Category Archives: opening act

Scoring an MC spot at an “A-List” comedy club

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Hey Dave – My goal is to host a show at one of the top clubs. I have video that I can submit and if nothing else, it will be good to get some feedback and be told what I have to do to get work there. In saying that, do you know how to go about submitting videos to the clubs and what should accompany it, i.e. bio, pics, etc.? If you know who the contacts for the club may be or how to find that info that would be great as well. Thanks for your continued support in the comedy scene and I hope you are well. Talk to you soon – C.J.

Make sense? I’ll try my best…

Hey C.J. – Thanks for the support and well wishes. In answer to both I can say I’m trying my best…

And another thanks for your question since it gives me a chance to combine two past articles into a (hopefully) working answer. Make sense? Again, I’ll try my best…

Usually with the major clubs, the headliners and most features (middle acts) are booked through a corporate office. They have a talent coordinator who books all the clubs in their chain. Opening acts are mostly local or within driving distance and are booked by the club’s in house manager. The opening acts don’t get flown in or put up in five star hotels, if you know what I mean.

When you’re going for an opening (host / MC) spot at an “A-Room” (pick the top club in your area) it’s about the total package. Yeah, of course you have to be a good comic with experience. But you also have to show that in your submission to even be considered. These bookers are not going to hire someone who’s not ready to play their club. The audiences pay for and expect a professional comedy show. And even though the openers won’t have the television and/or film credits the headliners or some features have, audiences are also not paying big $$’s to watch an amateur night.

Know what I mean?

Get on stage!

You should have experience and a list of credits from playing smaller clubs first, before you approach the “big guys.”

I was on a panel at a comedy festival a number of years ago with the manager of a major club and an owner of another. One of them – in a very polite way – talked about the smaller clubs being like the minor leagues. He was comparing it to baseball. Get your experience there first to prove you can do it before trying to move up to the major leagues.

Assuming you’ve done that – here’s a game plan for your question.

In past articles I’ve talked about doing “face time” (networking) in comedy clubs. Another favorite topic is promotional material. Now it’s time to combine…

I suggest calling the club and asking the proper way to submit a video for a showcase (audition). The people answering the phones will know – because this is a question they get all the time from comedians. Follow what they say.

Based on the two major clubs in my area, there can be two different scenarios. One is doing face time. For instance, one of the clubs has a bringer showcase once a month. Bringer, meaning you must bring x-amount of paying audiences members to get stage time. I won’t discuss the pros and cons of that now, because I’ve also done that in past FAQs And Answers and on my YouTube Channel (How To Be A Working Comic #25). Let’s just agree it is what it is – and the only way you’ll be seen on stage at this particular club.

Play the game (pay the admission for your friends if you have to) and get on stage. At least you’ll be seen by someone connected with the club. Afterward do some face time and network with whomever is in charge of the show. Ask them what your next step is (you asked about getting feedback, so this is your opportunity) or how to be considered as an opening act during one of their regular shows.

Who knows? They might offer you a gig based on your performance (best scenario), say you’re not ready (worst scenario), or ask you to send them a video for more review. That last one’s okay because you’re still in the game. It’s also what you’d have to do for the other club I’m thinking about anyway, so here’s how that’s gonna work…

Again, you might want to consider starting with some face time. Go to a show and keep an eye out for a manager. Another hint – from experience – do this on a “one-show night.” Fridays and Saturdays usually mean multiple shows in the major clubs and everything is more hectic. Go on a Wednesday, Thursday or Sunday and chances are better you’ll get a minute or two with the person in charge.

Then ask:

What’s the best way to get a showcase or submit a video?

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Again, from experience – because comics ask all the time – they’ll tell you. Follow what they say. If the club doesn’t offer a showcase night, ask if they accept submissions via email and get the email address.

I also suggest you have a dedicated website for your comedy submissions. A certain comedy club I’ve worked for won’t even consider booking a comedian – including an opening act – without one. If you’re working off a Facebook page or other social media site, it doesn’t show them you are serious about your career if you haven’t taken that step as a professional. And if you’re not sure what to include on a website, just check out websites by “working” comedians or pick up a copy of my book How To Be A Working Comic.

