Stand Up Comedians: The #1 Thing You Need for a Private Party

     I learned very early in my career the importance of great sound on the comedy stage. Nearly every comedian recognizes the sweet sound of a good mic that will make jokes soar. Well-planned comedy clubs provide sound that makes the voice sing and the laughter comes back to the performer's ears like waves.

     Unfortunately, when you walk outside of the boundaries of the comedy club and into the realm of private parties that luxury fades quickly. Nothing is more exasperating to a comedian than bad sound. A comedian's voice is his instrument and the betrayal of a bad microphone will take away confidence as the voice is lost in crackles and electric screams. Rather than being lured into this bad scene by the private party paycheck, plan for it. Being prepared to fix acoustical problems is one of your most important jobs.

     It is a dilemma that is easily solved. Bring your own microphone and your own amplifier. They will pay for themselves a hundred times over. The great news is that a stand up comedian doesn't need the exotic equipment of the musician. A simple microphone on a long cord attached to a small amplifier does the trick for an average size private party - 50 to even 300 people. I also recommend a small stage light especially if you anticipate videotaping and posting to YouTube to increase your social media presence. Anticipating problems will increase your value as you easily problem-solve for any environment. With a bit of pre-planning, it is possible to make the private party a very fun and rewarding experience.

HumorousSpeakersBureau

Sally Edwards is the president of the Humorous Speakers Bureau and a professional corporate comedian.

Corporate Comedians - What You Need to Get Booked

After talking to countless corporate event planners as president of The Humorous Speakers Bureau, I can tell you that the most important thing a comedian needs to get booked as a corporate event entertainer is a great video in front of a corporate audience.  I've seen flashy web sites that are brilliant in their display and SEO opportunity splashed across countless headers.  I've seen advertised books,  glorious "Contact Me" forms and comedy club performances as comedians "kill" in front of a comedy club audience.

Nope.  Can't say it will sell an act.  ...  "Where's the video," asks the event planner.

Let me repeat - The most important thing a corporate comedian needs is to have is a videotape of himself/herself performing customized clean corporate comedy on a large stage in from of a corporate audience.  (No corporate bookings yet?  Tape yourself performing clean comedy on a large stage).

Bookers want to look and laugh.  They want to see and hear what you do.  Print will not sell you.  (If I tell you I bake the best chocolate chip cookies in the world, would you believe me?  I bet you would want to be your own personal judge of my baking abilities.)

No amount of press or advertising or letters of appreciation will sell you like a corporate event video.  I know it is not easy to get this polished product of a sales tool.  I can only tell you - it is what works.


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Five Secrets to Effective Corporate Comedy

Performing Effective Corporate Comedy is Best Achieved by Following These Five Guidelines:

1)  Corporate Comedy Creates a Fun, Non-Threatening Environment

Corporate Comedy is an artform.  It is a type of humor that is appreciated by event planners seeking clean, funny comedy that is not offensive and creates a buzz.  Generally the comedy is delivered in an auditorium, a hotel meeting room or an on-site all-purpose room.  If your comedy is inappropriate for this type of setting, you will know immediately.  The ambience and crowd reaction will train a corporate comedian as to what material is appropriate the minute he or she begins to speak.

2)  Customize

With a little research into your client's business you secure a definite edge in your performance.  "Google" the company and learn about what makes it tick.  Tweak your jokes with this information and you will gain great respect for your time and personal interest.

3)  Arrive on time

I recommend arriving at least one hour prior to your performance.  It is wise to do a sound check and talk with the audio-visual personnel so that everything runs smoothly  Arriving early puts everyone at ease - including you!

4)  Dress as if you are performing on TV

 It is always better to be over-dressed rather than appearing casual at a more formal event.  Dress in professional attire.

5)  Make your Audience the Stars of the Show

Many new corporate comedians overlook the fact that it is important to make your audience members the stars of the show.  This is so effective in producing a memorable show. "Customizing" a show is the first step to making your performance personalized.  I recommend taking your efforts one step further and including audience members on stage in your performance.  "Taking the stage" is an experience that guests will remember for years to come!

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