Moving Up -- The Three Ways to Get In Front of Bookers

References

In "Creating Relationships From the MC Spot," I mentioned references as an important tool, and discussed some of the ways to hopefully get them from headliners and even middle acts you work with. There is a reason I devoted an entire article to references: they are quite simply the most valuable promotional tool a comedian has. Press kits may lie unwatched, and guest sets may not go well or not even be seen by the booker, but the word of a respected headliner will open many, many doors. The first road work I ever got, and still the bulk of what I have now, came directly from references from headliners. In many cases, bookers will book you, sight unseen, solely from one solid reference. In the worst-case scenario, a good reference can ensure that the booker does show up for your guest set or does take the time to review your tape.

A Note On "Agents"

I've been asked by a number of aspiring comedians about getting an agent. For the most part, comedians don't have agents. Some headliners, particularly those based in L.A. and New York, may have agents for commercials and/or voice-over work, but the comedy club circuit does not require, nor even accommodate, agents. There are bookers who book one-nighters, as well as college talent agents who book headliners to do college gigs, but neither of these qualifies as the traditional definition of an "agent". Comedy is a solitary business; that applies off-stage, as well as on-stage.

Summary

It is important to remember that, in trying to move up the comedy ladder, you are in competition with literally thousands of other comedians, some established, many in the same position as you are. While press kits are acceptable ways to get booked, and in the case of talent agencies such as the Comedy Zone do have some value, it is important to find ways to stand out from the crowd. Doing guest sets and, more importantly, getting references from established comedians are both effective and extremely important ways to make your face more than just one of the crowd. And, while the business is extremely competitive, every year, hundreds of people make the transition to becoming full-time comedians. Using your networking skills and putting in extra effort can help you make

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