BOOKING COMEDIANS

If you’re in charge of this year’s Christmas party and haven’t booked your entertainment yet, well, you may want to start. Think of entertainment shopping as say, planning your summer vacation. “Booking well in advance will usually get you first choice of airline and hotel dates. If you wait until April or May you may find yourself on a redeye with six layovers and staying in a motel where a clean room is considered an upgrade”, says Tom Riehl, owner of Unriehl Productions (and one sixth of The Laff Pack, a group of touring stand-up comedians who perform at corporate events and fundraisers throughout the year). “We have people calling us the week between Christmas and New Years already planning next year’s Christmas party.”
In the entertainment business, good acts and dates book quickly. This doesn’t mean you won’t be able to find a comedian or band if you wait until the last minute, but the pool does become somewhat watered down. Julie, an HR Manager for a large Orange County accounting firm says her company learned the hard way. “We planned an employee recognition banquet well in advance and thought finding entertainment would be the least of our worries so it wasn’t at the top of our list. When we finally called, our choices were very limited, unless you consider a circus clown that does balloon sculptures a top act”.
The best rule of thumb is “it’s never too early”. Most entertainment agencies and/or entertainers require a deposit to hold your date but it’s money well spent.
Also be sure and request a demo tape or DVD as well as bios or resumes on the comedians, musicians, magicians or other acts you are considering booking. Like anything else, some are better than others and many times that will be reflected in the pricing.
After you’ve found what you’re looking for and have had all your questions answered, be sure and get it in writing in the form of a written contract. Stay clear of performers or agencies that tell you a contract is not necessary. Contracts protect you as well as the performers. After that, sit back, relax and have fun at the party…the hard part is now done.

Tom Riehl is owner of Unriehl Productions as well as a professional stand-up comedian and part of The Laff Pack comedy troupe. To book The Laff Pack or if you have questions regarding entertainment in general, please visit www.laffpack.com