Becoming a Stand-Up Comedian: Creating Relationships from the MC Spot

If you've made it to the emcee level, you're in the first critical phase of your comedy career. For the first time, you're getting paid (if only enough to buy a beer or two after the show); more importantly, you have the opportunity for regular stage time in front of paying crowds. On-stage, you have the opportunity to develop your act and work on your presentation. Off-stage, you now have the ability to begin working relationships with the headliners and features you open for. How you comport yourself as an emcee can dramatically enhance your ability to make solid contacts and possibly even garner references to other clubs and booking agents.

Your goal, each week, should be to establish a relationship with the headliner and the feature. For all the thousands of tapes and DVD's (and I do mean thousands) sent out to comedy clubs and booking agents every month, references and personal contacts are still the most effective way to advance your comedy career. While you may not get a reference every week (and you certainly won't), establishing a relationship means you can get advice, learn the business, and increase the chance of getting a reference the next time you work with those comics.

The best way to do this is to present the image of a solid, professional, eager, and intelligent comedian, both on-stage, and, just as importantly, off-stage. Therefore, this article will discuss some rules for behaving as an emcee, not for the benefit of the club, the audience, or the other comics, but to advance your own career. Having opened for dozens of headliners, and made equally as many mistakes, I am passing along these words of wisdom.

1. Be Professional.

No matter whether you're opening for Chris Rock or some yutz you've never heard of, be professional. Remember that you are both comedians, both professionals, and act as such. If you're a big fan, keep it to yourself, or at least keep it short. If you like his (or her) set, compliment him - quickly. Say, "Nice set in there". Don't blabber on and on. Headliners hear that all the time from fans - they don't need to hear it from you.

2. Do the introduction as instructed.