This blog is one in a series aimed to help you book a comedian for your bar, restaurant, corporate event, or bris.
Not all businesses are the same.
Shocking revelation, I know.
Your corporate event could involve a bunch of blue-collar, get-your-hands-dirty workers. I’ve performed for sanitation crews, factory workers, and truckers.
Maybe you have a crew of tie-wearing, white-collar folk. I’ve performed for accountants, executives, and lawyers.
Most corporate audiences fall square in the middle; you have the laborers, and the office crew.
You need a comedian that can walk a delicate balancing act that manages to appeal to everyone.
Another question: is your staff mostly female, or majority male?
Comedy is subjective, not universal. You need someone who understands that.
Fortunately, you know your group, so it’s time to cater to them.
Want to skip the nonsense? Visit my corporate page.
Can the comedian customize their set to your audience? Diverse audiences require a versatile comedian. Look at your comedian’s previous clients. Are they mostly homogenous, or is there variety?
You want to see a mix of comedy clubs, shows, and corporate events. All comedy clubs, for example, is not a good sign that your comedian can clean it up if needed.
A comedian that plays to only one audience might not be able to change things up for your particular crowd, and the ability to “change it up” is critical.
What kind of show does your audience need and want?
The most important information I get as a comedian is knowing exactly what type of show you want.
Do you want…
- a squeaky-clean, PG-rated show with no swearing at all?
- a mostly clean PG-13 show with innuendo, but nothing explicit?
- a “pull no punches, they’re adults and they’re here to laugh” show?
A comedy show of any style, when delivered to the wrong audience, is a disaster.
Your rough-and-tumble auto mechanics don’t want squeaky clean.
Likewise, a corporation with a spiritual background and set of ideals doesn’t want to hear four-letter words.
Specific instructions to the comedian about this is essential, and a good comedian will ask for instructions.
No comedian should have a one-size-fits-all act, because different people have different tastes.
Are any topics off-limits?
Most comedians will shy away from politics. If you want politics, ask for it.
Perhaps you’re fine with sexual innuendo, but no graphic sex talk. Maybe one of the company leaders is sensitive about his bald head, and “audience jokes” are a no-go.
It’s on you to communicate any land mine topics, so your comedian doesn’t unintentionally wander into one, but your comedian should be asking for this information.
Dress for the job you have.
Your comedian should ask about the formality level of your event, so they know how to dress for your show.
If your event is business professional, your comedian shouldn’t come in wearing sweatpants and a stained shirt. Advise them on attire that the crowd will be wearing.
Most comedians will be clever enough to dress accordingly. Most comedians will default to a shirt and jeans, but you can make no assumptions. Give clear direction.
Your comedian should ask you what you want every step of the way.
Length of show, content, and dress code, but also what time you expect them to arrive, who to check in with once they get there.
The more information you share, the better your show will be.
Contract signed, retainer paid, comedian booked!
You did it! Sit back, relax, and enjoy your fun-filled evening. Rest easy knowing that you planned an awesome event and bask in the rave reviews from your boss and guests.
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’ve 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’ve got 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.
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.
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.
Back to me writing nonsense.
Now, let’s be honest.
There is a world of difference between a $50 comedian, and a $500 one.
There’s probably less of a difference between a $1,000 comedian and a $3,000 one.
I once did a double show with a comedian who demanded (and got) $2,000.
They paid me $1,200, which is something I didn’t find out about until after everything was over, and they told me (as did roughly 95% of the employees), “You were much better than that other guy.”
Again, it boils down to research.
Yes, you want to save money, but would you search out a bargain on lasik eye surgery?
If not, don’t discount art.
You don’t have to pay tens-of-thousands of dollars for a “name,” celebrity comedian. But if you’ve got someone willing to take the gig for $50, chances are, they aren’t that good.
There is a vast ocean of talented comedians who are reasonably priced, and who will do a great job for you.
So, let’s change gears a bit; go back to something I mentioned earlier, your group.
How the comedian dresses should match the surroundings you provide.
Let’s take a look at what AI says about comedians, and attire.
Stand-up comedy is often seen as one of the purest art forms, where the performer’s words, delivery, and presence take center stage. However, the role of appearance—specifically how a comedian chooses to dress—cannot be overlooked. A comedian’s attire is more than just clothing; it’s a subtle yet powerful tool that influences audience perception, reinforces comedic identity, and sets the tone for their performance. Dressing the part is an unspoken but essential aspect of connecting with an audience.
In stand-up, a comedian’s wardrobe is a visual shorthand for their personality and comedic brand. Before they even speak, their outfit can give the audience a sense of who they are. For example, Jerry Seinfeld’s polished yet casual outfits of button-down shirts and slacks align with his observational, everyman humor. Similarly, Hannah Gadsby’s structured blazers in her critically acclaimed special Nanette project authority and seriousness, reflecting the deeper themes woven into her comedy. What a comedian wears often provides clues about their humor, background, and point of view.
