Hi Dave – I just joined your email list. I do humor and did my first two stand-up open mics… rough crowd. Someone threw a cup of ice at one of the other comedians. My goal: to get some gigs entertaining at travel conferences. I have a bunch of funny travel stories. Any idea who I approach? A booking agent? I’m new to this, so any thoughts are appreciated. – R.R.
Traveling for work!
Hey R.R. – Only one cup of ice and you call that a rough crowd? Welcome to open mics. No wonder you’re aiming for conferences and corporate gigs. At those, the worst you’ll get is an icy stare if you’re not funny.
Here’s the thing: two open mics is a start, but you’ll need a lot more stage time to develop timing, delivery, and the ability to dodge both ice cubes and awkward silence. That only comes from performing – over and over.
Since you want to specialize in funny travel stories, focus now on two things:
- Writing – Create material that you find interesting. If it doesn’t grab you, it won’t grab the audience.
- Short sets – Start with five minutes. Think of it like writing a book: one chapter at a time. Use “color” – vivid descriptions – to take the audience on the trip with you. And make it funny.
Once you’ve got that five minutes, try it live:
- Don’t avoid traditional open-mics, but search out stage opportunities with “real” audiences (and not just other comedians waiting their turns to go on stage).
- Offer to speak for free at local business groups, networking breakfasts, luncheons, or special interest clubs. These are the “open mics” of the corporate world.
Work for free?
Why free?
Because you’re practicing, and they’re doing you the favor by giving you an audience. Keep it squeaky clean – G-rated – because in the corporate market, that’s the only way in.
When that first five minutes works, write another. Soon you’ll have ten… then fifteen… then a full conference-ready set.
Now – about booking agents.
Don’t call them yet. They need proven, audience-tested acts. You’ll know you’re ready when free gigs turn into paid ones – when people in the audience hand you their card and say, “Are you available for our event?” That’s when you start quoting fees and agents start calling you.
Bottom line:
- Think big, start small.
- Write, perform, adjust, repeat.
- Build a proven act before chasing agents.
When the offers start rolling in, you’ll be ready to ask the magic question:
“Where, when, and how much are you gonna pay me?”
*
Thanks for reading and as always – keep laughing!
For details about September 2025 stand-up comedy workshop at The Cleveland Funny Bone check out this LINK!
Click on the banner below to sign up for Dave’s free newsletter.
For comments, questions about workshops and coaching please email – Dave@TheComedyBook.com
