Comedy show checklist: what to arrange and when

A comedy show needs more than a booked performer and a room full of chairs. You need a clear running order, a stage area that works, tested microphones, guest registration, food and drinks, and a briefing for the artists. Start with the venue and performers, then handle invitations, registrations, catering, and technical checks. Use the final days for shopping, chilling drinks, preparing snacks, and checking every item before guests arrive.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

Reserve the venue and hall
Book cabaret performers
Set the schedule and game times
2 people
Send invitations
2 people
Process registrations
Collect dietary requirements
Set catering quantities
2 people
Check technical supplies
2 people
Share the route and parking details
Send artist briefing
Check the shopping list
2 people
Do the shopping
2 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Prepare snacks
3 people
Check the Venue
2 people
Set up chairs
4 people
Set up tables for reception
2 people
Clear the stage area
2 people
Hang up decorations
2 people
Connect lighting and sound
2 people
Test microphone
2 people
Prepare the presentation text
Set up the buffet and bar
3 people
Set up the registration table
2 people

Event

Welcome performers
2 people
Register guests
3 people
Serve welcome drinks
3 people
Serve snacks
3 people
Guide the audience to the hall
2 people
Open the comedy show
Facilitate the first comedy block
2 people
Serve break drinks
3 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Guide the second comedy block
2 people
Artist support
Serve snacks
3 people
Restock the bar and buffet
2 people
See off guests and manage departure
2 people

Aftercare

Collect lost and found items
2 people
Switch off equipment
2 people
Collect tableware
3 people
Collect waste
3 people
Wash dishes
3 people
Clean the room
4 people
Put chairs and tables back
4 people
Remove decorations
2 people
Inventory materials
2 people
Return borrowed materials
2 people
Store leftovers
2 people
Check the final bill

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Chairsqty 70
High tablesqty 6
Buffet tablesqty 3
Registration desk
Artist table

Tableware

Water glassesqty 80
Wine glassesqty 60
Coffee cupsqty 70
Coffee spoonsqty 70
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Serving traysqty 8

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef's knivesqty 3
Storage binsqty 8
Coolersqty 4

Equipment

Wireless microphonesqty 2
Speakersqty 2
Audio mixer
Microphone standsqty 2
Audio cablesqty 4
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 4

Lighting

LED spotlightsqty 4
Mood lightingqty 4

Decorations

Balloonsqty 100
Buntingqty 8
Table décorqty 8
Arrows and room signsqty 12
Name badgesqty 70
Markersqty 8

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Bucketsqty 3
Floor squeegeesqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Cleaning clothsqty 12

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Book the venue and cabaret performers first, then set the schedule around confirmed performance and game times. Keep the stage area clear and allow time between acts for entrances, exits, and microphone changes.
Send invitations early enough to process registrations and collect dietary requirements before setting catering quantities. Finalize the headcount several days before shopping so snacks, drinks, plates, and cutlery match attendance.
Test the wireless microphones, speakers, audio mixer, cables, lighting, extension cords, and power strips before doors open. A microphone check should happen with the performers present, not only with the room empty.
Set up the registration desk near the entrance and prepare the artist table separately. Welcome performers before guests arrive, give them the artist briefing, and make sure water glasses and a quiet place to prepare are available.
Chill drinks and prepare snacks on the event day, but do the main shopping and venue check earlier. Leave at least 60 minutes before guest arrival for chairs, tables, buffet and bar setup, decorations, sound, lighting, and the final route and parking information.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I book a comedy show venue?: Book the venue as soon as you have a likely date, preferably 8 to 12 weeks ahead. Confirm the hall, stage area, seating capacity, access times, power supply, and parking before inviting guests.
How many microphones do I need for a comedy show?: Plan at least 1 working microphone per performer on stage, plus 1 spare if possible. Test every wireless microphone, stand, cable, speaker, and mixer connection at least 60 minutes before the audience arrives.
When should I finalize catering for a comedy show?: Collect dietary requirements during registration and confirm the final guest count 3 to 5 days before the event. Set quantities for food, drinks, plates, glasses, and cutlery from that number, with a small buffer for unexpected guests.
How early should performers arrive at a comedy show?: Ask performers to arrive 60 to 90 minutes before the advertised start time. Use that window for the briefing, sound check, microphone test, stage access, and any last-minute changes to the running order.

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Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.