Blue Material

Term from Standup Comedy industry explained for recruiters

Blue Material refers to adult-oriented or risqué comedy content that contains mature themes, profanity, or sexual references. When seeing this term in a comedian's resume or job description, it indicates they perform content meant for mature audiences. It's important for talent bookers and comedy club managers to know this as it helps them properly schedule performers and market shows to appropriate audiences. Other common terms for this include "adult comedy," "mature content," or "R-rated material."

Examples in Resumes

Headlined adult shows featuring Blue Material at major comedy clubs across the East Coast

Developed 45-minute set of clean and Blue Material for diverse audience demographics

Featured performer specializing in Adult Material and Blue Material for late-night shows

Typical job title: "Adult Comedy Performers"

Also try searching for:

Standup Comedian Comedy Performer Adult Comedy Specialist Late Night Comedian Comedy Club Performer Club Comic

Example Interview Questions

Experienced Performer Questions

Q: How do you handle transitioning between clean and blue material during a show?

Expected Answer: Experienced performers should explain their strategy for reading the room, gauging audience comfort levels, and smoothly transitioning between different types of material while maintaining audience engagement.

Q: How do you develop new blue material while keeping it fresh and not crossing lines?

Expected Answer: Should discuss their process for writing and testing new material, understanding audience boundaries, and maintaining professionalism while pushing creative limits.

Mid-Level Performer Questions

Q: How do you adjust your blue material for different venues and audiences?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate understanding of how to modify their act based on venue type, time slot, and audience demographics while maintaining their comedic style.

Q: What's your approach to handling hecklers during adult shows?

Expected Answer: Should explain techniques for managing difficult audience members while keeping the show professional and entertaining for everyone.

Beginning Performer Questions

Q: How do you determine what material is appropriate for different show times?

Expected Answer: Should show basic understanding of how content varies between early and late shows, and awareness of audience expectations at different times.

Q: How do you prepare different sets for clean shows versus adult shows?

Expected Answer: Should explain their process for organizing and separating material based on content rating and audience type.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic stage presence
  • 5-10 minute sets
  • Understanding audience reactions
  • Basic content management

Mid (2-5 years)

  • 15-30 minute sets
  • Crowd work abilities
  • Material adaptation skills
  • Multiple show formats

Senior (5+ years)

  • Headliner experience
  • 45+ minute sets
  • Advanced audience management
  • Professional material development

Red Flags to Watch For

  • Unable to read audience reactions and adjust accordingly
  • No experience with different show formats (clean vs adult)
  • Poor time management of sets
  • Lack of professional conduct backstage or with club staff