How to Catch a Comedy Open Mic at Kick Butt

Comedy open mics are the lifeblood of stand-up comedy. They’re where emerging comedians test material, hone their timing, and build the confidence needed to headline clubs. Among the most respected and competitive open mics in the country is the one held at Kick Butt — a legendary basement venue in Brooklyn known for its raw energy, tough crowd, and reputation for launching careers. Catching a spot at Kick Butt’s open mic isn’t just about showing up; it’s a strategic, disciplined process that separates the casual hopeful from the committed performer. This guide will walk you through exactly how to secure a slot at this iconic open mic, from understanding its culture to mastering the sign-up ritual, preparing your set, and building relationships that can lead to repeat bookings and beyond.

Many comedians underestimate the importance of open mics like Kick Butt. They assume talent alone will get them noticed. But in the comedy world — especially in a saturated market like New York — visibility, consistency, and respect for the system matter just as much as punchlines. Kick Butt’s open mic is not just another night of comedy. It’s a proving ground. The room is small, the audience is discerning, and the host knows every comic by name, joke, and track record. Getting on stage here means you’ve done your homework. And if you do it right, it can be the turning point in your comedy career.

Step-by-Step Guide

Understand the Venue and Its Culture

Before you even think about signing up, you must understand what Kick Butt represents. Located in a converted warehouse in Williamsburg, Kick Butt is not a polished comedy club. It’s gritty, intimate, and unapologetically real. The stage is a raised platform barely five feet wide, the lighting is dim, and the sound system is basic — which means your voice, presence, and material must carry the room. The audience isn’t there for easy laughs. They’re there to see if you can survive.

The open mic happens every Wednesday night at 9:30 p.m. It’s not advertised on social media heavily — word of mouth and reputation drive attendance. The host, usually a seasoned comic with 10+ years in the scene, runs a tight ship. There’s no room for ego, no tolerance for latecomers, and no second chances if you blow your slot. You’re given 3 to 5 minutes, depending on how many comics are signed up. That’s it. No extensions. No retakes. Your time is yours — use it wisely.

Research the Host and Past Lineups

Every open mic has a personality shaped by its host. At Kick Butt, the host changes occasionally, but the tone remains consistent: no fluff, no filler, no excuses. To get a sense of what they’re looking for, search for videos or audio recordings of past Kick Butt open mics on YouTube or SoundCloud. Look for comics who’ve gone on to larger venues — names like Pete Davidson, Hannah Gadsby, and John Mulaney all played this room early in their careers.

Pay attention to the types of jokes that land. Is the host drawn to observational humor? Absurdist bits? Dark, personal storytelling? Are comics who take risks rewarded? Do punchlines need to be tight and fast, or is there room for build-up? The answers will help you tailor your material. Don’t try to mimic others — but do align your style with the room’s rhythm.

Arrive Early — And Be Early Every Time

This is non-negotiable. Kick Butt’s open mic sign-up begins at 8:30 p.m. sharp. The list fills by 9:00 p.m. — sometimes earlier. If you arrive at 9:05, you’re not getting on. Period. The first 15–20 comics who sign up get slots. The rest are waitlisted, and even then, only if someone no-shows.

Arriving early isn’t just about securing a spot — it’s about showing respect. The host and regulars notice who shows up on time, who’s prepared, who’s polite, and who’s just there to “see what happens.” You’re not just auditioning for a stage — you’re auditioning for a community.

Pro tip: Bring a notebook and pen. Write your name clearly. Don’t scribble. Don’t use a nickname unless you’re already known by it. Be professional. You’re building a reputation.

Prepare a Tight, Polished 3-Minute Set

Three minutes is not a lot of time. In fact, it’s less than half the length of a typical podcast episode. But at Kick Butt, it’s everything. You need a strong opener, two solid jokes or bits, and a punchy closer. No rambling. No long setups. No “So, like…” or “You know what I mean?”

