One of the first things that new comedians encounter when trying to get comedy club open mic stage time is what is known as a bringer show.
A comedy club bringer show is a show where, in order for a new comic to get open mic stage time, they have to bring a certain number of friends to the show.
Usually, the “bringer bounty” to get performance time is 3-5 people as a prerequisite for getting 3-5 minutes of stage time as a new comedian.
This is good for the comedy club because they can get butts in seats and sell food and drinks for a show that is essentially not otherwise marketable. What do I mean by that?
If you have ever been to a comedy club open mic, you will immediately notice that most of the new comedians are simply awful—they either have no talent, or they do have talent but are largely unprepared to use it when they hit the stage.
Bringer shows can also be marketed as comedy competitions in which the comedian who gets the biggest applause wins the competition.
Now, here’s where it can get kind of ugly if a new comedian doesn’t understand the dynamics of a bringer show comedy competition…
The comedian who is going to win a bringer show comedy competition will be the one who brings the most people (and thus will get the most applause for their performance when asked)—it will not usually be determined by talent or the laughs generated by the comedian.
Take Killer Stand-up comedian Mylo Smith, for example. In July 2010, he slayed the audience at the HaHa Café in Los Angeles at a bringer show comedy competition. His PAR Score was 46 (an average of 27.6 seconds of laughter per performing minute).
As far as laughter generation goes, Mylo smoked the other contestants in the comedy competition.
But he came in 3rd place because…
Two other contestants brought more people—way more people. And since bringer show comedy competitions usually determine the winner by applause at the end of the show, not based on their ability to generate laughs…
Well, let me say that I have seen some awful comedians “win” these sorts of events.
For comedians who can only work in the comedy club market, whether it’s by choice or because they can only produce comedy club material that is not suitable for any other comedy market…
Bringer shows are going to be a part of the process of getting started as a comedian. Better start rounding up a boatload of friends if you expect to get stage time at a comedy club open mic.
And the longer a comedian sucks on stage…
The longer they are going to have to bring friends in order to get stage time (which usually continues until a comedian has proven they can consistently get laughs and have actually been hired for paid work).
Stage time is a very valuable and precious commodity for any comedian, especially those who are just starting out.
However, I should also mention that simply racking up performances doesn’t do much good if the comedian can’t get the laughs they need to progress.
For most new comedians, stage time in the beginning is largely a trial-and-error activity when it doesn’t have to be that way at all.
Thank you for shedding light on the Comedy Club Bringer Shows and exploring the various aspects of these events in your recent article. Aspiring comedians often navigate a complex landscape, and understanding the nuances of bringer shows is crucial for their growth and development in the comedy industry.
Your article provides valuable insights into the good, the bad, and the ugly sides of bringer shows. It is essential for aspiring comedians to weigh the pros and cons before deciding whether to participate in these types of shows.
On the positive side, bringer shows can offer opportunities for emerging comedians to gain stage time and exposure. They provide a chance to perform in established comedy clubs and potentially showcase their talents to industry professionals. Additionally, the requirement to bring a certain number of guests can help build an audience and establish connections with fellow comedians and supporters.
However, as you rightly pointed out, there are also drawbacks to consider. The financial burden placed on performers to bring guests can be challenging, especially for those who are just starting out in their comedy careers. It can create a sense of pressure and distraction from focusing on honing their craft. Moreover, the quality of the audience may vary, as some guests may attend primarily to support their friends rather than being genuine comedy enthusiasts.
Your advice to aspiring comedians to carefully evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of bringer shows is essential. It is crucial for performers to strike a balance between gaining stage time and exposure while also considering their financial constraints and artistic growth. Exploring alternative avenues, such as open mic nights or independent comedy shows, can provide valuable stage experience without the added pressure of bringer show requirements.
Ultimately, the decision to participate in bringer shows should be based on an individual’s unique circumstances and goals. It is essential for aspiring comedians to stay true to their artistic vision and prioritize their growth and development as comedians.
Thank you for shedding light on this topic and providing aspiring comedians with valuable insights. By understanding the intricacies of bringer shows, performers can make informed decisions about their comedy careers.
Bringer shows sounded very odd when I first heard of them but then it did make a lot sense once I thought about. Bringer shows seem to be quite a high cost in terms of time and energy since you need to round up your friends. Bringer show competitions are really weird.
It seems to me that at bringer shows, the people who get the most laughs are the people who bring the most audience. I mean, I think that if you’re funny, you should be able to make anyone’s audience laugh, but I definitely feel like people’s guests pay more attention to them than to the other comics.