Stand-up comedy night checklist

A stand-up comedy night runs on tight timing, clear sound and a room that is ready before the first guest arrives. Book the artists and venue first, then confirm technical requirements, catering and registrations. On the day, allow time to set up the stage, test microphones and speakers, prepare the buffet and check the entrance and cloakroom. This checklist keeps the planning sequence clear, including the small details that are often left until the last hour.

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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

Book artists
Reserve venue
Compile program
Request technical requirements
Send invitations
2 people
Process registrations
Collect dietary requirements
Book catering
Reserve equipment
Create final guest list
Send artist briefing
Print the run sheet
Do the shopping
2 people
Check materials
2 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Prepare snacks
3 people
Open venue
2 people
Check the Venue
2 people
Set up tables
3 people
Set up chairs
4 people
Set up the entrance
2 people
Set up the cloakroom
2 people
Build the catering buffet
3 people
Set up the equipment
3 people
Set up the stage area
2 people
Set up lighting
2 people
Test microphones
2 people

Event

Welcome performers
2 people
Give artist briefing
Open the doors
3 people
Register guests
3 people
Serve snacks
3 people
Serve drinks
2 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Announce the performance
Operate equipment
Set out break drinks
2 people
Assist performers
See off guests
2 people

Aftercare

Dismantle the technical setup
3 people
Collect tableware
3 people
Collect waste
2 people
Clean the room
3 people
Put furniture back
3 people
Wash dishes
2 people
Empty the coolers
2 people
Lock up the venue
2 people
Return materials
2 people
Pay performers
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

Ask each artist for technical requirements at least 2 weeks before the show. Confirm microphone type, stage needs, playback equipment and arrival time before reserving the mixer, speakers and other gear.
Set the final guest list 2–3 days before the event and use it to confirm catering quantities and dietary requirements. Keep a separate note for allergies so it is available to the catering team at the buffet.
Open the venue at least 3 hours before doors open. Use the first hour for furniture and entrance setup, the second for sound and lighting, and the final hour for a full microphone and run-sheet check.
Prepare the stage area before arranging the audience seating. Test both wireless microphones through the active speakers, check the DI box and laptop connection, and tape down extension cords and power strips before guests enter.
Chill drinks and prepare snacks no later than 60 minutes before doors open. Set out reusable glasses, plates, serving trays and cutlery, while keeping coffee cups, the coffee machine and hot drink urns away from the main guest flow.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I book comedians for a comedy night?: Start contacting artists 6–12 weeks before the event, especially if you need more than one act. Send the final artist briefing at least 7 days before the show with timings, venue access details and technical information.
How early should I arrive to set up a stand-up comedy night?: Allow at least 3 hours before guests arrive. Set up chairs, tables, the cloakroom and catering first, then reserve enough time for a complete soundcheck and stage-lighting check.
What sound equipment do I need for a stand-up comedy night?: For a small room, plan for active speakers, a mixer, at least one wireless microphone, a microphone stand, a laptop or playback source, a DI box and suitable cables. Test the full setup 60–90 minutes before doors open.
How much food and drink should I prepare for a comedy night?: Confirm quantities from the final guest list 2–3 days in advance. For the first hour, plan on 2–3 drinks per person, then add water, coffee and snacks according to the length of the programme and whether catering is served during the interval.

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