{"id":143,"date":"2022-10-21T15:52:55","date_gmt":"2022-10-21T15:52:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/opencomedy.com\/news\/?p=143"},"modified":"2026-04-13T17:18:57","modified_gmt":"2026-04-13T17:18:57","slug":"run-comedy-show-how-to-run","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/opencomedy.com\/news\/run-comedy-show-how-to-run\/","title":{"rendered":"How to run comedy show: How to Run a Good Comedy Show"},"content":{"rendered":"

Run Comedy Show<\/strong> is essential for comedians. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n

So, you want to know how to run a comedy show? Not just any show, but a good<\/em> show? Damn, look at you, overachiever. Well, you came to the right place. Running a good comedy show takes a lot of work. People forget shows don\u2019t just happen, they need people to produce them.<\/p>\n

Why Is It Important To Have A High-Quality Show?<\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re putting on a show, you want it to be good. It\u2019s your name on the lineup. You\u2019re the one booking other comics. If it goes bad, then you\u2019re the person who runs that<\/em> show. If it goes well, you look like a professional – and other people might book you<\/em>.<\/p>\n

I recently started co-producing two stand-up shows in New York City. I asked some producers for some insight into how to run a good comedy show.<\/p>\n

This was a list of things they said I needed to run a good comedy show:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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  1. A Strong Concept<\/li>\n
  2. A Suitable Venue<\/li>\n
  3. A Killer Line-Up<\/li>\n
  4. A Confident Host<\/li>\n
  5. Lots of Promotion<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
    \n

    How Do I Pick A Show Concept<\/strong>?<\/span><\/h2>\n
    \n
    \n
    \n

    \u201cPick something you\u2019ll enjoy watching and believe in 100%,\u201d producer Olivia Scenna says about finding your show’s concept. <\/p>\n

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    \u201cFind something unique, fuck with the basic format. Audiences love being included – to a certain extent.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

    Olivia Scenna, Local Darlings Productions<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/cite><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

    If you\u2019re in a smaller scene, you get to be one of the only games in town. But if you\u2019re in a major city, you have to stand out. Olivia’s show Slides n Tell<\/em> has comics give a Ted-Talk style presentation. You don’t have to commit to an idea forever though. \u201cLeave room for error or change. Try a few low-impact test runs and don\u2019t be afraid to ask for help.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

    How Do I Find A Venue For My Show?<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

    Consider the tone of your show when picking a venue. Is it a more rigid, precise show? That might be better in a traditional club or theater space. A more laid-back, alternative vibe? Find a cool bar or cafe with a stage setup that\u2019s known for running shows, or is looking to have to events.\u00a0yRegardless, make sure you do your research. Visit the venues<\/a> and attend a show there.<\/p>\n

    Here are some questions to consider when looking at venues:<\/strong><\/p>\n