Pros & Cons of Comedy Competitions
Having taken part in a number of competitions and reached the semi-finalsof the BBC & Daily Telegraph, here are some personal observations:
PRO : Any competitive event tends to focus the mind and bring out the best in you
CON : The way competitions are judged is never objective, so they are often criticised as unfair
PRO : Having to keep within a tight time limit forces you to hone your act and sharpen your gags
CON : Ranking different styles of comedy is like comparing apples and chairs
PRO : TV or Radio exposure can result from entry in competitions
CON: The editing of your contribution might not do your performance justice when shown on TV
PRO : Someone might spot the great potential in your act and promote you or offer you gigs
CON: The chances of someone spotting the great potential in your act are slim
PRO: Reaching the final stages of a competition, especially winning, can win money and contracts
CON : The prize money isn't that much, the contracts are no guarantee of a career in comedy
PRO : Every gig provides good experience, especially ones with larger crowds in bigger clubs
CON : Expecting success in a competition and not winning can be painful
PRO : The camaraderie of fellow acts can be very supportive
CON: The bitching and back-biting of fellow acts can be very unpleasant
PRO : Competitions can raise the profile of live comedy and encourage more people to perform
CON: Competitions can be seen as using inexperienced acts as cannon fodder for cheap TV
PRO : A professional compere can bring out the best in your act
CON: Competitions can lull you into thinking that there is a shortcut to success without effort
YOU DECIDE!
Why not hone your competition set
with a Virginmirth Comedy Workshop (as seen on TV)