Comedian: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What comedian is

A comedian performs stand-up or hosts at events, shaping the material to the audience. People book one for corporate events, parties, private shows and charity nights when they want a laugh with a crowd that is clear about what it wants.

Signs you need it

  • You want a laugh-driven act for a corporate event, a party or a fundraiser
  • You want a host who can warm up the crowd and keep the energy up between acts
  • You need material that is clean or appropriate for a specific audience
  • You want an act that fits your event's theme or the people in the room
  • You want a comedian who can work with a crowd and handle heckling
  • You want a stand-up set that suits a private party or a family event

What the pro does

  • Asks about the audience, the venue, the event purpose and any topics to avoid
  • Builds a set or hosting plan that matches the crowd and the length of the show
  • Arrives early to check the stage, the microphone and the light
  • Performs or hosts at the times agreed, adjusting the set to the room
  • Handles crowd interaction and any disruptions in a way that fits the event
  • Packs up equipment and leaves the venue

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Length of the set and the number of sets
  • Whether the comedian only performs or also hosts the event
  • Audience size and the type of venue
  • Need for custom material about your company, team or guests
  • Travel distance and lodging needs for a comedian from outside the area
  • Sound and lighting the venue must provide
  • Whether the comedian works with a host or a series of acts

What a written quote should spell out

  • Set length, the number of sets and whether hosting is included
  • Content level, such as clean, family friendly or adult, and any topics to avoid
  • Whether custom material for your event is included and how it is prepared
  • Microphone, stage and lighting needs and what the venue must provide
  • Arrival, setup and departure times
  • What happens if the comedian cannot attend

Questions to ask before you hire

  • What is the content level you use for corporate and private events?
  • Can you write material about my company, team or guests, and how far in advance do you need the details?
  • Can I see a video of a set in a room like mine?
  • How do you handle hecklers or a crowd that is not responding?
  • What topics do you avoid, and can I list topics to skip?
  • How do you keep the material suitable for my audience, and who approves the content in advance?
  • Can you supply a certificate of insurance if the venue requires one for performers?

Red flags

  • They cannot say what content level they perform at for your event type
  • They offer custom jokes about your guests without checking with you first
  • They refuse to share a video of a set or a clip from a similar event
  • They have no plan for a room that does not laugh or for a heckler
  • They will not confirm the set length or the stage needs in writing

What you can do yourself

You can write a list of topics to avoid, the names of people you want mentioned or left out, and the purpose of the event. You can also check the stage and microphone before the show and tell guests what to expect. Hire a comedian for the material, the crowd work and the timing, since writing and delivering comedy to a live room is a trained skill.

Licenses and permits

No state license is usually required for a comedian, so ask for proof of liability insurance and references from similar shows instead. Venues with alcohol service or public shows may have their own permit rules, so check those with the venue and your state or local licensing agency before booking a public event.

Comedian questions

Does a comedian need a license?

Usually not a state license. Ask for insurance and references, and check whether the venue or a public show needs a separate permit.

Can the comedian use material about my company?

Yes, if you agree on it in advance. Share the names, roles and topics you are comfortable with, and review any written material before the show.

What content level is right for a corporate event?

Most corporate events call for clean or workplace-friendly material. Tell the comedian the audience and the setting so the set matches it.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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