29 Mar Comedy Club Etiquette for Hosts and Audience Members
Comedy Club Etiquette for Audience Members
Comedy club etiquette for audience members is pretty straightforward. Let’s take a look at some comedy guidelines for members of the audience. Here are some rules for stand-up comedy.
- No heckling: It is never okay to interrupt the comedian or heckle. If a comedian should call on you during the show, simply answer the question and let the comedian lead the show the way that they intend.
- Show Enthusiasm: You should clap and laugh when it’s appropriate. Positive vibes can really change the whole show, so it’s polite to show appreciation and contribute them to the room. Comedians tend to perform better when they see that the audience is engaged and having a good time.
- Keep your phone off: It’s so disruptive when phones make sounds during a stand-up comedy show, so please turn them to silent, try to refrain from scrolling on social media, and pay attention. When a comedian looks out and sees a bunch of people scrolling on their phones, they may get discouraged, so it’s a good idea to just leave them alone during the show so you can be engaged.
- Respect the rules: It’s important that you follow any rules that the venue has. If there are any drink limits, age restrictions, or dress codes, be sure to follow the rules.
- Dress appropriately: Even if there is no dress code, there are some things you shouldn’t wear to a comedy set. Big hair and hats can block the view of people behind you, so just dress casually and appropriately. You don’t want to go in an evening ball gown or pajamas, but just dress nice without a lot of accessories that could be distractions or block views.
- Stay in your seats: Nothing can be more distracting for a comedian than a bunch of people moving around all the time. Please use the restroom before the show to avoid disrupting the performance or other guests by moving around.
- Be respectful to all staff: If a waiter brings you food or drinks, you should tip them. If someone asks you to change seats or if security requests that you be quiet, simply comply with their requests and show respect for both the venue and the person on stage.
Comedy Club Etiquette for the Hosts
Now we’ll look at a guide to hosting a comedy show. The primary role of a host is to set the tone for the evening and ensure transitions run smoothly throughout the comedy show. Let’s look at how to host a comedy show.
- Set the tone for the evening: As the appetizer for the comedy show, you want to be welcoming and lively. After you state some housekeeping guidelines for the venue, you should perform a short comedy set. Your performance should prepare the audience for a fun-filled night of laughter, so set the tone for the evening and ensure everyone is ready to have a good time, but don’t go overboard when engaging.
- Introduce the comedians correctly: It’s important that you introduce each comedian properly and with enthusiasm. If they gave you credits or any information to say, say it correctly and avoid any “roasting” unless specifically asked to do so.
- Control the room: If guests get too loud or start heckling, it is your job to politely silence them or ask them to leave if necessary. If you have staff for that, then simply alert your staff, venue owners, or security team to handle the issue.
- Support the comedians if needed: If a comedian performs poorly or “bombs,” you should quickly come onstage to liven the audience up before the next performer.
- Manage the stage: If a comedian needs water, you are to bring it out or have it set up waiting for them. You should ensure that the equipment is on stage and working properly for each act.
- Maintain professionalism: Arrive early, stick to your set stage time, and stay in the room. You want to stay sober enough to do your job, and do not step outside because anything could happen that may require you to step in without much notice.
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FAQs
What should you wear to a comedy show?
For a comedy show, you should wear something stylish yet comfortable. Unless there is a formal dress code, your best bet is to lean toward smart casual. Avoid hats, visors, and large hair accessories, as they can block the view of people sitting behind you.
How can I be the best host of a comedy show?
To help the comedian
as a host, you should warm up the audience and ensure smooth transitions throughout the show. You want to be the comedian’s right-hand man.
What do professional comedians want from a host of an event?
It will actually depend on the comedian. Some comedians may have a small list of directions or needs from you before the show. Others simply want you to introduce them properly and make sure they have decent sound equipment set up. They primarily want respect and expect you to handle any hecklers promptly.
How to laugh at a comedy show properly?
When you are at a comedy show, you should laugh authentically and when appropriate. Nothing is worse than forced laughter. A comedian will feed off the energy of the audience, so don’t insult them by faking a laugh; it’s better to sit quietly than to pretend. If a joke is not exactly your jam, you can politely give a little chuckle as long as it is sincere and respectful. Big belly laughs are always welcome when they are authentic!