How To Run A Comedy Night

So you think you’d like to bring live comedy to your venue?

It’s a great idea! Live comedy can be a great way to attract new customers, build relationships with your existing customers, and create a fun and lively atmosphere at your venue.

But before you get started, there are a few things you need to know. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you run a successful comedy night and be sure to check our other blog posts where we deep dive on some of the topics raised.

1. Choose the right space
   The ideal space for a comedy night is one that is dedicated to comedy, without any distractions. This means avoiding spaces that are used for other purposes, such as restaurants or bars. You want to create a space where the audience can focus on the comedy and where the comedians can feel comfortable performing.
   
   If you don’t have a dedicated comedy space, you can still run a successful comedy night by using a space that is flexible and can be easily transformed for comedy – just make sure the only people using the room are there for the comedy!
2. Set up the space correctly
   Once you’ve chosen the right space, you need to set it up correctly. This means making sure that the audience has a good view of the stage and that the sound system is up to par. Seating can be theatre or cabaret style depending on the size of space that you have.
   
   The stage should be raised so that everyone in the audience can see the comedians clearly. You should also make sure that the stage is well-lit and that there is a good backdrop.
   
   The sound system is essential for a comedy night. You need to make sure that the audience can hear the comedians clearly without any feedback or distortion. It’s also a good idea to have a backup microphone in case of any problems.
3. Book the right comedians
   When booking comedians, it’s important to consider the type of audience that you’re expecting. If you’re targeting a general audience, you’ll want to book comedians who have a broad appeal. If you’re targeting a specific audience, such as students or young professionals, you may want to book comedians who have a more niche style.
   
   You should also consider the budget when booking comedians. Comedians who are well-known and in high demand will be more expensive to book than comedians who are less well-known.
4. Promote your event
   Once you’ve booked the comedians, you need to start promoting your event. This can be done through a variety of channels, such as social media, email marketing, and print advertising.
   
   Be sure to include all of the important details in your promotion, such as the date, time, location, and lineup of comedians. You may also want to include a short video or audio clip of the comedians to give potential audience members a taste of what to expect.
5. Run a smooth event
   On the night of the event, it’s important to make sure that everything runs smoothly. This means having a clear plan in place and making sure that everyone involved knows their role. You should also be prepared for any unexpected problems that may arise.
   
   Have a schedule for the night and make sure that everyone sticks to it. This includes the comedians, the MC, and the staff. Have a backup plan in case of technical difficulties. This could involve having a spare microphone or having a playlist of music that can be played in the event of a sound failure. Be prepared for anything. This could include anything from a power outage to a comedian who doesn’t show up.
   
   Having a backup plan in place will help you to deal with any unexpected problems that may arise.
   If audience members are disrupting the show with heckling or talking between themselves this also needs to be nipped in the bud nice and quickly. Whilst current viral trends would have you believe that comedians love these challenges, a disruptive element in the room will spoil the show for the acts and other audience members.
6. Make sure the audience is comfortable
   It’s important to make sure that the audience is comfortable at your comedy night. This means providing them with comfortable seating, good lighting, and a good sound system. You may also want to offer food and drinks. Getting the temperature right in the room can also be really important as if it’s too hot or too cold, they will be distracted from the show and won’t enjoy it fully.
7. Be respectful of the comedians
   Comedians are artists and they deserve to be treated with respect. This means giving them plenty of time to prepare and not interrupting their sets. Providing some nibbles and drinks through the evening is a great way to build rapport with them and helps get you a great reputation on the circuit.
   
   Conclusion
   
   Running a comedy night can be a lot of work, but it can also be a lot of fun. By following the tips above, you can increase your chances of success and create an event that your audience will love. If you are thinking about putting live comedy on the map in your area, get in touch with Nodding Dog Comedy. We’ll be delighted to talk to you about our services, but also to offer any advice and tips we can free of charge!
   
   If you’d like to talk more about your venue or event hosting live comedy be sure to get in touch with Nodding Dog Comedy. We’re happy to talk you through the process of setting up a successful and see how we can help. Email info@noddingdogcomedy.com or give Kev a call on 07575698080.