Some comics might tell you this is not necessary since all the booker is interested in is your video. But here’s another hint from experience. To stand out from the crowd (and they get a lot of videos) you should make the extra effort. It makes you look more professional and that’s how you want them to see you.

Again – none of these top clubs are interested in hiring an amateur.

If they tell you to submit a video via email, send a link to your website that includes your video. Yeah, you can probably just email a link to your video on YouTube – if that’s really how you want to play this opportunity. But again, it won’t look as professional.

And for some of you, don’t let the idea of having a website throw you off your game. They’re easy and inexpensive. Check out WordPress and some of the others available for this.

Talent bookers will understand (they should) that you’re not a headliner or feature act because you’re asking for an opportunity to be an opening act (MC). They shouldn’t expect all the “bells and whistles” of a big-time headliner website.  But since these are “A-Clubs” we’re talking about, they will expect you to be further along in your career than doing open-mics and using a Facebook page as your business site.

If you don’t get a response from your submission, stay in touch without being a pain in the you-know-what. An email or postcard every couple weeks should work.

But again, networking REALLY helps. If you’re part of your area comedy scene you probably know some of the comics who open at these clubs. If you see them at the open-mics or some of the other clubs – and they like your sets (important to know first!) – ask if they can throw in a good word for you with the booker. As I’ve written in the past, a personal recommendation from someone who already works at the club can be your Golden Ticket. That can either get you a showcase or have your video watched a lot faster than anything I just mentioned above.

Thanks for reading and as always – keep laughing!!

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When a club booker asks, “How much do you want?”

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Hi Dave – The talent booker for a comedy club sent me the following: “How long is your routine and how much would you want to come to (city) to do a show?” I do 45 minutes to an hour, but on the money question I have no idea how to answer them. Obviously, I’d want enough to cover airfare. Between you and me, I’d stay with my grandmother who lives near the city. Any ideas? Thanks! – B.K.

How much’ya want?

Hey B.K. – I know the club you’re talking about. They’ve been around for years and have a solid reputation. Since you didn’t mention this being a one-night private event or corporate booking, I’m assuming they’re asking about a weekend at the club.

And right away, you’ve run into one of the oldest games in show business.

The talent booker asked you a very open-ended question:

“How much would you want?”

That puts the pressure entirely on you.

Meanwhile, the person asking already knows the going rate for openers, features, and headliners because he’s been booking and paying comedians for years. Clubs that operate every weekend know exactly what comics are worth in their market.

So why ask you?

Because there’s always the chance you’ll come in low just to get the booking.

That’s especially common with newer comedians. Most comics who are still building credits don’t want to scare off a club by quoting too high a number. They’re thinking:

“I just want to get in the door. I’ll negotiate more money later.”

And honestly, that’s understandable.

This is part of the ongoing push-and-pull between bookers and developing talent. Comics with major credits, television exposure, and audience-drawing power can often name their price. Newer comics usually can’t.

That’s simply the reality of the business.

Years ago, when I was booking talent for The Great Lakes Comedy Festival, I contacted representatives for two major television stars for theater appearances. These were household names with hit sitcoms and enormous popularity.

The fees I was quoted were enormous — far beyond the budget of a startup comedy festival. One package even included a private jet to fly the comedian in and out the same night.

And none of it was negotiable.

As long as I’m on TV I set my own price, man!

That’s what leverage looks like at the top level.

But for newer comedians and speakers, the key is learning how to ask better business questions instead of immediately throwing out a number.

Start with this:

“How many shows are you looking for me to do?”

That matters.

Five shows over a weekend is very different from one showcase appearance.

Then ask:

“What do you usually pay your first-time headliners, features, or openers?”

That’s a fair and professional question.

You should also do some research. If you know comedians who have worked the club — and you’re on good enough terms to ask — find out what the club typically pays.

Comedians don’t have a union. Information is often the only leverage performers have.

That said, be respectful. Some entertainers are private about money, and that’s understandable too. Don’t push if someone seems uncomfortable discussing it.

Ideally, the club would simply make an offer upfront:

“This is what we pay first-time features.”

