Getting Gigs

How do new comedians go about getting gigs? I know there's open mic and beat the gong comps but how do you go about getting a normal regular gig?

Hire me as your agent!
I would make a series of phone calls and have you booked into the O2 Arena in minutes.
I am of course presuming you can dress like Micheal McIntyre?

Helpful as ever on this site. O2 is too small for me.

Where are you based?

But otherwise go on facebook look for standup groups etc, or just Google.

Then just apply and apply.

Thanks to social media you should have a brace in no time.

I was trying to help you Purple, if we had pulled that off I was ready to meet you outside Dudley Cheque Cashing Centre as Old Rocker works behind the counter on a Tuesday and he would have let us cash an 02 Cheque made out to Micheal McIntyre no problem all we had to give him was a packet of crisps and a sachet of Worcestershire Sauce.

Based in Leeds, not many open spots or venues so Manchester is probably the place to look.

Have you tried the forums here, PR?

http://yorkshirecomedy.com/forum/

No I haven't but I will now, thanks

Hey PR, if you are just starting try to avoid the gong shows, they are a lot of pressure for inexperienced comedians and can be a bit soul destroying if you get gonged off early.

However you will have to do lots of open mics and 5 minute spots until you can get regular gigs.

Maybe these links will help you to get started at some open mic nights

http://comedyballoon.wordpress.com/

http://www.thecomedystore.co.uk/page.php?id=22&location=2

Also check the forums, local newspapers, and when you get a gig ask the other comedians about where they have performed before and where they can recommend. A lot of venues/pubs don't advertise properly and have a comedy night that will probably die within a month or two due to lack of interest, so try to find these little ones and perform whilst they are on.

And network, ask any promoters and MC's about other gigs they may know of.

Hope this has been of use and good luck

Hi Purple Ronnie,

As you're in Leeds I would recommend checking out the Manchester comedy forum:

http://www.manchestercomedyforum.co.uk/phpBB3/index.php

There's loads of information on there as well as gigs that are available and comedy that is on around Manchester. It also may be worth your while joining yourself to the comedy collective and the facebook comedy forum because although a lot of what gets posted there is London based there are also others around the country.

I'm not 100 per cent sure but, there is a promoter that definitely books gigs around that area by the name of Spikey Mike. If you check out the website: http://www.funhousecomedy.co.uk/ there'll be information on how to apply for spots although from memory I think you may have to do a gong show first.

Finally, if you haven't already take a look at the forums on Chortle as they regularly offer out gigs (including open spots) on there.

I hope this helps, all the best,

Jason.

Good Luck

Cheers for the websites, managed to get a few gigs.