What's Your Take on Crowd Work?

This would require a thesis paper response. To begin with, I like crowd work and use it. In fact, I used it more years ago and now I try to steer away from it. I jokingly call it "lazy comedy" as there is a need for it in every show. It's a good way to check in with the audience and stay present, especially when the pre-written jokes are not hitting as hard as you want them too. It also is useful during the "check drop" when the servers are dropping off the bill and people are focused on that, instead of your jokes. I also use crowd work when I am working on a new joke. It helps me understand the climate of the premise and shape the beats I can later incorporate into the final product.

That being said, its an art form that, when done correctly is amazing. Its like a magic trick. Some comedians, however are using canned responses to get a laugh or a clip for their social media. More power to them. If it gets you clicks which in turn gets you followers which in turn gets you people to your shows, more power to you. Some of the comedians who blew up from crowd work are actually really good joke writers and only were posting their crowd work clips to avoid "burning" their jokes online before their live performances.

As a trained litigator, I was taught never to ask a question you don't know the answer to during cross-examination. I love asking questions now where I sincerely don't know what the answer is going to be. I often have an idea and a "response" ready to get out of the situation but the uncertainty is fun. And of course, I am pretty good on my feet (lawyer training) so my alleged quick-wit usually gets a good laugh.

All to say, the comedians I respect the most are the comedians who write amazing jokes and can also adjust with crowd work. #standup #crowdwork #comedy #formerlawyer