When I was 19 I dabbled in stand up comedy. Didn't do so well, but I always looked back on those months fondly. for my 35 birthday my lady signed me up for a comedy class. 4 weeks of instruction with a pair of comedians with the final test being a 5 minute set in front of a real audience.
That final test was last night.
Here's how it went: mildly NSFW
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEDWF8Ocw0E
apologies, the video isn't great, the audio isn't great, and the comic isn't great.
EDIT: I managed to get a copy of the house camera so... here's a better video of the same set.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TkrqeXSZOY
I'd say you did a damn fine job! I do wish the audio was better, but that's a quibble. You're a funny guy, and most of that audience agrees with me.
wae
SuperDork
11/6/18 2:28 p.m.
I lol-ed, even if Debbie can't take a joke. 
Very funny and a lot more guts than me!
Oh, and I couldn't stand up in front of a crowd like that either! 
imgon
Reader
11/7/18 3:32 p.m.
Nice job, I'll buy a ticket to your show when you do your national tour. I'm too chicken to wear a kilt or speak in front of a crowd, you nailed both with confidence.
I'll watch it later when not 'working' but I have often thought about taking stand up or improv lessons at the local comedy club. Any thoughts, experience other than the vids you have to share?
Yes. My advice is do it. Anyone who likes comedy should try it at one point in their life. Even if you bomb and never do it again you will gain a new perspective on the craft that will enrich every comedy set you see from that point on.
As for comedy classes, most comics will tell you to avoid them because they're a waste of money, but I disagree. While you can't be taught 'funny' the class will give you a leg up on the other aspects of comedy, as well as give you contacts with 1-2 professional comedians, and possibly a contact with a local club. if they know you at their club it'll be easier to get open mic time.
You'll also wind up with about a dozen new comic friends who are doing the same open mics as you. their support is invaluable.
If anybody is really interested, I can upload the audio I recorded at the first open mic when I started working on this set. You can see how much it changed.
