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    Comedy Clubs Are Closed, So To Reach Audiences, Comics Have To Improvise

    Live audiences help comics get exposure and work out new material. Colin Quinn says virtual platforms don't replicate "the tension" of being in front of a room full of strangers.
    by Elizabeth Blair May 07, 2020 3 minutes
    Colin Quinn says performing on virtual platforms won't ever come close to appearing in a club full of strangers because it lacks "the tension" of the live experience. He's writing a book that draws from some of the material he explored in his <em>Red States Blue States</em> special — and says he now has no excuse not to finish it.

    At a time when we really need to keep a sense of humor, comedy clubs are closed. Stand-up comedians are on lockdown. So what do you do if your career is making people laugh? You can write jokes while you shelter in place, but how do you know if they're funny?

    "I don't know until I get in front of an audience," says comedian For her special Franklin worked out jokes in small clubs for about 100 people before filming the special for an audience of 1,000 at the Vic

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