Warm-up comedian

A warm-up comedian or crowd warmer is a stand-up comedian who performs at a comedy club or before the filming of a television comedy in front of studio audience to get the crowd into the mood ready for the show or main act.^[1] Their role is to make the audience feel integral to the show and encourage reactions during the show.^[2]

They usually work alone and perform a comedy routine while also possibly explaining aspects of the show. They will also perform during commercial breaks.^[1] Some warm-up routines before talk shows involve giving prizes to audience members.^[2] The use of warm-ups dates back before television to radio shows.^[3]

References

1. ^ ^{a b} Ahearn, Victoria (12 January 2009). "Shining a spotlight on the crowd warmer, the 'unsung hero' of TV tapings". The Canadian Press. http://www.canadaeast.com/entertainment/article/537325. Retrieved 6 May 2011. 
2. ^ ^{a b} Grindstaff, Laura (2002). The money shot: trash, class, and the making of TV talk shows. University of Chicago Press. p. 65. ISBN 0226309118. http://books.google.com/books?id=5pyLV0KM0wEC&pg=PA65. 
3. ^ "Warm-Up Session is Fun". Waycross Journal-Herald. 18 December 1975. http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=QgpaAAAAIBAJ&sjid=RUsNAAAAIBAJ&pg=7411,6901030. Retrieved 6 May 2011. 

See also

• Compère
• Crowd manipulation
• Curtain raiser (drama)
• Opening act