Let’s face it, we’ve all been in a situation where we’re forced to listen to a bad joke and pretend to laugh. It’s awkward and uncomfortable, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Are you tired of hearing your coworkers’ bad dad jokes at the company picnic? Can’t bear to sit through another TED Talk? Book a comedian to elevate your next event!
There are comedians to book for every type of occasion, whether it’s a corporate event, fundraiser, private party, or other event. In this guide, we’ll break down the step-by-step process of booking comedians to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience planning your next event.
Let’s get this party started!
Step 1: Solidify Your Event Details
Before you book a comedian, you’ll want to determine the details of your event. Who? What? Where? When? After you’ve selected a date, time, and location for your event, it’s time to consider the type of event and its target audience. Knowing your audience’s desired comedy style will help ensure you hire the right entertainment and keep everyone happy. While an edgier comedian might be entertaining to see at a bar or nightclub with friends and family, it may be more suitable to hire a corporate comedian or a clean comedian for a work-related event.
Budget is another key factor to consider for your event. With over 2,000 comedians to choose from in our national database, there’s a comedian for every budget.
It might be helpful to set a budget range with a maximum and minimum as to how much you’re willing to spend without breaking the bank too much to hire your desired comedian.
Step 2: Research Potential Comedians to Book
There’s no shortage of comedians to book for any event, any size, or any budget, but honing down on the perfect fit will require a bit of research and some knowledge about who your target audience is.
You can begin your search on reputable booking platforms, such as hireacomedian.com, or search through agencies or individual websites. Check out demo videos, reviews, and past performances to get a sense of their comedic style and determine if it would resonate with the type of event you’re hosting and your attendees. Use our rating guide to help determine if a comedian is right for you and the style you’re hoping to see. It’s also important to consider whether you’d prefer hiring local talent versus a national act. While there are pros and cons to both, with budget being top of mind, you can book either. Compile a list of potential acts you’d like to see while considering those factors.
Step 3: Narrow Down the Options for Comedians
Once you’ve created a list of a few comedians who fit your event tone and audience, it’s time to compare your options!
When making your decision, compare pricing, availability, and experience to help narrow down your search. While budget may be a more obvious factor to consider when you book a comedian, it’s also helpful to hire comedians with experience performing for your type of audience. The last thing you want to see is the entertainment you booked bomb the entire event because it was their first time performing crowd work.
Step 4: Ask for Quotes and Availability Before You Book a Comedian
Now it’s time to gather all of the information you’ll need to provide in your inquiry to book a comedian. This includes any details about the event, like audience size and expectations. Your set budget range should also be communicated in this step.
Ask any questions you have about logistics, such as set length, travel costs, and technical or equipment requirements (e.g., microphones, stage setup). The more prepared you are leading up to the day of your event, the more likely it will be a success. Planning as far in advance as you can will also help you save time and money. After all, time is money, and you don’t want to waste yours or the comedians’.
Step 5: Review the Comedian Contract Carefully
After you’ve determined which comedian to book, it’s time to review the contract for the candidate you’ve decided fits the bill for your event. Some standard terms to look out for include payment schedules, cancellation policies, and rider requirements. While the comedian you want may be the perfect fit, you don’t want to run into any surprises that could sabotage your event, like an outrageous rider requirement you can’t accommodate.
Now is the time to clarify expectations for both sides. Ensure you understand any additional fees that may be included, such as travel, lodging, and meals. All of these items can and will add up; keep this in mind and refer back to the budget you’ve set.
Step 6: Finalize the Booking
It’s time to close the deal! After you’ve carefully reviewed the comedian’s contract, secure the date and time with a signed contract. Confirm the details in writing, which will include logistics, technical requirements, and arrival times. If a deposit payment is required, now is the time to arrange for it as well.
Step 7: Prepare for the Performance
It’s showtime!… Well, almost! After both parties have signed the contract, it’s time to finalize the details. Coordinate with the venue to ensure the stage, sound system, and lighting meet your standards. Event flow and timing should be clearly communicated to the comedian, including providing an appropriate space for them to prepare before taking the stage.
Let the show begin!
With just a few simple steps, it’s easy to book a comedian. Planning an event filled with laughter should be a fun endeavor. At Hireacomedian.com, we make the entire process easy and stress-free. With good planning and clear communication, you’ll create an unforgettable event.