Study Stand Up

Watching other live performers can teach you a lot about performing. I was just watching Anthony Jeselnik’s new stand up special on Netflix, and it was very interesting to watch how he moved on stage. Anthony moves very little, but it’s very coordinated. His stillness after he delivers a joke helps let the joke land. … Continue reading “Study Stand Up”

Watching other live performers can teach you a lot about performing. I was just watching Anthony Jeselnik’s new stand up special on Netflix, and it was very interesting to watch how he moved on stage.


Anthony moves very little, but it’s very coordinated. His stillness after he delivers a joke helps let the joke land. He also does a lot with his face, how he’ll move his eyes at a punchline. Magicians can learn a ton by watching stand up comedy.


Stand up is probably the most “pure” of the novelty acts. It’s just a person, their thoughts and a microphone. There is nothing wrong with props and a skill. Stand up is simply about selling your personality.


This is a place a lot of magicians miss the boat. They sell the trick, and not their personality. Don’t get me wrong, if you are a magician, then the trick has to be sold and it has to be good, but you must have some personality in there somewhere.