You’ve done a bunch of open mics and other shows. People say you are funny. How do you get booked on comedy shows?
Keep grinding — The best way to continue to get better at comedy is to keep doing it wherever the opportunities exist. Open mics, contests, showcases, Zoom, out of town shows. Whatever works for you. You are getting better, meeting more people and developing a reputation as someone serious about comedy.
Show your face at comedy clubs/venues when you don’t have a spot. You might land one, and you also put yourself on the radar of bookers.
If you wonder why you have been sitting home for six months and no one has asked you to be on a comedy show, it’s because you have been sitting home for six months.
You notice how some people keep gobbling up all the opportunities? Because they are always busy.
Be reliable — When you do get an opportunity, be on time and ready to perform. You show up late or not at all or are too drunk or high, you make a bad impression that lasts a long time.
Reliable also means that bookers have a good idea of your comedy. If you submit a video where you do bits about puppies and butterflies and then your whole act at the retirement center is about whacking off, that may not land a second show.
Gather your tools — Most bookers will want a video of your act, so get a decent video of you doing at least 5 minutes. MAKE SURE PEOPLE ARE LAUGHING. You are submitting a video to show that you are good at comedy. And a video of you telling jokes while the crowd is silent or talking about the weather is not a good impression.
You also will want a decent photo — something that can be cropped into a headshot but is more than a headshot. And in color. I love B&W art, but you don’t want to be the only comic with a black & white photo on a flyer.
At some point, you will want an electronic press kit that contains videos of your act, photos, links to your website, social media, etc. For now, at least put together a couple paragraphs that describes your act and what makes you unique.
Reach out to bookers — If you don’t know the person booking the show, the best way to reach out asking for work is to determine how they want admissions submitted and follow that method. If they want it at the comedy club email, send a request there. Don’t send it via text to the owner’s phone number you saw on a buddy’s phone. Most comedy clubs will tell you how to submit on their websites.
Be professional when reaching out — Send an email that includes your name, a link to your video, maybe a photo and say you are interested in being a host, feature, headliner, being on a showcase whatever. Don’t volunteer to do something you can’t deliver yet.
So many people are so bad at sending emails that don’t include their name, a video or anything helpful. You can stand out immediately by being a little bit professional.
If you have credentials — won a contest, were selected for a festival, hosted at a comedy club, acting, etc. — say it. Saying you “opened” for headliners doesn’t do much except to seem like you are grasping.
Let the booker know if you can help sell tickets — “I am originally from your city, and I am sure I can get a dozen family members and friends to the show.” Just make sure you follow through.
Get out of town — Whenever you can, try to find a stage out of town. When you are there, make connections. Build a network of comedy contacts. One benefit of performing out of town is the people don’t see you as that comic who was a brand-new open micer just a few years ago. Also, you can do that bit you’ve done 1,000 times back home, and it’s fresh.
Help promote — If you are on a show, make sure to share the ticket link, flyer, etc. on social media. Heck, offer to put up posters around town. If a booker gives you a chance to be on a showcase and you haven’t lifted a finger to help generate an audience, it doesn’t sit well.
And promote shows that you aren’t on as well. You generate good will that way and may get on the next one.
Put on your own shows — A lot of folks make their own way by putting on their own open mics or shows. This isn’t for everyone. Heck, it’s not for half the people who do it. But it’s an option. Or offer to help people who do put on shows. Or find a job at a comedy club. This is a tried and true option.
Watch your social media — If you reach out about being on a show, a booker will probably check out your social media. Is your social media presence something that would make a person want to work with you or avoid you?
Be funny – This helps too.
About the author
Creig Ewing is a comedian and show producer. He has put on hundreds of open mics, showcases and comedy shows in the Louisville area. He has hosted numerous shows and has featured at The Caravan Comedy Club in Louisville. He gets a lot of seemingly positive comments on his comedy.
A list of the upcoming comedy shows and open mics in the Louisville area. If we missed your event, let us know. (Information on how to sign up for open mics at bottom).
UPCOMING SHOWS AND OPEN MICS
Wednesday, Aug. 3
7:30 p.m. — Laughs In The Lounge Comedy Open Mic with host Ed Joe Snyder and special guest Jake Hovis, The Caravan LouisvilleTicketsTo sign up for a spot email CaravanOpenMic@gmail.com
Sundays — Sunday Night, Live!, all-entertainment showcase with Uncool Randy, 21st In Germantown Message @UncoolRandy on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter
Sundays — Comedy Attack! open mic, Kaiju. First Sunday of the month. Show up and sign up
Sundays — Comedy at Ten20 Craft Brewery open mic. Every first and third Sunday at 7:30 p.m. Sign up in advance by messaging Louisville Laughs on Facebook or emailing LouisvilleLaughs2@gmail.com
Mondays — The Planet of the Tapes Monday Mic, Planet of the Tapes. Show starts at 8 p.m. Fully vaccinated individuals can message Planet of the Tapes Monday Mic or email MondayNightLateMic@gmail.com.
