How some open mic comedians get booked for paid gigs

This article is part of a a series: From Open Mics to Paid Gigs.

Booking Objective

Follow a real-life booking scenario to find how some open mic comedians get booked for paid gigs.

Recently, I needed to book two comedians in a hurry.

That’s how some open mic comedians get booked for paid gigs!

It was early in the afternoon, when family emergencies caused both of my opening acts to cancel their appearance at the evening’s gig. After an hour of messaging professional comedians, I asked my client if I could book some of the best acts that perform on my open mic comedy show. Some lucky, new comedian might get booked for a paying gig.

To book a comedian means to hire.

Why was I considering open mic comedians for a professional show?

My client understood the last minute urgency and agreed that amateur comedians could fill-in, if I thought they could do well. Here’s why I considered some of these open mic comics for a pro gig:

One comedian was considered because their material was clean enough.
Others were considered because they have some funny jokes.
Some comedians were considered because they act professionally.

In the end, you didn’t get the gig which is a major bummer. It would have been so fun to have you!!! And, that’s why we’re connecting through this online course. We want to get you booked for gigs!

Who's booking your for gigs? A comedian answers the call...

Here’s how you could get that gig, and other gigs just like it:

Develop 10-minutes of funny material that sustains laughter throughout your part of the show.
Perform comedy that relates to audiences that buy tickets.
My favorite comedians to work with get big laughs on topics that I’m not covering.
Get great reviews. Make the audience tell me to book you again.
Talk to me about jokes and show business. I’m trying to hire you.
I know that you are new. Some of my customers and audience love that about you.
On my shows, people expect to see an opening act that goes on to comedic success.

Comedy Writing Challenge

Think about this scenario:

A comedian messages you for a gig that pays well. The show is tonight at 9pm, a 1-hour drive from your home. The show requires clean humor that is uniquely funny, critically brilliant, and sustain uproarious laughter for 10-minutes. You cannot say or do anything that gets a groan, eww, or complaint.

What are the minimum requirements for this gig?

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Answer:

Based on the conditions outlined in the booking scenario, you’ll need to meet the following requirements:

10-minutes of uproariously funny material
Availability tonight at 8pm
Transportation to a location 1-hour’s drive from your home
A telephone number, email and professional business contact information so you can get paid.
The ability to comprehend these requirements and rate your ability to meet them.
Professional communication skills to quickly say yes or no to the gig.
The good humor to be able to hear that I’ve had to book someone else for the gig.
Agreement to the payment terms and content requirements.

You probably have most of this stuff handled. The hardest part is confidently delivering 10-minutes of material and getting laughs. The work you are doing on open mics is helping you get funnier. As comedians get to know you and your humor, they may find the need to book you.

Comedy Show Business Quiz

True or false:

The payment process is part of professional comedy show business.

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Answer: True

In general business terms, payment is a professional activity. Comedians get paid for gigs. Customers buy tickets. Audience members buy drinks and food. Comedy clubs send dues to Satan. It’s all part of professional comedy show business.

Congratulations! You completed this section!

Now that you’ve conquered this first challenge. you can successfully complete the rest of this series.