Warm-up comedian
A warm-up comedian or crowd warmer is a stand-up comedian who performs at a comedy club or before the filming of a television comedy in front of studio audience to get the crowd into the mood ready for the show or main act.[1] Their role is to make the audience feel integral to the show and encourage reactions during the show.[2]
They usually work alone and perform a comedy routine while also possibly explaining aspects of the show. They will also perform during commercial breaks.[1] Some warm-up routines before talk shows involve giving prizes to audience members.[2] The use of warm-ups dates back before television to radio shows.[3]
References
- ^ a b Ahearn, Victoria (12 January 2009). "Shining a spotlight on the crowd warmer, the 'unsung hero' of TV tapings". The Canadian Press. Retrieved 6 May 2011.(subscription required)
- ^ a b Grindstaff, Laura (2002). The money shot: trash, class, and the making of TV talk shows. University of Chicago Press. p. 65. ISBN 0-226-30911-8.
- ^ "Warm-Up Session is Fun". Waycross Journal-Herald. 18 December 1975. Retrieved 6 May 2011.
See also
 | This comedy- or humor-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |