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 a 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

  1. 1 2 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)
  2. 1 2 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.
  3. ↑ "Warm-Up Session is Fun". Waycross Journal-Herald. 18 December 1975. Retrieved 6 May 2011.

See also

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