Like most jobs in the entertainment industry, the road to becoming a standup comedian has changed drastically, even in the last couple of years. If you’re reading this, you probably already know the basic steps to getting started (we have more than one guide, in fact!). You might’ve taken some classes or performed at a couple of open mics. Heck, maybe you’ve even got your five minutes down! But how do you book your first-ever paid standup gig? There’s a few ways, and we’re here to tell you all about them.
Networking (aka “the hang”)
Standup is a very social job. From making audiences laugh to booking work, putting yourself out there is key—which means: You have to get to know other comedians. Back in the day, hanging out at shows with fellow performers was just as important as what was said onstage.
That said, “the comedy industry has changed a lot,” explains standup comedian Sarah Hartshorne, who’s also worked as a model and is the author of “You Wanna Be on Top?” “There’s a lot less pressure on ‘the hang’—meaning to go to other shows [and hang out] all the time. But it’s still a great way to get booked on a show. Go to the shows you want to get booked on a lot and see what kind of comics they book, the kinds of comedy the audience responds to, and get to know the bookers and producers.”
Say yes to as much as you can.
Keep up with those open mics! Figure out who does the booking for specific shows and venues, and then pursue an introduction or an opportunity to pitch yourself (but not in an aggressive way—remember, we’re all human beings just trying to live and make other people laugh). Go to shows, shoot the shit, and be ready for anything, meaning: Make sure you always have material ready or being worked on. It’s about being proactive and racking up the time, honing your craft. You can only do that by putting in the hours and perfecting your unique comedic voice. Which brings us to…
Build your social media presence.
Yep—working on your voice as a comedian can be done online just as it can be done onstage. While few things beat the live experience, having a social media presence (hopefully with tons of views and positive responses to your videos) is extremely helpful for getting yourself booked. It’s also just a great calling card, and makes it easier for producers and bookers to find your work.
How To Use Social Media To Become a Comedian Be professional and punctual.
We cannot overstate this: Show up on time, do your time, and don’t waste people’s time. Make sure you’re ready for your gigs, even if they’re just open mics. And don’t go over or under on your set—whether you’re killing it or dying up there. When your five, 10 minutes are up, then it’s time to get off the stage. You’ll be surprised at how many comedians don’t consider how important this is, but the old adage is true: the easier you are to work with, the more people who will want to work with you.
Book your own show.
If you’re still struggling to get stage time, make the space for yourself by creating a show for a venue. “A lot of clubs really love independent shows,” says Hartshorne. “As you get to know more and more comedians on the scene, booking them is a good way to get booked yourself, too.” If you bring in money for the venue, pretty soon you’ll be the one who comedians are cozying up to in order to get their first paid gig.
In the end, “live comedy is still sort of figuring out what it’s going to look like in the future,” Hartshorne shares. “When I started, it was such a different scene. The pandemic changed the industry a lot.” So, you may have to put in a lot more legwork than before, but that doesn’t mean success is impossible; it just means you’ll have to work for it if you really want to start getting booked in top slots.
Given our ever-shifting landscape of digital platforms—as well as physical venues—in many ways, it’s never been an easier time for people to hear, see, and learn about comedians. This is particularly true if you don’t live in a big city like New York or L.A. But as you probably know, given all the options, it’s also never been harder for comedians to make a name for themselves and stand out from the crowd. With time, patience, and consistent effort, we’re sure your innate talent will shine through and take you places. Good luck!