Booking advice
12 Questions to Ask Before You Book a Comedian
The questions experienced planners ask every comedian before signing, and what the answers tell you about whether the show will land.
By Mike James · · 3 min read
You can learn almost everything you need to know about a comedian from how they answer a dozen questions. Here they are, with what to listen for.
About the material
1. Is your show completely clean, or mostly clean? "Mostly" means no. For a mixed audience, a company event, a church, or a retirement community, you want a flat yes with no hedging. Any professional who works those rooms answers this in one word.
2. Can I see a full set, not just a highlight reel? A reel shows the best three minutes. A full set shows pacing, crowd work, and what happens when a joke doesn't land. If a comedian can't provide one, ask for a reference from a recent event like yours.
3. Do you customize for the group, and what do you need from me? The right answer is yes, within limits. A good comic will ask for the audience makeup, a few safe inside references, and a clear list of what not to touch. Be wary of anyone who promises to "roast the boss" without asking the boss first.
4. What do you do if the audience is quieter than expected? Experienced performers have an answer: they adjust pace, shift material, work the room. Inexperienced ones blame the crowd.
About logistics
5. What's included in the fee? Performance, pre-event call, promotional assets. Ask separately about travel, lodging, and emcee duties so there are no surprises on the invoice.
6. What are your technical needs? Usually a microphone, a lit stage area, and a stool. If the comedian needs a full production rider for a 100-person banquet, that's a mismatch.
7. How early do you arrive? At least an hour before showtime for a sound check and a walk of the room. Veterans answer this without being prompted.
8. What's your cancellation policy, and what happens if you're sick? Any professional has a contingency: a trusted colleague they can send, or a clear refund policy. Get it in writing.
About fit
9. Have you performed for an audience like ours? Corporate, church, 55+, and club crowds are different rooms. You want someone who has played yours specifically, not someone who assumes clean material transfers automatically.
10. How long should the set be for our event? Trust a seasoned comic's recommendation here. They know that 20 minutes after a long dinner lands better than 45, and that a stand-alone show needs more. Someone who insists on the longest possible set may be optimizing for their fee, not your night.
11. What do you need to know about our audience? The question behind the question: does this performer care who's in the room? Listen for curiosity.
12. Can I speak with a recent client? A yes is reassuring. The reference call itself usually takes five minutes and tells you more than an hour of video.
One last thing to check
Read the comedian's own website for how they describe their audiences. A performer who lists corporate events, church events, and 55+ communities as separate specialties has thought about the differences. That's usually who you want.
