Booking a comedian can feel like a leap of faith.
You’re entrusting your event’s entertainment to a stranger. The best way to reduce risk and ensure a great show is by asking the right questions before signing on the dotted line. This guide provides a comprehensive checklist of must-ask questions to help you vet comedians thoroughly, understand their needs, and align expectations—setting you and your comic up for success.
Why Asking the Right Questions Matters
Pre-booking conversations lay the groundwork for a smooth event. They help you uncover important details about experience, style, logistics, and professionalism. The more you know upfront, the fewer surprises you’ll face on event day.
Essential Questions to Ask Before Booking a Comedian
1. What Type of Events Have You Performed At Before?
Understanding their past experience helps assess fit. A comic seasoned in corporate gigs likely knows how to keep content clean and professional, while one who focuses on club shows might bring edgier material.
2. Can You Customize Your Material for My Audience?
Customization ensures jokes resonate and avoid offending. Ask if they can tailor references, language, or jokes based on your crowd’s demographics or sensitivities.
3. Do You Have Video Footage of Full Performances?
Full-length videos show pacing, crowd interaction, and consistency. Avoid booking based on highlight reels alone—they often feature only the best bits.
4. What Is Your Cancellation and Refund Policy?
Clarify notice periods, deposit refund eligibility, and contingencies for emergencies. Knowing this protects you financially if plans change.
5. What Are Your Technical Requirements?
Confirm AV needs—microphones, speakers, lighting, stage size. Ensuring your venue can meet these is crucial for a successful show.
6. Do You Provide Your Own Equipment or Expect the Venue to Supply It?
Some comedians bring personal mics or monitors; others rely entirely on venue gear. Clarifying this avoids last-minute tech headaches.
7. How Much Time Do You Need for Setup and Soundcheck?
Adequate setup time ensures smooth performance. Some comics may require an hour or more to test equipment and rehearse.
8. What Are Your Travel and Accommodation Preferences?
For out-of-town acts, confirm who arranges and pays for travel, lodging, and transportation. This prevents surprises and helps with budgeting.
9. Do You Have a Backup Plan if Something Goes Wrong?
Ask if they have contingency measures or a replacement comic lined up in case of illness or emergencies. This is especially important for larger events.
10. Are You Comfortable With the Event’s Audience and Setting?
Some comics thrive in certain environments and may avoid others. Ensure they are a good fit for your audience’s age, culture, and expectations.
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Bonus Questions for Corporate or Sensitive Events
- Can you keep the material clean and avoid controversial topics?
- Have you worked with clients from our industry before?
- Can you incorporate company-specific jokes or themes?
- Are you willing to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA)?
How to Conduct the Conversation
Choose a phone or video call for a more personal interaction. This gives you a sense of the comic’s personality and professionalism beyond their online persona. Take notes and be open to follow-up questions.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Reluctance to provide references or videos
- Evasive answers about content customization or cancellation policies
- Poor communication or delayed responses
- Overly casual attitude toward contracts or payments
Sample Conversation Script
“Hi [Comic’s Name], thanks for taking the time to chat. Can you tell me about your experience with events like ours? Do you customize your material for specific audiences? Also, what are your technical needs and cancellation policies? I want to make sure we’re aligned and can have a great event together.”
Final Thought
Asking the right questions before booking a comedian transforms uncertainty into confidence. A thorough pre-booking conversation is your best tool for securing an entertainer who fits your event perfectly and keeps your audience laughing all night long.
The previous blog in this series was: How to find a Local Comedian.
The next blog in this series is: Top Mistakes to Avoid.
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Photo by Apollo & Ivy Photography