Here’s how to structure your set:

• First 15 seconds: Grab attention. Start with a bold statement, a surprising observation, or a personal confession that creates instant curiosity.
• Minutes 1–2: Deliver your best 1–2 jokes. These should be tested. Don’t use brand-new material on your first time. Use jokes you’ve tried at smaller mics and know work.
• Last 30 seconds: End strong. Leave them with a laugh, a pause, or a thought. Don’t say “Thanks, you guys!” — that kills momentum.

Practice your set out loud. Time it. Record yourself. Watch for filler words, awkward pauses, or nervous tics. You’re not just delivering jokes — you’re performing under pressure. Your body language matters as much as your words.

Know the Rules — And Follow Them Relentlessly

Kick Butt has unwritten rules that are enforced with quiet authority:

• No politics. No religion. No offensive slurs — even if you think they’re “edgy.” The room has zero tolerance for hate speech.
• No stealing material. This is comedy, not college. If you’re caught using someone else’s joke, you’ll be banned — permanently.
• No talking over the comic before or after your set. Silence is expected. Applause is encouraged — but only when appropriate.
• No drinking on stage. No props. No microphones beyond the one provided.
• No asking for feedback after your set. The host will not engage. If they say “good job,” take it as a win. If they don’t, don’t take it personally — they’re not there to be your mentor.

Violating these rules, even once, will make it harder to get on next time — if not impossible. Comedy is a tight-knit world. Word spreads fast.

Be Ready to Go On — Even If You’re Nervous

It’s normal to be terrified. Every comic, even the pros, gets stage fright. But at Kick Butt, hesitation is noticed. If you walk up to the mic, pause for 10 seconds, and say “uh…” — the crowd will feel it. And they won’t forgive it.

Here’s how to handle nerves:

• Breathe deeply before you go on. Inhale for four counts, hold for four, exhale for six.
• Focus on one friendly face in the crowd — even if it’s just the bartender. Don’t scan the room.
• Remember: They’re not there to boo you. They’re there to see if you can make them laugh. They want you to succeed.
• If you bomb — and you will — get off the stage. Don’t apologize. Don’t explain. Just nod, smile, and say “Thanks.” Then come back next week.

One of the most successful comics I know bombed three times at Kick Butt before he got his fourth slot. He didn’t change his material. He didn’t beg. He just kept showing up. On the fourth try, he killed. The host gave him a nod. That nod led to a guest spot. That guest spot led to a paid gig. It’s a chain reaction.

Network — But Don’t Be Pushy

The people who run Kick Butt — the host, the owner, the regulars — are the gatekeepers. But they’re not cold. They’re just busy. The best way to connect is through authenticity, not begging.

After your set, if you’re not on stage again, grab a drink at the bar. Don’t corner the host. Don’t say, “Hey, can I get on next week?” Instead, say something like: “That bit about the Uber driver was hilarious — I’ve been there.”

Comedians who are kind, humble, and consistent are remembered. The ones who are loud, entitled, or desperate are forgotten — or worse, blacklisted.

Track Your Progress

Keep a log. Every time you perform — even at small open mics — write down:

• Date and venue
• Set length
• Material used
• Reactions (laughter, silence, groans)
• What you learned

After 5–10 open mics, you’ll start to see patterns. Which jokes work? Which topics fall flat? Which delivery styles get the best response? This data is gold. It’s how you evolve from a comic who’s lucky to one who’s skilled.

Best Practices

Consistency Over Talent

Talent gets you noticed. Consistency gets you booked. At Kick Butt, the comics who return month after month — even if they’re not the funniest — are the ones who eventually get invited to do guest sets or fill in for absent headliners. Why? Because reliability is rare. In a world full of people who show up once and disappear, showing up every week signals commitment. And commitment is what bookers look for.

Always Have Backup Material

Even the best jokes can die. If your opener flops, you need a second joke ready to go — not a new one, but a different version of something you know works. Have a “rescue bit” in your back pocket. Something short, sharp, and self-aware. A joke about bombing, or about being nervous, often lands better than a “perfect” joke that feels rehearsed.

Don’t Compare Yourself to Others

It’s easy to look at the comic who went viral after their Kick Butt set and think, “Why not me?” But that’s not the story. That’s the highlight reel. Behind every viral moment are 50 failed sets, 100 rejections, and 300 hours of writing. Focus on your journey. Your material. Your growth. Progress, not perfection.

