Part One Preparation -- Inspiration -- Material: Deborah Frances-White talks to Paul Provenza: Deborah Frances-White talks to Marcus Brigstocke -- Structuring your set: Deborah Frances-White talks to Sarah Millican -- Part Two Performance -- Getting started: Marsha Shandur talks to Stewart Lee -- Developing your comedy: Deborah Frances-White talks to Robin Ince -- Part Three Mastering more than the basics -- Owning the room: John-Luke Roberts on the alternative comedy memorial society -- The best-laid plans -- Part Four Lifestyle: Phil Jupitus talks to Eddie Izzard.
Summary:
"What is it to be a stand-up comedian? To be funny, solo? You have no character-role, no double-act partner, and nowhere to look but out into the darkness, with just a microphone, an audience and your imagination. This is a job without an annual appraisal; a job where you are publicly appraised every ten seconds. The results are harsh and obvious: if the audience isn't laughing, you 'died'; if they can't stop, you 'killed'. Deborah Frances White and Marsha Shandur unpack the inner-workings of the minds of comics, sharing their secrets, insecurities and successes; their bete noirs and their biggest fears. Featuring interviews with a host of comedians including Stephen K Amos; Mick Foley; Andrew Maxwell; Mark Watson; Greg Davies; Richard Herring; Phill Jupitus; Jim Jeffries; Marc Maron; Brendon Burns; Nathan Caton and Judah Friedlander, this excellent book lets you in to the hearts and minds of celebrated comedians, away from the stage and off the mic"-- Provided by publisher.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.