Scenario “Local Comedy Show”
This article is part of a a series: From Open Mics to Paid Gigs.
Scenario Objective
- In this simulation, you will respond to an offer for a paid gig on the Local Comedy Show
Develop a 10-minute set for amateur stand-up comedy showcases
In this comedy show scenario, you get an offer to perform a 10-minute spot on an amateur comedy showcase. The offer comes from Sophie Donnbea, host and producer of the Local Comedy Show, a monthly showcase at the LowCal Brewery in Smalltown, Co. Sophia saw you at an open mic and thinks your jokes will get enough laughs for the show.- A comedy show that features a variety of comedians can be described as a showcase.
Details about the Local Comedy Show
- WHO: Sophia Donnbea, comedian and comedy show producer
- WHAT: A 10-minute spot on a local comedy showcase. It pays $25.
- WHEN: July 14, 2021 8pm
- WHERE: LowCal Brewery, Smalltown, Colorado, USA 80977
- WHY: The LowCal Brewery offers a monthly comedy show. Sophia is the local comedian that books and hosts the show.
The Problem
The Problem
The audience didn’t laugh at last month’s comedian.
- Because some of the comedians failed to memorize their jokes, the audience stopped paying attention while the comic reviewed their notes.
- A few comedians presented unfinished ideas that did not result in laughter.
- Sophia and the headliner comedian sustained uproarious laughter for their portions of the show. Their experience suggests the crowd wanted to hear comedy and be engaged by a good performance.
The Solution | Develop a 10-minute Set
Outline a Set List
- What’s the first joke?
- Which jokes do you perform at the beginning of your set?
- Which jokes are in the middle?
- Whats the big finale?
- Do you end on laughter?
- Are you building laughs throughout your set?
Test 2-minutes of your act
- Perform at open mics and try the first 2-minutes of your act
Comedy Show Business Challenge
Book the gig
Click on the tabs to see the gig requirements.Get RehiredGet BookedNeeds Improvement
After successfully completing this simulation, you will get re-hired by exceeding expectations with an extraordinary submission:
- Sustain laughter for a comedy performance
- Joke quality exceeds expectations
- Superior professionalism
To complete this scenario, you must get booked by meeting expectations with a satisfactory submission of the following:
- Sustain laughter for a comedy performance
- Almost all of your jokes get laughs
- Effective response message
An unsuccessful attempt needs improvement:
- 10-minute set delivers inadequate amount and/or quality of laughter
- Failed to book the gig
These articles may help you with this scenario.
START HERE: From Open Mics to Paid Gigs (Series)
- Moving from Open Mics to Paid Gigs
- How some open mic comedians get booked for paid gigs
- What do you need to get booked for paid gigs?
- One secret to getting booked for your first stand-up comedy show
Scenario #1 | Local Comedy Showcase
- Differences between open mics and paid gigs
- Developing enough material for gigs
- Comedy Writing Challenge
- Show Business Challenge
Scenario #2 | Getting Booked as an Opening act
- How professional comedians adapt their material to the audience
Scenario #3 | Getting Booked at All-Stars Comedy Club
- What’s a Media Kit or EPK?
- What to do when a comedy show booker says, “Send me your avails.”
- Adapting your set for comedy clubs
Laugh, like, share.
Please share this article with comedians in your neighborhood comedy scene.
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