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Comedian
Comedians are entertainers who use various techniques to make an audience laugh. This sounds like a very easy task, but comedians have to put a lot of time and effort into the preparation of their assignments.

Good comedians succeed in making people laugh without using pranks or special gimmicks. Stand-up comedy is usually performed at comedy clubs and is probably the most common type of performance. Stand-up comedians often travel and work in a variety of settings.

Comedians are similar to storytellers - they have a special ability to make their audience care about their character. Many comedians will tell a story about their own lives, evoking not only laughter but also empathy.

Satisfying Aspects
- the ability to be spontaneous and funny
- to easily capture audience attention
- if successful, being in demand to act in television commercials or comedies

Demanding aspects
- trying to break into the entertainment world can be difficult initially
- working with uncooperative audiences
- keeping up your repertoire with new jokes, etc

Requirements
- good communication and performance skills
- sense of humour and comic ability
- able to see the funny side of any situation
- strong stage personality
- able to handle disappointment
- able to keep a 'deadpan' face
- not showing emotion when audience does not respond

School Subjects
No special schooling is required.

Compulsory Subjects: None
Recommended Subjects: Dramatic Arts

Training
There is no formal training for a comedian. This career is based on skill and talent and a lot of hard work.

Employer
- comedy clubs
- nightclubs
- television shows
- radio programmes
- self-employment

Contact
National Arts Council    
P O Box 500
Newtown, 2113
Tel: (011) 838-1383
Fax: (011) 838-6363
E-mail: info@nac.org.za

www.nac.org.za