Getting those first gigs.

[Barcy Dussell]

Hi there,

I'm pretty new to this game (solo, anyhow) and I just wanted a bit of advice regarding getting those first few gigs. If you email someone or whatever is there a certain way of doing it, of wording it. I just worry that if I come across wrongly I won't get gigs, and I've been struggling to get more open spots. I live in Brighton (well, Hove) so there's not exactly a lack of gigs going but I'm struggling to get more. I've had about 5 since January, and had one last September. I really want to be doing as many as possible. I'm going to lots of local gigs as well. I'm not the most outgoing at times and feel strange going up to the promoter and selling myself but is this something I need to do?

Any advice gratefully received.

[MikeFinley]

Speaking as someone who's literally just booked my first open spot, I emailed the promoter, just explained who I was and why I was asking them. And that was it.

With any email, you need to judge who you're sending it to - obviously don't do it in the same style as you would to a financial advisor, but don't do it like you would your best friend. I think "Smart/casual" is the best way to play it, most of the time. At least it was when I would ask for music-gigs, comedy could be very different for all I know...

[Joltik]

"Smart/casual" is a good way of putting it, I think.

Good advice is to be honest - you might think saying "I've only done 5 gigs" or whatever will put off a promoter, but plenty of open mic nights will gladly put on new acts, and if they know you're quite new, they can book other acts accordingly - hopefully, you'll end up with better experiences.

Be polite both before and after getting a response. If you've never met the promoter, be relatively formal, and if they don't have a gig to offer you, don't fly off the handle. Thank them for their time, because in my experience, getting a confirmed "no" is a lot less common than being ignored entirely.

When you're asking, it can be handy to ask about other gigs in the area - promoters will generally know of more gigs, and will happily hand over the details.

[Paul Savage speaks Easy]

Write all your stuff into a comedy Cv, then email it to promoters. Advice here:

http://howtocomedy.wordpress.com/2011/02/03/how-to-write-a-comedy-cv/

[Corry Shaw]

Brighton has a very supportive and busy open spot circuit. Speak to the guys that run Gigglestock/Japeworm (both have Facebook pages), they are very supportive promoters who will be able to point you in the direction of other local clubs too.
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Laugh and the world laughs with you...

[Barcy Dussell]

Cheers. I have. I think I just have to be more patient. I'm impatient, like a lot of newer acts I suppose. I just have to take my time.

Thanks for advice guys.

[Dan Hobson]

E-mail Spiky Mike on funhousecomedy@virginmedia.com