13 Key Factors when hiring a Corporate Comedian
by Harry Freedman
You can definitely find tasteful, funny, clean corporate comedy but you have to know what to look for and what to avoid.
1. THE SEARCH PROCESS
When hiring a corporate comedian there are a many options to choose from. They come with a wide range of fees, ability, and experience. There are stand-up comics, jugglers, magicians, political comedians and more. They can be found from gig-sites, lecture agents, and event producers. If you have seen someone perform live that you like – great. Otherwise, you will be looking at short videos for each performer. Sometimes that video is enough to make a choice. But a client reference or speaker bureau referral can also help. If you’re still unsure ask for a longer video to get a better feel for the talent’s ability.
2. BOOKING A CORPORATE COMEDIAN
Before you begin try to figure out your goals. Are you hoping to lighten the mood at the beginning of a meeting or refresh your attendees between sessions? Or, are you looking to hire a corporate comedian to close your event and send everyone home with a smile?
3. WHAT IS THE COST?
You might spend anywhere from a few hundred dollars for a small business event to hundreds of thousands for a big name act at a large convention. The average cost for hiring a corporate comedian for most events will vary from $2500 to $15,000. I suggest you give yourself a budget range but prepare to be flexible if you find someone that’s a great fit. Avoid hiring talent that comes in too low. They may be just starting out or have little experience in corporate comedy. Keep in mind that your comedian will be one of the main things your group remembers. So be careful not to be penny wise and dollar foolish.
4. EXPERIENCE COUNTS
Whenever you are looking to book a corporate comedian, check their actual corporate performing experience. You might find a very funny nightclub comic and end up with a bad surprise. Even though funny is funny, the rules in a business setting are different. There are a few well-known comedians that are squeaky clean such as Brian Regan or Jerry Seinfeld. But hiring a club comic can be risky. Because even if they go in with good intentions, improper material might slip out if they’re not getting enough laughs.
Understand, not all events have the same rules. When I entertained for Coca Cola, my material was completely PC. In contrast, when I performed for an electricians union, things were a bit looser. Geography also plays a factor, as companies in the Midwest are usually more careful than those on the coasts. Either way, make sure that your talent agrees to abide by your culture.
5. CUSTOMIZATION
Many fine comedians basically do the same act and that’s okay. But it will greatly enhance your audience’s enjoyment by hiring a corporate comedian that writes material specifically for your group.
Personally, I like to tailor my material as much as I can to the company and industry. I do so by scouring their website for information and from conversations with the client. My goal is to create something extra special. I also review my material with each client to ensure that it is safe, accurate and that we’re all on the same page.
6. TIPS TO HELP YOUR COMEDIAN SUCCEED
Once, you’ve made your choice in booking a corporate comedian, try to help them to shine as much as possible. This of course, also helps you look good for your bosses and co-workers. First, make sure there is a good sound system and set up a time with your talent to test it out. Also, double check that all wireless microphones have fresh batteries and backups.
7. AUDIENCE SET-UP
One of the most important factors to help your comedian succeed is the room setup. A good rule of thumb is to put the audience close to the talent and to one another to increase the laughter. This helps create a stronger group reaction. In contrast, too much spacing results in small pockets of laughter. It’s also important that everyone is seated. Otherwise, it’s tougher for even the best corporate comedian to hold their interest.
8. LIGHTING
Try to have the comedian well lit, but not blinded, and the audience dim but not dark. This helps the performer be the center of attention. And it lets us see the audience’s reaction.
9. COMEDY VS. FOOD. KEEP THEM SEPARATE
Please do not serve food during the performance. I can’t stress this enough. If you are hiring a corporate comedian for a show with a meal, make sure that everyone is done eating. And then ask the wait-staff to clear the dishes and stop moving. Nobody laughs much when they’re chewing and dish clanking is a big distraction.
10. BEFORE THE INTRODUCTION
Make sure all cell-phones are off. Also, get someone who’s well-known in your group to introduce the comedian. This gives your talent more respect from the audience.
11. WHAT’S THE BEST TIME FOR COMEDY?
The best time for a corporate comedian is generally at night, but I have performed every time of day. Almost any time slot can work, but try to avoid using your comedian as the first speaker in the morning. A sleepy audience isn’t usually alert enough to fully appreciate humor. If it’s that important to use comedy in the morning, you will get more punch by waiting an hour or so from the start time.
12. WHAT’S IT LIKE WORKING WITH A CORPORATE COMEDIAN?
Most comedians are low maintenance. We perform in so many different situations that we’re usually very flexible. But the more you help us with these tips, the easier it is for us to do our job. Our goal is always to give everyone our best show possible.
13. CONCLUSION
Some meeting planners are afraid of comedy. Perhaps they booked a corporate comedian who was a poor fit or did off color material. But there is a large pool of terrific talent to choose from when hiring a corporate comedian. A good corporate comedian who knows the rules can greatly enhance your conference. It just takes a bit of homework to make the right choice. And a little humor goes a long way to helping your attendees remain energized and relaxed for the work coming up.
13. CONCLUSION
If you enjoyed this post, you might also enjoy my guide to linked in. and a recent performance I did for Docuware Tech Company.