Tuesdays — Comedy open mic, 21st In Germantown. Show up and sign up. List out at 7:15 p.m. Show at 8 p.m. Message Ehrin Dowdle with questions.
Wednesdays — Open Mic Night at Louisville Comedy Club, 7:30 p.m. Sign up between 6:30 and 6:45 p.m. Online sign ups for shows starting in June at openmicer.com
Thursdays — Thursday Night Comedy Bites. The Bard’s Town. Show at 8 p.m. and sign ups at 7:30.
Thursdays — Comedy Open Mic at Red Top Hot Dogs, 1127 Logan Street. Show up and sign up. Sign ups at 8:30, show at 9. For information, message the Dog + Mouse House Facebook page.
Fridays — Louisville Laughs presents Never Say Die Comedy Hour (Or Two) open mic, Never Say Die bar and art gallery, 3900 Shelbyville Rd, St. Matthews. Every third Friday of the month. To sign up for a spot email LouisvilleLaughs2@gmail.com
Louisville Laughs has an exciting list of shows in August, including the opening rounds of the first Funniest Person In Louisville contest. Here is what’s on tap:
Have some laughs and help choose the Funniest Person in Louisville for 2022. Thirteen comics will compete to advance to the finals, and the audience and judges will determine who moves on.
Come cheer on the comics and enjoy great food and drinks from the Corner restaurant/bar at Aloft Louisville Downtown.
Join Louisville Laughs for the Comedy at TEN20 open mic. Comics work on their best sets, and you can enjoy laughs, craft beer and great food from MozzaPi and Happy Belly Bistro.
To sign up for a spot to perform, email LouisvilleLaughs2@gmail.com.
See you on on Aug. 18 for another popular night of laughter at Comedy Night at Gravely Brewing.
August’s standup comedy showcase features comic Jeremiah Martin of Lexington. Jeremiah is a crowd favorite who recently beat out a dozen other comics to win a comedy contest at the Louisville Comedy Club.
Also on the show is Bonita Elery, an actor and standup comic, and other favorites. Your host is Lena Beamish, a rising star in the Louisville comedy scene.
Admission is free. Tickets ensure seating. Come for the laughs, fresh beer and great food from Mayan Street Food.
See you on Aug. 21 at TEN20 Craft Brewery for our first feedback mic, where comics (and brave audience members) can give other comics suggestions, tags and punchlines for their bits.
Blake Hammond, who has a long-running feedback mic in Cincinnati, is coming to help get it started off right.
It’s another chance to help choose the Funniest Person in Louisville for 2022. Thirteen comics will compete to advance to the finals in the second competition in the opening rounds, and the audience and judges will determine who moves on.
Come cheer on the comics, have some laughs and great food and drinks from the Corner restaurant/bar at Aloft Louisville Downtown.
It’s another chance to help choose the Funniest Person in Louisville for 2022, this time at The Bard’s Town. Thirteen comics will compete to advance to the finals in the final competition of the opening rounds, and the audience and judges will determine who moves on.
Come cheer on the comics, have some laughs and great food and drinks at The Bard’s Town.
A list of the upcoming comedy shows and open mics in the Louisville area. If we missed your event, let us know. (Information on how to sign up for open mics at bottom).
UPCOMING SHOWS AND OPEN MICS
Wednesday, July 27
7:30 p.m. — Laughs In The Lounge Comedy Open Mic with host Mike Nilsson and special guest Brad Lanning, The Caravan LouisvilleTicketsTo sign up for a spot email CaravanOpenMic@gmail.com
9:30 p.m. — Louisville Fringe Fest, Down To Fringe with host Dan Alten, featuring Double Edged Stories, burlesque and a special appearance by G.L.O.B.E., The Whirling TigerTickets at the door
Sundays — Sunday Night, Live!, all-entertainment showcase with Uncool Randy, 21st In Germantown Message @UncoolRandy on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter
Sundays — Comedy Attack! open mic, Kaiju. First Sunday of the month. Show up and sign up
Sundays — Comedy at Ten20 Craft Brewery open mic. Every first and third Sunday at 7:30 p.m. Sign up in advance by messaging Louisville Laughs on Facebook or emailing LouisvilleLaughs2@gmail.com
Mondays — The Planet of the Tapes Monday Mic, Planet of the Tapes. Show starts at 8 p.m. Fully vaccinated individuals can message Planet of the Tapes Monday Mic or email MondayNightLateMic@gmail.com.
