After being asked the same questions over and over again about
shows for law firms my Wharton education kicked in so I put together
a bit of basic information for prospective clients... in addition
to my on-line brochure which you can find here:
Shaun Eli's How to Hire a
Comedian
I can put together a professional show for your law, accounting or other
professional services firm or
other organization (charity, corporate, country club,
temple or church, etc.).
Even if you're just getting started or not even sure if you want a comedy show
That shouldn't be your first question. It's a good question,
heck it's a necessary question, but let it wait.
A show is typically around ninety minutes, and should include a
professional comedian as the emcee, plus two to three other pro
comics. The experience, caliber and fame of the comics will
determine the cost. Oh, plus the greed of the person
putting the show together. It's not uncommon for a
booking agency to make more money from a show than all the comics
combined. I don't do that. I'm paid to perform; I don't build any
other fees into my price.
I would suggest, though, not trying to find three or four comics
by yourself, as too many things can go wrong.
There are a lot of factors that go into making a great show.
I'm a comic; I get paid to perform. I don't build $750 to $1000
into the fee for a show; every cent you pay me goes to pay comedians for being comedians.
I won't view your firm as an annuity--
every year cash a check and send three random comics. I'm AT the shows, giving them the
personal attention they deserve. I'm there checking out the room, testing the sound...
Okay, now let's talk price.
We can meet a range of budgets.
If you pick the right person to put the show together
you'll have a great show and that's what matters! But you have to have the right mix of comics.
Remember, it's our job to put on a great show. We've done this
before, so if we suggest a certain way to set up a room, or ask
for details on the sound system and the lighting, please
understand we have your best interests in mind. If we don't
sound good, we don't look good. Leave the details to us, but if
we're not asking the right questions, something's wrong.
To contact me, call (212) 252-2888 or e-mail me.
More information about me is on my website:
You can also find lots of information on how to hire comedians
for any type of comedy show in my printable on-line brochure:
Sincerely,
Copyright 2009 by Shaun Eli. All rights reserved.
And feel free to contact us to ask about fundraising ideas for your favorite charities.
Call Shaun Eli at (212) 252-2888 or e-mail me
You can afford a great show.
First I will speak to you for a few minutes to find out your needs.
If you serve food— a week later nobody's going to remember
the meal. They will remember having a great time
at the show. And you'll get the credit for that.
(I put on
exclusively clean shows but there are degrees of clean. NBC and
Comedy Central may bleep out the F-word but comics may still talk
about intercourse in somewhat graphic detail... to me, 'clean' is at least as
much about content as it is about vocabulary)
(The answer's usually Friday or Saturday
but don't forget about the possibility of an early Sunday evening show. And of course week nights and day times are available too and they're less expensive.)
(I provide the entertainment- the rest is up to you)
For example, what
would you do if one of the comics calls you at 6 o'clock on show
day to say he's sick? Let that be my problem— I have a lot
of comics' phone numbers, I know where they live and who has a
car. I also know who needs to be reminded the day before a show, and
which are the rare comics who'd think nothing of cancelling just because
they got a better offer for the same night (I won't work with people like this).
I work with a select group of hand-picked, professional comics, many of whom are former attorneys.
Even just choosing the right comics, in the optimal sequence,
takes a bit of expertise.
If you go to a French restaurant you expect a French appetizer, a French main course and a French dessert. But a comedy show isn't a French meal- you want variety.
Part of what you're paying for is expertise and knowledge
of comedy & comedians. And not to pass that task onto someone who doesn't
have that expertise.
My shows start on time-- anything else is disrespecting everyone who's there when they're
supposed to be.
www.BrainChampagne.com.
Shaun Eli's How to Hire a
Comedian
Shaun Eli
Founder & Producer
Ivy Stand-up: The Smartest You'll Ever Laughsm