STARTING A ROOM
Sometimes we can’t find enough opportunities for stage time. In this case, it might be time to start a room and create a space for you and others to play and work out material.
Here are some thoughts:
OPEN MIC
The best open mics create a focused space for comedians to test out material in front of a “comedy hungry” audience. If that open mic occurs in the corner of a bar where patrons had no idea there would be a comedy show, you become not much more than a distraction and the “show” will not be embraced. My personal feeling is that, in this case, such a show is NOT “stage time.” You’d be better off rehearsing in your garage.
Find a bar or other venue who is 100% COMMITTED to the effort. Comedy is NOT “background entertainment!” The venue needs to partner with you and help the open mic become a success.
MONTHLY (or on-going) SHOW
As mentioned above, find a venue interested in partnering with you to create a regularly scheduled comedy show.
Depending on the venue, decide on content (adult, clean, etc.). Trust the owner of the venue. They know their client base much better than you! Let them help dictate the content of the show. If they want a PG-13 show, for example, then deliver a PG-13 show. It’s their venue and they can pull the plug on your show if things go sour.
Create social media ads to promo the show. These are very easy to create in today’s AI world! Promote a lot!
Invite your comedy pals to be on the show. Consider encouraging them to bring friends!
Discuss drink and food specials for comedy night to entice audiences to show up!