Learn From Every Set — Even the Bad Ones

A bad set isn’t a failure. It’s feedback. If no one laughs, ask yourself: Was the joke unclear? Was my delivery too fast? Did I rush the punchline? Did I say something that confused the audience? Write it down. Don’t get defensive. Don’t blame the crowd. The crowd is just reacting. You’re the one who wrote it.

Be a Good Audience Member

When you’re not on stage, sit in the front. Pay attention. Applaud. Laugh genuinely. Support others. Comedians notice who’s in the room — and who’s just there to get their own time. The more you invest in the community, the more it will invest in you.

Respect the Time

If you’re on at 11 p.m., you’re not entitled to 10 minutes. You’re entitled to 3. If you go over, you’re disrespecting the next comic, the host, and the audience. Always leave a second or two before your time is up. It shows discipline.

Keep Your Set Fresh — But Not Too Fresh

Don’t write new material the night before. Test it at a smaller open mic first. Give it 2–3 tries. If it lands consistently, bring it to Kick Butt. If it doesn’t, revise it. Comedy is a craft. You wouldn’t show a half-finished painting to a gallery. Don’t show half-finished jokes to a room that expects excellence.

Stay Off Social Media After Your Set

Don’t post, “Just did Kick Butt!!

comedy #openmic #finallymadeit.” That’s not humility — it’s insecurity. If you kill, people will notice. If you bomb, they’ll forget. Let your performance speak. Your reputation is built in the room, not on Instagram.

Tools and Resources

Comedy Writing Apps

Use apps like Comedy Writer or Notes (on iPhone) to organize your jokes. Tag them by theme, length, and performance history. Color-code jokes that work (green), those that need work (yellow), and those that died (red). This visual system helps you track progress and avoid repeating failures.

Recording Equipment

Use your phone to record your sets. You don’t need a studio mic. A simple voice memo app works. Listen back after each performance. Notice your pacing, your tone, your breath. Are you rushing? Are you mumbling? Are you smiling too much? These are subtle cues that affect how your jokes land.

Open Mic Trackers

Use OpenMicTracker.com or a simple Google Sheet to log every open mic you do. Include: date, venue, set length, material, audience reaction, and notes. After 20 mics, you’ll see which topics, styles, and delivery methods consistently work. This is your personal comedy analytics dashboard.

Podcasts for Inspiration

Listen to podcasts like The Joe Rogan Experience (for structure), Comedy Bang! Bang! (for absurdism), and My Favorite Murder (for storytelling). Pay attention to how comedians build tension, use silence, and transition between ideas. Even non-comedy podcasts can teach you pacing and rhythm.

Local Comedy Communities

Join Facebook groups like “NYC Comedy Open Mics” or “Brooklyn Comics Collective.” These aren’t just for finding gigs — they’re for finding mentors, collaborators, and friends. Many comics who’ve made it started by swapping material with peers in these groups. Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback — politely.

Books to Read

• “The Comedian’s Guide to Survival” by James Mullinger — Practical advice from a UK comic who climbed the ranks.
• “The Anatomy of Humor” by Robert M. Mather — A deep dive into what makes jokes work.
• “Bossypants” by Tina Fey — Not just funny — it’s a masterclass in timing, self-deprecation, and resilience.

YouTube Channels to Study

Search for “Kick Butt open mic” on YouTube. Watch older recordings. Notice how the host interacts with comics. Watch how the crowd reacts to different styles. Pay attention to who gets laughs and who doesn’t — and why. Don’t just watch for laughs. Watch for silence. That’s where the real lessons are.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Quiet Comic Who Broke Through

Jamal, a 28-year-old accountant from Queens, had never performed stand-up before. He wrote jokes in his notebook during lunch breaks. He practiced in front of his mirror. He showed up at Kick Butt at 8:25 p.m. on a Wednesday, signed his name, and waited. He was 14th on the list. When his name was called, he walked up, said, “I used to think my job was boring. Then I realized — I’m the only person in my office who doesn’t get fired for doing nothing.” The room laughed. Not a roar — but a real, surprised laugh. He got off stage, nodded, and left. He didn’t post about it. He didn’t tell anyone. He came back the next week. And the week after. By month three, he was doing 5-minute sets. By year one, he was opening for a regional headliner. His secret? He showed up. Every time. Even when he bombed. Even when no one clapped.

