How Far Along Should a Novice Comedian Be at Year Two?
Ah, the two-year mark in comedy. It’s a tricky milestone, isn’t it? By now, you’ve likely moved past the sheer terror of your first open mic (or fifty) and maybe even scored a few laughs that weren’t from your mom in the back of the room. But where should you be? Let’s dive into what year two can look like for a budding stand-up comedian.
1. Building Stage Time
At this stage, you should be clocking in as much stage time as humanly possible. Whether it’s at open mics, showcases, or impromptu sets in someone’s backyard (yes, that happens), the goal is simple: get on stage and get comfortable. By year two, you should be hitting stages multiple times a week. Quantity leads to quality, but only if you’re mindful of improving with every set.
Pro Tip: Record your sets. Painful as it may be, listening to yourself bomb (and kill) is the fastest way to learn what works and what doesn’t.
2. Finding Your Voice
Year two is when you start discovering who you are on stage. You might not have it nailed down yet (spoiler alert: it takes years), but certain patterns should emerge. Are you sarcastic, self-deprecating, observational, or absurd? Lean into what feels natural but keep experimenting. This is your sandbox phase.
Remember: Authenticity is key. Audiences respond to honesty, so don’t be afraid to be you—even if you’re still figuring out exactly who that is.
3. Tightening Your Material
By now, you should have a solid five to seven minutes of polished material. That might not sound like much, but in comedy, quality beats quantity every time. Your jokes should feel sharp, your delivery confident, and your timing precise. If you’re still all over the place with your material, focus on refining what’s already working before chasing new bits.
4. Networking Within the Scene
Comedy is as much about who you know as it is about being funny. By year two, you should be familiar with your local comedy scene—bookers, fellow comics, and the “gatekeepers” of stage time. Be kind, be professional, and most importantly, be present. Showing up consistently builds your reputation and opens doors.
Quick Tip: Don’t just hang out with comics who are at your level. Learn from veterans, too. Watch their sets, ask questions, and absorb what you can.
5. Understanding the Business
At some point in your second year, you’ll realize that comedy isn’t just an art—it’s a business. Are you branding yourself? Are you starting to use social media to promote your shows or share content? While you don’t need to go viral (yet), having an online presence helps establish you as more than just an open mic regular.
6. Facing the Emotional Rollercoaster
Let’s not sugarcoat it: year two can be rough. The initial thrill of “just getting on stage” might wear off, replaced by the hard reality of rejection, bombing, and endless self-doubt. It’s normal. Comedy is a marathon, not a sprint, and every comic—yes, every single one—has been where you are.
What’s Important: Learn to love the process. Find joy in the small victories, whether it’s a new tag that lands or a tough crowd that finally cracks.
So, Where Should You Be?
At year two, there’s no definitive benchmark. Some comics will be hosting shows; others might just be mastering the art of pausing for laughs. The most important thing is progress. Are you better today than you were last month? Last year? If the answer is yes, you’re on the right track.
Remember, comedy is a journey—one filled with twists, turns, and a lot of late nights. Wherever you are at year two, trust the process and keep going. The laughs will come.
See you at the mic,
ANT
