Have you ever wanted to be a comedian?

Almost 20 years ago, I walked up to a comedian who was booked at our church and asked her how she got into comedy. While she was on stage that night, three ladies at our event came up to me and told me I should do what she does. I was the host for the event, so I was comfortable enough to get on stage. I had already met the comedian because I was part of the team that booked and planned the event. And honestly, I am just crazy enough to not care what people think to ask anything. I asked the comic what I needed to do to become a comedian. Her advice was to find a local comedy club and take classes. So I did. I did not stop with those classes. I took writing classes, improv classes, theater classes, read books, and got on every stage for open mic I possibly could.

Every year, dozens of people ask me the same question. And I give them the same answer. If you can't find a class, find an open mic and get on stage. Write jokes, and get comfortable on stage. You can find open mics and classes by searching social media and Google. Ask local comedians. There are a few things you need to know about comedy.

There is clean comedy, which means no cussing or dirty material. Some people consider material PG-13 still clean, and then there is squeaky clean or church clean. This is family clean or PG. Then there is Blue or club comedy. This is "anything goes." If you have never been to a comedy club, you could see or hear anything. This does not mean the jokes are not well written or not funny; this just means they could be rated R or MA. Most clubs do not allow kids for this reason. Funny clean comedy can go anywhere and still be funny, but dirty comedy cannot. But you have to write what comes naturally to you.

Here are a few rules in comedy:

• Do not use other comedians' material. Not something you've seen online, not a setup, not the idea, none of it. You will be hated by the comedy community. Stealing material is the quickest way to get blacklisted.

• Do not talk negatively about other comics. (This may be more my opinion) But after almost two decades in comedy, I have learned your reputation means just as much as your show. From the first time you step on and off stage, you are being watched. People will not want to work with you if they know you will run your mouth about them. Do not be that person.

• Do not be lazy and expect to get booked or get funnier. If you do not write, get on stage, or work on getting booked, and then complain about bookings, people will notice. And then your reputation will be just that.

• DON'T BLAME THE CROWD OR THE BOOKERS. When you are on stage and your jokes are not getting a laugh, do not be mean to the crowd. You can make a joke about the joke not landing, but don't attack the crowd. When you do not get booked or do not get picked for the event, do not blame the booker. You cannot take this business personally. Just like the audience cannot take our jokes personally.

If you have ever thought of being a comedian I hope this helps give you come ideas. I teach a kid's comedy camp locally in the summer. We are working on an adult class this year. So if you are in the greater Charlotte, NC let me know.

No matter your age, if you have a dream to try something new, do it! It may scare you too death, but it may bring a joy and excitement that you have never felt also.