How many times have you imagined yourself on the stand-up club stage? Telling witty stories to laughter and applause from the crowd? Surely more than once—because more and more people dream of performing stand-up every year. And this dream can become real. The author of the book you’re holding, Stephen Rosenfield, is the founder of the American Comedy Institute. For 30 years now, he has been helping people build careers through their sense of humor. His graduates fill venues across the United States and collaborate with “Saturday Night Live,” “Late Show with David Letterman,” “The Jim Gaffigan Show,” and more. They perform on Broadway, star in films and TV series. Inside you will find all the instructions you need to become a successful comedian. From the first steps in writing material to tips for testing it with audiences; from finding your own genre and style to the subtleties that will help you become not just good, but great at stand-up. Even if you’re not a beginner, this guide will surprise you. You’ll be able to realize yourself in your favorite thing and win the audience’s hearts forever. All you need is a bit of courage, belief in yourself, and careful listening to this book.