Comedian Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a comedian. Feel free to use our comedian job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a comedian.
Who is a Comedian?
Comedy is defined as a form of drama, fiction, and/or entertainment that involves humor and amusement. In other words, comedy is a dramatic performance that pits groups, ages, genders, or societies against each other in an amusing agon or conflict. It is an antonym of tragedy and differs from other forms of humorous amusement such as farce and burlesque. The concept of comedy started long ago and has persisted through the present. Primarily, it is concerned with humans as social beings rather than as private persons and that human functions are corrective.
Most times, comedy sets out to point or hold a mirror up to societal vices and follies with the hope of mending, combating, and hemming them. Moreover, comedy arguably brings the comic character back into conformity with his or her society whose logic and conventions they abandoned when slacking into the attention that is due to life. Comedic or comic works are intended to induce laughter, especially in television, books, radio, theatre, film, stand-up comedy, and any other entertainment medium. Through comedy, the struggles faced by a relatively powerless individual are characterized; it depicts the skirmishes and encourages the citizens to overcome the societal conventions that obstruct their hopes. Comedy is categorized into several genres based on the source and form of humor, the method of delivery, and the context of delivery though most forms of comedy overlap and fit into multiple genres. Examples of forms of comedy include satire, comedy of manners, and stand-up comedy amongst others.
An entertainer that performs humorously, especially in telling jokes to entertain an audience or a listening party is called a comedian. Generally, comedians are amusing; they have the unique ability to create humor and induce laughter from a bad situation. He or she is professionally trained to perform comical acts and tell jokes. Some comedians adopt slapstick (acting foolishly) and prop comedy techniques to address audiences and tell jokes. Similarly, comedians use satiric comedy styles to tell jokes that portray individuals or social institutions as corrupt thereby alienating the audience from the object of their humor. Other comedians use bizarre, surprising, and improbable situations or characters to tell jokes while a distinct group of comedians uses the darker aspects of human behavior or nature to induce laughter in the audience. The comedian can also ape certain cultural forms and imitate the conventions of the genre he or she is parodying or satirizing. In addition, some comedians use self-depreciation techniques to focus on their misfortunes and foibles to entertain.
Relatively, comedians are often allocated segments of programs, live, and pre-recorded shows to perform though some produce full-length solo acts. Comedians sometimes spend weeks on the road performing in different arenas and venues and often send promotional materials to companies, event organizers, and other entertainers to get and book gigs. Instead of operating a machine or crunching numbers, a comedian gets paid to go to work and make people laugh. Although the career path to stardom in a comedy career can be challenging and cumbersome, the payoff is mostly worth it. A comedian can work as a comedic actor; some focus on stand-up and other forms of comedy while others are employed as TV hosts and presenters. A distinct group of comedians specialize in sketch comedy; some play hilarious songs and others do a little bit of everything. Importantly, a comedians’ work isn’t just about performing on a stage; they carry out other activities depending on their art form. However, commitment, dedication, hard work, and enthusiasm are required to succeed as a comedian.
Furthermore, the working days of a comedian vary from employer to employer or comedian to comedian. Self-employed comedians can choose when to organize and participate in comedy shows whereas a contracted comedian might be obligated to anchor certain shows or events for instance. Also, some comedians can tour relentlessly on a comedy circuit while others might spend hours and days writing new comic materials or jokes. Success in comedy brings more responsibilities; a successful comedian can be asked to make television and radio appearances to promote an event or gig or attend press interviews. Usually, comedians in a film or movie are often required to rehearse with other actors and crew members to perfect their roles. Every comedian has a distinct technique for being funny; understanding and mastering such techniques is essential for success. Some typical work activities might include training for physical comedy routines depending on the kind and nature of comedy. Comedians involved in stand-up comedy might work late nights while those employed as television and radio hosts might have to get up early when filming is in full swing. Comedians trying to get their names out there perform in several places ranging from small basement comedy clubs to large auditoriums and open mic nights.
Consequently, comedians choreograph funny movements and collaborate with other performing entertainers to deliver premium content. Most are witty and have a strong stage presence to make audiences jump out of their seats. Thus, a comedian’s ultimate goal is to deliver hilarious performances that can leave the audience in splits. Some comedians act as their booking agents when pitching ideas, following up, contracting performances, and identifying potential clients or employers. Essentially, a comedian exploits relatable phenomena, writes engaging stand-up material, and delivers hysterical and frenetic performances. They remain accessible, amicable, and create materials that capture the audience’s experience to ensure memorability.
Comedian Job Description
Below are the comedian job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a comedian job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
A comedian is a stage entertainer who has the comic skills to employ ideas to make audiences laugh during a festival, concert, or other social gathering. They are naturally gifted celebrities or workers with the ability to introduce humor in any gathering. These days, most comedians are hired by multimedia companies to act as ambassadors and perform several functions. The comedian might be required to improvise humorous scenarios, impersonate public figures or other celebrities, and make people laugh. The specific responsibilities of a comedian regardless of the employer include the following;
- Write and edit comedy bits: A comedian writes, edits, and polishes the comedy bits or skits they perform. Comedians who advance in their careers might eventually write scripts for television shows and movies. Also, the comedian rehearses these content or materials before recording or acting in a movie or film.
- Perform before live audiences: This is one of the most important duties of a comedian. They perform several forms of comedy to a live audience on a stage or on television. Such performances can be at night or during the day depending on the organizers or employers.
