behind.

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Question

How can I be more confident while singing in public?

Community Answer

To be confident while singing in public, you have to first learn to be confident with yourself as a person. You can try practicing in front of mirrors, and then you can practice in front of your friends. Start with a small audience and work up your way to bigger audiences. While nothing can prepare you completely for the big stage, with enough practice, you can learn to sing comfortably in public without stressing.

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Question

I'm a drummer and I'm going to perform in a show the day after tomorrow. My band members want me to perform a song that I don't want to perform. What should I do?

Meganelisabeth

Community Answer

Play the song. Even though you may not like it, there will always be things you have to do that you don't want to do. Try to compromise. Maybe if you do the song they want to do this time, you can choose the song next time you perform.

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Question

Should this apply to things like auditions?

Cassidy Faith

Community Answer

It depends on what you are auditioning for. If you are auditioning for Broadway, use big movements and project your voice, because you must keep in mind that when you are on the real stage, you need your acting and singing to get through to the people in the very back row of the balcony. However, you can be a little bit more subtle for TV series and movies, but still project and use appropriate movement. And be sure to work on your skills as much as possible, even when you aren't practicing for a specific audition.

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Question

Should I take off my clothes while singing?

Community Answer

Only if it adds to the song or performance and be sure to leave your underwear on or you'll be done for indecency.

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Question

How do I perform to an audience that does not know my song?

Sage Hallock

Community Answer

Introduce your song by giving a little background on it first. Say: "I am ______________ and will be performing _______________. This is special to me because (insert reason and memories associated with that song). I hope you enjoy it."

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