Stand-up comedy lights up the lives of comedian Le Xin, scriptwriter Zhu Guangyu, part-time comics Xiao Wu and Fan Yingning, and stand-up enthusiast Kun Kun.  [Photo provided to China Daily]

Creating bonds

Jing says when she watches musicals, plays or sitcoms, she usually feels distant from the actors who are playing a character according to a script. However, when it comes to stand-up comedy, she finds it easier to resonate with the comedians because they're talking about the world from their own point of view.

"I feel more like they are friends, especially when they speak about something that I've been thinking about," says Jing. "Being a volunteer, I have also witnessed their effort both on stage and behind the scenes. I'm always ready to cheer and clap for them."

Kun Kun, 24, a business development officer who has recently attempted to perform her routines at open-mike events, is particularly interested in the chemistry between the performers and the audience.

"The feedback from the audience can have a strong effect on the improvisational acts of a performer, which was something of a surprise to me," she says. "So, in front of different audiences, the same gag could often work out quite differently depending on their reaction."