Every comedy legend started somewhere, and for many, that somewhere was an open mic night. These proving grounds of comedy have launched countless careers and continue to serve as the heartbeat of the live comedy scene. Whether you’re dreaming of stardom or simply want to try your hand at stand-up, open mics provide the perfect starting point for your comedy journey.
How to Participate
Getting Started
Taking the first step is simpler than you might think. At Ma’s, we’ve streamlined the process to make it as welcoming as possible for newcomers. Sign-ups typically open a week before each open mic night, either through our website or in person. First-timers are given priority spots, ensuring you won’t have to wait until midnight to perform.
What to Prepare
Your first set should be between 3-5 minutes long – time yourself at home, as five minutes on stage feels much longer than you might expect. Write your material down, practice it thoroughly, but avoid memorizing it word-for-word. The best performances feel natural and conversational, even when thoroughly rehearsed.
Before Your Set
Arrive at least 30 minutes before the show starts. This gives you time to:
- Sign in with the host
- Get comfortable with the space
- Watch other performers
- Take a few deep breaths
- Make any last-minute adjustments to your material
Success Stories
The walls of Ma’s could tell countless stories of comedians who got their start on our stage. Local legend Marcus Schmidt performed his first set here in 2019, stumbling through a nervous three minutes about his grandmother’s cooking. Today, he sells out theaters across Germany. Sarah Chen, who began with stories about her cultural identity, now hosts her own comedy podcast with millions of monthly listeners.
But success isn’t always measured in fame. Many of our regular performers have found their voice, built confident stage personas, and created lasting connections within the comedy community. Some have gone on to produce their own shows or mentor newer performers, contributing to the cycle of growth that keeps the comedy scene vibrant.
Tips for First-Time Performers
Craft Your Material
- Start with what you know – personal experiences make for authentic material
- Avoid covering too many topics in your first set
- Practice your timing, including strategic pauses
- Record yourself to identify areas for improvement
- Test your material on friends, but remember they might be kinder than a real audience
Stage Presence
- Hold the microphone about four fingers away from your mouth
- Plant your feet firmly – moving too much can distract from your jokes
- Make eye contact with different sections of the audience
- Speak slightly slower than your normal conversation pace
- Don’t be afraid to take up space on stage
Mental Preparation
- Accept that nervousness is normal and even helpful
- Remember that the audience wants you to succeed
- Have a backup joke ready if your planned material isn’t landing
- Stay for the whole show, even after your set
- Network with other performers – they were all first-timers once
The Ma’s Difference
What sets Ma’s open mic nights apart is our commitment to nurturing new talent. Our experienced hosts provide constructive feedback after your set if requested, and our supportive regular audience understands the courage it takes to try stand-up for the first time.
We also offer monthly workshops for new performers, covering everything from joke structure to stage presence. These sessions, led by experienced comedians, help bridge the gap between writing jokes and performing them effectively.
Beyond Your First Set
Remember that even the roughest first set is a victory – you’ve done something many people only dream about. Whether you bomb or kill, the key is to keep coming back. Each performance teaches you something new about your style, your material, and yourself as a performer.
The journey from first-timer to seasoned comedian is unique for everyone, but it always starts with taking that first step onto the stage. At Ma’s, we’re proud to provide the platform where tomorrow’s comedy stars take their first steps into the spotlight.