How to Get Paid Comedy Gigs
What bookers look for, how to price yourself, and how to turn open-mic reps into paid work.
The four things bookers check
A clean two-minute clip
One tight clip of your strongest material, shot with decent audio. Not a full set, not a cold room, not a phone propped on a chair. This clip is the single biggest factor in whether you get booked.
A complete profile
Real name, stage name if different, bio that reads like a person wrote it, location, credits if you have them. Empty profiles get skipped automatically - bookers assume if you haven't filled in the obvious stuff you'll be similarly unreliable on the night.
A message that shows you read the listing
One sentence on why this room, one sentence on what you'll do, availability confirmed. Generic copy-paste applications get ignored.
Evidence you actually work
Consistent gig history signals reliability. Profiles that show regular applications and accepted bookings over months are worth more than a one-line CV of past credits.
Pricing your set
Ranges reflect typical comedy circuit rates. Weekend shows and established clubs pay higher; midweek pubs and new-night rooms pay lower.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long until I can get paid gigs?
Most comedians take 12-24 months of regular open mics before they start being offered paid new-act spots. Progress is a function of stage time, not calendar time - 200 gigs in 12 months beats 100 gigs in 24.
How much do new-act paid spots pay?
In the UK, open spots and new-act spots typically pay £0-£50. Middle spots at established clubs pay £50-£150. Headliners at comparable clubs earn £150-£500+. Private events, corporate, and weekend clubs pay more; midweek pubs pay less.
What do bookers actually want to see?
One strong two-minute clip that shows your real voice, a complete profile with credits and location, and a message that proves you have read what the night is. Bookers spend about 20 seconds per applicant - clear beats clever.
Should I ask how much a gig pays before I accept?
Yes. Ask politely before confirming. A serious booker expects the question and respects it. If they get cagey about pay, that is information - probably not a gig worth doing.
When should I stop doing unpaid gigs?
Never entirely. Low-pressure unpaid rooms are where you work in new material. The shift is ratio: once you are getting paid work, cap unpaid gigs at one per week unless you are specifically testing new stuff.
Start getting booked
Create a comedian profile, upload a clip, and apply to paid spots on Stagebook.