Hey Dave – You’ve mentioned before about personalizing material for corporate shows. When comedians talk about “knowing your audience,” does that mean they need entirely different acts for different audiences? Thanks – S.A.

Hey S.A. – Not necessarily. It depends on the material, delivery, and audience. Some comedians seamlessly “cross over,” appealing to diverse crowds. Others stick to a specific niche, knowing where they fit best and where they won’t be well-received.

For example:

• An X-rated comedian won’t be booked for a church show.
• A Christian comedian likely won’t perform at an adults-only, X-rated event.

That’s common sense in the industry. If a comedian doesn’t recognize this, they’re in for a tough career lesson. However, it’s also crucial to understand that…

Comedians Must Stay True to Their Voice

Some comics refuse to change their stage persona or material just to cater to an audience that doesn’t align with their style. Others, however, recognize that slight adjustments in material and delivery can open doors to more bookings.

It’s a personal choice. I’m just letting you know there are options.

Why Customize Material?

Experienced comedians and speakers often tailor their performances for two key reasons:

1. It can lead to more paid bookings.
2. It can justify charging a higher fee.

Let’s focus on that second point. Higher fees tend to get a comedian’s attention, especially in the well-paying corporate market. Event planners may approach you for a booking, and you could charge one fee for your standard act. However, if they request a customized show tailored to their industry—whether it’s financial investors, gourmet chefs, or flight attendants—you can charge a higher fee.

Selling the Customization

The key selling point is that personalization requires extra effort. You’d need to research the company, modify your material, and incorporate industry-specific details into your set. This might include:

• Mentioning the company’s name and industry.
• Referencing their clients, competitors, or workplace culture.
• Using inside jokes about employees or the city they’re based in.

Since this level of customization takes additional time and effort, you can justify a higher rate. If the client finds it too expensive, you can negotiate—offering your regular act at your standard fee while keeping customization as an added premium.

Customization vs. A Different Act

Personalizing your material means tailoring it to your audience, but it doesn’t mean writing an entirely different act. It’s about adaptability.

A comedian friend of mine (featured in my book How To Be A Working Comic) is a master at this. He has decades of material and could perform a different set every night. Yet, he maintains a consistent comedy voice.

He might not be an expert on investment banking, gourmet cooking, or airline crew life, but he can make an audience of bankers, chefs, or flight attendants laugh. That’s what he’s paid to do.

He seamlessly shifts between:

• A raunchy, X-rated midnight comedy club set.
• A clean, corporate-friendly performance the next day.

His topics—his upbringing, family, and personal experiences—remain the same. The difference? His language and delivery. At the comedy club, he may use explicit language and edgier jokes. At a corporate event, he removes the “F-bombs” and adjusts his tone, keeping the humor intact.

Finding Your Approach

Would this strategy work for you? It depends on your style and audience.

• If minor tweaks make your material work across different settings, you don’t need entirely separate acts.
• If your material isn’t adaptable, you might need distinct sets for clubs, corporate gigs, or colleges (many comics do this).
• If you prefer sticking to one niche, that’s fine too.

Some comedians prioritize creative freedom over marketability. Others use well-paid corporate gigs to fund their passion for uncensored, late-night comedy. The choice is yours.

Thanks for reading – and keep laughing!

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For comments, questions about workshops and coaching please email – Dave@TheComedyBook.com