Example 2: The Overconfident Comic Who Got Banned

Alex had 5,000 followers on TikTok. He thought that meant he was ready for Kick Butt. He showed up at 9:15 p.m., signed up last, and when he got on stage, he said, “I’m Alex. You probably know me from my 300K views.” The host didn’t say anything. The crowd didn’t react. Alex did a 7-minute set full of recycled internet bits. He ended by saying, “You’re all just jealous.” The room went silent. The next week, he showed up again. The host told him, “You’re not welcome here.” He never got another chance. His mistake? He thought fame was talent. It’s not.

Example 3: The Veteran Who Returned to Rebuild

Marisol had been on TV. She had a Netflix special. But after a bad breakup and a year of writer’s block, she stopped performing. She hadn’t done an open mic in 18 months. One night, she walked into Kick Butt. She didn’t say who she was. She signed up like a rookie. She did a 3-minute set about grief, loss, and finding humor in the dark. It was raw. It was real. The room was quiet — then they applauded. Afterward, the host said, “Welcome back.” She didn’t ask for a headlining slot. She didn’t expect anything. She just wanted to feel the stage again. Two months later, she was invited to host the open mic. Her comeback wasn’t loud. It was quiet. And that’s why it worked.

FAQs

Do I need to be from New York to get on Kick Butt’s open mic?

No. Comedians from all over the country and world perform there. But you must show up in person. No virtual sign-ups. No exceptions.

Can I bring a friend to watch?

Yes — but only one or two. Too many friends in the room can make the crowd feel like a private show. The host prefers a real audience — strangers who don’t know you.

How long should I wait before trying again if I bomb?

One week. Don’t wait a month. Don’t wait until you “feel ready.” Comedy is a muscle. You build it by using it — even when it hurts.

Is there a fee to perform?

No. Kick Butt’s open mic is free to perform. They don’t charge. They don’t take tips. It’s a pure, unfiltered space.

What if I’m not funny enough?

That’s not the question. The question is: Are you willing to keep trying? Most people quit before they get good. The ones who make it are the ones who show up even when they’re not funny — because they know they will be, eventually.

Can I do political or controversial material?

Not at Kick Butt. The room values truth over shock. If your joke relies on outrage, it won’t land. If your joke reveals something true about human nature — even if it’s uncomfortable — it might.

Do I need to have a full set ready?

No. You can start with one joke. But you need to know it cold. One strong joke is better than five weak ones.

How do I know if I’m ready?

You’re ready when you’ve performed at 5–10 other open mics and your jokes have landed at least once. Not every time. Once. That’s enough to start.

What if I get cut off mid-set?

It happens. The host is not being mean — they’re protecting the schedule. Just smile, say “Thanks,” and walk off. Don’t argue. Don’t sulk. Come back next week.

Can I get booked for a paid gig after performing here?

Yes. Many comics have been discovered here. But you have to be consistent, professional, and memorable. Don’t chase the gig. Chase the craft. The gigs will follow.

Conclusion

Catching a spot at Kick Butt’s comedy open mic isn’t about luck. It’s not about having the funniest joke or the most followers. It’s about showing up — every week — with preparation, humility, and respect. It’s about understanding that comedy is not performance. It’s practice. It’s persistence. It’s the quiet act of returning to the same small stage, night after night, even when no one claps.

The room at Kick Butt doesn’t care about your resume. It doesn’t care about your social media. It only cares about one thing: Did you make us laugh? And if you didn’t — did you try again?

Every great comic started exactly where you are now. Uncertain. Nervous. Maybe a little scared. But they kept coming back. And so should you.

Don’t wait for permission. Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Don’t wait until you’re “ready.” Show up at 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Sign your name. Be ready. Do your set. And then — come back next week.

That’s how you catch a comedy open mic at Kick Butt. And that’s how you become a comic.