Q 01/05

In stand-up slang, what is a 'tight five'?

A) A drinks minimum for the audience

B) Several comics sharing a single bill

C) A polished short set of best material

D) A short pause before a punchline

Answer · why

C) A polished short set of best material

It is used for auditions and is a stepping stone to a paid spot.

Q 02/05

What does it mean when a comedian is 'bombing'?

A) Getting huge laughs

B) Failing to get laughs

C) Insulting the crowd

D) Running over time

Answer · why

B) Failing to get laughs

The opposite is killing, crushing or destroying.

Q 03/05

What is a 'callback' in a comedy set?

A) A heckler's reply from the back

B) A bit performed on a phone

C) A request from the crowd for an encore

D) A reference to an earlier joke

Answer · why

D) A reference to an earlier joke

Sets are built from bits that lead to a 'closer' tying the themes together.

Q 04/05

What Seth Meyers coinage describes applause for an opinion that isn't actually funny?

A) Corpsing

B) Chewing the scenery

C) Mugging

D) Clapter

Answer · why

D) Clapter

Corpsing is when the comic laughs unintentionally; mugging is pulling faces for cheap laughs.

Q 05/05

What is a 'bringer show'?

A) A show backed by a live house band all night

B) Amateurs must bring paying guests for stage time

C) A charity benefit with all door money donated

D) A show that tours between several small clubs

Answer · why

B) Amateurs must bring paying guests for stage time

Open mics are often bringer shows, but not all bringer shows are open mics.