I think I really love open mics.  Explain that.  The open mic is the most necessary tool a comic has to sharpen his or her skills and to make connections.  It usually consists of a room full of comics with they’re faces buried in crumpled up notes and 3 to 4 audience members that didn’t know they were getting a terrible free show.  As your name is called, you walk up and approach the mic which smells like hot breath and funky underwear which is attached to the crappy speaker system. You’re greeted with lifeless applause and stoned-faced patrons.  Most of your set isn’t funny.  Of course not; you’re there to test NEW material!  You leave the stage after 3 to 7 minutes with your tail between you’re legs still wondering, “Is this joke funny or not??”
The most you can hope for at times at any open mic is a simple chuckle.  This carries a lot of weight coming from fellow comics.  It doesn’t, in anyway, guarantee that the joke is a success, but it gives you a little direction. When I deliver new jokes, I just pray that my instincts are correct and most, if not all, of my materials is show-worthy.  I just want to be heard and responded to.  I want to be listened to and somewhat respected.

The turnouts at comedy shows can be utterly depressing.  Sometimes it can be an incredible event.  Sometimes there are a few scragglers for audience and whichever comics brought their lazy asses out.  Then to make matters worse, when certain comics perform, they immediately leave. They have no interest in sticking around and supporting their fellow comics.  This to me is bad form. It’s understandable that, at times, a comic may have another engagement or even a gig, but I’m referring to the individuals that ALWAYS hits and runs. So the poor chap that goes last ends up performing for the booker (who’s ready to leave) and the wait staff (who freaking hate you).

The absolute worst is comics that don’t take advantage of open mics.  It is a room DESIGNED FOR TRIAL AND ERROR.  Do not be afraid to bomb. In order to become a paid comic or to one day become a superstar, you have to constantly test the waters and perfect your craft.  Many new comics make the mistake of performing the same set, open mic after open mic.  The material becomes stale and you just wasted a night.  Every time a comic repeats the same tired set is another day further away from reaching the main goal or getting paid. They should be using these mics to improve their skills. Also, fresh material at open mics keeps fellow comedians buzzing about you.  This eventually can get back to bookers and promoters and get you booked–and paid!

So why do I love open mics?  No one shows up and they don’t show you love. The crowd is unresponsive and bored. Comics are self-centered bastards that only care about their own sets. But on the flip side, open mics make good jokes great.  They make great jokes stellar. They make funny guys comedians and comedians superstars.  They allow us to bare our souls and reveal our stories.  We are the voice of the people, the modern day philosophers. Open mics are the platform for which we create and forge new friendships.  They have chewed me up and spit  me out.  But each time it knocks me down, I simply get up, lick my wounds, and keep rising. This I owe to the open mic.  So yes, I think I do love them.