5 tips to writing solid stand-up from a Winnipeg comedy pro

So you think you might want to be a comic, eh? Getting a laugh has more moving parts to connect than you might think.Learn from one of Canada's talented comedy writers, Lara Rae. The out-going Winnipeg Comedy Festival artistic director dishes out her top five tips to writing hilarious, and well constructedstand-up comedy.

1. Beginning - middle - end

"Whether you're weaving a story or telling oneliners, organize your material in a way that it builds."

Chris Gibbs is a master storyteller.

2. Familiarity breeds contempt

"Avoid material that is terribly topical. For example, if you pick a current event the joke might become dated or other comics might be using the same material and you won't be original."Be original

Todd Graham is one of the most original.

3.Bevulnerable

"The more personal you can make the material the more it shows the audiencethat it means something to you and so it will mean something to them. Be vulnerable and be okay with that."

FatimaDhoreknows how to fully be herself.

4.Beclear

"Work to make sure audiences can understand every joke. Use precise speech, don't be vague."

Ivan is a precise joke creator.

5. Compact comedy

"If a joke can be told in five words then don't use fifteen minutes. The secret to all comedy is keeping your joke compact and get to the funny bit a split second before your audience can connect the dots in their brains."

HowieMiller is a tight joke teller and a good wit.

Knee-slapping fun with CBC at Winnipeg Comedy Festival

On Saturday, May 4, CBC Manitoba will host a pretty kickin' pre-gala party at the Winnipeg Comedy Festival. Join us for party games, DIY drinks and a whole bunch of laughs.

• Play Hungry, Hungry,Hippos, Jenga,Operation anda special Winnipeg Comedy Festival version of the gameGuess Who?
• Garnish your beverage with pickled vegetables, celery, or even a mini hamburger at a DIY Caesar station.

About this article:

The local marketing and communications team for CBC Manitoba seeks out new and innovative ways to take the public broadcaster into communities and grow audiences. Join CBC Manitoba at the Winnipeg Comedy Festival, which is one of CBCTelevision's highest rated comedy shows, foraPre-Gala Party on Saturday, May 4th. Play party games that take you back to your youth, concoct aDIY beverage and play along to a special fill-in-the-blankcomedyroast all about Winnipeg courtesy of CBC Manitoba. Do you have something big up your sleeves that the local public broadcaster should sponsor? Drop us a line at communications.winnipeg@cbc.ca