By Creig Ewing
You started your comedy journey and performed at open mics. Congratulations. Now you want to get booked on other shows. Here is what you’re going to need to reach out and get those spots:
What newer comics need
A decent photo of yourself
If you’re booked my show, I will want to put your photo on a flyer. Don’t make me search through Facebook for the only photo of you in focus and have to crop out the wedding party.
It’s amazing how many comics don’t have a decent photo of themselves.
A video of yourself performing
If I don’t know you, I will want to see a video of you on stage. So make sure you have a video that represents you well.
I get lots of emails from comics telling me how funny they are. Sorry, that don’t cut it. Send a video.
If your video was taken from your phone in the back of the room where I can hear audience members talking while you are performing, that’s not good. If I can’t hear the audience laughing, that’s also not good.
A pair of pants
If you’re going to be on a paid show, don’t show up in shorts or sweatpants. C’mon.
A good email address
You may need to email bookers to ask about being on shows. When I get emails from SusanSmith@hotmail.com and your name is Bob Jones, I get confused.
Or if your email is fantasysportschamp#1@aol.com, maybe change it to something more professional and easier to find.
Many times I have tried to email Bob Jones back to put him on a show and can’t find his email. Make it easy.
Ability to remember your jokes
You may have the greatest jokes in the world, so commit them to memory. Don’t expect to get booked if you have to read material from your phone on stage.
At least a solid 5 minutes of material
I know you are eager to get your career in gear, but you should have at least 5 minutes of solid material before you ask for even a guest spot on a show.
This means people are laughing where they are supposed to laugh at your jokes. If you don’t know where they are supposed to laugh or think they should be laughing at everything, you aren’t there yet.
A bit of stage presence
You should be somewhat comfortable and confident on stage — or appear so. You should remember to put the microphone behind you and look at the audience.
This gets easier the more experience you have.
What newer comics DON’T need
A stage name
Sure, lots of successful comics have stage names, but you don’t need one. If at some point you decide you want to be Reuben Sandwich The Comedian, you can always change.
But if you are starting out in comedy and want people you know to come to your shows and be able to promote them, they may not know you are Fat Guy With Glasses The Comic.
You’re in show business. Not witness protection. If you don’t want anyone you know to see you on stage, why would I want to book you?
A dedicated comedy page or website
Sure, at some point when you are a feature or a headliner, you will want to have your own comedy Facebook page and website, but not after your first open mic.
A podcast
Everyone has one, and you can join the fun at some point. But get some experience first.
Now go out and get a decent photo, video and pair of pants. Pants first.
