Are you considering hiring an entertainer for your next event? Excellent! This ten point checklist will help you trouble shoot the logistics and set-up before the big day. If hiring a comedian, think about how a comedy club is set-up and arranged. You will want to recreate that experience the best you can (minus the drunk hecklers).

Trust me, your entertainer wants to have a great show. I suggest going over this checklist with them to see what preferences they may have for their particular performance. And, of course, I would love to be considered for your event.

Thanks!

Rik

6. Introductions

A clear and respectful introduction gives credibility to a performer. Have the President of the company or some other key influencer within the organization make the introduction. It adds credibility to the performance and demands the audience’s attention and respect. This can go a long way towards creating a good kick off for the show. Don’t have someone get up and say something like, “Hey, I’m not sure who this guy is, but he’s supposed to make us laugh. Let’s see if he is as funny as Phil.” That is not getting the show off on the right foot. A professional performer will have at typewritten introduction for you to read from.

7. Clear the Air

If the comedy show is going to follow a heavy, or sensitive subject, have a brief intermission to allow the atmosphere to lighten up. Or consider bringing up this subject matter after the show is over. Then, people will be in a better mood and will be better able to absorb difficult or bad news.

8. Mood music

Having background music before a show, or during dinner, can create a pleasant environment for the show. Sometimes, matching the music to the mood of the crowd is beneficial. If they are low energy, some up beat music might be appropriate. If the audience is a bit on the rowdy side some more calming music might make sense. Music can always set a mood, both before and after a show. You don’t want to blare it, just pump up the enthusiasm.

9. Showtime

It is best to have the performance start as close to the scheduled time as possible. If the dinner is running long, it is best to wait until dinner is done and plates are cleared. But try to avoid delaying a show too long. You don’t want a show scheduled to start at 8 to finally start at 9:20. The audience will be tired, especially if they have spent all day in meetings, or if they simply worked all day before your event started. It is especially important to have your performer go on earlier in the evening if your event is on a Friday night. Long work week + too many drinks = marginal show.

10. Have Fun

Remember that comedy is fun. You have hired a professional who will give your audience a wonderful experience. Sit back, and enjoy the show yourself. Life is too short to ignore moments to laugh.