Some comedians make the leap to booking shows to make sure it is run the way they want, get stage time, or make some money. I used to run a couple different shows – one was at a an Elks Lodge, one at a Moose Lodge, one at a bar that was a strip club the other six days a week. In other words, I’m an expert. (No one is buying it…) I am here to tell everyone how to run a perfect comedy show.
1) Make sure the sound equipment works. Then pray the band the night before doesn’t steal the cords, spill a beer on the soundboard, or break the mic stand.
2) Promote the show on social media, local papers, by calling your friends, getting radio time and distributing flyers. Then remember that the favorite local sports team has a playoff game or watch as a freak snow storm comes in. Poop.
3) Book good comics and make sure the emcee (if not you) runs a good show. Then sit back and realize the bar wants to delay the show 45 minutes because the owner’s buddies are late, which pisses off the people already there. Watch as the emcee forgets to light people or does seven minutes between comics, one of whom decides to try new stuff at a paid show. Lastly, the owner’s buddies whom you delayed the show for are drunk and are mad that someone is taking away the spotlight. They begin heckling, no matter how well the show was going.
4) Against all odds the show is a smash hit. Then the venue’s owner gets sent to jail for tax evasion or drugs and you start all over. Then you should learn to sing or juggle.