Info for Comedians on Café Comedy

Info for Comedians
Cafe' Comedy Shows are the 2nd week each month. Currently

booking 2007

Experienced comics/improv performers interested in performing for upcoming Cafe' Comedy shows may email dawn@dawnholley.com

Dawn Holley is founder of Cafe' Comedy, a successful stand-up and improv revue performing in Central Ohio Columbus OH Grove City OH

Where: Two local Venues

Nora's Coffee Corner Cafe
www.norascafe.com
4057 Broadway • Grove City • Ohio • 43123
(Corner of Grove City Road & Broadway - Next to the Gazebo)
Online directions to Nora's Cafe'
www.norascafe.com/map.html

AND

The Columbus Maennerchor
Cafe' Comedy: German Village
966 S. High Columbus OH
(North of Greenlawn on High St., East side of street)
For reservations and directions-
614 444-3531

When:

Cafe' Comedy Shows at Nora's are usually the 2nd week each month. Show Schedule
Thursday night shows start at 7:30.
Friday and Saturday night shows start at 8 pm.
Shows run about 90 minutes.

Cafe' Comedy Shows at Maennerchor are usually on the Third Thursdays of the month
Thursday night shows start at 7:30.

A CAFE COMEDY SHOW - is joyful, diverse comedy with stand-up and improv

Opening at 7:30 on Thurs. or 8 pm on Fri. or Sat.: Emcee greets audience and does an improv exercise with them. Then
Introduces Improv troupe for opening improv routine

Improv (about 5 minutes) warm-up for audience

Stand-up sets 3 to 6 comics, 5 to 20 min. sets

Improv is usually between each comedy set

Improv closes show- (about 7 minutes)

All performers return for curtain call- End of Show

Cafe' Comedy Guidelines

Be on time:
On time means arriving at least 15 minutes prior to show time. (Thursday night, arrive at 7:15 pm, on Friday and Saturday nights arrive at 7:45 pm.) If you want to eat before you go on- come at least 1 hour early. See when Cafe' Comedy is Standing room only.

Performers arriving late: At the emcee's discretion, if a comic arrives after the show starts, (between 7:30 to 7:45 on Thur. or between 8:00- 8:15 on Fri. and Sat.) half of the late comic's 'cut' will be distributed to the remaining cast in consideration to the other performers who arrived on time. If a comic is 15 minutes to half an hour late (between 7:45 to 8:00 pm on Thur. or between 8:30- 8:45 on Fri. and Sat.), at the emcee's discretion, the comic may still be able to perform, but will not receive tips . For more info please see Canceling your booking and No shows.

Canceling your booking and No shows:
In our first year we've had nearly perfect attendance for our scheduled performers. Thanks to the more than 40 comedians who demonstrated professionalism during this time. If you know you cannot make a show, email or call me as soon as possible. In the hour prior to the show, call Nora's, 614-801-1622. Yes, emergencies come up. As you can guess, last-minute notice sucks when putting on a show. Special circumstances need to be communicated to the booker or emcee. Being late or a no-show can, and most likely will, adversely affect your future opportunities at Cafe' Comedy or other venues the producer books.

Leaving early:
As a rule, comics leaving before the end of the show forfeit their cut of earnings. This policy exists because we strongly encourage supporting all comics, not only you, but those who come on before and after you.

How you will be paid
You will receive a complimentary beverage and a 10% discount on food. You need to tell them when you order--you are part of the show In addition, comedians doing long sets (10 minutes, with 5 or more comics performing, 15 minutes with 4 or less comics performing) will receive a portion the evening's earnings. This money will be distributed to the comics and improv performers the night of the show. While we ask for $5 admission, the payment is on an 'honor' system, allowing the audience to give from their hearts and enjoyment.

Comics performing guest spots do not receive a split of tips.

We've done very well earning tips. It speaks volumes for the comics and the wonderful people who come out and support live comedy.

Guest Spots
Guest spots are for comics who want a short set to try new material or new comics invited to perform after passing an audition. This is your chance to demonstrate you can peform well at the venue. Stick to your time set of 5 to 7 minutes. Guest spots do not receive a split of the tips. please read: what if I'm not getting laughs?

Perks:
Nora's has great food, coffee and a variety of soft drinks. Please let them know you are a performer to receive your complimentary beverage and food discount. (10% discount on food and 1 free drink to performers)

When Cafe' Comedy is Standing room only: We've had numerous standing room only nights at Nora's, so... when we've got a full house, comics need to move off tables prior to the show. Please leave your table clean for audience members. Respect this rule when we have a full house.

Maennerchor has ample seating.

Profanity will not be tolerated. Comedians delivering inappropriate or offensive material will result in the emcee interrupting the offending comic and proceeding with the next act. Any comedian with malicious or offensive material will not receive a split of the tips.

Improv: Comics interested in participating in the Improv should communicate this and make arrangements to attend the rehearsals. Because our show is a mix of stand-up and improv- if you are a competent comedian & improv performer you will have priority booking at Cafe' Comedy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the crowd like?
Audience capacity is 30 and they listen. We've had consistently good crowds and several standing room only shows.

Visiting comics comments: "Great room", "There's a lot of love in this place." "Nice crowd." "Smart audience." "You can see their reactions, I love that." " No alcohol or swearing and I still had a great time!"

Is this a Clean Room?
Nora's: Yes. Family place, so plan on "G" material. R won’t get laughs in the room, anyway. My test, “Could you hear it on network TV?”

Maennerchor: Yes, however, this room is usually catering to a mature audience and more adult subject matter is usually appropriate. If you have questions about your material for the room, contact dawn@dawnholley.com.

I'm trying out new material--is that okay? (updated Oct.2004)
This room is ideal for trying out rehearsed new material. The audience is supportive --give the new joke a fair shake by telling it like it's one you know works. Please don't apologize for your jokes before you tell them. If they don't work, say something after the fact, like 'that was new', 'okay, I'm marking that one off the list'.

What if I'm not getting any laughs?
Wrap up early. It's far better than dragging it out. Emcee may end your act for you if you don't end it yourself.

Promo info:
Click here for articles written about Cafe' Comedy. Cafe' Comedy and the folks who are on the bill will be listed in the press release. Press releases are sent to The Dispatch and regional weekly papers, as well.

Video taping:
Cafe' Comedy is looking for a videographer who can record and edit demo tapes from our shows. Please contact Dawn at email below. Several comics have videotaped their appearances. If you have the equipment, please feel free to set it up and record the show.

To be a part of Café Comedy Contact: Dawn Holley, dawn@dawnholley.com