Hola Dave – When meeting a booker, agent, or manager for the first time, are there any important questions a comedian should ask? Should those questions be different depending on who you’re talking to? I’m attending a comedy festival that will be loaded with scouts, and I’d like to be prepared. – A
Who’s askin’?
Hey A – Great question. As I mentioned in my reply to A’s email, I’ve usually been sitting on the other side of the table – as the booker or agent. I’ve also worked with speakers, musicians, and variety acts, so I can tell you what typically happens during that first conversation.
If I couldn’t see a performer live, I’d watch a video. If the act looked promising, I’d review the promotional material – credits, recommendations, training, media appearances, and other experience. If everything suggested a good fit for a particular market, whether comedy clubs, colleges, or corporate events, I’d schedule a phone call or meeting.
That’s a pretty standard process.
During that conversation, I wanted to know where the comedian had performed, what types of venues they worked, and whether they were an opener, feature, or headliner. If we were in the same city, I’d arrange to see them perform live. If we were hundreds of miles apart, video became the deciding factor.
One thing many newer comedians don’t realize is how much this business runs on referrals. Bookers, agents, and producers constantly call each other asking, “Have you worked with this comic?” or “Do you know anything about this performer?”
Do Your Homework First
I’ve got questions!
Many of your questions can actually be answered before you ever introduce yourself.
If you haven’t heard of an agent or booker, research them online. Legitimate industry professionals usually have websites, client lists, social media, or production credits. Find out who they represent and what markets they work in.
Also, talk to other working comedians and speakers. Conversations about agents, bookers, and managers happen constantly. You’ll hear success stories, horror stories, and everything in between. I learned as much sitting around The Improv talking with comics as I ever did in an office.
The Best Question You Can Ask
If I could recommend asking only one question, it would be this:
“What markets do you specialize in?”
That answer tells you almost everything.
When I worked in New York and Los Angeles, most agents were focused on television, major comedy clubs, and entertainment opportunities. Later, when I moved to the Midwest, I discovered agencies I’d never even heard of that were incredibly successful booking colleges and corporate events.
When I became involved with the college market through NACA, I discovered many college agents had little interest in television or Hollywood. Their entire business was booking campuses nationwide, and they were excellent at it.
The lesson?
If your goal is television, you need someone who specializes in television.
If your goal is corporate events, colleges, cruise ships, or theaters, you need someone who has relationships in those markets.
Not every representative is built for every career path.
What Not to Ask
At a first meeting, avoid bringing up commissions, contract percentages, or deal terms unless they introduce the subject first.
If they’re interested in working with you, those conversations will happen naturally. That’s the time to accept, negotiate, or walk away – not during a casual meet-and-greet at a festival.
Remember, the first conversation is usually about getting acquainted. They’ll probably be asking far more questions than you are.
Answer honestly, present yourself professionally, and avoid overselling. Confidence is attractive. Desperation isn’t.
Ask Questions That Fit Your Career
The best questions are always personal to your goals.
Since I know the comedian who sent today’s question – and I also know “Hola” isn’t in my English dictionary – I suggested he ask whether they work in the Latino entertainment market. That’s a huge opportunity, and if that’s part of his career vision, it’s important to know whether a potential representative has the connections to help him succeed in both English and Spanish speaking markets.
The right agent isn’t simply someone who can book you.
It’s someone who can book your career.
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One More Story…
One of my closest friends in New York studied acting at the University of Miami. One of his classmates was a bilingual Cuban actor named Rocky Echevarria.
Early in his career, Rocky found success in Spanish language television. But his agent believed he could also break into mainstream American film and television, so they aggressively pursued English speaking roles.
Rocky eventually changed his professional name to Steven Bauer and landed the role of Manny opposite Al Pacino in Scarface.
Could another agent have helped him get there? Maybe.
But the important point is this: his representative had a vision that matched his long-term career goals – not just his current opportunities.
The Bottom Line
Whenever you have the chance to meet an agent, manager, or talent booker, don’t focus on what they can do for you next week.
Find out where they work, who they represent, and whether their strengths align with the career you’re trying to build.
The right representative can open doors.
The wrong one may keep you knocking on the same doors for years.
Choose wisely – and don’t be afraid to ask the questions that matter.
Thanks for reading and as always – keep laughing!!
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