Planning an event means keeping a lot of spinning plates in the air. You have to find the right venue, set the date, send out invitations, provide food and drinks, and assemble an engaging range of activities and live entertainment acts to ensure everyone goes home satisfied.
That last aspect can be especially intimidating because there are just so many different options to choose from. One idea that sometimes gets overlooked is to hire a comedian, either instead of or in addition to more traditional performers like singers and musicians.
Here are four events that stand-up comedy is perfect for:
Private Parties
What could be better than enjoying a good laugh with family and friends? Whether you’re putting together a party for someone’s birthday, graduation, wedding, or anniversary, having a comedian on hand to tickle your guests’ funny-bones is always a hit. Besides providing a nice breather from any live music or DJ acts you’ve hired, stand-up comedy is great for building lasting memories with the people you love and cherish the most.
Business Conferences
Let’s face it: corporate and industry events can be stuffy, boring affairs. They don’t have to be, though. Between all the panels, presentations, and workshops, a comedian can help keep attendees’ energy up. Stand-up comics make excellent emcees, able to smoothly transition between telling jokes and introducing various speakers and events in a way that’s entertaining and memorable. Just because you’re putting together a professional event doesn’t mean you can’t have a little fun.
Charity Fundraisers
The first goal of any good fundraiser is to get as many people through the front doors as possible. The second goal is to get those people in a relaxed and giving mood. Few live acts are as good at both of those things as stand-up comedy. Unlike live music, stand-up isn’t something the average person gets to enjoy very often, so it’s an immediate draw. And because a comic’s whole purpose is to lift an audience’s spirits, they’re ideal for creating an atmosphere of goodwill and charity.
Class Reunions
Any time you’re getting together with a group of people you haven’t seen in a long time, breaking the ice can be tricky. People change over time and it’s not easy to know what to expect. Hiring a comedian for your class reunion or similar event can help relax your guests. Even better, a comedian can kickstart fond reminiscences by poking fun at the trends and fashions you and your classmates remember from your misspent youth.