Many comedy clubs around the country offer open mic nights. The best Internet listing I know of is Chucklemonkey (www.chucklemonkey.com), which lists both comedy clubs and their open mics by state. Some clubs offer a weekly open mike; others monthly. Some clubs require that you sign up ahead of time via phone; others offer a sign-up list open an hour or two before the show. Keep in mind that there is a lot of competition for very few spots. If you're calling ahead, give a few weeks' notice. If you're signing up, make sure you arrive at least half an hour before the list is open. I once arrived at an open mike at Philadelphia's Laff House at the posted sign-up time - only to find a line stretched nearly around the corner. If you're late, and you do still get a spot, you may wind up going on very late, and it's hard to get laughs after three and a half hours of open-mic comedians. An additional warning - most comedy club open mikes are notoriously "clique-y". There is likely a solid group of comics who have been there for months, even years, together, and they tend to know the organizer. You may be told you're next, only to watch someone walk through the door and go up ahead of you. How you handle this is up to you - but, keep in mind, you may not want to make a scene if you decide to go back again next time. Life isn't fair, and comedy is even worse - this is just the beginning.
Neighborhood Open Mic Nights
There are open mics all across this great land of ours - in coffeehouses, bars, restaurants, and anywhere else with a microphone and a stage to stand on. If you're considering using one of these forums for your stand-up act, be forewarned - they may not want you there. Music- and/or poetry-based open mikers often frown upon comedians. There are exceptions to the rule, but you may find a very difficult audience. If you can accept that, more power to you; but if you're wondering why all the stringy-haired dudes in black T-shirts went to the bathroom en masse during your set, keep in mind it may not have been your material. (It can also be tough, as I once learned, to try and do a three-minute bit on cell phones immediately following a tearful ballad about someone's sister committing suicide. And, yes, I'm serious.)
