A Guide to Comedy Roasting for New Comedians

Did you know that roasting is profitable? That’s right making jokes at other expense can make you money. It sounds crazy but roasting has become so popular that Netflix did a LIVE roast of Tom Brady. If that doesn’t say it’s mainstream and popular I don’t know what does.

I will attempt to give you a background on roasting, some resources, and a short education on writing and performing roasts. Let’s jump into it and get roasting!

What is Comedy Roasting?

Imagine combining sharp wit, playful insults, and a whole lot of humor into a single performance—that's comedy roasting for you! It's all about poking fun at someone in a lighthearted and entertaining way. The key? Keeping it fun and ensuring everyone, including the target, is laughing along.

Think of roasting as a comedic tribute. It's a way to honor someone by humorously highlighting their quirks and flaws. Done right, it's a hilarious and memorable experience for everyone involved.

A Brief History of Roasting

Roasting has been around longer than your grandma's secret cookie recipe! It all started as a way for friends and colleagues to celebrate and tease each other in good spirits. Over time, it evolved into a popular form of entertainment, especially in the comedy world.

From smoky backrooms filled with laughter to grand televised events, roasting has cemented its place in comedy history. Let's take a stroll down memory lane and meet some legends who have mastered the art of the roast.

Legends of the Roast Game

Dean Martin Roasts

Back in the 1970s, Dean Martin brought roasting to mainstream television with "The Dean Martin Celebrity Roast." Picture a room full of celebrities playfully jabbing at each other while sipping on cocktails—classy and hilarious! These roasts were known for their charm and wit, setting the standard for future roast events.

Example Roast Joke:

>"Dean Martin's voice is so smooth, it could talk a cat off a fish truck!"

Friars Club Roasts

The Friars Club, founded in 1904, is the original home of roasting. These private events were legendary, featuring comedians and celebrities roasting each other in the most outrageous ways. The Friars Club roasts were infamous for pushing boundaries while maintaining a sense of camaraderie and respect.

Fun Fact: Many famous comedians, including Lucille Ball and Jerry Lewis, have been both roasters and roastees at the Friars Club!

Comedy Central Roasts

Enter the 21st century, and Comedy Central took roasting to new heights with their televised specials. These roasts are edgy, bold, and downright hilarious, featuring a mix of comedians, actors, and pop culture icons.

Notable Roasts:

- Justin Bieber

- Charlie Sheen

- Donald Trump

These events are known for their no-holds-barred humor, leaving audiences in stitches and sometimes blushing!

Jeff Ross - The Roastmaster General

If roasting had a king, it would undoubtedly be Jeff Ross. Crowned as the "Roastmaster General," Jeff has perfected the craft with his quick wit and fearless delivery. He's a staple at Comedy Central roasts and has even taken roasting to unconventional places like prisons and battlefields to entertain the troops.

Jeff Ross Quote:

"A good roast is like a good steak—juicy, a little bloody, and leaves you wanting more." 🥩🔥

Roast Battle Phenomenon

Roast Battle started as a small live show in the Belly Room of The Comedy Store and quickly became a global sensation. It's a head-to-head showdown where comedians exchange sharp and witty insults, all in good fun. The format is competitive, fast-paced, and showcases some of the best up-and-coming talent in comedy.

Why It's Awesome:

- Encourages creativity and spontaneity.

- Provides a platform for new comedians to shine.

- It's like a verbal boxing match—entertaining and exhilarating! 🥊😂

The Roast of Tom Brady

Even sports legends aren't safe from the roasting spotlight! The Roast of Tom Brady brought together comedians and athletes to playfully jab at the football superstar's illustrious career and personal life. It was a touchdown in the world of comedy, proving that roasting transcends industries.

Memorable Jokes:

“Tom, you’re the best to ever play for too long, you retired then came back then retired, I get it. … It’s hard to walk away from something that isn’t your pregnant girlfriend. To be fair he didn’t know, he just thought she was getting fat.” - Nikki Glaser

“Tom became a Patriot, moved up to New England, and on the first day of training camp, that scrawny rookie famously walked into the owner Robert Kraft’s office and said ‘I’m the best decision your organization has ever made,' Would you like a massage?” - Jeff Ross

“Tom Brady, why do you look like a gay Tom Brady?” - Tony Hinchcliffe

“The only difference between Tom Brady and Hitler is that Hitler stuck with his wife until the end.” - Bert Kreischer & Tom Segura

Crafting the Perfect Roast Joke

Ready to write some scorchers? Let's break down how to craft roast jokes that are funny, clever, and memorable.

