How to Start in Alternative Comedy: The Complete Guide

Your roadmap to finding your voice and building your career in alt comedy

Updated March 2026 | 15 min read

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Understanding Alternative Comedy

Alternative comedy isn't just "weird for weird's sake"—it's comedy that challenges traditional stand-up conventions. Before you start, understand what makes alt comedy different:

Alternative Comedy Can Include:

  • Character work: Creating personas to deliver comedy
  • Multimedia elements: Using video, music, or props
  • Conceptual frameworks: Building shows around themes or structures
  • Anti-comedy: Deliberately subverting comedy expectations
  • Storytelling: Long-form narrative with comedic elements
  • Experimental formats: PowerPoints, lectures, interactive elements
  • Personal/confessional: Deeply honest, vulnerable material

Key principle: Alternative comedy values originality and artistic expression over conventional joke structures. You don't need to abandon traditional comedy completely—many alt comedians blend conventional and experimental approaches.

Finding Your Unique Voice

Your comedic voice is what makes you different from every other comedian. Here's how to discover yours:

1. Identify Your Obsessions

  • What topics do you constantly think about?
  • What makes you genuinely angry or confused?
  • What experiences are uniquely yours?

2. Examine Your Natural Communication Style

  • Are you naturally deadpan or animated?
  • Do you tell stories or make quick observations?
  • Are you confrontational or gentle?

3. Study Your Influences (But Don't Copy)

  • List 5 comedians you love
  • Identify what specifically appeals to you
  • Find the common threads
  • Think about how to make those elements your own

Exercise: Voice Discovery

Write for 10 minutes about the most embarrassing moment of your life. Then rewrite it three ways:

  1. As if you're angry about it
  2. As if you're confused by it
  3. As if you're a different person observing it

Notice which version feels most natural—that's a clue to your voice.

Writing Your First Material

Start With These Approaches:

1. The List Method

Make lists about specific topics:

  • 10 things that confuse you about dating
  • 15 lies adults told you as a kid
  • 20 thoughts you have on public transportation

Look for patterns, contradictions, or surprising connections.

2. The Story Method

Take a true story and identify:

  • The moment everything changed
  • What you expected vs. what happened
  • The weirdest detail
  • What it reveals about you or society
3. The Character Method

Create a character based on:

  • An exaggerated version of yourself
  • Someone you know taken to an extreme
  • A type of person that annoys you
  • Your worst fears about yourself

Alternative Comedy Writing Tips:

  • Embrace the specific: "My mom's Toyota Corolla" is funnier than "my mom's car"
  • Follow your genuine curiosity: If something genuinely puzzles you, explore it
  • Don't force punchlines: Alt comedy can find humor in tone, delivery, or absurdity
  • Write more than you need: You'll use maybe 10% of what you write
  • Record yourself: Some of your best ideas come from talking it out

Your First Performance: What to Expect

Preparation Checklist:

  • Have 5 minutes of material (even if you're only doing 3)
  • Practice out loud at least 10 times
  • Record yourself and listen back
  • Time your set multiple times
  • Have a strong opener and closer
  • Bring a notebook to write down what worked
  • Arrive early to get a feel for the room

Common First-Timer Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Apologizing: Don't start with "I'm new" or "This might not be funny"
  • Racing through material: Nerves make you speed up—practice pausing
  • Ignoring the audience: Make eye contact, acknowledge reactions
  • Going over time: Respect the light—always
  • Explaining too much: Trust the audience to get it

Insider Tip:

Your first performance will likely be terrible, and that's completely fine. Every comedian bombs early and often. The goal isn't to kill—it's to get comfortable on stage and learn what works.

Finding Open Mics & Shows

Where to Find Alt-Friendly Open Mics:

Traditional Comedy Venues:
  • Comedy clubs (often have new talent nights)
  • Improv theaters
  • Comedy training centers
Alternative Spaces (Often More Alt-Friendly):
  • Bookstores
  • Coffee shops
  • Bars (especially dive bars)
  • Art galleries
  • Record stores
  • Breweries
  • Community centers

How to Find Them:

  1. Online Resources:
    • OpenMicFinder.com
    • BadSlava (major cities)
    • The Mic List (NYC specific)
    • Facebook groups: "[Your City] Open Mics"
    • Instagram: Search #[YourCity]Comedy
  2. Ask Other Comedians:
    • The comedy community is generally helpful to newcomers
    • Follow local comedians on social media
    • Stay after shows and introduce yourself
  3. Create Your Own:
    • Partner with a local venue
    • Start a comedy night at your favorite bar
    • Organize backyard/living room shows

Quick City Guides:

New York:

Alt-friendly venues: Union Hall, The Bell House, Littlefield, QED Astoria

Sign-up process: Many use online lottery systems or first-come-first-served lists

Los Angeles:

Alt-friendly venues: Dynasty Typewriter, The Clubhouse, Lyric Hyperion

Sign-up process: Mix of lottery, list, and pre-booking

Chicago:

Alt-friendly venues: The Hideout, Uncharted Books, Cafe Mustache

Sign-up process: Mostly first-come or lottery

Online/Virtual:

Platforms: Zoom mics, Instagram Live shows, Twitch comedy

Benefits: No geographic limitations, can perform from home

Building Your Comedy Community

Comedy is a community art form. Your peers will become your collaborators, supporters, and audience. Here's how to build meaningful connections:

At Open Mics:

  • Stay for the whole show: Don't just perform and leave
  • Be a good audience member: Laugh genuinely, pay attention
  • Introduce yourself: A simple "hey, I liked your set" goes far
  • Exchange social media: Follow and engage with other comedians

Online Community Building:

