By ComedyDeem Staff Writer · Last updated 26-09-2026
You’re in Hong Kong, you’ve been inspired to try comedy, and you have no idea where to start? Perfect. This guide is for you.
Go watch a show first
Maybe it was a funny clip, a special from yourfavourite comic, or your friends always telling you you’re funny. Whatever got your gears going, go to alive comedy show in Hong Kong before you do anything else. You’ll get a feel for the vibe of the scene and see who’s doing comedy in the city.
Do I need to take a class first?
Honestly? Probably not. The best way to get better at stand-up is to go and do it. But if you do want to take a class, do your homework. Look into the class and the comic running it, and make sure their style fits what you’re going for.
How much do I need to prepare?
Most mics in the city give you up to five minutes. That’s a maximum, not a minimum. You don’t need to walk in with a tight five off rip. The tight five is what you’re working towards. If you’ve got two or three minutes of bits, that’s enough to go try.
What should I talk about?
Start with your own life. The stuff that’s weird, annoying or embarrassing to you is usually funnier than generic jokes. Don’t open with crowd-work, DON’T STEAL JOKES, and don’t try to cram 20 jokes into five minutes. Two or three bits you actually care about is plenty.
Where do I go?
There are loads of great open mics in Hong Kong, and you can find them all on our calendar. At most English mics, you sign up at the venue. Find the host and give them a heads up that it’s your first time.
Ask them two things:
- How much time you’ve got. If you know you’ll be short, tell them.
- Where the light is.
The light tells you your time is nearly up. Usually it flashes once to let you know you’ve got a minute left to wrap up. If it stays on or keeps flashing, wrap up immediately.
Always respect the light. Nothing burns hosts and comics more than someone running the light. It’s probably the only rule in comedy you really have to follow.
At the time of writing, the only mic that needs an online sign-up is the Tuesday night Aftermath open mic. Don’t worry, we got you. Sign up here.
I’m signed up. Now what?
Like we said, it’s always good to watch first. Get there when the mic starts and watch the comics before you. You’ll get a read on the crowd and the energy of the night.
If the comics before you are all eating s#!t, the pressure’s off. If everyone’s killing, you’re going up to a hot crowd. Either way, don’t sweat it. The host will keep them on your side by telling them it’s your first time.
Try to record your set. It’s one of the best tools you’ve got for getting better.
Then there’s nothing left to do but do it.
Mic etiquette
When you’re not on stage, STFU. Give the other comics the same space you’d want when you’re up there. And support the venue. Buy a drink or grab a snack. No venue, no mic.
What if I bomb?
Your comedy dream isn’t over. Chances are no one will remember you bombing except you. Watch your tape back, figure out what went wrong, fix it, and get back up there as soon as you can.
Go do it
That’s it. Find a mic this week on our calendar and get up there. See you at the back of the room.