First Open Mic Checklist
What to bring, what to do, and what to expect at your first open mic comedy night. One page, no filler.
Before you leave the house
Know your material cold
Run the set out loud three times before leaving. Nerves erase short-term memory - practise until the words arrive without you thinking about them.
Bring a notebook and a pen
Write down what got a laugh, what died, and anything you improvised. Memory is unreliable after adrenaline. Two minutes of notes after the set is worth an hour of thinking the next day.
Cash for a drink
Bar-based mics survive on drink sales. Buy at least one. It also stops you feeling like you owe the room anything.
A friend, or no one
One supportive friend is fine. A group of eight friends who only laugh at you is worse than an empty room - they distort your read of the crowd.
At the venue
Sign up as soon as you arrive. Most mics run a sheet or a random draw - miss the deadline and you do not get on.
Watch the earlier acts. Respect the room. Also: you learn what works with this specific crowd, which is useful intel for your set.
Take the mic out of the stand. Do it once at the start, hand it back at the end. Do not fumble - practise at home.
Stick to your time. If the light flashes, wrap up. Going over your time is the fastest way to not get booked again.
Thank the MC. "Thanks, goodnight" is enough. Do not explain, do not apologise, walk off.
Frequently Asked Questions
How early should I arrive at an open mic?
Arrive 20-30 minutes before sign-up closes. Most open mics run on a sign-up sheet or ballot - turn up late and you do not get on. Check the listing for sign-up time, which is usually 30-60 minutes before the first act.
Do I need to buy a drink?
At bar-based mics, yes - buy at least one drink. The room runs because the bar makes money. A £5 pint is the price of stage time.
Should I use notes on stage?
For your first five gigs, a small card on the mic stand is fine. Audiences do not care. What matters is not reading full paragraphs - glance at a bullet list to stay on track.
What if I bomb?
You will, several times. Every comedian has. Walk off, thank the MC, order a drink, stay to watch the other acts. Coming back next week is what separates comedians from people who tried comedy once.
Can I record my set?
Ask the MC first. Most rooms allow audio recording from your phone on the table. Do not prop up cameras or cause a scene - if the room says no, respect it. Listening back is the fastest way to improve.
Find your first open mic
Browse open mic comedy nights near you on Stagebook.