1. Know Your Target

Understanding who you're roasting is crucial. Learn about their personality, achievements, quirks, and even scandals (but tread carefully!). The more you know, the sharper and more personalized your jokes will be.

Tip: Focus on aspects the person is comfortable joking about. The goal is laughter, not hurt feelings.

2. Stay Playful, Not Hateful

There's a fine line between funny and offensive. Keep your jokes light-hearted and avoid crossing into mean-spirited territory.

Example:

- Playful: "He's so punctual, he arrives early to his own surprise parties!"

- Hateful: Avoid personal attacks or sensitive subjects.

3. Timing is Everything

Delivering the punchline at the right moment amplifies the joke's impact. Practice your delivery to ensure your jokes land perfectly.

Tip: Use pauses effectively. A well-timed pause can build anticipation and make the punchline hit harder.

4. Practice Makes Perfect

Write and rehearse your jokes multiple times. Try them out on friends or fellow comedians and tweak them based on feedback.

Exercise: Record yourself delivering the jokes and watch it back to assess your performance.

Steps for New Comedians and Writers

Embarking on your roasting journey? Here's a step-by-step guide to help you become the next Roastmaster!

1. Study the Greats

Watch famous roasts and analyze what makes them successful. Pay attention to joke structures, delivery styles, and audience reactions.

Suggested Viewing:

- Comedy Central Roasts

- Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts

- Roast Battles

2. Write, Write, Write

Start crafting your own roast jokes. Write regularly to hone your skills and develop your unique voice.

Writing Prompts:

- Roast yourself to practice self-deprecating humor.

- Write jokes about fictional characters or celebrities.

3. Perform and Get Feedback

Take your material to open mic nights or comedy workshops. Feedback is invaluable and helps you refine your jokes and delivery.

Remember: Every comedian bombs sometimes. Use it as a learning experience and keep improving!

4. Develop Your Style

Find what works best for you. Maybe you're the sarcastic type, or perhaps observational humor is your forte. Embrace your strengths and let your personality shine through your jokes.

Experiment With:

- Different joke formats.

- Varying delivery speeds and tones.

- Incorporating props or visuals.

Making Money with Your Roast Skills

Time to turn those fiery jokes into cold hard cash! Here's how:

1. Participate in Roast Battles

Many comedy clubs and festivals host roast battles with cash prizes and exposure opportunities.

Benefits:

- Prize money.

- Networking with industry professionals.

- Building a fanbase.

2. Write for Comedy Shows

Pitch your writing skills to television shows, online platforms, or even other comedians in need of material.

Where to Look:

- Late-night shows

- Comedy podcasts

- YouTube channels

3. Host Your Own Roast Events

Organize roast nights at local venues or online platforms. Charge for tickets or accept donations.

Ideas:

- Birthday roasts.

- Themed roast nights (e.g., roasting fictional characters).

- Corporate events with a comedic twist.

4. Freelance Writing Opportunities

Offer your services for writing personalized roasts for events like weddings, birthdays, or retirement parties.

How to Start:

- Create a portfolio showcasing your best work.

- Use freelance platforms like Upwork or Fiverr.

- Promote your services on social media.

And there you have it, funny money family! A comprehensive guide to stepping into the exhilarating world of comedy roasting. Remember, roasting is all about bringing joy and laughter through clever and playful humor. So, grab your pen, unleash your wit, and start roasting like a pro! Who knows, you might just be the next Roastmaster General!

FAQs

1. Is roasting suitable for all audiences?

Roasting is best suited for audiences who appreciate edgy and sarcastic humor. Always consider your audience's preferences and sensitivities before performing.

2. Can I roast someone without knowing them well?

It's better to roast someone you're familiar with to ensure the jokes are appropriate and well-received. If not, do thorough research and keep it general.

3. How do I improve my roasting skills?

Consistent writing, performing, and studying other comedians will help you improve. Seek feedback and be open to learning from both successes and failures.

4. Is it okay to use controversial topics in my roasts?

Approach controversial topics with caution. The goal is to entertain, not offend. If in doubt, steer clear and focus on universally relatable humor.