The Art of Standup Comedy Performed on the Floor

The Art of Floor Standup Comedy

Standup comedy has been a beloved artform for decades. There's something special about a comedian standing on stage with just a microphone, making an audience erupt with laughter using their words, expressions and body language alone. While standup is traditionally performed on an elevated stage, a new trend is emerging - floor standup comedy. This unique style brings standup right down to the audience's level for a more intimate, engaging experience.

The Origins of Floor Standup

Floor standup started gaining popularity in the 2010s, pioneered by comedians looking to break free from the confines of the stage. They began performing their sets at ground level, interacting more closely with crowd members. This created a feeling of immersion and immediacy that traditional standup lacks.

Performing on the floor forced comedians to adapt. They had to account for people sitting and standing around them in a 360-degree radius. This challenged them to enhance their crowd work skills and stage presence. They also had to project their voice without a mic stand or stage elevating them above the crowd.

Why Floor Standup Is Appealing

There are several key reasons floor standup comedy has taken off:

• Intimacy - Being at the audience's level allows for more personal connection and interaction.
• Spontaneity - Comics can more easily riff off the crowd's reactions and energy.
• Immersion - Fans feel like they're part of the show rather than just spectators.
• Novelty - It offers a new standup experience that feels fresh and different.

Floor standup allows the audience to feel like they're right there with the comedian. It's almost like hanging out with a funny friend. This level of intimacy and immersion makes people feel more engaged.

Challenges of Floor Standup

While performing on the floor has its advantages, it also comes with difficulties:

• Crowd control - Comics must learn to command attention from a dispersed crowd.
• Distractions - More ambient noise and people moving around can be distracting.
• Blocked sight lines - Some audience members may have obstructed views.
• No elevation - It's harder to see/hear the comedian without an elevated stage.
• Close quarters - Tight spaces limit freedom of movement and comedic physicality.

Floor standup comics must master their crowd work, stage presence and vocal projection to overcome these obstacles. It takes skill and practice to command attention and deliver laughs at ground level.

Notable Floor Standup Comics

Some comedians known for their floor standup skills include:

• Chris D'Elia - His man-on-the-street style thrives in floor shows.
• Hannibal Buress - Brings his laidback energy down to the audience's level.
• Michelle Wolf - Her high-energy personality shines in intimate floor shows.
• Rory Scovel - Thrives on riffing off the crowd, perfect for immersive floor gigs.
• Kate Berlant - Her avant garde comedy is enhanced by interacting with fans on the floor.

These comics and many more have helped make floor shows hugely popular on the comedy circuit today.

The Future of Floor Standup

As floor standup catches on, expect to see more comedians experimenting with ground-level performances in creative ways. We may see more crowd interaction tools and technology incorporated, like handheld mics for audience questions. Comedy clubs may also design their layouts to better accommodate in-the-round floor shows.

While traditional stage standup will always have its place, floor comedy offers a refreshing new perspective for both comedians and audiences. The intimacy and novelty will continue attracting fans and inspiring comics to take their standup off the stage and onto the floor.

FAQs

How is floor standup different from regular standup?

Floor standup is performed at ground level with the comedian surrounded by the audience. This allows for more crowd interaction and intimacy compared to regular standup on a stage.

What are the challenges of performing floor standup?

Challenges include crowd control, distractions, obstructed sight lines, no elevation, and close quarters. Comics must master engagement and projection.

Why are some comedians drawn to floor standup?

The intimacy and novelty provides a fresh experience. It allows riffing off the crowd and a feeling of immersion that traditional standup lacks.

What kind of comedy clubs accommodate floor shows?

Clubs with space for the audience to surround the comedian in-the-round work best. Some rooms are designed with floor shows in mind.

Is floor standup comedy just a passing fad?

While new, it has steadily grown for over a decade. As more comics embrace it and clubs cater to it, floor standup is likely here to stay as a unique artform.