How to Be a Great Comedy Audience Member
Comedy Is a Conversation—But You're Not the One Talking
A good comedy show is a shared experience between the performer and the audience. But the key word is "shared"—you’re there to respond, not to participate verbally. The best audience members know when to laugh, when to react, and when to sit back and let the comics work their magic.
Arrive on Time and Sit Close
There’s nothing worse than someone showing up mid-set, rustling jackets and squeezing past people while a performer is trying to land a punchline. Arriving early shows respect for the stage and helps set the tone for the night. And if you’re offered front row seats? Take them. The energy is better, the experience is richer, and the comics appreciate seeing faces, not shadows.
Laugh Loud, But Don’t Force It
Comedians feed off energy, and real laughter is the best fuel. Don’t be afraid to laugh loudly or even clap when something hits hard. But avoid the exaggerated “performative laugh”—it’s more distracting than helpful. If a joke didn’t land for you, that’s okay too. Honest reactions help comics hone their sets.
Put the Phone Away
Even if you’re not filming, checking your phone mid-show is disruptive. The light is distracting and sends a message that your attention is elsewhere. If you're capturing a quick story or photo before the set starts, great. But once the lights go down, the phone should go away.
Don’t Heckle. Ever.
Unless you’re at a roast battle or a specifically interactive show, there’s never a good reason to heckle. You’re not helping. You’re not adding to the fun. You’re breaking the flow of a performance that took hours to write, practice, and perfect. The audience hates it. The comics hate it. Trust us—it’s not your moment.
Support the Scene
Buy a ticket, grab a drink, tip the server, and—if available—buy a comic’s merch or follow them on social media. Local comedy relies on community support, and your contribution helps keep the shows going.
Show Gratitude
If a set made you laugh, say so after the show. A quick “great job” in passing or even a tagged Instagram story can make a big difference to a comic working hard to make people smile. Comedy is often a thankless grind—your appreciation matters more than you think.
Being a great comedy audience member isn’t hard, but it makes all the difference. Show up, tune in, laugh loud, and let the pros do the talking. You’ll get a better show—and you’ll be the reason others do too.
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