For many comedians, clothing can also serve as a means of exaggeration or contradiction, amplifying their comedic persona. Jim Gaffigan’s plain, unassuming attire aligns with his self-deprecating humor and “average guy” persona, while someone like Maria Bamford might choose quirky or whimsical outfits to complement her offbeat, surreal style of comedy. Attire helps comedians project authenticity or, conversely, embrace an exaggerated caricature of themselves for comedic effect.
Stand-up comedy thrives on the connection between the comedian and the audience, and attire plays a key role in fostering this bond.
Dressing too formally or casually can send unintended signals. A comedian in a tuxedo might feel unrelatable to an audience at a small comedy club, while someone in overly casual clothing at a corporate event might appear unprofessional.
Many comedians aim for an approachable, comfortable look that puts the audience at ease. At the same time, some choose bold, distinctive outfits to make a statement or stand out. For example, Eddie Murphy’s iconic leather jumpsuits in Delirious and Raw became synonymous with his confident, edgy humor, leaving an indelible mark on comedy history.
Beyond style, practicality is a significant factor when comedians choose what to wear. Stand-up requires physical freedom for gestures, pacing, and sometimes elaborate movements. Tight clothing or uncomfortable shoes could restrict a comedian’s performance, detracting from their delivery. Bright colors or patterns might distract from the jokes, while dark or neutral tones can help focus attention on the performer’s expressions and words.
Microphone management is another practical concern.
Comedians who use handheld mics must consider how their outfit interacts with their gestures, while those who prefer clip-on mics need clothing with appropriate placement options.
Dressing the part in stand-up comedy is about finding a balance between practicality, personality, and relatability. A comedian’s attire can amplify their humor, create an instant connection with the audience, and reinforce the narrative they present on stage. While the jokes may be the heart of a performance, how a comedian looks when delivering them is often the first—and sometimes lasting—impression they make. By dressing thoughtfully and intentionally, comedians set the stage for a successful performance before they even speak a word.
Point is, if you have a bunch of blue-collar plumbers you’re looking to entertain, a dude in a suit is probably a mismatch.
Conversely, if you own an upscale country club and are hosting a comedy night, a hipster in torn jeans might not work.
I threw a lot at you in this one, mostly because I’m trying to fill a word-quota for Google.
What their algorithm scrapes, I do not know, but, as said, the word is: if you drop a bunch of blogs all at once, and come off like an authority on a subject, you’ll get boosted.
If anything, that might frighten you, because it means this whole business is kind of a sham.
There are plenty of booking agencies out there that do nothing but advertise that they book comedians.
That doesn’t mean they do a good job of it.
Sure, they’ll pop up at the top of your search, but note that little “Advertisement” icon next to their link.
Having done this for two decades, I don’t know if I’m an expert, but I’m damned knowledgeable.
I’ve seen more comedians and clubs quit and/or go under, and I can tell you exactly what happened in each case.
It’s sad, in a way, watching something fail from the outside, but that’s how it goes.
Hell, I’ll tell you a quick personal story.
As I type these words, I have an anxious business owner asking how many people to expect for my show next week.
They’re concerned too few tickets have been sold, but here’s the problem: they haven’t told their own customers there’s a comedy show coming.
Nothing on Facebook, Instagram… no TikTok…
The show isn’t even listed on their own website.
They’re expecting people to, what? Just know there’s a show happening?
It’s incredibly frustrating, but that happens more often than you’d believe.
Logic would tell you that a business would want to promote every event at their place; that they’d make a concerted effort to get people in the door.
But, people are lazy.
You show up, and they’re not managing, or helping, they’re sitting at the bar, the look, “I own this” written across their face.
Damn, now I’m having a quick nostalgia flashback…
I performed at a comedy club years ago. After the first show, I called my wife and said, “Damn… I should have brought recording equipment with me. The audience was so good, I could’ve put out an album off that one show alone.”
Every show was great.
The opener was incredibly complimentary; told me I was better than 50% of the comedians he’d seen come through there.
The middle act came up with Sam Kinison, and said I was wonderful.
I’ve never been back to that club.
The owner wasn’t there that weekend, so he put his brother-in-law in charge.
I knocked on the office door and tried having a conversation with him while he was playing online video poker.
That was enough.
I was blackballed.
The manager was upset; he told me I’d done a great job, but that he wasn’t in charge of comedy, he just handled the staff and kitchen.
That’s the world of comedy.
Huzzah.
Word limit = achieved.
Image by StockSnap from Pixabay