3 Unique Styles of Stand-up Comedy to Check Out

If you love a good laugh, you will love stand-up comedy. Stand-up is considered live comedy that is performed in front of an audience where the comedian generally addresses the audience directly. This is an enjoyable form of entertainment, and the audience can really get into the act and enjoy themselves.

If you enjoy attending stand-up shows, or you would like to attend your first stand-up comedy show, there are several styles of stand-up that you should be aware of as you choose which show you would like to attend. 3 styles of stand-up comedy include:

Observational

Observational stand-up comedy looks for laughs in everyday life and what society thinks is normal. Comedians may make jokes and routines about things that we accept as part of our day to day life, but may seem absurd in a different context. Comedians may also take the opportunity to exaggerate aspects of daily life for laughs.

Observational comedy, because it is based on daily life, may seem very relatable. Comedians may poke fun at parking hassles, work commutes, or difficult bosses. They may add some laughs to parenting situations, work situations, or friendship situations. Any daily activities that you can find laughs in, an observational stand-up comic can work into their routines.

Impressionist

Impressionist comedians are pros at celebrity impressions. They are able to take on the voices and mannerisms of celebrities, public figures, and even cartoons so well that the audience is brought to laughter. Impressionist comedians usually have a wide variety of impressions that they can bring out for a stand-up show.

Celebrities and public figures that impressionist comics may focus on are actors, singers, politicians, and even cartoon characters. Comedians who specialize in impressions usually practice their voices specifically, and also keep their routines up-to-date with jokes related to current events in the celebrities' lives. If you find humor in celebrity impressions, impressionist stand-up is for you.

Satire

Stand-up comedy that focuses on politics and the establishment is satire. In satiric comedy, usually the shortcomings of society or the government are focused on for laughs. Comedians using satire for their stand-up are willing to make fun of some tougher issues, which may sometimes make the humor seem inappropriate or dark.

Obviously, since there is generally a focus on politics and government, satire is not for everyone. So if you are thinking of seeing a show with satiric comedy, you may want to see if you can check out videos of the comedian online to see if their humor lines up with your own.

There are so many unique styles of stand-up comedy for audiences to enjoy. From observational comedy that pokes fun at everyday life to celebrity impressions to satire that focuses on politics and society, there really is a comedy style and genre for everyone.

If you are thinking of seeing a stand-up comedy show, consider the style of the show or comedian you are planning to see. Matching up the comedian's style with your preferred style of comedy will be sure to elicit maximum laughs from you!