How to organize a comedy night without last-minute chaos

A comedy night runs smoothly when the programme, performers, room and technical setup are fixed in that order. Confirm each comedian’s set time before inviting the audience, then use registrations to plan seating, food and drinks. On the day, leave enough time for microphones, speakers, lighting and a proper sound check. The details people often forget are a printed running sheet, dietary information, a clear stage area and charged equipment.

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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
Set the date and program
2 people
2
Confirm comedians
3
Agree on performance times
4
Confirm the venue and room layout
2 people
5
Send invitations
2 people
6
Process registrations
7
Collect dietary requirements
8
Confirm registrations
9
Check reservations
10
Coordinate technical setup
2 people
11
Print the run sheet
12
Print menus
13
Prepare name badges
14
Print the audience list
15
Check the shopping list
2 people
16
Do the shopping
2 people
17
Prepare snacks
3 people
18
Fill coolers
2 people
19
Charge equipment
20
Gather materials
2 people

Event

21
Check the hall floor
2 people
22
Set up chairs
4 people
23
Set up tables
3 people
24
Mark the stage
2 people
25
Hang the backdrop
2 people
26
Set up lighting
2 people
27
Connect the sound system
2 people
28
Test microphones
2 people
29
Test the music
30
Hang up decorations
2 people
31
Set up the buffet and bar
3 people
32
Display snacks
2 people
33
Chill drinks
2 people
34
Set up entrance and cloakroom
2 people
35
Welcome performers
2 people
36
Give the artist briefing
2 people
37
Welcome the audience
3 people
38
Check the entrance
2 people
39
Serve drinks
3 people
40
Serve snacks
3 people
41
Announce the program
42
Refill drinks
2 people
43
Take care of the break
3 people
44
Assist performers
45
See the crowd off
2 people

Aftercare

46
Collect tableware
3 people
47
Sort waste
2 people
48
Dismantle the sound system
2 people
49
Remove decorations
2 people
50
Clear away chairs and tables
4 people
51
Wash dishes
3 people
52
Clean the room
3 people
53
Check toilets
54
Collect lost and found items
55
Inventory materials
2 people
56
Return borrowed materials
2 people
57
Clear away leftover catering
2 people

What to bring

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

Furniture

Chairsqty 70
Tablesqty 8
Bar stoolsqty 4
Coat racksqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 3
Stage sectionsqty 4

Equipment

Active speakersqty 2
Mixer
Wireless microphonesqty 3
Microphone standsqty 3
Audio cablesqty 6
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Laptop
Timerqty 2

Lighting

LED spotlightsqty 4
Atmosphere lightsqty 8
Light standsqty 2

Decorations

Backdrop cloth
Balloonsqty 40
Buntingqty 6
Plantsqty 4
Table décorqty 8

Tableware

Drinking glassesqty 80
Coffee cupsqty 40
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Serving bowlsqty 12
Serving spoonsqty 8

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coolersqty 4
Ice cube traysqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Knivesqty 4
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving spoonsqty 8
Bottle openersqty 3
Corkscrewsqty 2
Small bowlsqty 12
Pliersqty 4

Catering

Drink dispensersqty 2
Coffee creamer jugsqty 2
Sugar bowlsqty 2
Napkin holdersqty 8
Groceries

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Bucketsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Broomsqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Cleaning glovesqty 6

Tips

Set the date, venue and programme before sending invitations. Confirm each comedian’s arrival time, set length and breaks in writing, then allow at least 30 minutes for the technical setup before guests arrive.
Use registrations to plan the room, not just the guest list. Collect dietary requirements when people sign up, confirm registrations before the event and check reservations again 24 hours beforehand.
Plan the room around sightlines and sound. Mark the stage, leave a clear route to it, and test the active speakers, mixer, wireless microphones, cables and power strips with the room arranged as it will be during the show.
Prepare the information you will need when the room gets busy. Print the running sheet, audience list, menus and name badges before setup starts, and keep one copy of the schedule beside the sound equipment.
Finish food, drinks and equipment checks before doors open. Prepare snacks, fill the coolers, set out glasses and coffee supplies, and charge the laptop, microphones and any other powered equipment at least overnight.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to organize a comedy night?: Allow at least 4 to 6 weeks for a small comedy night. Use the first 2 weeks to confirm the venue, comedians and programme, then leave the final week for registrations, supplies and technical planning.
How much time should I allow for a comedy night sound check?: Allow 30 to 45 minutes for the sound check, plus another 15 minutes if several wireless microphones are used. Test every microphone through the speakers from the stage position before guests arrive.
When should I confirm comedy night registrations?: Send a registration confirmation 3 to 5 days before the event, then check the final reservations 24 hours beforehand. This gives you time to adjust chairs, tables, menus and refreshments.
What should I prepare the day before a comedy night?: Print the running sheet, menus, audience list and name badges, check the shopping list, charge equipment and prepare any snacks that can be made ahead. Keep the final room layout and technical checklist together so setup can start immediately.

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.