stand-up comic
Microphone-wielding humorist
A stand-up comic is a performer who delivers comedy routines while standing alone on stage, typically with a microphone.
The format emphasizes the comedian's direct relationship with the audience—no props, costumes, or supporting cast, just jokes, stories, and observations.
Also called a stand-up comedian or simply a stand-up: She's been doing stand-up for fifteen years.
Humor's final delivery
- timingArt of choosing moments
- setupHow something is arranged
- callbackFollow-up audition invitation
- hecklerOne who taunts performers
one-liners · zingers · observational · deadpan · improv · roast · shtick · anecdote
Chris Rock · Jerry Seinfeld · Ellen DeGeneres · Robin Williams · Trevor Noah · Ali Wong · Wanda Sykes
Audio input device
- stageRaised performance platform
- spotlightConcentrated illumination source
- setArrange in position
- routineRegular sequence of actions
audience · club · open mic · headliner · emcee · booking · gig · tour
Clever, inventive humor
- sarcasmIrony used to mock
- ironyMeaning opposite to words
- satireMockery exposing vice
- parodySatirical imitation
social commentary · dark humor · absurdist · clean comedy · dry humor · wordplay · impersonation · physical comedy
punchline
Humor's final delivery
heckler · one-liners · zingers · observational · deadpan · improv · roast · shtick · anecdote · self-deprecation
Richard Pryor
Dave Chappelle · Chris Rock · Jerry Seinfeld · Ellen DeGeneres · Robin Williams · Trevor Noah · Ali Wong · Wanda Sykes
microphone
Audio input device
routine · audience · club · open mic · headliner · emcee · booking · gig · tour · green room
wit
Clever, inventive humor
parody · social commentary · dark humor · absurdist · clean comedy · dry humor · wordplay · impersonation · physical comedy · cringe comedy
- entertainerssingers, actor, dancers, actress, musicians
- comediansfunnyman, funny man, humorist, comedienne, comedic duo
- amateur musiciansbedroom producer, garage band member, weekend warrior, open mic performer, busker
- artistsPablo Picasso, painter, artist, illustrators, Leonardo da Vinci
- performersactor, dancer, actress, singer, musician
- theater jobsactor, director, playwright, choreographer, stage manager
stand-up comicdramatic actor
Performer of serious roles
sitcom actor · film actor · method actor · Shakespearean actor · character actor
stand-up comicmime
Wordless expressive performer
clown · physical comedian · circus performer · pantomimist · Buster Keaton
stand-up comictragedian
Actor of serious drama
dramatic actor · eulogist · method actor · performance artist · storyteller
standing, comic, understand, comedian, comics, misunderstand, stand-up, understands, standing up