If you’re interested in getting booked on Louisville Laughs shows, here are some tips for getting on shows.
Do well on the Wednesday Caravan mics or Louisville Laughs mics
If I don’t see you perform, you will not be at top of mind when shows are put together.
We’d love to see you on one of our mics or other events. You can sign up for a Caravan spot by emailing CaravanOpenMic@gmail.com.
Louisville Laughs has three open mics for December. You can check them out here and sign up.
I often book comics who do well at mics. Doing “well” means consistently getting laughs, appearing comfortable and in control on stage and having unique material.
If you aren’t there yet, keep working before asking about a paid spot.
Perform in our contests
Another option to be seen and booked is to be in one of our contests. I know. Not everyone likes contests or competing, but it’s one way to be perform in front of a good crowd.
The Caravan Comedy Contest starts Jan. 2. Some spots are available. You can register here.
I admit I feel a little bad about charging people $25 to be in contests, but all that goes to prize money.
I also have seen that if people don’t have some skin in the game, about 25% to 33% of comics will just not show up, and that makes for poor shows.
Be able to work cleanish
Some audience members get turned off if comics rely on steady streams of jokes about porn and your penis size.
I may think you are hilarious but just too dirty for shows with a general audience.
Also, if you have material that makes fun of groups of people, I don’t want audience members upset and offended.
Have unique material
I like comics who let the audience see into their lives and weird world views.
When you are doing jokes about common topics like airplane food or dating apps, you are venturing into areas that many comics have trod, so your jokes better be really good.
When bookers are trying to put together a lineup, it helps if your material is memorable.
I prefer diverse shows that aren’t a parade of comics that look alike doing the same kind of stuff.
This is not a knock on the many shows that are six bald, white guys wearing flannel, as a bald white guy who wears flannel.
Be consistently funny
Some comics have material that works great for certain crowds but not others. Other comics have material that might light up a room if people are into it but gets nothing if they aren’t.
Other wing it and get the room rocking one time and not other times.
I prefer comics that can get laughs no matter the situation.
Be a draw or get people out
Hey, if you can get people out to shows, that’s awesome. Comics who are a draw or newer comics who can bring audience members have an advantage.
If you don’t have a TikTok following and have burned out all your friends and family members already, I appreciate comics who at least help to promote shows they are on.
Don’t be oversaturated in one city
I may think you’re one of Louisville’s best comics, but if I see you on shows all over town all the time, I am less likely to book you.
I’m trying to get people in the audience, and if they have already seen you twice this month, I’m less inclined to ask you on a show.
Be easy to work with
You’re on time. You don’t run the light. You don’t get too drunk or high to perform.
Y0u don’t have drama and beef with other comics. Everyone feels comfortable with you around.
Act like you’re serious about comedy
It’s cool if you just want to do open mics as a hobby. But if you want to get on other shows, I want to see that you’re working on new material and at least put on a clean shirt.
Be around
Comedy can be like real estate. Location. Location. Location. If you show up to just watch a show, you might get invited to do a spot or get booked on an upcoming show.
Out of sight, out of mind is a thing in comedy too.
Ask for a spot
Sometimes all you have to do is ask. Whenever you reach out about being booked on a show, it helps to have a decent photo of yourself and a video to prove how funny you are.
But don’t be a pest. Some comics get a reputation for asking for spots so often it’s annoying.
Comedy is hard on stage and off.
Good luck!
