I have been working in comedy clubs for 20+ years. For 6 months I took over the Joe Franklin’s comedy club in the back of Charlie Os. We were doing shows 6 nights a week. But all we had was a room and some mediocre track lighting. It was enough to see the comics, but there was no ambiance.
I immediately ordered some lighting, built a 4×8 stage, threw up a backdrop and upgraded the sound system. Suddenly this 80 seat rooms in the back of restaurant looked like a comedy club. I didn’t spend a lot of money.
For 20+ years of private events I have seen it all. Touring comedy shows and murder mystery events we can turnanyspace into a performance venue. If the show is good, you don’t need much. For one off events yiu just need some fun things to get folks imaginations in the mood. Fora more professional club experience, a small investment in lighting, sound and a backdrop could turn an Elks Club into A Comedy Zone.
Are you a comic/ producer looking to regularly turn a space into a comedy club? Are you going to host a private event for work, home, school fundraiser? Here are some simple ideas to convert any space into a comedy club.
BACKDROPS
THIS might be the craziest find of all time. Laurice ordered two back drops this winter. Money was tight off season and I exclaimed “WHY?” “Because they were less than $10 each.” SERIOUSLY!!! I have spent $100 for the same service. We are at the Broadway Comedy Club. But having this branded colorful background has really upped our social media game. This vid has 170k + views after a week. CLICK HERE to simply upload your design (use Canva to create), pay, and await deliver!
If you are putting on a one time comedy show CLICK HERE for more temp decorating ideas.
LIGHTING
SEE MORE HERE This may be more than you need, but THIS is what I bought at Joe Franklin’s. It doesn’t take up a lot of space. We put it in the back of the room..The lights come with a remote. Set them all white or amber for a general wash. Or, I like to have two white and then a blue on the right and an amber on the left. Having a warm and cool side creates subtle shape to the viewing experience. This package is under $200. Twice I found this on sale for under $150 in the past 10 years.
Looking for some interesting looks on a budget? Take a look at these DJ lights. Starting as low as $15 each (usually $30 for two or similar packaging), the remote allows eaxh light to shine a variety of colors. They can be mounted just about anywhere. Screw to a homemade wooden frame for a few bucks.
Other options are floodlights. We were doing a gid down in West Virginia. The firehouse meeting hall at Capon Bridge was not well lit. Two.guys came to our rescue. The ran out to their truck and grabbed a couple flood lights they use on construction jobs. It wasn’t pretty but for sure effective. It was a great show.
CLAMP UTILITY LIGHTS can be highly effective. That aluminum dome turns an average watt bulb into a spot light. For under $100 you can get 6-8 and some FILTERS to give you some color options.
SOUND
MORE INFO HERE Pyle PA Speaker DJ Mixer Bundle – 300 W Portable Wireless Bluetooth Sound System w/ USB SD XLR 1/4″ RCA Inputs – Dual Speaker, Mixer, Microphone, Stand, Cable – Home/Outdoor Party – PPHP28AMX,Black
This is very similar to a Fender Unit I use. I love my fender. But it now costs 2-3 times what I spent. Now $600 for just the speakers and amp head (controling box). This PYLE system is under $300 and includes the speaker stands, cables and a mic.
If you get the Lighting tree kit and the PYLE sound system you could run a 70 seat comedy club and seem professional, assuming the comics are great. All under $500!
If you are starting a club a school, pay morrow like $60 for this Karaoke Machine System, (Portable Bluetooth Speaker with 2 Wireless Microphones for Adults & Kids with Lights, Karaoke Microphone with PA System Supports USB/TF/REC/FM/AUX for Home Party Home System Packages)
If you already have a guitar amplifier or similar, simply pick up a microphone with 1/4″ plug for under $20.
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