Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out Advice for New-ish Comedians (with Gary Simons and Listener Questions)
May 19, 2025
In this lively discussion, comedian Gary Simons, known for opening for Mike Birbiglia and performing at the Comedy Cellar, shares his journey through the stand-up world. They tackle listener questions about open mics and the fear of bombing, while providing practical advice on finding one's unique comedic voice. The importance of vulnerability in storytelling and how to connect humorously with audiences is also explored. With anecdotes about stage fright and preparing for performances, it’s a must-listen for emerging comedians!
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Embrace Tough Open Mics
- Gain strength by doing difficult open mics with distractions and heckling.
- These challenging experiences build resilience and prepare you for future tough crowds.
Structure for New Material Testing
- Open strong and close strong in your set to engage the audience.
- Use the middle of your set to test new material conservatively.
Overcome Storytelling Anxiety
- Most comedians, especially new ones, struggle with believing their stories matter.
- The act of telling your story on stage helps overcome self-doubt and builds confidence.