Warning for plug below my main comment :) Not trying to piggyback this post, but share my experiences doing something in the same area.
We've been doing something similar to support comics who lost some or all of their paying gigs; but using the alternate model of free-to-watch, donations-welcomed. We're also still working through the best format; some performers work great in a "vacuum" (and/or create new styles for the medium). Interaction through the chat is also fun, but as mentioned, not suited for real time.
We've also got some other ideas to increase the interaction being tinkered with. We've been able to really help some folks, whether through monetary means or just to give them a place to perform they wouldn't otherwise have. (Honestly, the most feedback we get from performers is how thankful they were to just get to perform again, a feeling of normalcy, such as we have these days.)
Second warning, plug below :) This is completely a labor of love, so feel free to drop by, or not. Even if you just watch clips and have suggestions, we'd appreciate it. All proceeds go directly to the performers, this not a business venture in anyway. Up/downvote away, no hard feelings!
I love stand-up and this is a great idea. One feature that I'd love is to have 1-2 embedded "highlight" clips on each performer's ticket page. Otherwise it's hard to know what kind of comedy they do.
I actually just attended a remote standup comedy show last Friday. Its tough for the comedian but it can work if:
1. The audience is encouraged to turn on video (so the comedian and others can see them) Unmuted if possible (but most wont its like giving everyone in the audience a live mic)
2. For those not willing, encourage them to use chat. Emoji, me-too, reactions
3. The comedian should keep bringing the audience in. Read off chat, talk about people with cameras on, etc
4. Dont just use your regular material, lean into the current situation, use the audience and tech.
Agreed. It's most fun when someone explores something that they couldn't normally pull off on stage. We've had spouses, pets, elaborate visual aids. I look forward to being surprised each time.
My brother's a professional comedian, and he's been doing shows from home now. That said, he's not performing his regular sets, both because they can be recorded, and because the interaction with the crowds is no longer the same. However, he's doing more streaming improv now, where the crowd can give input through chat. It's working pretty well for him, but also isn't bringing in much money yet.
I haven't been to a comedy club in 15 years but in my opinion a large part of the fun is actually being at the club. (And the over priced, 2 drink minimums)
I do applaud these performers trying to find a alternative in these trying times.
From what I've seen of comedians, they don't appreciate someone talking throughout their set. It is distracting, and it is also insulting to them. (They are paid to perform, and they want to perform.)
With that said, some handle it with grace, and some not.
"Talking throughout their set" is just rude, that's not even heckling, which I don't support/appreciate, but is considered "part of the experience" by some. "Crowd work" however is a very normal part of lots of stand up acts. I could imagine comedians wanting some way to do that in a digital setting and I suspect that's what is being referred to here.
If anyone haven't seen it done or don't know what I'm talking about Todd Barry has a whole special where it's all he does - appropriately titled "Crowd Work"! :-)
This is cool. I might try one, even at the $10 price point. Although, that's the price of one drink at a real comedy club, so it is kind of a bargain. I would love to see something like this on Oculus.
Readit News
We've been doing something similar to support comics who lost some or all of their paying gigs; but using the alternate model of free-to-watch, donations-welcomed. We're also still working through the best format; some performers work great in a "vacuum" (and/or create new styles for the medium). Interaction through the chat is also fun, but as mentioned, not suited for real time.
We've also got some other ideas to increase the interaction being tinkered with. We've been able to really help some folks, whether through monetary means or just to give them a place to perform they wouldn't otherwise have. (Honestly, the most feedback we get from performers is how thankful they were to just get to perform again, a feeling of normalcy, such as we have these days.)
Second warning, plug below :) This is completely a labor of love, so feel free to drop by, or not. Even if you just watch clips and have suggestions, we'd appreciate it. All proceeds go directly to the performers, this not a business venture in anyway. Up/downvote away, no hard feelings!
https://twitch.tv/comedywham (or isolationcomedyshow.com will redirect there)
1. The audience is encouraged to turn on video (so the comedian and others can see them) Unmuted if possible (but most wont its like giving everyone in the audience a live mic)
2. For those not willing, encourage them to use chat. Emoji, me-too, reactions
3. The comedian should keep bringing the audience in. Read off chat, talk about people with cameras on, etc
4. Dont just use your regular material, lean into the current situation, use the audience and tech.
I do applaud these performers trying to find a alternative in these trying times.
What about lineups? (3 comedians for $10)
Also does the comedians interact with watchers? Can I leave a comment and chat with other people (not sure if this will distract the comedian or not)
With that said, some handle it with grace, and some not.
If anyone haven't seen it done or don't know what I'm talking about Todd Barry has a whole special where it's all he does - appropriately titled "Crowd Work"! :-)
I’d love to see this take off because I don’t want stand up comedy to go away.
Thanks for making this!