This blog is one in a series aimed to help you book a comedian for your bar, restaurant, corporate event, or bris. Have you ever heard of ambush comedy, much less thought to ask what it is?
Probably not, but I bet you could suss it out if given your druthers.
Say you’re a business, and you want to host a comedy night.
There’s no comedy club in your town, and you want to do something different.
A comedy show can be a fun, profitable thing.
If you do it right.
You would be stunned by the number of businesses that decide to have a comedy night…
…and then don’t promote it, or tell their regulars.
So, you have a bar (or restaurant) full of people who are there to socialize, and suddenly a guy with a microphone is telling them to shut up and listen.
“My turn to talk, everyone!” he says. “I’ve got jokes!”
People have to make an informed decision to see comedy, they don’t want it thrust upon them.
(Generally, this is a good rule of thumb for most things—bands, magicians, jugglers… Nobody wants surprise magic in their face. Not when they’re on a date, or in the middle of a casual business meeting, or even during a family dinner.
Ambush comedy happens when a venue doesn’t have a separate, private space for a show, and thus place it in a public area.
If there’s no cover charge, if there are no posters warning customers weeks in advance—“Hey, comedy show, this Thursday! —if you don’t post it on social media, and through your mailing list, you can’t be surprised when people are upset.
I know it sounds crazy, but it happens more often than you think.
Want to skip the nonsense? Head over to my corporate page.
HEY, ARE YOU STILL READING? WELL, I’VE GOT A SECRET FOR YOU…
I’ve been doing some research, and apparently if you drop a TON of blogs at the same time, about the same topic, it’s gonna boost your webpage.
So that’s what I’m doing here.
I’m churning out a massive word salad in the hopes of gaining a few Google hits.
But, here’s the thing: I’ve been a comedian for quite a while now.
I’ve performed at A-list comedy clubs, dingy one-night bars, for American troops stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan…
I have performed for more corporate events than you can shake a stick at, and for high school after proms.
I’ve released eight albums, one of which made it into the iTunes top 20 on their comedy chart, gained over 280,000 followers across social media, over 100,000,000 views on YouTube, and have written four books.
I’ also have a Disney Clean act (about 20 minutes), a PG act (45 minutes to an hour), PG-13, (hour and 15 minutes) and then a no-holds barred act that can go for two hours.
What do I pitch to most corporate clients?
The 30-minute act.
And guess what?
I take less money for that one.
Yup, you read that right: I push my least expensive package.
Why?
Because corporate events are about socialization.
You have dinner, a few drinks, maybe a giveaway or awards presentation, and then comedy becomes a nice cherry atop the sundae that is your event.
I’ve no problem performing for an hour, but I’ve found that 30-minutes is fairly Goldilocks: not too long, not too short, just right.
Yes, I’m shooting myself in the foot financially by offering less time for less money, but making you the happiest client you can be is my main goal.
What do I pitch most bars?
About an hour.
If corporate events are about visiting, bar events are about keeping the customer focused, and happy.
And, yes, drinking.
Because alcohol makes people happy (not really. It’s a depressant that elevates the happy if you’re already in a happy mood), and alcohol sales help the bottom line.
(Sometimes, they are the bottom line. Alcohol keeps businesses in the black, and that’s a good thing. Unless you’re a daycare.)
Anyway, because algorithms like 2,200-word essays (blogs), I’m gonna keep writing, but from here on out there’s a lot (and I mean a lot) of redundancy.
For some reason, Google thinks longer is better.
I looked up some example blogs, and wow…
They’re awful.
Like, as bad as the one you’re (probably not) reading right now, but without the personality.
AI probably wrote those other blogs. Meanwhile, I’m watching Archer and trying to milk a few hundred words out of a tired premise.
Maybe Google is reacting to TikTok, and the whole ‘Short Attention Span Theater’ spell the world is under.
Since the world is going in one direction, Google is going in the other direction.
If you’d like to pull the trigger and book me, or shoot me a message and ask a few questions, just open up your email and type in comedian.nathan.timmel (at symbol) gmail.com, and fire off your inquiry.
(Sorry, I can’t make it an active email/link, because those ever-present bots get to spamming, and no one likes an inbox filled with junk.)
Anyway, thanks for making it this far!
Now, back to the essay, which, thanks to technology, will be written by AI.
Here’s what our future robot overlords have to say about ambush comedy.
Ambush Comedy: A Definition and Exploration
Ambush comedy is a style of humor or performance where the comedian surprises an unsuspecting audience, often in a setting where people are not expecting to be part of a comedy show. This unconventional approach removes the controlled environment of a comedy club and brings humor into everyday situations, creating a blend of spontaneity and discomfort.
Origins and Context
The concept of ambush comedy isn’t entirely new—it borrows elements from prank shows, guerrilla theater, and impromptu performance art. However, the term is often applied to modern comedic acts that purposefully disrupt ordinary moments to elicit laughs. It’s humor on the fly, delivered with a mix of wit, boldness, and the willingness to embrace awkwardness.
Characteristics of Ambush Comedy
- Unexpected Venues: Ambush comedy often happens in non-traditional spaces like public parks, subway cars, grocery stores, or even office settings. The goal is to catch the “audience” off guard.
- Unprepared Audience: The targets of ambush comedy are typically people who did not sign up for a comedy show. This element of surprise is central to the humor but can also lead to discomfort or annoyance.
- Interactive Nature: Unlike stand-up comedy, which is a monologue delivered to an audience, ambush comedy tends to be interactive. The reactions of the “audience” are a crucial part of the comedic effect.
- Element of Risk: Because the audience isn’t primed for humor, there’s a significant risk that the joke won’t land. Some might find it hilarious, while others may be confused, annoyed, or even offended.
