How to Deal With Hecklers When Doing Stand-Up

Tip 1 - Eight Types of Hecklers and the Comedians Who Shut Them Up

In the 2007 documentary Heckler, Joe Rogan says that “the number one thing about hecklers is 100% of them are douchebags." A stand-up comedian's act depends on the audience reaction by nature, but when someone attempts to derail the performer's work, well, that's something a douchebag would do. Still, heckling creates exciting moments of discomfort [...]

Tip 2 - 11 Ways to Handle a Heckler

Let’s take a look at some different ways a comedian can deal with an unruly audience member.

Tip 3 - Stand up and run away - How not to handle hecklers

One question you often get asked as a standup comedian is, ‘how do you deal with hecklers or a rough crowd?’ There is no one rule for dealing with hecklers. Comedians have their own style or way of handling the situation. Some comics hurl abuse back at the hecklers, some just remain quiet until the rest of the crowd turns on the hecklers, and others buckle under the pressure and screw up their material. I usually have a few more drinks and hope for the best. And as you will see - that rarely works.