Understanding all the different comedy terms can be confusing at best. And you’re likely a bit stumped on the difference between a corporate comedian and a stand-up comedian.
Key Takeaways
- A stand-up comedian is someone that performs solo comedy on stage to a live audience
- A corporate comedian is a performer that delivers clean content to a professional audience
- A comic is someone that says things in a hilarious manner
When it comes to comedy, we’re the experts. Keep reading, and we’ll tell you what you need to know.
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#1. What It Means To Be A Stand-Up Comedian
There isn’t just one type of comedian. Comedy is like an art, and there are various ways to indulge in its power.
Take, for example, any type of artist. A sculptor and a watercolor painter may both be artists, but there’s not necessarily the same.
Many entertainers and performers can be considered a comedian, but not all are stand-up comedians. And there’s a big difference between a corporate comedian and a stand-up comedian.
So, let’s break it down.
Understanding Stand-Up Comedy
A stand-up comedian typically performs a solo act on stage to live listeners.
A comedian is a broad definition, while the term “stand-up” limits their type of performance.
But it’s important to remember that this type of comedy requires plenty of practice and preparation. Many stand-up comedians take hours, if not months, to create the perfect script for their show.
It’s considered one of the most intense forms of comedy, as they can only rely on their own skills!
Other Factors To Keep In Mind
That said, a comedian doesn’t necessarily have to do stand-up comedy.
Many of these types of performers don’t have bounds or restrictions. They can make content about anything they want, even if it’s offensive or inappropriate.
They typically will tell tales of life in a hilarious way, but their content is usually relatable enough to touch the crowd.
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#2. What It Means To Be A Corporate Comedian
If traditional entertainers can be crude or rude in their acts, then corporate comedians are the exact opposite.
Corporate comedians deliver funny, hilarious, and entertaining acts to a professional audience. They typically perform for businesses or companies and are even seen as an extension of that company’s values.
Because of their unique listeners, their content must be completely clean and free of profanity and prejudice. This allows them to also better connect with the crowd and leave people feeling much more at ease.
Corporate Entertainers That Know How It’s Done
Take, for example, the team at Clean Comedians®. All of our speakers are experienced and established corporate entertainers who know how to properly wield the power of comedy. Whether for a corporate event or a conference, we can keep the crowd laughing throughout the night.
One thing to note is that a corporate comedian can be a stand-up comedian. If they fit the description for both, that’s what they are!
#3. What Is A Comic?
It’s important to also understand the definition of a comic. A comic “says things funny,” while a comedian “performs funny things.“
It’s a difficult differentiation to make, but it’s important to remember that a comic can be a comedian, but a comedian isn’t necessarily a comic.
Ultimately, these subtle differences are what make up the entire spectrum of the comedy community. As you already likely know, there are plenty of ways to be funny, and comics, stand-ups, and corporate comedians all prove that fact!
Wrapping Up
Understanding the different types of performers can be challenging, but it will help you understand our hilarious world even better!
Keep Reading: Humor And Leadership: How To Lead With Laughter
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Adam Christing is a professional comedy magician, virtual MC, and the founder of CleanComedians.com. He is a member of the world-famous Magic Castle in Hollywood and a popular corporate entertainer, magician, and virtual speaker.