This is part four in a multi-part series involving how to book a comedian for your corporate event.
Not all businesses are the same.
Your corporate event could involve a bunch of blue-collar, get-your-hands-dirty workers.
Or maybe you have a crew of tie-wearing, white-collar accountants.
Maybe your staff is mainly female, maybe it’s majority male. You know your group, so it’s time to cater to them.
There’s a lot to think about here, but one standard rings true: diverse audiences call for a versatile corporate comedian.
When you’re going to book a comedian for your corporate show…
…look at their previous clients. What do you see? Do they have a theme to them, or is there variety?
When you’re trying to book a comedian, their résumé is important.
What you’d like to see is a mix of comedy clubs, bars, and corporate events. A comedian that plays to only one audience might not be able to change things up for your particular crowd.
As important as that is, it’s actually more important to know your client.
The most important information I get as a comedian is knowing exactly what the client wants. Sometimes that’s a squeaky-clean, PG show with no swearing at all.
Other times I get told, “All bets are off. These are adults, and they’re here to laugh.”
Either show delivered to the wrong audience is going to be a disaster. Your rough-and-tumble auto mechanics aren’t going to want something that’s squeaky clean. Likewise, a business with a religious background doesn’t want to hear four-letter words.
Getting specific instructions from the business to the comedian is essential.
A good comedian will ask for instructions. No comedian should have a one-size-fits-all act, because different people have different tastes. As a rule, most comedians will shy away from politics. But is that something you want? Ask for it. What are the differences between sexual innuendo and graphic sex talk? What about topical issues?
Finally for this segment: attire.
When you book a comedian, they should know how to dress for your show.
Sometimes they should probably wear a suit; at other times, jeans and a button down shirt are fine.
It all depends on the audience, and what they’ll look like and be wearing.
Your comedian should ask you what you’re looking for every step of the way: time of show, length of show, type of content, and dress.
The more information you share, the better your show will be.
Here’s why It’s Important to Tell Your Comedian What to Wear
When booking a comedian for your corporate event, it’s easy to focus on their material and forget one crucial detail—what they’re wearing.
But just like any other aspect of your event, appearance matters. Whether your company leans toward buttoned-up professionalism or has a laid-back startup vibe, your comedian should visually fit the tone of the room.
Imagine a suit-and-tie crowd being greeted by a performer in a hoodie and ripped jeans. Or a casual outdoor picnic where the comic shows up dressed like they’re hosting an awards show. In both cases, the mismatch creates a disconnect before the first joke is even told.
Letting your comedian know the dress code—be it suit and tie, business casual, or jeans and sneakers—helps them match the energy and formality of your event.
It sets the right tone, shows respect for your audience, and helps the performer blend in just enough to stand out in all the right ways.
A polished look aligned with your event’s atmosphere ensures the comedy flows smoothly—and no one’s distracted wondering if the performer got lost on their way to a different gig.
Clothes may not make the comic, but they definitely make the first impression.
After all, “clothes maketh the man.”
Want to learn more about my corporate show? Look at my Corporate Comedy Page.
Also, if for no other reason than to do so, one of my favorite comedy clubs out there is The Funny Stop, in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio.
From here forward, the series will examine:
- Booking an after-prom comedian
- How to advertise your show
- Hosting a public comedy show
- Quality control
- Self-booking vs. using an agency
And quite a few more topics.
Thanks for reading.
Now get out there and Book A Comedian
And, because SEO is yelling at me…