Hi Dave – I’m a new comic – elderly- but enjoying it a lot. Last year I entered a competition, and I got into the semi finals. It was quite exciting. This year they are having it again and I thought it would be fun to enter again to keep up the momentum and get back in shape. I have responded to the organizer over 3 times and did not get an answer. I now see they have posted the lineup, and I am not to be found. I sent him another note and still no response. What do I do in a situation like this? Is it because he doesn’t like me or something? Or that I was too old? I think it’s terrible that I don’t get an answer. What would you do, or better yet, what should I do? Thanks for your help. – D.
How rude can someone be??
Hey D. – Okay, I’ll probably hear from some of my talent booker friends (and maybe a few non-friends) about this one. But what the heck. I’ll give you my thoughts and let the chips fall where they may.
And by the way, chips is a much more polite word than the one I was tempted to use!
To put it simply, I think this person is being unprofessional and rude.
When I hear about comedians who have worked with an organizer in the past but can’t get any kind of response from that person, I have a problem with it. This kind of treatment naturally sends all sorts of questions and doubts through a performer’s mind.
In your case, you made it to the semifinals of one of this person’s previous competitions. So chances are pretty good he knows who you are. But his silence has you wondering whether he doesn’t like you or whether you’re simply too old.
That’s unfortunate. And it’s completely unnecessary.
I’ve seen comedians practically stress themselves out because they’ve worked hard at what they do and followed all the submission policies, rules, and procedures established by organizers. They make the effort to contact someone about a potential opportunity, only to receive absolutely nothing in return.
Now, I’m assuming that when you use the term “organizer,” you’re talking about a smaller local event or festival. Like newer comedians, this person could be on the way to bigger things. Or perhaps organizing this competition is the height of his career in booking talent.
So tired of waiting…
Either way, if he plans to stay in this crazy business, let’s hope he learns something about being professional when dealing with performers.
Let me explain what I mean.
It’s important to understand that BIG talent agencies and BIG comedy club bookers are extremely busy. I know because I’ve done it. They receive so many unsolicited phone calls, emails, and submissions that it’s simply impossible to personally respond to everyone. There aren’t enough hours in the workday. Seriously.
When I worked with A&E’s An Evening at the Improv, we received a constant flow of comedian submissions. I watched them all—that was part of my job—but I couldn’t possibly call everyone who sent something in.
However, I kept notes while watching the submissions. So when comedians followed up, I could at least give them some kind of response. It might not have been what they wanted to hear, but I didn’t think it was fair to simply brush them off with the silent treatment.
And you know what? I still maintain that many of the bookers and agents I knew in New York and Los Angeles operated the same way. Even the BIG names had assistants who delivered the good news or the bad news about bookings.
In fact, I’m sure that’s where I learned the importance of this policy. I considered those people professionals, and that’s how they conducted their business.
If a performer has made the effort to submit their work, they deserve some kind of response.
Now, let me make one important distinction.
Almost all the business today is conducted online. Many bookers and agencies don’t even list phone numbers on their websites. Everything is handled through email, submission links, and websites. Some of the larger agencies even require comedians to complete online submission forms without ever revealing an email address.
Yes, this can be frustrating for comedians and speakers who want to make immediate contact. But those forms are often programmed to send an automatic acknowledgment that the submission has been received and that someone will make contact if there’s interest.
At least it’s a response!
In my book, that’s a whole lot better than silence.
I know an extremely busy and important talent booker in the Midwest who simply cannot respond personally to every comedian who wants to work for him. He doesn’t have a submission form on his website, but he does provide specific instructions about what he needs to consider someone for possible bookings.
If he receives a submission and decides the comedian isn’t ready to work in his clubs, that performer receives a prewritten email explaining the decision.
Again, at least it’s a response.
If he decides to work with a new comedian—or even someone who has worked for him in the past—he asks them to stay in touch once a month by emailing their avails. That’s comedy business shorthand for the dates you’re available to work.
He works with too many comedians to send everyone an individual email. But he’s professional enough to have an automatic acknowledgment sent to each comic letting them know their availability has been received and that he’ll contact them if something becomes available.
And there’s more.
He also establishes specific times each week when he’ll accept phone calls. Those hours are posted on his website.
If you call outside those hours and don’t receive a response, well, that’s on you. Read the instructions and follow them!
I’ve talked with quite a few comedians who work for this booker, and they’re very happy with the arrangement. In fact, I’d even say some are relieved to receive a response. They like knowing their emails aren’t disappearing into some cyberspace black hole, never to be seen or acknowledged by someone they hope will become a future business partner.
Which brings us back to your situation.
You’ve contacted this organizer at least four times, and he hasn’t bothered to respond. That’s where I draw the line between someone who’s simply too busy to answer every inquiry and someone who isn’t making an effort to communicate with performers he’s already worked with.
Unlike the agents and bookers receiving hundreds of unsolicited submissions, this person has a history with you. You made it to the semifinals of his previous competition. You aren’t a complete stranger asking him to watch your first video.
I don’t know why he hasn’t responded. Maybe he doesn’t like your comedy. Maybe he has other reasons for putting together this year’s lineup. Maybe he simply isn’t very good at communicating.
But here’s what I want you to understand: Don’t automatically assume it’s because you’re too old or that there’s something wrong with you.
You don’t know that. And you shouldn’t let someone’s lack of communication undermine your confidence as a performer.
Of course, there could be other factors involved. As I’ve advised in these articles and in the marketing sections of my books, you never want to become a pain in the you-know-what. I’ll assume you’ve read those sections and know exactly what I mean.
There’s a difference between following up professionally and repeatedly demanding an answer. You’ve made several attempts. At this point, I’d stop contacting him.
The lineup has been posted. You weren’t included. That’s disappointing, but it’s also an answer of sorts.
Move on.
And even if the organizer doesn’t like your comedy or doesn’t want to work with you again, I still believe that if you’ve had a previous working relationship, you deserve some kind of professional acknowledgment.
I also consider that part of the job. Goodwill, reputation, contacts, and networking count for a lot in this business.
Here’s another thought.
Someday you might become a headliner. And someday that same organizer might decide he’d like to book you. You’ll remember how he treated you when you were starting out.
Your fee might suddenly be a little higher for this guy than it would be for someone else.
And don’t laugh. I’ve seen it happen!
One last word.
To make it in this crazy business, you have to develop a thick skin. You’ll probably hear “no” a lot more often than you’ll hear “yes,” especially when you’re starting out.
And there will be times when you don’t hear anything at all. Just the sounds of silence.
And I don’t mean Simon & Garfunkel!
Yes, I think some of that silence is unprofessional and downright rude. But the unfortunate reality is that sometimes it’s just part of the business.
Don’t let it stop you.
You made it to the semifinals last year. That’s something to feel good about. Keep writing, keep performing, keep getting better, and keep looking for opportunities with people who appreciate what you bring to the stage.
And one more thing: Don’t let anyone else’s failure to communicate become your reason to stop pursuing your comedy career.
You’re having fun. You’re getting stage time. You’re making progress.
That’s what matters.
Thanks for reading and as always – keep laughing!!
*
Click on the banner below to sign up for Dave’s free newsletter.
