Personal request from headliner to open shows
Hey Dave – After a recent showcase the headliner came up to me and asked if I’d be willing to open for him on his upcoming shows. What’s the best way to approach being a featured comic or host at this (major) club? I have the manager’s email and a DVD of the showcase set as a sample of what I can do. I also have a headshot and resume and can create samples on DVD and YouTube. Sincerely – L.S.
Hey L.S. – That’s great news! As I say in way too many articles, that’s your Golden Ticket. A personal recommendation from a headlining comic is ALWAYS better than trying to do it all on your own through blind mailings and emails, or hanging out at the club (topics we’ve talked about in the last few newsletters).
You got it, dude.
Of course I’d never discourage comics or humorous speakers from promoting themselves with good business methods (promo, website, postcards, etc…). But when you have someone that actually works in the club as a headliner putting in the good word for you, it’s always easier to at least be seen (given a showcase).
And if you already have a track record – meaning decent performing credits, you might just end up with a paid booking. I’ve seen that happen a lot, meaning a good headliner will have his own opening and feature acts on the road with him. Clubs book the “package” – which makes the talent booker’s life a bit easier.
My advice is to stay in touch with the headliner about this. Ask him exactly what he has in mind. For instance, would it just be for his next show at this (major) club or (if doing a weekend) opening all his shows? Does he want you to go on the road and open for a string of clubs for x-number of weeks?
By the way, you should be able to find out what he has on the schedule by checking out his website. Most comics keep their online calendars updated not only for talent bookers, but also their fans. I always talk a lot about promoting and there are more than a few (smart!) comics who buy advertisements on Facebook and LinkedIn (more about that technique in the updated version of How To Be A Working Comic) aimed at the cities / areas they’re playing a week or two in advance. Clubs love it when comics help promote their own shows. And since (smart!) comics also attach their websites to these ads to help build audience interest through their videos and credits, you can check out their touring schedule.
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Preferably you’ll want the headliner to contact the club booker or manager requesting you open his shows. He can tell them to expect your call or email, or just call you back to say it’s a done deal. Either way, he has to be the one to do this.
The headliner (or his agent) needs to personally mention this to the club booker. That’s what will cut through all the red tape. All it takes is one phone call from him or his agent.
Oh my gawd…
that’s such a lie!
That’s important because otherwise the booker might not believe you if you’re the only one calling to set this up. And I don’t mean to single out just YOU – it’s like that with all comics they don’t know. You’d be surprised how many comics “drop names” but don’t actually have that comic’s recommendation. I’ve had that happen to me in the past and it never works in their favor.
I’m sure there are more than a few club bookers who can relate to that last statement. Also some of the comics who’ve tried it.
If for some reason the headliner doesn’t follow through on this or just suggests you make the contact, then go to Plan B. Send an email to the club booker that the headliner talked with you about being the opening act for his upcoming shows. Ask for the “correct way” for you to submit a video and promo. Hopefully the booker will request you send a link to your website and video.
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If you don’t hear back, wait a couple weeks and send a reminder. The goal is to stay in touch without being a pain in the you-know-what. Know what I mean?
But again, I’ve talked about how to promote and market yourself via emails, postcards and phone calls in past FAQs And Answers so no need to repeat it all here. Just scroll through the topics listed on the right side of this page for help. There are also great marketing suggestions in How To Be A Working Comic (yes – another book plug!).
But again, if the headliner puts in a personal request for you to open his shows, chances are everything should work in your favor. This is your Golden Ticket – so use it.
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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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