Tuesdays — Comedy open mic, 21st In Germantown. Show up and sign up. List out at 7:15 p.m. Show at 8 p.m. Message Ehrin Dowdle with questions.
Wednesdays — Open Mic Night at Louisville Comedy Club, 7:30 p.m. Sign up between 6:30 and 6:45 p.m. Online sign ups for shows starting in June at openmicer.com
Thursdays — Thursday Night Comedy Bites. The Bard’s Town. Show at 8 p.m. and sign ups at 7:30.
Thursdays — Comedy Open Mic at Red Top Hot Dogs, 1127 Logan Street. Show up and sign up. Sign ups at 8:30, show at 9. For information, message the Dog + Mouse House Facebook page.
Fridays — Louisville Laughs presents Never Say Die Comedy Hour (Or Two) open mic, Never Say Die bar and art gallery, 3900 Shelbyville Rd, St. Matthews. Every third Friday of the month. To sign up for a spot email LouisvilleLaughs2@gmail.com
A list of the upcoming comedy shows and open mics in the Louisville area. If we missed your event, let us know. (Information on how to sign up for open mics at bottom).
UPCOMING SHOWS AND OPEN MICS
Wednesday, July 20
7:30 p.m. — Laughs In The Lounge Comedy Open Mic with guest host Lena Beamish and special guest Danny Hucks, The Caravan LouisvilleTicketsTo sign up for a spot email CaravanOpenMic@gmail.com
9:30 p.m. — Louisville Fringe Fest, Down To Fringe with host Dan Alten, featuring Double Edged Stories, burlesque and a special appearance by G.L.O.B.E., The Whirling TigerTickets at the door
7 p.m. — Sunday Night, Live!, all-entertainment showcase with Uncool Randy, 21st In GermantownFree
TO SIGN UP FOR OPEN MICS
Sundays — Sunday Night, Live!, all-entertainment showcase with Uncool Randy, 21st In Germantown Message @UncoolRandy on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter
Sundays — Comedy Attack! open mic, Kaiju. First Sunday of the month. Show up and sign up
Sundays — Comedy at Ten20 Craft Brewery open mic. Every first and third Sunday at 7:30 p.m. Sign up in advance by messaging Louisville Laughs on Facebook or emailing LouisvilleLaughs2@gmail.com
Mondays — The Planet of the Tapes Monday Mic, Planet of the Tapes. Show starts at 8 p.m. Fully vaccinated individuals can message Planet of the Tapes Monday Mic or email MondayNightLateMic@gmail.com.
Tuesdays — Comedy open mic, 21st In Germantown. Show up and sign up. List out at 7:15 p.m. Show at 8 p.m. Message Ehrin Dowdle with questions.
Wednesdays — Open Mic Night at Louisville Comedy Club, 7:30 p.m. Sign up between 6:30 and 6:45 p.m. Online sign ups for shows starting in June at openmicer.com
Thursdays — Thursday Night Comedy Bites. The Bard’s Town. Show at 8 p.m. and sign ups at 7:30.
Thursdays — Comedy Open Mic at Red Top Hot Dogs, 1127 Logan Street. Show up and sign up. Sign ups at 8:30, show at 9. For information, message the Dog + Mouse House Facebook page.
Fridays — Louisville Laughs presents Never Say Die Comedy Hour (Or Two) open mic, Never Say Die bar and art gallery, 3900 Shelbyville Rd, St. Matthews. Every third Friday of the month. To sign up for a spot email LouisvilleLaughs2@gmail.com
Louisville Laughs is putting on the first Funniest Person In Louisville Contest starting in August at the Aloft Louisville Downtown and The Bard’s Town.
Comics do their best five-minute sets, and the audience and judges will determine who goes on to the final round.
Entries are filled for the opening-round contests on Aug. 4 and Aug. 25 at Aloft Louisville Downtown and Aug. 28 at The Bard’s Town.
The finals will be Sept. 17 at the Falls City Brewing Taproom featuring the 12 contestants who advanced.
All entry fees will be paid out in prize money to the top three overall finishers.
