Hello everyone from us here at Comedy Connection, and thanks for reading.
In our last post, we focused on sound. This time around we’ll focus on the elements of a space that help a show to excel. We’ll explore some good ideas and explain their merits, and by the end your private comedy show will be better for it!
1: Bigger is not always better
All our acts could tell a story about how a business they’ve performed for decided to put 40 people into a hotel conference room as large as two football fields. A small crowd in a large room can feel cavernous, like something is swallowing the energy. A large room also will tend to have limited lighting options. We understand sometimes options can be limited, so seating everyone immediately in front of the performance area is imperative is you find yourself in a large room. Speaking of which…
2. Be Together
Laughter is a societal impulse. Humans love laughing together. But the further apart we get, the more we feel hesitant to laugh out loud (Weird, right? You’d think it’d be when you were closer to people). So, make sure your tables or seats or whatever you choose are close together! We promise it will pump up your private comedy show’s energy.
3. Get Close
Don’t be afraid! Ensure when selecting a venue that you position the seating as close to the performance area as you can. Laughter has a ripple effect from the front to the back, so getting as close to the action as you can is the best position to get the whole crowd rolling!
4. Comedy should be seen AND heard
You paid for a private comedy show for your whole group, so make sure no one ends up behind a pillar, in another room, or otherwise visually obstructed. If a comedian has to move to address one area of the crowd, then move again to be visible to another, you can be sure momentum could be impacted.
5. No Busy Areas By Stage
A cash bar, a photobooth area, a chocolate fountain- any areas that will be high traffic during the show should be well away from the stage. The noise and activity can cause a lot of distraction, like when a drunk dude stands in a bar line rambling, totally oblivious about his volume.
6. Mirror Pro Behaviour
When all else fails, do what the comedy clubs do. 95% of all successful clubs have three things in common when it comes to the room layout.
– Seating starts right at the stage
– Ceiling is low to contain sound and enhance energy
– The stage is well lit and visible from any seat.
Do what the pros do!
Now go and make your private comedy show as good as it can possibly be! And leave the comedy part to us, we won’t let you down!
Any advice you need for putting on a comedy show in Canada, please contact us at (403) 910-6990 or through our contact page.
If you are ready to take this wisdom and book an amazing act, visit our comedian’s section to zero in on the perfect match for your event!
Thanks for reading, and we’ll talk next time about the importance of some great lighting!
-Brent
