Stand-Up Comedy: Crowdwork With Good Manners

About this Video

I was hosting a stand-up comedy show at Comedy County, and this is the conversation I had with the audience. Find me on Instagram: raghavmandava. Check out this set as well if you enjoyed my performance. - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRQ7f6jhwtM&t=0s If you're bald like me - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6A1Z1sB1Cho&t=0s In comedy lately, I have seen that a lot of crowdwork videos are about insulting and/or making fun of the audience. I used to do this and still do from time to time, but lately, I have taken up the challenge of trying to talk to the audience and make them feel safe. If I can't deliver that, I aim not to make them feel attacked. Although it is not the intention of the comedians, sometimes it can be straight-up bullying an innocent person who just came to have a laugh. The problem with the line is that you don't know where it is until you cross it, and comedy will always have an element of "kichai" (leg pulling) or "baesti" (embarrassment) in some way, shape, or form. Crowdwork seems to trend on laughing at people, but why not try to laugh with them? I don't have anything against people getting 100k, 1 million, or even 10 million views with this style. As an artist and an audience member, I myself enjoy a bit of banter, dark humor, and straight-up vile and unspeakable jokes that would get me not only canceled but maybe even vanished. However, lately, I feel like pushing against this trend a little bit, at least for myself. (IF YOU WANT TO SEE ME DESTROY HECKLERS because I feel like they had it coming https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utpPN70_hEA&t=0s ) Of course, even in this video, I do make fun of the people I talk to, but I try my level best not to make them feel alienated or insulted in any way. I am also willing to bet that doing crowdwork in this manner is not going to be everyone's cup of tea, and I would genuinely encourage other comedians to give it a try. I also coach comedians and hosts and have helped many funny people turn into professional comedians with my company Cheese Monkey Mafia. I have been a stand-up comedian and a host for over a decade and have been fortunate enough to make a living telling jokes. Originally from Delhi, I have had the honor of performing in places like Canvas Laugh Club, Laughter Nation, Laugh Store, Comedy Theatre, Happy High, That Comedy Club, International Comedy festivals, etc. Chapters 00:00 Hi Hello 01:00 Gullible Audience 01:42 Shy Girl 03:40 Controlling the Audience 05:00 Mystery Phone call 06:05 Dental Issues 09:00 American Resident