Hi Dave – I hope you’re doing well! I’m reaching out for advice about when it’s the right time to start applying for MC spots at larger comedy clubs. I’ve made a conscious effort to stay grounded and not take on opportunities before I’m truly ready. While this approach has helped me grow steadily, I sometimes wonder if I’m being too cautious.

Recently, I won two comedy contests without bringing anyone or knowing anyone in the audience, which felt like a notable achievement. It’s given me some confidence, but I’m unsure if these wins mean I’m ready to approach bigger clubs or if there’s more I should do to prepare.

What’s your perspective on the right timing and readiness for making this leap? I’d greatly value your insights. Thanks so much – DC

Hi DC – Thanks for bringing up this great question—it reminds me of a close friend who moved too quickly into the bigger comedy clubs before he was fully prepared. Unfortunately, this misstep left him stuck in what I call “Bad First Impression Land.” In his case, this happened in New York City, where first impressions can make or break a career.

Here’s his story:

My friend had been doing comedy sporadically for about five or six years before I met him. At the time, I was managing a small comedy club in the Gramercy Park area and invited him to perform. From his first set, it was clear he had star potential. He completely tore the house down—the audience loved him, his material was strong, and he had a natural stage presence. It was obvious he had the skills and experience, which made me wonder why he was available to perform for free at a smaller venue on a prime Saturday night.

A few months later, I secured a major connection at one of New York City’s top comedy clubs. For context, this was the kind of club where just getting an audition could be career changing. Because of my connection, I could bypass the usual process and get my friend a guest spot—a potential golden ticket to becoming a paid regular.

To my surprise, my friend hesitated. He explained that years earlier, when he had only done a few open mics, he thought he was ready for the big leagues. After some initial crowd laughs at small venues, he assumed he was a natural and started auditioning at major clubs.

At the time, NYC clubs often used a lottery system for auditions. Comics would line up once a month, regardless of the weather—whether in sweltering summer heat or freezing winter temperatures. They’d draw from a champagne bucket filled with blank pieces of paper, with only about 15 containing audition numbers. If you pulled a number, you got your shot that night.

Unfortunately, my friend’s early auditions didn’t go well.

Lacking polished material and experience, he didn’t leave a strong impression. The club staff and bookers remembered him for those shaky performances, and his reputation was set. Even years later, when his skills had significantly improved, that first impression stuck and kept him from advancing in those venues.

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This story serves as a reminder: moving too quickly can sometimes do more harm than good. It’s crucial to assess not only your readiness but also the lasting impact of how you present yourself at pivotal moments.

My friend learned the hard way about the importance of timing and preparation in comedy. Early in his career, he managed to pull audition slots at some of New York City’s top comedy clubs—a rare opportunity. Unfortunately, he had only performed three times before stepping into these high-stakes auditions.

Predictably, the results weren’t good. Without enough stage time or solid material, he bombed in front of some of the most influential club owners and bookers in the industry. Unlike the forgiving environment of open mics, where comics often perform for peers, this was a real audience with real expectations—and he wasn’t ready to meet them.

Years later, after he had developed his skills, I saw him perform and knew he was genuinely talented. I decided to use a connection to vouch for him at a major club. But when I approached the owner, the response was clear:

“Oh, I’ve seen him. He’s not very good. Use that guest set for someone we don’t already know.”

Even though his disastrous audition had been years earlier, the impression lingered. This is a cautionary tale about how a poorly timed first impression can derail future opportunities, especially in an industry where reputation matters deeply.

When Is It Time to Move to Bigger Clubs?

There’s no universal answer to this question—it depends on your readiness and how you compare to the comedians already working those clubs. Here are some key considerations:

1. Avoid Getting Stuck in the Open-Mic Scene

Open mics are a valuable tool for building material and gaining stage experience, but they’re not an end goal. Too many comedians treat them as a social outing, prioritizing hanging out with friends over honing their craft. Potential working comics approach open mics with a clear purpose: to refine their material and build a set that bookers will want to pay for.

2. Assess Your Readiness Honestly

To move up, you need to perform at the same level as the MCs currently working at the clubs you want to play. Be honest with yourself:

• Are you consistently getting as many laughs as those MCs?
• Do you have a polished set with reliable material that works for diverse audiences?
• Have you gained enough stage experience to handle unexpected challenges during a performance?

3. Know Your Local Scene

You should be familiar with the comedy landscape in your area:

• Who are the MCs at the bigger clubs?
• What kind of material and stage presence do they bring?
• Are you performing at a similar level?

If the answer to these questions is yes, it’s time to start taking steps toward bigger opportunities.

 

Steps to Break into Bigger Clubs

1. Participate in the Process

If clubs use a lottery system for auditions, start showing up. If they host contests with bookings as a prize, enter. Many clubs also accept video submissions, so ensure you have a professional-quality video on your website (you do have a website, right?).

2. Use Your Network

Comedians in your scene will know who you are if you’re consistently delivering strong performances. If you’ve built good relationships, ask a trusted comic who works at the club to put in a good word for you. Be mindful, though—comics won’t risk their own reputation by recommending someone who isn’t ready.

3. Build Experience Under the Radar

Before auditioning at major clubs, test your material in less visible venues where mistakes won’t damage your reputation. Open mics and smaller shows are excellent for building your skills until you’re ready to make a lasting first impression at a larger club.

Final Thoughts

Talent bookers are looking for professionals. Remember: They may call it amateur night, but no one is looking to hire and amateur. They’re seeking performers who can deliver consistent, professional-level performances.

To summarize:

• Be honest about your readiness.
• Build your material and experience in smaller venues.
• Approach bigger clubs only when you’re confident in your ability to perform at their level.

A strong first impression can open doors, but a poor one can close them indefinitely. Take the time to prepare, so when the opportunity arises, you’re ready to leave a lasting positive impression.

Thanks for reading – and keep laughing!

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