5 ways To Successfully Use Comedy at your Next Event (And 5 things to avoid)
Everybody loves to laugh, right? So what better way to liven up your next event with comedy? Read on for 5 tips (and 5 don’ts) to make sure your next events are all funny and no flop!
Hire professionals.
It seems like an obvious thing to say, but we must lead off with this. We are constantly amazed at how often this practical piece of business advice is not followed. Someone who is funny is not necessarily a professional comedian, and a professional comedian is not necessarily a professional private events performer. Be sure that the comedian, improv troupe or humorous speaker has relevant experience with performing for private events audiences. From rating of show, to topics to be avoided, be sure you are working with professional performers who understand what it is you are trying to accomplish with your event.
Set the stage for success.
Be sure to create an environment that is conducive for a successful comedy performance to happen. That means a dedicated sound system, stage and lights if necessary. Comedy has to be heard and seen. The performers are not being divas when they say they need sound, stage and lights. They want this event to be as great as possible. Sound, stage and lights go a long way to helping make that happen.
Seat the audience as close to the stage as possible.
Apparently there is some hospitality memo that says there should always be 6-12 feet between the stage and the audience. That may be fine for a wedding band, but in comedy, the closer the audience is to the performers the better. Both the performers and the audience benefit from the intimacy that is created by being up close and personal to the performance.
Customize the show.
It is always a good thing to work with comedians who can customize their material to incorporate information from the audience, be it a private company or group. Be sure to discuss in advance if this can be done, as not all comedic performers can or are willing to do this. With that said, don’t over do it. Customization of material, good. Over customization of material to the point where it is a corporate pep rally, lame. Be sure to let the comedians do what it is they are great at, which is being funny!
Introduce the act before they go on stage.
No performer likes to be told “Just go up there and introduce yourself, It will be a fun surprise!” No it won’t and it sets a very amateurish tone for your event.
Everybody loves to laugh right? Right? Hello, is this thing on… No , in fact not everybody loves to laugh. The idea of comedy can make people anxious, nauseous or even angry, and that’s just the comedians! Seriously, comedy isn’t necessarily right for every event. Super serious or sad topics don’t usually mesh with guffaws and giggles. That said, we have produced some amazing shows for cancer research, disease benefits, and various fundraisers. It is all about managing the expectations and feel of your event. With that said, here are…
Five Don’ts to Consider when Producing Comedy at your Next Event.
Don’t cheap out on paying the performers.
As the old adage goes, you get what you pay for. The difference here is that when you skimp on paying for better and established performers, your audience will remember and ridicule you for years to come. Imagine having the best dinnerware for your guests, only to serve cold fast food. We have seen this time and time again, Tens of thousands of dollars spent on an event, no attention to detail spared, only to have the budget for the performers to be somewhere between the cost of trash bags and the centerpieces. The performance will be the biggest showcase of the entire event, the thing most discussed by your attendees. Make sure you are budgeting your spend appropriately, so that you can present the best possible performers your budget will allow.
Do not have the performance during dinner.
Again, trust us on this one. Any kind of comedy or spoken word performance needs an attentive audience. No one wants to hear someone trying to be funny as they dig in to their prime rib (or vegan option)! It will be super annoying for the performers as well as the audience, no one will listen and it will be a disaster for all involved. We have produced 10’s of thousands of live shows over 25 years; a dinner performance has never worked. Have the show start after everyone has eaten. If you are crunched for time, then the only acceptable food service can be to start the show once dessert and coffee are dropped.
Guests must be seated.
We can’t tell you how many times we have heard a version of this: “We are going to have a cocktail hour, people will be standing and having drinks and the show will be going on”. No, no it won’t. What will be going on is people both vying for attention (comedians) and others purposely avoiding paying attention to anyone but their immediate group of friends. Again, comedy and spoken word performances need a captured and attentive audience. Comedy is not background entertainment, like music. if an audience isn’t seated then there is no way they will focus on what is happening on stage.
Don’t do your “In Memoriam” or sad tribute speech right before the comedians go on. It’s a bummer and super awkward for everybody in the room. As a comedic performer, there is nothing worse than hearing the words “`.. we are really going to miss you Bob, a life cut way too short. Ok, are you ready to laauugghh!” right before we go on stage. Not a good look for anybody.
Control your audience.
“Heckling is part of the show! The comedians like it!” In general, no and no. Keep in mind that this is still a private event, oftentimes a corporate or business affair. Drinks are served, laughs are had and some people start to, how shall we say this politely, forget who and where they are. They can get caught up in the moment and start to interact with the performers in a way that is not good for them, the company or the performers. Make sure the crowd is respectful of the performers on stage. They work hard at their craft and only want the show to be as good as possible. If you don’t police your audience, the comedians will. And that is not something you want as an event planner.
Comedy can be a fantastic way to make your special event one to be remembered. Almost everyone likes to laugh (except that grumpy dude from HR) and when produced correctly, can be an incredibly impactful way to get a message across or celebrate with colleagues and friends. Just make sure you follow the do’s and don’ts of producing comedy at your special event. And if you need help, from booking an amazing improv troupe or fantastic comic, to funny and impactful talks and training sessions don’t hesitate to reach out. We are here for you. Just don’t call before 10:00 am. We are not morning people…
Let’s Hear About What You’re Planning!
We’ve got tons of options, but we’d love to hear what you’re thinking. Reach out today and someone from our events team will follow up with you shortly!
