How to organise a stand-up comedy night

A stand-up comedy night depends on timing, clear sound and a simple audience flow. Start by booking the artists and venue, then build the programme around set lengths, breaks and technical needs. Registrations, dietary requirements and catering need to be closed early enough to create a reliable final guest list. On the day, allow time to check the room, set up the stage and test every microphone 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

1
Book artists
2
Reserve venue
3
Compile program
4
Request technical requirements
5
Send invitations
2 people
6
Process registrations
7
Collect dietary requirements
8
Book catering
9
Reserve equipment
10
Create final guest list
11
Send artist briefing
12
Print the run sheet
13
Do the shopping
2 people
14
Check materials
2 people
15
Chill drinks
2 people
16
Prepare snacks
3 people
17
Open venue
2 people
18
Check the Venue
2 people
19
Set up tables
3 people
20
Set up chairs
4 people
21
Set up the entrance
2 people
22
Set up the cloakroom
2 people
23
Build the catering buffet
3 people
24
Set up the equipment
3 people
25
Set up the stage area
2 people
26
Set up lighting
2 people
27
Test microphones
2 people

Event

28
Welcome performers
2 people
29
Give artist briefing
30
Open the doors
3 people
31
Register guests
3 people
32
Serve snacks
3 people
33
Serve drinks
2 people
34
Refill drinks
2 people
35
Announce the performance
36
Operate equipment
37
Set out break drinks
2 people
38
Assist performers
39
See off guests
2 people

Aftercare

40
Dismantle the technical setup
3 people
41
Collect tableware
3 people
42
Collect waste
2 people
43
Clean the room
3 people
44
Put furniture back
3 people
45
Wash dishes
2 people
46
Empty the coolers
2 people
47
Lock up the venue
2 people
48
Return materials
2 people
49
Pay performers
50
Handle lost and found

What to bring

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

Furniture

Chairsqty 90
Tablesqty 10
High tablesqty 4
Coat racksqty 2
Changing room table

Tableware

Reusable glassesqty 120
Coffee cupsqty 90
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Serving traysqty 8

Equipment

Active speakersqty 2
Wireless microphonesqty 3
Mixer
Microphone standsqty 3
Laptop
DI box
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 6

Lighting

LED theater spotlightsqty 4
Work lightsqty 2

Decorations

Backdrop cloth
Tableclothsqty 10
Menu standsqty 6

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Hot drink urnsqty 4
Coolersqty 4
Ice cube traysqty 4
Serving spoonsqty 8
Cool bagsqty 4

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 3
Broom setsqty 2
Mopsqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 3
Hand soap dispensersqty 4

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Book the artists and venue before publishing the programme. Ask each act for technical requirements at least two weeks before the show, including microphone preferences, music playback and arrival times.
Set the running order around fixed start and finish times. Leave at least 15 minutes between the advertised doors-open time and the first act so guests can register, find seats and order drinks.
Treat soundcheck as a separate task, not a quick final check. Test both wireless microphones, the mixer, active speakers, laptop playback, DI box and extension cords before the audience enters.
Close registrations and dietary requirements 3–5 days before the event. Use that information to confirm catering quantities, print the guest list and decide how many tables, chairs and high tables the room needs.
Set up the entrance, cloakroom, seating and buffet before chilling drinks and preparing snacks. Keep work lights available during setup, then check the stage area, LED spotlights and clear walkways once the room is ready.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I book comedians for a comedy night?: Start contacting comedians 8–12 weeks before the event, especially if you need several acts for one programme. Confirm fees, set lengths, arrival times and technical requirements in writing before announcing the night.
How long should a stand-up comedy night last?: Plan for about 2–2.5 hours including one interval. A practical format is 60–75 minutes of comedy, a 15–20 minute break and another 45–60 minutes, with doors opening 30 minutes before the start.
When should I confirm catering numbers for a comedy night?: Confirm the final guest count and dietary requirements 3–5 days beforehand. This gives the caterer enough time to prepare while leaving room to adjust drinks, snacks, plates and cutlery for late registrations.
What sound equipment does a stand-up comedy night need?: Allow at least one reliable microphone per performer on stage, plus a spare if possible. Test the wireless microphones, mixer, active speakers, microphone stands, laptop playback, DI box and power connections during a soundcheck at least 90 minutes before doors open.

Start this plan in Lizzt

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