That would make life easier for everyone.

But in the real world, bookers often want to see whether a comedian will undersell themselves first.

You’ll hear this same approach in the corporate, cruise, and college markets too. The difference is that established comedians in those worlds usually already have a set fee structure and know how to negotiate travel, hotel, meals, merchandise percentages, and other expenses.

Club work can be trickier because rates vary wildly depending on the venue, city, audience size, and your drawing power.

A comic consistently earning $1,000 a weekend has established a market value. A comic who’s still building credits may have less negotiating power — especially if the club is taking a chance on booking them for the first time.

That’s why you also have to look at the bigger picture.

Ask yourself:

  • Is this a strong credit for my resume?
  • Will I meet people who could help me get more work?
  • Is this an opportunity to expand into a new market?
  • Would I enjoy the trip personally?
  • Does staying with family reduce my expenses enough to make the deal worthwhile?

In your case, staying with your grandmother could actually become part of the negotiation.

If the club normally provides a hotel room, you might save them money by not needing one. The same goes for transportation if you can borrow a car while you’re there.

But here’s an important reality in today’s comedy world:

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A lot of clubs no longer cover airfare the way they once did.

That means you absolutely need to calculate your expenses before agreeing to anything. Know what the trip will realistically cost you. Then compare that number against whatever offer the club makes.

From there, the final question becomes simple:

“Is this worth it for me right now?”

Only you can answer that.

My advice is to stay professional, be honest, and avoid throwing out a random number too quickly. Ask what they’re offering first. Let the booker show his cards before you show yours.

Then negotiate from a position of information — not insecurity.

Thanks for reading and as always – keep laughing!!

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Running The Light (Going Over Your Time On Stage)

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Hey Dave – Without revealing my secret identity, I heard you talking recently about a comedian who went way over his time on stage—and you didn’t sound too happy about it. Safe to say he overstayed his welcome. Care to elaborate? – G.

Did someone give me the light?

Hey G – “Secret identity?” What is this, a spy novel? Don’t worry – I’ll protect your cover. But if you were really undercover, you’d know better than to eavesdrop on my conversations. I tend to go long.

Speaking of going long…

Want to guarantee you won’t get booked again? Ignore the light. Stay on stage. Do another 10… 20… maybe 60 minutes. After all, the audience obviously can’t get enough of you, right?

(And just in case sarcasm doesn’t translate in print – insert a big NOT! right there.)

Here’s the reality: stand-up may be a creative art, but it operates within a very structured business. And one of the biggest unwritten rules is simple – respect your time on stage.

Yes, there are exceptions. If you’re selling out arenas or headlining major tours, audiences expect a longer “concert-style” experience. Think of Bruce Springsteen playing three-hour shows – fans love it, and they paid for it.

But unless you’re at that level, stick to your set time.

Why? Because behind every comedy show is a tightly run operation. Clubs run on schedules – doors open, shows start, staff works, and everything from the kitchen to the bar to the box office is timed around the performance.

Only NO fans!

When a comic goes long, it throws everything off:

  • The box office has already closed
  • Food and drink service has ended
  • Staff is waiting (on the clock) with no way to earn tips
  • The next audience is lining up while the current one is still inside

And here’s something a lot of performers don’t realize: clubs build in “check spots” so customers can pay before the show ends. Run long, and you increase the chances of people slipping out without paying – which often comes out of the server’s pocket.

Not exactly a standing ovation from the staff.

I once had a comedian tell me he was “helping the club” by going an hour over – giving the bar more time to sell drinks. That logic deserves a bigger laugh than anything he said on stage.

The business simply doesn’t work that way.

The same goes for corporate and college gigs. Those events run on tight schedules. Go short, you risk not getting paid. Go long, you risk never getting invited back.

Bottom line:

Time isn’t just a suggestion – it’s part of the job.

For newer comics especially, sticking to your time on stage shows professionalism. It tells bookers and managers you understand how the business works – and that you won’t create problems.

And that’s what keeps you working.

I could go on… but I’ll do something that comic didn’t do.

I’ll stick to my time.

Thanks for reading and as always – keep laughing!!

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