Practical, common-sense advice on all aspects of stand-up comedy—assembling material, perfecting your delivery, dealing with the audience, finding and collaborating with comedy writers, taking charge of the stage while you’re at the mike—all offered from the backstage, behind-the-scenes point of view of a comedy writer. The author, GENE PERRET, has been around the top levels of comedy for the past 5 decades, as head-writer for BOB HOPE and PHYLLIS DILLER, television writer and producer, and three-time Emmy Award winner for his work on the writing staff of "The Carol Burnett Show." None of the suggestions in this volume will tell you what style to adopt or which gags to tell. The author believes that whoever stands at the microphone should make those decisions. Most other aspects of stand-up performing, though, are here for the readers to try out, to adapt, to utilize, or even reject. The guidance in these pages is valuable for beginning stand-up comics and professionals as well. It will help you stand out in a competitive profession. (Previously published under the title of "Successful Stand-Up Comedy."