Show Day Process

Show essentials

Make sure you have all the equipment you need before heading to the venue!

To request equipment ahead of time, check out this link. Please allow for 3-5 days for the equiment to be shipped.

Equipment we can order:

Microphone
Microphone cables (50 ft.) and/or (25 ft.)
- An extra XLR cord is recommended
Microphone stand/base
Speaker (We use a 12" Harbinger V4112)
Speaker Tripod
Show lighting (Clamp lights work great in a pinch, but we can order your a light when shows occur more frequently in your city.)
Extension cords
Seats

Chair Setup

It may seem inconsequential, but chair set up is very important and small adjustments can translate to bigger laughs and a better overall show.

Be economical. Make sure the chairs are close together side by side, but make sure there's enough legroom for everyone.
Make room for an aisle, at least down the middle of the seats. Having people attempt to get out to pee and having to go all the way around can be surprisingly disruptive, so just add that aisle and you'll be fine.
Avoid comfy seating. Sometimes spaces will have furniture to use, but it's best to avoid using a lot of it. The best audiences are attentive and upright, not slouching in a comfy love seat (as nice as that sounds).
Don't spread the audience too far apart. We could lose that group connection which is important to encourage bigger laughs!

Where do I get seats?

If this is your first show, renting chairs would probably be the most convenient option. You'll want to compare chair rental companies and find one that best suits your needs. You can send us the invoice for the chair rental so we can pay it. We can also reimburse you for any rentals if you provide a receipt.

We will be able to order you chairs from a local IKEA for pick-up if your shows start happening frequently. You'll also need a place to store them and a vehicle that can transport them. Contact Jared if you need any assistance with ordering chairs and other equipment.

SOUND Setup

Ensure that your speaker is positioned in an area that isn't directly behind the comedian or right next to seats. We want to avoid any possible microphone feedback and customer feedback that their ears exploded during the show.

You'll also want to test your microphone and have someone listen from different room angles to make sure the sound is just right.

Putting on music after your sound is connected is a great way to set the mood for the show. Having a playlist of upbeat music playing can make the area more inviting for arriving guests.

If you have a spare microphone and cables, keep them close by so you can easily switch out one of them if a problem should occur.

Greeting & Checking in guests

Your first interaction with guests definitely sets our guests' first impression. It is very important to make sure you (or another volunteer) is at the entrance welcoming arriving guests and checking them in. Ask guests if this is their first time to a show or how they heard about the show. It may be helpful to let arriving guests know how to access the bathroom or where to dispose of their trash. Bring lots of positive energy when greeting your guests and remember that a guest who had a great experience might provide a lead to a venue for another show.

The Check-in Process

Your show's check-in sheet can be found on our DTC Admin site. From the dashboard menu, select "Shows" and you will see a list of upcoming shows. Find the column labeled "Guests" and select the number in the same row as the show you're actively running.
(Example above)

Once you have selected the number under the Guests column, you will be directed to the Guest List for the show.

All guests are listed in alphabetical order by Last Name. The number of people in their party are listed under the "Quantity" column.

As guests arrive, ask them for their first and last name and select the checkbox that matches with their name. Sometimes guests in the same party arrive at different times. If this happens you can make a note that more are arriving and let each person in as they arrive.

The "Notes" column might have a note already in it. Sometimes a note will be left for you if there are special accommodations needed or if someone will be checking in under a different name.

If you need any assistance with the guest list, reach out to Jared.

Starting the show

Because Don't Tell Comedy's popularity in a city relies a bit on word-of-mouth, opening and closing the show can have a big impact on whether people get involved. We've put together a few bullet points you should hit along with a few examples.

Welcome

"Hi everyone and welcome to Don't Tell Comedy! If you've never been, we host secret comedy shows in secret venues in more than 40 cities across the country!"

Mention comics

"We're ready to introduce you to the best of the next generation of comedians. We have an incredible secret lineup in store for you. Keep an eye out for our email after the show that will remind you who performed and where follow them."

Review show etiquette

"Feel free to take pictures, just please no recording of any kind. Be sure to tag @donttell[city] if you share your photos! Lastly, this is a show, not a town hall meeting. If you like something, laugh really loud, if you don't just don't laugh and it hurts our feelings more."

Introduce the host (or start hosting)

"Now, let me introduce the host for the evening. Start clapping right now for Mr. Host!"

CLOSING the show

Thank audience

"Give it up for yourselves for being such an incredible audience, and I don't always say that." (Always say that.)

Mention mailing list opportunity

"If you enjoyed your time at Don't Tell Comedy, keep an eye out for our future shows happening every week all over the country. Join our mailing list at www.donttellcomedy.com to learn about new and upcoming shows near you."

Encourage venue leads

"If you have a business, office space, backyard or another place that would make for a great show, please reach out to our producer after the show or submit your reference at our website. Have a good night!"

Page updated

Report abuse