Examples of Ambush Comedy
- TV Shows: Ambush comedy has been popularized in TV programs like Impractical Jokers or Candid Camera, where comedians perform pranks or skits in public, often to the bewilderment of bystanders.
- Street Performances: Street comedians may start performing suddenly in a crowded area, addressing passersby directly.
- Corporate Pranks: Some comedians infiltrate office spaces, posing as new employees or consultants, and create humorous chaos.
The Appeal of Ambush Comedy
The unpredictability of ambush comedy creates a raw, authentic atmosphere. Unlike scripted humor in a club, the jokes and punchlines in ambush comedy arise organically, often tailored to the reactions of those involved. For some, the thrill of not knowing what will happen next makes it highly entertaining.
Criticism and Ethical Concerns
While ambush comedy can be hilarious, it isn’t without controversy. Critics argue that surprising people with comedy, particularly in stressful or inappropriate contexts, can feel intrusive or disrespectful. There’s a fine line between humor and harassment, and navigating it requires skill and sensitivity. Additionally, the lack of consent from the audience can make some people feel uncomfortable or violated.
Conclusion
Ambush comedy is a daring and unconventional form of humor that thrives on spontaneity and interaction. While it may not be for everyone, its ability to bring laughter to unexpected places makes it a unique and intriguing subset of comedy. The success of ambush comedy hinges on the performer’s ability to read the room—or the street—and deliver humor that surprises and delights rather than alienates.
That actually wasn’t too bad.
I like how a positive spin was placed on the practice. That’s a take I didn’t have.
What’s sad, though, is that this essay is at 1,409 words, and is supposed to be (for the sake of Google’s AI) 2,200 words.
It’s insane to think people are out there reading 2,200-word essays on anything frivolous like this.
Well, up above I described ambush comedy taking place in bars and restaurants, but it also happens at corporate events.
One of the most memorable corporate events I ever performed at, is also one of my least fun memories.
I was hired by a wonderfully kind woman from human resources—that’s usually who hires entertainers for corporate parties—who said she’d researched me, and thought I’d be perfect for her group.
That group?
A bunch of blue-collar, salt-of-the-earth sanitation workers.
I was stoked.
Office workers, accountants, lawyers…
They can all be stuffy.
You give me a group of construction workers, or electricians, or people who work with their hands… They tend to be a little more down-to-earth. Less stuffy. Open for fun.
So, as said, I was excited for this show.
When I arrived, I was given the rundown—cocktails, dinner, show, socialization. That’s the right order for everything.
Everyone drank, ate, and then settled in for some chuckles.
I took my place on the stage…
And, nothing.
Actually, not nothing, open hostility.
But, at the same time, the boss—the owner of the company—was laughing and having a great time.
He was the only person smiling, laughing, and occasionally giving me a one-person applause break.
Well, since he was the one paying my salary for the evening, I was relieved by the fact he was having fun.
But, still…
What was up with everyone else?
I found out after I finished my set.
When being handed my check by the kind HR woman, she said, “Yeah, don’t take that personally. Everyone found out that instead of having a drawing for a TV, vacation, or other door prizes, we hired you.”
Well there ya go!
No wonder they were all hostile.
Instead of hearing jokes, they were staring at the TV they weren’t getting, the vacation they couldn’t win.
I was sprung upon them in the worst way, and no one was happy.
Well, no one but the boss, who enjoyed my set.
Which is odd, because a good boss should know that the most important thing of all, is keeping your workers happy.
Happy employees are the backbone of any successful business.
When workers feel valued, respected, and satisfied in their roles, they are more likely to contribute positively to the company. For business owners, ensuring employee happiness isn’t just about fostering goodwill—it’s a strategic investment in the long-term health and success of their organization.
Why? Happy employees are more engaged, motivated, and committed to their work. Studies consistently show that content workers are significantly more productive than their dissatisfied counterparts. They bring enthusiasm and energy to their tasks, often going above and beyond to achieve business goals. This directly translates into higher efficiency and better outcomes for the company.
Employee turnover can be costly for businesses.
Recruiting, onboarding, and training new staff require time and resources that could be better spent elsewhere. When workers are unhappy, they are more likely to leave for opportunities that promise better treatment or work environments. By creating a positive and supportive workplace, business owners can reduce turnover and retain their most talented employees, saving money and maintaining stability within their teams.
Happy employees often create happy customers.
Workers who feel satisfied in their roles are more likely to deliver excellent customer service. They engage more positively with clients, handle issues with patience and care, and take pride in representing the company. A pleasant customer experience leads to repeat business, positive reviews, and a stronger reputation.
A positive work environment encourages employees to share ideas and think creatively. When workers feel safe and supported, they are more likely to take calculated risks, suggest improvements, and contribute to innovation. Happy teams collaborate more effectively, solving problems and driving the business forward.
Employee satisfaction plays a significant role in shaping workplace culture.
A happy workforce creates a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose, which can enhance team dynamics and reduce workplace conflicts. This positive culture attracts top talent, making it easier for the business to recruit skilled workers.
Keeping workers happy isn’t just an ethical responsibility; it’s a business imperative. By investing in employee well-being, business owners can cultivate a loyal, productive, and innovative workforce that drives the company’s success. In a competitive market, a happy team can be the key differentiator that sets a business apart.
So, yes…
Hiring a comedian for your employees can be a great thing.
If they’re expecting it.
If you take the bonus money you were going to give them, if you cancel the giveaways, if you take anything they expected, and hand it to some fella who’s going to sling funny at them, then it’s a horrible thing.
Photo Credit: Canva, via Pixabay