Tickets are $10 for audience members for the opening round and $15 for the finals.
A list of the upcoming comedy shows and open mics in the Louisville area. If we missed your event, let us know. (Information on how to sign up for open mics at bottom).
UPCOMING SHOWS AND OPEN MICS
Wednesday, July 13
7:30 p.m. — Laughs In The Lounge Comedy Open Mic with host Creig Ewing and special guest Zach Wycuff, The Caravan LouisvilleTicketsTo sign up for a spot email CaravanOpenMic@gmail.com
Sundays — Sunday Night, Live!, all-entertainment showcase with Uncool Randy, 21st In Germantown Message @UncoolRandy on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter
Sundays — Comedy Attack! open mic, Kaiju. First Sunday of the month. Show up and sign up
Sundays — Comedy at Ten20 Craft Brewery open mic. Every first and third Sunday at 7:30 p.m. Sign up in advance by messaging Louisville Laughs on Facebook or emailing LouisvilleLaughs2@gmail.com
Mondays — The Planet of the Tapes Monday Mic, Planet of the Tapes. Show starts at 8 p.m. Fully vaccinated individuals can message Planet of the Tapes Monday Mic or email MondayNightLateMic@gmail.com.
Tuesdays — Comedy open mic, 21st In Germantown. Show up and sign up. List out at 7:15 p.m. Show at 8 p.m. Message Ehrin Dowdle with questions.
Wednesdays — Open Mic Night at Louisville Comedy Club, 7:30 p.m. Sign up between 6:30 and 6:45 p.m. Online sign ups for shows starting in June at openmicer.com
Thursdays — Thursday Night Comedy Bites. The Bard’s Town. Show at 8 p.m. and sign ups at 7:30.
Thursdays — Comedy Open Mic at Red Top Hot Dogs, 1127 Logan Street. Show up and sign up. Sign ups at 8:30, show at 9. For information, message the Dog + Mouse House Facebook page.
Fridays — Louisville Laughs presents Never Say Die Comedy Hour (Or Two) open mic, Never Say Die bar and art gallery, 3900 Shelbyville Rd, St. Matthews. Every third Friday of the month. To sign up for a spot email LouisvilleLaughs2@gmail.com
A list of the upcoming comedy shows and open mics in the Louisville area. If we missed your event, let us know. (Information on how to sign up for open mics at bottom).
UPCOMING SHOWS AND OPEN MICS
Wednesday, July 6
7:30 p.m. — Laughs In The Lounge Comedy Open Mic with guest host Ed Joe Snyder and special guest Zach Wycuff, The Caravan LouisvilleTicketsTo sign up for a spot email CaravanOpenMic@gmail.com
7 p.m. — Sunday Night, Live!, all-entertainment showcase with Uncool Randy, 21st In GermantownFree
TO SIGN UP FOR OPEN MICS
Sundays — Sunday Night, Live!, all-entertainment showcase with Uncool Randy, 21st In Germantown Message @UncoolRandy on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter
Sundays — Comedy Attack! open mic, Kaiju. First Sunday of the month. Show up and sign up
Sundays — Comedy at Ten20 Craft Brewery open mic. Every first and third Sunday at 7:30 p.m. Sign up in advance by messaging Louisville Laughs on Facebook or emailing LouisvilleLaughs2@gmail.com
Mondays — The Planet of the Tapes Monday Mic, Planet of the Tapes. Show starts at 8 p.m. Fully vaccinated individuals can message Planet of the Tapes Monday Mic or email MondayNightLateMic@gmail.com.
Tuesdays — Comedy open mic, 21st In Germantown. Show up and sign up. List out at 7:15 p.m. Show at 8 p.m. Message Ehrin Dowdle with questions.
Wednesdays — Open Mic Night at Louisville Comedy Club, 7:30 p.m. Sign up between 6:30 and 6:45 p.m. Online sign ups for shows starting in June at openmicer.com
Thursdays — Thursday Night Comedy Bites. The Bard’s Town. Show at 8 p.m. and sign ups at 7:30.
Thursdays — Comedy Open Mic at Red Top Hot Dogs, 1127 Logan Street. Show up and sign up. Sign ups at 8:30, show at 9. For information, message the Dog + Mouse House Facebook page.
Fridays — Louisville Laughs presents Never Say Die Comedy Hour (Or Two) open mic, Never Say Die bar and art gallery, 3900 Shelbyville Rd, St. Matthews. Every third Friday of the month. To sign up for a spot email LouisvilleLaughs2@gmail.com
A list of the upcoming comedy shows and open mics in the Louisville area. If we missed your event, let us know. (Information on how to sign up for open mics at bottom).
