How standup comedians overcome their nerves
The idea of walking on stage and trying to make a room full of strangers laugh would terrify many people. But comedian Dane Baptiste says there are a handful of rules to give you the best chance of maximising the chuckles and minimising the heckles.
Dane, who attended several courses at National Lottery-funded The Comedy School early in his career, said the first step is being prepared. He said, “Get the blood flowing, get the circulation going. Know your material and take your time. You’re taking people on a journey.”
His own journey has been remarkable. After swapping a career in media sales for standup, he became the first black British solo comic to be nominated for the Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Newcomer prize at the Edinburgh Fringe.
Dane’s final tip for ruling the comedy roost is this: “maintain control”. Learn how to use the microphone, don’t bring too many props on stage and let the audience know you’re confident and in charge.
Dane is certainly in control – his BBC show Bamous earned rave reviews – but he hasn’t forgotten the importance of his early training. He said, “The Comedy School gave me a sense of orientation – it gave me the direction to a dream.”
The National Lottery has funded more than 625,000 good causes across the UK. This video series introduces you to fascinating people involved with 5 of them and asks them to share some tips, techniques and secrets. As well as learning how to keep your nerve as a standup comedian, you’ll learn strength tips from a trapeze artist and hear a filmmaker explain how to direct real people. A counsellor explains why it’s vital to put wellbeing first and a stargazer tells you how to find the North Star (no telescope required!).
Check out Dane’s video below.
How to combat nerves with The Comedy School
1st March 2021
Good Cause story - Find time for your mind
How to put your wellbeing first
Good Cause story - Universal truths
What stars can teach us about life on Earth
Good Cause story - How to build strength
How a trapeze artist toughens muscles and mind
Good Cause story - Lights, camera, real people!
How a filmmaker turned schoolgirls into stars
Good Cause story - Joking without choking
How standup comedians combat their nerves
The National Lottery has been changing the lives of winners and supporting good causes across the UK since 1994. In that time, there have been more than 7,400 new millionaires created and by playing The National Lottery you raise over £4 million for Good Causes every dayΔ.
Discover more