With the comedy scene more popular than ever, there is an audience hungry to spend their time and money on high quality stand-up. Whether that’s sell out arena tours with household names or smaller venues showcasing the latest underground talent. If you’re thinking of taking a slice of that comedy pie, but are new to promoting, or simply want some new ideas, we’ve produced this guide on how to put on a comedy night.
Finding a Comedy Venue
When it comes to finding the perfect venue, you are going to be limited to some extent by budget and availability but there are venues out there for all types and sizes of comedy show – you just have to find them! The first step is knowing what to look for.
Location:
Ensure that the venue is central and supported by good transport links. Even the most breath-taking building won’t sell tickets if it’s a mission to get there.
The venue:
As long as the venue facilitates entertainment shows, then anything goes. Having said that, there are some specific things you should think about when booking a comedy show venue. The room itself should be set up so that sound reverberates around the room, in particular look for venues with low ceilings and brick walls. This means that the sound of laughter and applause is emphasised, making your audience feel less self-conscious and more likely to throw themselves into the show.
If you book comedians just starting out on the circuit or more established underground talent then your venue should reflect this. Try looking for something a little out of the ordinary to get your audience talking.
It’s important to match the venue’s capacity to the type of show you are putting on. Just remember, it’s better to have a packed audience, rather than empty seats so do take note of our budgeting section later on.
Available facilities:
Most importantly, your venue should have a dedicated performance space, anything from a theatre to a function room in a pub. Try and find a venue with a Green Room so that the comedians have a space to prepare. Whatever the popularity of your acts, they probably won’t appreciate sitting out front with their audience.
When booking a venue, be sure to discuss whether the hiring fee is based on a straight booking fee or profit share. Some venues ask for a fee to hire the room and make up their money from food and drinks sales. Other venues prefer a profit split where they take a percentage of ticket sales. You should make sure that you understand this from the start so you avoid any surprising fees later down the line.
Equipment for a Comedy Night
Venues that regularly have live music will probably have their own lighting and sound equipment, but it’s always best to check what facilities they have. The following equipment is necessary for a quality comedy show:
– Spotlight and adjustable lighting
– Good quality microphones
– Microphone stands
– Raised stage or performance area
– PA system
– Music system
Once you’ve chosen your acts, you will need to revisit this list to ensure that you have all the equipment they need for their act. For example, a double act will need two microphones and two mic stands, a musical comedian will need an amp. Do the professional thing and ask the comedian what equipment they need well in advance of the show.
Budgeting for a Comedy Night
Budgeting is a crucial part of any event you put on. Without knowing your budget, you can easily make a loss before you’ve even begun. Knowing your breakeven point is essential and helps you with ticket pricing and understanding what you can afford for promotion and extras on the night. You have several costs to consider including:
– Venue hire
– Fee for your acts
– Rider
– Equipment hire