Comedy Writing Tip #7: Crowd Work Without Getting Crowd-Killed

Crowd work is like defusing a bomb - one wrong move and everyone dies (of awkwardness). Master it with: 1) **The Compliment Insult** - "I love your shirt!...Is that what we're calling bad decisions now?" 2) **The Fake Psychic** - "I'm getting...divorced energy from you. Am I right? (If yes) Called it! (If no) You will be soon." 3) **The Job Projection** - "What do you do? (Anything normal) Wow, someone here has to be boring I guess. (Something cool) And yet you're at a comedy show alone?" 4) **The Relationship Destroyer** - To couples: "How long have you been together? (Any answer) Oh honey, he hesitated." 5) **The Safe Target** - Always pick someone who looks like they can take it (or outrun you). Pro Tip: When in doubt, accuse someone of being your ex in disguise. On-Stage Line: "Ah, front row - the 'I want to be involved but also I might cry' section." SOURCE: http://comedywriter.info