Bar Comedian Secrets to Success

Performing in crowded, loud bars can be very intimidating when compared to working the cozy atmosphere of the corporate scene. It can be a bit scary with all the sports events on the televisions, intoxicated patrons, and sometimes hostile crowd. Nevertheless, there are some secrets to becoming the king of the bar comedy scene.  These tips I’m about to give you will command the audience’s attention, as well as make you feel at home on the bar room stage, which is usually just the floor.

1) You Need Lots of Headshots

Your job as a bar comedian is make the audience laugh, but how will they know who to laugh at when there isn’t a stage? Because overcrowding can block the patrons view of your face, make sure to get lots of headshots taken and bring them to the bar before the show. Hand them out to everyone in the bar. Make sure you have lots of different looks for your headshots so the audience knows that you have a wild side as well as a serious one.  Now, when you’re performing, the audience can hold the headshot in front of their face and laugh when you tell jokes! “This comedian is interesting and funny! He also has a great headshot!” Everyone will be saying that!

2) Shake Some Hands/Kiss Some Babies

What does every president and ever successful bar comedian have in common? They’ve all shook some hands and kissed some babies before their set/got elected. I know what you’re thinking, “babies? In a bar?” It is a rare occurrence, but at times, babies will be in the bar, and you better kiss them before your set for good luck. Also, patrons of your bar comedy show really want to meet you, so shake their hands! However, do NOT engage them in conversation. Simply walk away. You’re only allowed to talk to the audience during and after your set. That’s comedy rule #1.

3) Never Smile

When you’re in prison, you never want to show emotion because emotion is a sign of weakness. The same goes for bar comedy shows. Promoters rarely bring back comedians who smile or look like they’re having a good time. Just tell your jokes and mean-mug the audience. You’re top dog, not the simpletons watching you.

4) Demanding Payment

Say Mr. Barowner promised you $50 to headline his bar show. Before you go on, demand $75. If Mr Barowner says “no,” then tell him to find another headliner. After you’re done performing, demand ANOTHER $75 or you’ll call the police. Some people see this as rude and crazy, but that’s just the way things go at comedy shows. Everyone does this and so should you.

5)  You Snooze, You Loose

Make sure not to sleep through your performance. If your show is at 8P.M., make sure to wake up around noon to get ready for the show. The number one problem bar comics have is sleeping through their sets or coming in late. Don’t be a statistic.

 

If you’re a corporate comedian, and looking for some corporate comedian tips, check out Sally Edwards’ tips instead. If you’re a club comedian, you’re a sad, sad person who got into the wrong industry.

Stevie Legit is offering a new comedy workshop called “Banter: When Not to Do it Properly” which runs at Showboat Riverboat in Branson from July 13th-July 17th. Tickets are $75 a day or $200 for the week.