How to Hire a Stand Up Comedian

It's Monday morning and your boss summons you to his office to ask you a favor. He wants you to hire a stand up comedian for the upcoming office party. It's going to be a big event with the inclusion of some corporate hotshots and their families in attendance. Your boss thinks hiring a stand up comedian for the event would be a great way to show off that new and fresh vibe he's trying to promote as the company's image.The party is in 90 days. You have 10 days to secure an excellent stand up comedian for the function.

What do you know about hiring a comedian for an event? Not a thing? It doesn't matter. Your boss has complete faith in you Even though you know booking the wrong act could put you in the unemployment line, you really can't refuse.

Before you can even think about hiring a comedian, you must determine if stand up comedy is appropriate for the occasion.

Events Where Stand Up Comedy Works Well

Office Christmas or Holiday Parties

Most Corporate Events

Birthday Parties

Family Reunions

Anniversary Parties

Bachelor and Bachelorette Parties

Retirement Parties

Events Where Stand Up Comedy Does NOT Work Well

Funerals and wakes

Sweet 16 Parties

Baptisms

Weddings (There is some debate about this, but I have never known a comedian that has pulled off a successful wedding gig)

You get the idea. Sometimes hiring a stand up comedian is not in your best interest.

Know full well at the onset of your project that there is no way you are going to please everyone with your decision. All you have to worry about is pleasing your boss and not embarrassing the company.

For a corporate function, you can't go wrong with someone who works clean. That means no language or content that could be taken as dirty or offensive. There are tons of clean and clever comedians out there looking for a corporate gig. All you have to do is to find a good one.

Try the local comedy club

Most people begin their search by calling their local comedy club. That can be a good starting point, but don't let a voice on the other end of the phone make your decision for you. Is the person at the comedy club referring someone out of the goodness of their heart, or is there a financial stake in it for them?

Don't be afraid to ask questions. In fact, ask a lot of questions.

How long as the performer been in business?

Can the performer work clean?

Is there a YouTube video or website I can go to and see a few minutes of this comedian's act?

Where can I see the comedian performing live?

How much will this cost me and is there a contract?

If you decide to hire through the comedy club, I highly suggest you ask for two or three possibilities. Check out their references and whenever possible, speak to them in person.

Try an online agency

There are websites online that will put you in touch with any type of entertainment you may be looking for. Gigmasters.com and GigSalad.com are two of them. There is a lot of good information on both of these sites and a few comedians I know have gotten some great jobs from them.

Google

You can always search for comedians in your area. If budget restraints are a concern, you can usually call a good local comedian and work out a decent deal. Comedy gigs booked directly with the comedian are ALWAYS negotiable. Do not be afraid to make a counter offer. Especially in a bad economy,

Friends

Ask friends, neighbors and co-workers if they know of a comedian who would be perfect for the event. Beware of those who say "My cousin is a riot at parties. You should hire him. I bet he'd even do it for nothing." NEVER EVER hire a friend or relative you think is funny at parties. You'll always regret it.

If you're in the RI/MA area of the US, you can get in touch with me and I'll refer you to a great act for your party-no matter what the occasion. Contact me through RILaughs.com.

Ok, so you've got the comedian you want to appear at the corporate event and he/she is available that evening and at a price you are satisfied with. That should be it. Right?

Not quite.

Iron out the little details.

Does the performer require a sound system and microphone? Don't assume they will show up with one. In fact, assume nothing.

For example. Just because there will be a disc jockey at the event doesn't mean he/she will be happy (or willing) to let the comedian use their sound system for their act.

What time is the comedian scheduled to appear? For how long? Are they getting a free meal? Accommodations? Always confirm the small details up front with all parties so there are no mistakes come the night of the party. You'll be nervous enough without the added fact that the comedian doesn't have a microphone with them.

Do your homework, research well and enjoy your function.