Podcast Title: Comedy For Life

Episode Title: Episode 2: Brainstorming Your First 5 Minutes

Host: Walter Frasier

Episode Description:

In this episode, Walter Frasier guides aspiring comedians through the crucial first step of crafting their stand-up routine: brainstorming. Learn how to tap into your everyday experiences, overcome the fear of being "unfunny," and generate a wealth of material for your first 5-minute set. Walter emphasizes the importance of planning stage time, capturing ideas without judgment, and analyzing your performance for future growth.

Key Takeaways:

• Get Stage Time: Before you write a single joke, secure stage time at an open mic or in a comedy class.
• Brainstorm Without Judgement: In the initial brainstorming phase, there are no bad ideas. Let your thoughts flow freely and write everything down.
• Mine Your Life for Material: Focus on your personal experiences, observations, and the world around you rather than generic jokes or current events.
• Prompts to Spark Ideas:
  • Where you live and who you live with.
  • Your experiences at work or school.
  • The quirks of your daily commute.
  • Funny or strange things you've encountered in your neighborhood.
  • Memorable (good or bad) vacation stories.
  • Humorous incidents from your childhood or camp experiences.
• Don't Try to Be Funny (Yet): The goal of brainstorming is to gather raw material, not to craft polished jokes.
• Analyze Your Performance: After your set, take time to reflect on what worked, what didn't, and how you felt on stage. This analysis is crucial for improvement.
• Find Your Tribe: Seek out supportive open mics and comedy communities. A positive environment is essential for growth.

Episode Highlights:

• The importance of securing stage time before attempting to write.
• How to overcome the fear of being "unfunny" in the early stages of comedy.
• Practical prompts and techniques for generating original comedy material.
• Why analyzing your performance is essential for developing your comedic voice.
• The significance of finding a supportive and encouraging comedy community.

Resources Mentioned:

• Walter Frasier's book: "Stand-Up Comedy: How to Write Your First 5-Minute Comedy Routine in Four Easy Steps"
• PDF Brainstorming Worksheet
• Information on Walter's Zoom comedy classes CLICK HERE
• Tips on finding open mics in your area

Call to Action:

• Plan your first 5-minute set and perform at an open mic.
• Use the brainstorming prompts to generate material for your routine.
• Record and review your performance to identify areas for improvement.
• Connect with other comedians and find a supportive comedy scene.