Tips for a Successful Holiday Comedy Party

Mark Doyle asked:

The Holiday  comedy party  can transform the usual dull banquet or holiday party into a huge success. While it can be a challenge to entertain your corporate officers and staff with a comedy show it can also be a great way to break down barriers with in the organization.

The number one thing to do is book the right act.   The comic should have experience with working at comedy holiday parties.  The talent should understand that this is not a comedy club performance and they must work clean and with in the guide lines you set out for them.  This should not be a problem for the right act and a good agent or comedy Booker should be able to suggest a good act for your event.

Good sound and lights are a must. The funniest comic in the world will get nothing if they can not be heard. Good light is also important. A riser or stage will allow better sight lines for the audience is also helpful but not required.

If dinner is also part of the evening it is best to have dinner concluded prior to the start of the show. The clearing of dishes and noise associated with it will detract form the show.

If you are having a gift exchange or awards presentation that should take place after the show. Many trophy stores on line offer a great selection and discount pricing, but make sure you give them enough time for production and shipping.

A representative of the company should say a few words prior to the entertainment. Welcome remarks and thanks to the organizer would be appropriate. This will help people get settled and focus on the stage.

The intro for the comic should start with some credits where the audience may have seen them, (television or movie credits). The intro should always climax with the acts name. Any inside information about the company or individuals in attendance can help make the event more fun. While many of the corporate comedy acts have built in bits for this a little input is helpful.

The comic will usually do a show 30 to 45 minutes long. Remember if the audience has just had a large meal they will start to get sleepy if they have to sit much longer than that and you still want them awake if you have awards or speeches later.  

There you have done it, put together a successful holiday corporate comedy event and you can now enjoy the positive comments from all those in attendance.