- Create long forms of writing: Comedians employed by comic agencies might be required to create a long form of comedy. Often, they develop comic materials for stage plays, online performances, storybooks, or dramas. Others might supplement their income (freelance comedians) by writing humorous blog posts and articles. Additionally, a comedian creates comic materials for print and paper media.
- Make radio and podcast appearances: Besides writing and performing comedy skits, a comedian also makes radio and podcast appearances to promote their content. For example, a movie producer can nominate a comedian to give interviews and engage with radio and podcast hosts to promote the film.
- Perform voice work on video games and animations: Do you love cartoons or animation movies? Have you wondered how animated characters talk? Well, some comedians are hired to perform voice work for video games and animated entertainment. They read comic scripts and offer their voice to the animated characters.
- Act on television and films: Depending on the level and employer, some comedians are recruited to act or perform in television commercials or shows. They act as comic actors and deliver hilarious materials on long or short-running series. Most successful comedians often act out roles in films as well.
- Host events: To spice up or add color to an event, planners and clients hire comedians to act as hosts. Since they can perform before large crowds and deliver jokes, comedians easily find hosting gigs to serve as emcees. They make both guests and patrons laugh and ensure the success of the events.
- Schedule gigs and diffuse live hecklers during performances: At the start of their career, most upcoming comedians schedule gigs and performances to get noticed. They arrange or organize their gigs at clubs and other establishments. Relatively, the comedian learns how to handle live hecklers who attempt to pull attention towards themselves during performances.
- Edit the script to avoid any mentions that can be hurtful to an audience.
- Interact with the audience after a live performance.
- Arrange props and attire to match the comic performance.
- Test audio devices before every show.
Qualifications
This section or segment of the article deals with the relevant qualifications for comedians. The main job of a comedian is fairly simple; to entertain the audience. Some comedians function as storytellers to achieve their targets while others use the tried and true methods of standard joke formula. A comedian might be asked to deliver everything from a few minutes of comic content to a routine that lasts an hour or more. This and more requires the following basic qualifications and requirements;
Familiarity with the operating stage and pertinent audio-visual equipment such as mic, speakers, and lights.
Though not compulsory, a high school degree is required by some employees. There are several training centers and academies that offer courses in stand-up comedy, speech correction, voice modulation, and physical movements. Aspiring comedians can also attend workshops where they can interact with and learn from veterans in the profession.
Adaptable and relatable comedic style and demonstrable experience in stand-up and pre-recorded performances.
Knowledge of trending topics and issues is preferred.
Perfect comic timing and training in an acting or dance class is an added advantage.
The ability or capacity to draw on an audience member’s experience to enhance the performance is a bonus.
The ability to engage with divisive topics sensitively is considered and favored by employers and clients.
An orthodox or unorthodox ability to make different kinds of people laugh.
Essential skills for Comedians
Essentially, comedians write comic material for their performances or radio, web, and print media. Often, they rehearse their acts and tailor them to the audience’s preferences. Also, they promote, publicize, and produce their acts using certain skills. The work of a comedian is not all fun and laughs though they tell jokes at events and perform before live audiences. Comic and soft skills are required to perform tasks and advance in the industry. Remember, the entertainment industry has a vast landscape; thus, a comedian must master the following skills to not only succeed in his or her art but to compete with fellow comedians;
- Technical writing skills and a sense of humor. Successful comedians master several writing types and formats and develop the ability to make people laugh.
- A comedian should have excellent organizational and research skills and an over-the-top persona to be noticed by an audience.
- Creativity and timing; many comedians say that timing is an essential component of comedy.
- Communication skills and fearlessness are required to clearly deliver jokes and perform before mammoth audiences respectively.
- Marketing skills to promote and market their services through various mediums and means.
- They must be internet savvy to engage fans and find work via social media and other internet channels.
How to Become a Comedian
Becoming a comedian takes more than just having a good sense of humor. Most comedians spend time studying and mastering the art of comedy, acting, speech dynamics, artful timing, and public speaking. Therefore, the following are helpful tips to begin a career as a comedian;
Preferably, obtain a high or secondary school diploma or degree.
Next, study or learn, and develop your comic skills.
Write and refine comic materials.
The only way to learn is by doing; hence, practice and hone your craft by booking and performing in gigs.
Record your sets and build a demo or reel and update your experience.
Network with other comedians, learn from seasoned comedians, and go for mentorship.
Draft a creative curriculum vitae and apply for comedian jobs.
Where to Work
A comedian performs at public functions, private parties, nightclubs, and concert halls. Also, motion pictures and television are potential employers of comedians. Similarly, a comedian can find employment in radio shows and acting schools, and companies. Some comedians might choose to work as freelancers. Below are other sources of employment for a comedian;
- Coffeehouses, and auditoriums
- Fundraisers and performing arts centers
- Open mic nights
- Entertainment companies
- Film sets and television studios.
- Multimedia communication companies.
Comedian Salary Scale
Earnings for a professional in the entertainment industry can vary significantly from minimum wage to millions of dollars. The salary of a comedian depends on talent, fame, venue, and type of performance. For example, a comedian might earn $20 or thousands per event or performance. Also, a comedian’s salary can fluctuate with higher and more consistent earnings when they are on tour. Understandably, the more successful and famous a comedian is, the more the total earning. Thus, a comedian is estimated to make between £10,000 and £100,000 a year in the United Kingdom. Depending on the kind of comedy work they are doing, professional comedians in the United States make at least $18.70 per hour.