I’m fortunate enough to be able to name my own MC when I work locally or if I book a one-nighter. If you’re feeling overlooked by headliners, this post will give you some tips on what they’re looking for when choosing a host.
Wardrobe and hygiene–Aside from the obvious tip on avoiding shorts, always consider your wardrobe when you go to a club’s open mic. A host represents the club and the rest of the comics, so dress respectably. Jeans aren’t too much to ask. And I hate to say this, but there are too many comics who smell bad. No one wants to hang out with a comic who’s going to stink up the green room or the bar all week. Make sure you’re clean, your clothes are clean, and that you don’t smell like pot, otherwise you’re crippling your chances.
Be a coachable listener–This probably held me back the most in my early 20’s. After a drink or two I talked too much trying to prove I was a “real” road comic to whatever feature and headliner I worked with that week. Let your act do the talking. Listen to the more experienced comedians who often have great advice as long as you’ll stay quiet and listen. If they can’t tolerate a conversation with you, you’ll get no helpful feedback nor will they want to work with you in the future.
Diversity–For the audience’s sake it’s nice to hear from more than just 3 white guys. This also prevents chances of premise overlap. I know some comedy communities are limited in choices. In this aspect, being a minority is an advantage.
Promote the show on social media–If I know an opener is going to post often about the show and increase crowd size, he or she is doing me a big favor. It’s the same reason so many comedy contests always favor the comic who packs the place instead of necessarily the funniest. Butts in seats are ultimately what matter.
Cleanish, relatable material–This can be challenging for a majority of the demographic in this stage of his or her career (your 20’s). As an opener, the other comics and the club prefer you don’t shock the audience with anything overly graphic in the first few minutes of the show. I’ve preached enough on that. The tougher part is being relatable. A large chunk of your audience is in a relationship, so if you’re spouting “poor me, I’m single” jokes (and I used to have a lot of these!), you’re not going to connect. Assume a majority of your crowd hasn’t made smoking weed as big of a part of their life as you have (although drinking is a popular, relatable topic). Either way, find relatable material. Or find material so unique that it sets you apart.
Be low-maintenance–Don’t bother the headliner with questions that can be answered elsewhere. Don’t have props and sound cues or anything else special on stage. Just be able to perform your act without involving anyone else. Arrive on time and drink responsibly. Also, don’t sell merch as an MC unless the other comics forgo it. Still, you should check with the club. (You shouldn’t have merch yet if you’re only getting MC work.)
I was a late-bloomer as far as becoming a feature and headliner. It took me 6 or 7 years before I was featuring more than MCing. It took me 15 years to have a somewhat solid headline act of 45 minutes. I like to give chances to those struggling to be noticed because I felt that way very often early in my career. Comics like to pay it forward, so follow the above advice and your chance will come soon enough. Showbiz is never going to be fair, and it takes some people much longer for their shot. Just be sure you’re ready when you get yours.
For more advice on how to make money and progress your career as a comedian, check out my book (now with an audio version!) with this link.
Don't Wear Shorts on Stage 