Improv or Stand-Up: Which is Right For You?

When I began performing comedy there was a strange, Sharks-vs-Jets-like tension between improv and stand-up communities. This tension has subsided since then (as far as I can tell), but it was rooted in which of the mediums was considered more “respectable” in terms of their merit of creation. In simpler terms: stand-up comedians were not always on board with an improviser's approach to “making things up” and improvisers placed value in the approach of working with a team instead of on their own. 

The truth is that the two are not as far apart on the creative spectrum as we may like to believe. And frankly, each skill set can benefit the other. This post is not a comparison of the two, but instead a helpful guide for those of you thinking of which path to take to become a better performer, or if you’re on the fence about beginning to study either of the two.

What is Improv?

The simple answer to this is that it’s short for improvisation, that is, a spontaneous commitment to an established idea. In this case: comedy. There is improvisation in music, dance, really, any creative medium, and then some. Improv comedy began back in the late 1950s in Chicago and has evolved into one of the most popular and sought-after extracurricular activities on college campuses, in addition to social activities for adults of all ages. 

Some might suggest it is simply “making things up”, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. True, improv comedy scenes are centered around unscripted material that performers are creating on the spot, however, there are techniques employed that are learned in classes that help to facilitate these scenes. When choosing to register for improv classes, students can expect to learn the following depending on the curriculum of the school:

• Saying “yes” to a scene partner’s decision, then adding information (“Yes, and…”)

• Working with a team and establishing roles and dynamics in scenes

• Making declarative statements to establish details such as location, relationship, and stakes/wants

• Acknowledging a range of emotions and using them to create a fictional character

• Being present and in the moment of a scene without planning ahead

• Identifying the unusual and common bond of all players in a scene that serves as a guide post for that scene (the game)

This is merely a broad overview of all you’ll learn in your improv training. With time, you will warm to particular approaches, exercises, and practices by specific instructors. At the same time, you will familiarize yourself with your own creative and comedic voice, which will help to shape your performing style.

If you’re an improviser or actor you might be asking yourself, “How can I get better at improv?” once classes are finished. The answer is by doing it, but also, by watching improv shows in NYC, Chicago, LA, or wherever you may be located. The more exposed you are to the process, the sharper you’ll become as a participant. 

How to Do Stand-Up Comedy

It is next to impossible to define precisely how to do stand-up comedy. In my time as a stand-up, I learned (very quickly) that each performer has their own uniquely creative process for writing material, working on material, getting booked on shows, and discovering their comedic voice. Similar to improv, with stand-up comedy the best course of action is to do it as frequently as you can, watch it as often as you can, and give yourself time to sharpen your comedic perspective. 

The reality with stand-up is that it takes time to craft a well-received routine (or “set” as it is mostly referred to) that is emblematic of your own original perspective. There are classes to learn stand-up comedy and many of the same schools that offer improv classes may offer stand-up classes, as well, in addition to the nearest comedy clubs. It’s best to contact those institutions for information on learning opportunities. 

When I performed stand-up, I chose to go the route of sink-or-swim, opting to begin performing at open mics. By using trial and error as a means to educate myself I got those reps that often lead to growth as a performer. When I watched other comedians perform I was mostly tuning into the rhythm with which they delivered their material and the mannerisms they may have knowingly or unknowingly used to add to their performance. My biggest takeaway as a stand-up was that, ultimately, who a comedian is on stage is akin to an exaggerated version of who they are off the stage, BUT–the material is very much authentic to who they are as a person and how they view and react to the world around them.

Can I Do Both Improv Comedy and Stand-Up Comedy?

Yes, of course! It’s something I would highly encourage! As I mentioned earlier, there are benefits to performing both improv and stand-up that will likely assist in improving at each. 

The ability to improvise will ultimately help a stand-up comedian in generating material or taking existing material and fine-tuning it. In improv, there is a good deal of word and idea association that allows a writer or performer to heighten their existing ideas. The end product is material with sharper points of view and more specificity, which may translate to better connections with audiences. Additionally, improv comedy shows a performer how to be very present on stage and block out the nerves or adrenaline that often creep into our mental and physical states when performing. If you’re a stand-up comedian, this will vastly help you read a room (very important), excel at crowd work, and (yikes...) handle hecklers more efficiently. 

Similarly, performing stand-up comedy regularly will help improvisers sharpen their template as performers. Formatting material and giving attention to the structure of a bit or a set will help to improve how you make declarative statements in your improv scenes. You will know how to state who you are in a scene, where your scene is taking place, and what it is your character wants in that scene. 

Connect with Ryan for Coaching or Workshops

When all is said and done there is no right or wrong way to begin your path in comedy. While beginning both improv and stand-up at the same time may be a bit taxing in terms of finances and time, start with one, but don’t ignore the other. The two are certainly not warring factions, despite how vocal some may have been in the past.

If you’re interested in coaching, consultations, or workshops, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly. And remember: the most important thing to always keep in mind when performing comedy: have fun!!