The average comedian is sitting on hundreds of good to great audio-only set recordings and probably two videos they only somewhat like. With voice memo apps, it’s very easy for comedians to record nearly every stand-up set they have so they can listen to it later and take notes.
While self-publishing content is a great way to break down barriers, it would be even better if the industry would adapt along with us. As businesses start looking into new work-from-home and casual dress policies for the future, let’s change up another aspect of how the entertainment industry operates: let’s start accepting audio-only submissions.
Stand-up seems to have considerably less audition options than other entertainment mediums. In-person auditions are ideal for actors but self-taping has been around for years. And while being a great live performer makes you more marketable as a musician, it’s still the audio that matters first and foremost. Auditions are never going to be a perfect representation of a person’s skill set so let’s not be so married to one method for comedy.
The practicality of videotaping also plays a big role in the success rate of getting a tape. Comedians are performers; you shouldn’t expect them to also be expert videographers and editors, as these are skills that require their own training and equipment. Sure, you can pay for someone to tape and edit your set for you, but after your fifth heckler or broken mic, the DIY approach seems more reasonable .