Claim: Stand-up comedy is generally intended to be humorous or purposeful.

Stand-up comedy is a comic style in which a comedian performs in front of a live audience , usually speaking directly to them . The performer is commonly known as a comic , stand-up comic , stand-up comedian , or simply a stand-up . In stand-up comedy , the comedian usually recites a grouping of humorous stories , jokes and one-liners typically called a monologue , routine , or act . Some stand-up comedians use props , music , or magic tricks to `` enhance '' their acts . Stand-up comedy is often performed in comedy clubs , bars and pubs , nightclubs , neo-burlesques , colleges and theatres . Outside of live performance , stand-up is often distributed commercially via television , DVD , CD and the internet .