Getting an MC gig at an “A-List” comedy club
Hey Dave – My goal for 2014 is to host a show at one of the top clubs (like The Improv). 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 – CC
Hey CC – 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 the last two articles into a (hopefully) working answer. Make sense? Again, I’ll try my best…
Corporate Office Headquarters
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? 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 few 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.
Last week I talked about doing “face time” (networking) in comedy clubs. Before that the topic was 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 have to bring x-amount of paying audiences members to get stage time. I won’t discuss the pros and cons of that now, cuz I’ve also done that in past FAQs And Answers. Let’s just agree it is what it is – and the only way you’ll be seen on stage at this particular club.
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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.
Best Scenario
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 an “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? And 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, then drop off (if you’re local) or send a DVD. If they accept submissions via email, get the email address.
If you’re submitting a DVD include it with a hard-copy promo package (like described in my book How To Be A Working Comic). It includes a DVD, photo, resume and bio in a two-pocket folder. And don’t forget to include your contact info on everything.
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Some comics will tell you this is not necessary anymore 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 has a link to 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.
I’ve written before that I’ve talked with bookers from major clubs who won’t even consider hiring comics who don’t have a website dedicated to their comedy career. A Facebook page wouldn’t make the cut. But don’t let that throw you off your game! Websites are easy and inexpensive. Check out WordPress and some of the others available for this.
Did I really use a picture
of bells & whistles? Sorry…
And they’ll understand (they should) that you’re not a headliner or feature act because you’re asking for a showcase to be an opener. They shouldn’t expect all the “bells and whistles” of a big-time website. Keep it simple with the same info you’d put in a hard-copy promo pack. Since these are “A-Clubs” we’re talking about here, 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 hear back from them, 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.
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Dave Schwensen is the author of How To Be A Working Comic: An Insider’s Business Guide To A Career In Stand-Up Comedy, Comedy FAQs And Answers: How The Stand-Up Biz Really Works, and Comedy Workshop: Creating & Writing Comedy Material for Comedians & Humorous Speakers.
For details about upcoming comedy workshops at the Chicago and Cleveland Improv Comedy Clubs, and private coaching by phone or via Skype visit www.TheComedyBook.com
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