Types of stand-up comedy

Of course there are many ways to perform stand-up comedy, and even the line between a theatrical performance and stand-up comedy can be fuzzy sometimes. Here are a few types of stand-up comedy that I’ve categorized in my own words.
Comedy books and other comedians may have their own ideas on how to categorize types of stand-up comedy, and in no way do I consider myself all-knowing.

This is just my version of it all and hope you enjoy reading it.

One-liner stand-up — Often one or up to a few sentences that stand alone as being funny, and are usually not connected, subject-wise, to the rest of a comedian’s act. Some good examples of comedians known for their one-liner stand-up are:
— Mitch Hedberg
— Steven Wright
— Rodney Dangerfield

Check out the one-liners page for a list of some of my favourites.

Story stand-up — Story comedy involves the comedian telling a main story with smaller punchlines and shorter bits all associated to the main story he or she is telling (often incorporating voices to emphasize different characters in their story). The story sometimes ends with one big punchline that sums everything up.
Two good examples of story comedy are:
— Rhod Gilbert
— Jim Breuer

(Backstage note: In my opinion the Jim Breuer example is by far the best of story comedy ever performed, it’s perfect to study – rookies take note!)

Themed/Long story stand-up — Usually a longer show where the comedian is telling a long story and/or following a general theme – for example dating, married life, or what it’s like to be who they are in today’s society etc…
A lot of big name comedians are known for their longer, themed/long story comedy shows. Some good examples are:
— Eddie Murphy
— Eddie Izzard

(Backstage note: Many comedians deem Eddie Izzard as one the of the best to study in action in terms of timing, material, and act structure)

Character stand-up — A comedian dressing up and pretending to be a made-up character on stage who is not who they actually are. It does not necessarily have to be stand-up which they are performing. (For example the characters Ali G and Borat – both played by Sacha Baron Cohen).

My favourite example of character comedy is Steve Coogan who played a drunk character on stage called Paul Calf.
(I hope you have your ‘thick British accent’ listening ears on.)

Rant stand-up — Usually a long series of rants, mini stories, one-liners, or observations - often about today’s world and society, which a comedian puts together in one long rant.

Their tone is usually of a negative and/or sarcastic nature about things that irritate them. Here are some comedians well-known for their rant comedy:
— George Carlin
— Bill Hicks
— Denis Leary
— Magnus Betnér (Swedish comedian)

Impression stand-up — When a comedian’s act focuses mainly on doing voice impressions, usually of famous people. Two great examples are:
— Frank Caliendo
— Pablo Fransisco

Niche/Pioneering stand-up — Some comedians have gained fame by creating their own niches on stage by doing things differently - like miming to music, introducing musical instruments, using puppets, or showing a slideshow with pictures as they speak etc. Doing things differently, rather than traditional stand-up (microphone and talking), can change the whole context of the material and how it is delivered, and it can be hilarious and groundbreaking stuff.
Some great examples:
— Miming to music - Johan Lippowitz
— Using musical instruments - The duo act called ‘Flight of the Concords’
— Using puppets - Jeff Dunham
— Using music and pictures - Demetri Martin

(Backstage note: Demetri Martin is my personal favourite comedian of all time, in case you are wondering)

Timing — A lot of books, and I’m sure a lot of experienced comedians will agree, say that ‘it’s 90% delivery and timing, and 10% what you say’.

Timing is everything. Even with great material, if a comedian doesn’t know how to deliver, even the best material can fall dead with an audience. Lots of good comedians of course have good timing, but if you want to study comedians who have especially fantastic timing check out:
— Jerry Seinfeld
— Richard Pryor

(Backstage note: Many comedians deem Richard Pryor as the best comedian of all time)