9:30 p.m. — Stand and Deliver variety open mic Kaiju Sign ups at 9
Wednesday, June 29
7:30 p.m. — Laughs In The Lounge Comedy Open Mic with guest host Lena Beamish and special guest Chris Bowman, The Caravan LouisvilleTicketsTo sign up for a spot email CaravanOpenMic@gmail.com
7 p.m. — Sunday Night, Live!, all-entertainment showcase with Uncool Randy, 21st In GermantownFree
TO SIGN UP FOR OPEN MICS
Sundays — Sunday Night, Live!, all-entertainment showcase with Uncool Randy, 21st In Germantown Message @UncoolRandy on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter
Sundays — Comedy Attack! open mic, Kaiju. First Sunday of the month. Show up and sign up
Sundays — Comedy at Ten20 Craft Brewery open mic. Every first and third Sunday at 7:30 p.m. Sign up in advance by messaging Louisville Laughs on Facebook or emailing LouisvilleLaughs2@gmail.com
Mondays — The Planet of the Tapes Monday Mic, Planet of the Tapes. Show starts at 8 p.m. Fully vaccinated individuals can message Planet of the Tapes Monday Mic or email MondayNightLateMic@gmail.com.
Tuesdays — Comedy open mic, 21st In Germantown. Show up and sign up. List out at 7:15 p.m. Show at 8 p.m. Message Ehrin Dowdle with questions.
Wednesdays — Open Mic Night at Louisville Comedy Club, 7:30 p.m. Sign up between 6:30 and 6:45 p.m. Online sign ups for shows starting in June at openmicer.com
Thursdays — Thursday Night Comedy Bites. The Bard’s Town. Show at 8 p.m. and sign ups at 7:30.
Thursdays — Comedy Open Mic at Red Top Hot Dogs, 1127 Logan Street. Show up and sign up. Sign ups at 8:30, show at 9. For information, message the Dog + Mouse House Facebook page.
Fridays — Louisville Laughs presents Never Say Die Comedy Hour (Or Two) open mic, Never Say Die bar and art gallery, 3900 Shelbyville Rd, St. Matthews. Every third Friday of the month. To sign up for a spot email LouisvilleLaughs2@gmail.com
A list of the upcoming comedy shows and open mics in the Louisville area. If we missed your event, let us know. (Information on how to sign up for open mics at bottom).
UPCOMING SHOWS AND OPEN MICS
Wednesday, June 22
7:30 p.m. — Laughs In The Lounge Comedy Open Mic with guest host Misty Stine and special guest Jerrel Beamon, The Caravan LouisvilleTicketsTo sign up for a spot email CaravanOpenMic@gmail.com
Sundays — Sunday Night, Live!, all-entertainment showcase with Uncool Randy, 21st In Germantown Message @UncoolRandy on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter
Sundays — Comedy Attack! open mic, Kaiju. First Sunday of the month. Show up and sign up
Sundays — Comedy at Ten20 Craft Brewery open mic. Every first and third Sunday at 7:30 p.m. Sign up in advance by messaging Louisville Laughs on Facebook or emailing LouisvilleLaughs2@gmail.com
Mondays — The Planet of the Tapes Monday Mic, Planet of the Tapes. Show starts at 8 p.m. Fully vaccinated individuals can message Planet of the Tapes Monday Mic or email MondayNightLateMic@gmail.com.
Tuesdays — Comedy open mic, 21st In Germantown. Show up and sign up. List out at 7:15 p.m. Show at 8 p.m. Message Ehrin Dowdle with questions.
Wednesdays — Open Mic Night at Louisville Comedy Club, 7:30 p.m. Sign up between 6:30 and 6:45 p.m. Online sign ups for shows starting in June at openmicer.com
Thursdays — Thursday Night Comedy Bites. The Bard’s Town. Show at 8 p.m. and sign ups at 7:30.
Thursdays — Comedy Open Mic at Red Top Hot Dogs, 1127 Logan Street. Show up and sign up. Sign ups at 8:30, show at 9. For information, message the Dog + Mouse House Facebook page.
Fridays — Louisville Laughs presents Never Say Die Comedy Hour (Or Two) open mic, Never Say Die bar and art gallery, 3900 Shelbyville Rd, St. Matthews. Every third Friday of the month. To sign up for a spot email LouisvilleLaughs2@gmail.com