  • Join Facebook groups: Local comedy groups, alt comedy communities
  • Discord servers: Many cities have comedy Discord communities
  • Twitter/Instagram: Share others' shows, celebrate successes
  • Start a group chat: Create a support network with comedians at your level

Collaboration Opportunities:

  • Write together regularly
  • Start a comedy collective
  • Produce shows together
  • Create online content
  • Workshop material

Community Etiquette:

  • Don't steal material (even accidentally—if you hear a bit, don't write something similar)
  • Support diversity in comedy—amplify underrepresented voices
  • Share opportunities when you find them
  • Be professional—show up on time, stick to your time
  • Handle rejection gracefully—not every show is for you

Developing Your Act

The Development Timeline:

Months 1-3: Finding Your Feet
  • Perform at least once a week
  • Try different types of material
  • Focus on getting comfortable on stage
  • Don't worry about having a "tight five" yet
Months 3-6: Building Foundation
  • Develop 10-15 minutes of material you can rely on
  • Start identifying your strongest bits
  • Experiment with different rooms and audiences
  • Record every set and take notes
Months 6-12: Finding Your Style
  • Develop a consistent persona/voice
  • Build 20-30 minutes of solid material
  • Start getting booked on shows (not just open mics)
  • Consider creating a solo show or concept piece
Year 2 and Beyond:
  • Develop hour-long sets
  • Tour regionally
  • Create online content
  • Apply to festivals
  • Build industry connections

Advanced Development Techniques:

The Tag Session:

After each bit, ask yourself:

  • What if this went further?
  • What's the opposite of this?
  • How would a different person react?
  • What's the worst/best case scenario?
The Callback Map:

Track recurring themes in your set and find ways to reference them later for bigger laughs.

The Energy Graph:

Map the energy levels of your set—ensure variety in pacing and intensity.

Building an Online Presence

In 2026, your online presence is as important as your live performance. Here's how to build it strategically:

Platform Strategy:

TikTok/Instagram Reels:
  • Best for: Short character pieces, quick observations
  • Posting frequency: 3-5 times per week
  • Tips: Hook in first 3 seconds, use trending audio creatively
YouTube:
  • Best for: Longer sets, video essays, sketches
  • Posting frequency: Weekly or bi-weekly
  • Tips: Consistent thumbnails, SEO-friendly titles
Twitter/X:
  • Best for: Written jokes, hot takes, show announcements
  • Posting frequency: Daily
  • Tips: Engage with other comedians, use comedy hashtags
Direct-to-Fan Platforms:
  • Patreon/Substack: For dedicated fans willing to pay
  • Discord: Build a community around your comedy
  • Email list: Own your audience relationship

Content Ideas for Alt Comedians:

  • Behind-the-scenes of writing process
  • Character videos
  • Crowd work clips
  • Comedy tutorials/advice
  • Collaborations with other comedians
  • Commentary on current events (your unique take)
  • Failed bits with commentary on why they didn't work

Online Strategy Tips:

  • Quality > Quantity (but consistency matters)
  • Engage authentically—don't just promote
  • Share others' content generously
  • Use analytics to understand what resonates
  • Don't chase virality—build genuine connection

Taking It to the Next Level

When You're Ready to Level Up:

1. Producing Your Own Shows
  • Start small—backyard or living room shows
  • Partner with local venues
  • Create themed shows that attract specific audiences
  • Build a reputation as a good producer
2. Festival Applications

Starter festivals to consider:

  • Local/regional comedy festivals
  • Fringe festivals (lower barrier to entry)
  • College comedy festivals
  • Online/virtual festivals
3. Creating Longer Works
  • Develop a 30-45 minute set
  • Write a solo show with a theme/narrative
  • Create a comedy album or special
  • Develop a web series or podcast
4. Industry Connections
  • Attend industry shows and showcases
  • Submit to comedy competitions
  • Network at festivals
  • Consider moving to a comedy hub city

Essential Resources

Books on Alternative Comedy:

  • Comedy Bang! Bang! The Podcast: The Book - Behind alt comedy's biggest podcast
  • Sick in the Head by Judd Apatow - Interviews with comedy legends
  • The Comedy Bible by Judy Carter - Foundational but adaptable
  • Yes, And by Kelly Leonard - Improv principles for all comedy

Podcasts to Study:

  • Comedy Bang! Bang! - Alt comedy playground
  • Dead Eyes - Actor/comedian Connor Ratliff's experimental podcast
  • Las Culturistas - Pop culture through alt comedy lens
  • A Woman's Smile - Patti Harrison and friends being absurd

Online Communities:

  • r/Standup - Reddit's comedy community
  • Alt Comedy Facebook Group - 15,000+ members
  • Comedy Twitter - Follow #AltComedy #ComedyWriting
  • Discord: Search for local comedy servers

Classes & Workshops:

  • UCB (LA/NY): Character and sketch training
  • Second City: Improv and writing programs
  • The Pack Theater: Alt-comedy focused classes
  • Online: Masterclass, Comedy Trade School

Apps & Tools:

  • SetList: Organize your material
  • Otter.ai: Transcribe your sets
  • Canva: Create show flyers
  • Linktree: Organize all your links

Final Thoughts

Alternative comedy is about finding your unique voice and having the courage to express it. There's no single path to success—the comedians you admire all took different routes.

Remember:

  • Every comedian was terrible when they started
  • Bombing is not failure—it's data
  • Your weird is someone's favorite
  • Persistence matters more than talent
  • The scene needs your unique perspective

Most importantly: Have fun. If you're not enjoying the process, the audience won't enjoy the result. Alternative comedy thrives on authenticity, so be genuinely yourself—just funnier.

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