With so many shows popping up, you might be asking yourself how to get booked on them. I've put together some helpful advice from comedians here and there who run shows of the "back of a bar" ilk that may help you when deciding the best way to approach a booker about getting some stage time. I can only assume that the exact opposite approach is what would be needed to get booked in clubs.
John McBride (The Bomb Shelter, Classic American Comedy):
"If you want to be booked, you need to be out. Be out everywhere, so people see you. How are folks supposed to book you if they don't know who you are? Also be funny on stage and don't try so hard to be funny off stage, in terms of booking nobody cares if you are funny off stage. Be yourself."
Peter Kassnove (The Comedy Clubhouse @ Telephone Bar in NYC):
"Showing up to the show is a lot better then just contacting someone for spots. It makes a much better impression on the bookers, at least in my experience. Plus, you may want to stick around for the show. It really bugs me when someone stops by, asks about a spot, then makes a bee line to the door when they realize that they aren't getting any time on that show."
Greg Johnson (The Greg Johnson and Larry Murphy Show @ Rififi in NYC):
"I feel like I need to have seen someone's act before they get booked. So if you're uncertain as to whether or not someone's seen your act, make sure you shove it down their throats with a tape or a list of shows they could go to. Mailing out "reels" and things isn't really necessary, but It's confusing to be begged for stage time by someone I've never even seen. Show the person something funny you've done..."
(more advice from Jake Young, Tyler Sonnichsen, Barry Rothbart, Jay Hastings and Nick Turner after the jump)
Jay Hastings(DC Improv Comedy Showcase, The Bomb Shelter):
"Much like any other job your trying to obtain, it helps to have a friends recommendation."
"When a booker says "tight and professional", it means NO RIFFING and NO CROWD WORK! That doesn't tell me anything about your act. Also, don't be blatantly filthy."
Barry Rothbart(Village Ma in NYC):
"You should not try to pander or be funny when first approaching a booker. It's a sure sign of being amateur when you come off "trying" to be funny in conversation to a booker, it's usually best to get to the point and be straight forward about asking for a spot. It seems like you are a professional and have been around the block more often. Because they usually know the motives when a new comic tries to interact with them."
"Make sure to not go over your time the first time you do a spot."
Nick Turner(Top Shelf):
"It helps to come out and watch and say hi. Bookers are eternally grateful to anyone who supports the show."
"Also, it helps to be ready before you start asking for these spots. Generally people want you to have been doing open-mics for a year or so at least."
Jake Young(The Awesome Room):
"You have to have a concrete purpose for a booker. If you fill a niche, or are a consistent host/close, or you bring in a crowd because you're new and have friends, these are reasons that outweigh the simple "funny enough" requirement."
Tyler Sonnichsen(Laughing Lizard):
"I just like a good balance of confidence and courtesy. I want you to be able to handle an audience with a high bar set, but also don't be a dick. Bring energy, and don't belittle the room or the establishment."
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