Audience receptivity and expectations for the comedian are fostered by the compere or host - the person who faces the audience, makes opening remarks, gives background on the performer, praises the performer, then brings the performer, the comedian, the STAR, onstage.
Now, as you read, substitute 'guru' 'master' 'teacher' 'sage' for 'comedian' or 'act'.
A Look behind the Curtains of Stand-Up Comedy:
Psychology in Stand Up Comedy
[theses.cz]
Now, as you read, substitute 'guru' 'master' 'teacher' 'sage' for 'comedian' or 'act'.
A Look behind the Curtains of Stand-Up Comedy:
Psychology in Stand Up Comedy
[theses.cz]
Quote
The introduction – the acquisition of initial credibility – of Stand-Up comedians is often
done by comperes who act like an anchor for the show. They host the event and provide
the audience with information about the upcoming or past act, they secure the continuity
between acts, which may completely differ one another. Essentially, they ensure the
coherences of the whole show. However, one of the most important tasks the compere is
entrusted with is the aforementioned introduction of the acts – comedians. The basic
outline, which must not be, but in most cases is included, resembles the following:
- Contextualisation in which small details of background are offered about the
comedian
- Framing of response that directs an audience towards greeting the comedian with a certain attitude
- Evaluation of comedian by the compere as he or she passes comment on the
performance skills of the comedian
- Request for action from the audience by the compere – usually for applause
- Introduction of the comedian by the compere
- Audience applause
(Rutter, 2000, p. 466)