Stand-up comedy

A stand-up comedian or stand-up comic is someone that performs comedy in an informal way, i.e.: talking to the audience with the absence of the theatrical "fourth wall". It is regularly done by one comedian and usually with a microphone. It can be done in comedy clubs, colleges, theaters, option venues--almost anywhere an audience is open to comedy. The comic usually recites a fast paced sequence of amusing stories, short jokes and one-liners, usually called a monologue, routine or act. Some stand-up comedians use props, music, or magic tricks in their acts.

Many stand-up routines are similar to one man shows, with the main difference being the expectations of the audience, who, with stand-up; expect a relatively steady stream of "laughs". This in turn affects the aims of the performer, who is under great pressure to deliver those laughs.