Want more stage time? Learn how to host.
Charles McBee: "If you can engage an audience, get them warmed up in the very beginning and keep the show moving, then you will find many opportunities."
How To Become A Stand Up Comedian in NYC is a wise, been-there-done-that piece by Charles McBee (a funny NYC comic worth checking out). Good reading re: open mics, bringer shows, and more for anyone thinking about making the leap to the NYC scene. (Note: Some of this stuff may have changed due to social media/pandemic/etc. but I think the underlying themes remain.)
One piece of advice worth highlighting: A great way to get stage time when you’re starting out is to learn how to be a good host. There’s always demand for solid MCs who know what they’re doing.
Hosting is another way for you to find yourself on stage before many other comics at your level. If you can engage an audience, get them warmed up in the very beginning and keep the show moving, then you will find many opportunities as a host in NYC. The open secret is that most comics want to do regular spots.
Hosting is a lot of work compared to just showing up and telling jokes for 10 minutes. The host has to be there the entire show, but it’s a great way to earn stage time. Remember that producer/bookers can throw a rock in any direction and hit seven comics looking to do a regular spot in NYC. But hosts are a little harder to come by, especially excellent hosts, so your chances of being booked go up tremendously.