Getting Booked by Stand Up Bookers and a Hollywood Casting Director
Stand Up for Stand Up Booking Q&A Summary
Panelists:
Kyle Kazanjian-Amory: Founder and CEO, Don’t Tell Comedy
Michael Cox: Stand-Up Booker, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
Adam Richards: Associate Casting Director, Rich Delia Casting
Getting Noticed
Question: What do industry professionals look for when watching a comedian or performer? What makes someone stand out?
Original material with a unique point of view. Bookers know when a joke or topic has been covered before and are looking for someone with their own voice.
Question: How can underrepresented comedians break through in the industry?
Diversity is increasingly important, and there's a conscious effort to include underrepresented voices. Bookers try to give the audience the best experience possible by showing perspectives from different groups, otherwise a show could become repetitive and be seen as boring.
Comedians from diverse backgrounds should focus on honing their craft and seek opportunities that celebrate diversity, such as specialized festivals and showcases. Building relationships through networking and staying active in the comedy community can also help you gain traction.
Question: Is having representation, like an agent or manager, necessary to get booked or cast?
Both the Tonight Show, Don’t Tell Comedy, and the casting office don’t require a comedian to have an agent, and regularly book artists without representation. Agents and managers can help comedians navigate the industry.
Question: What's the best way for comedians in smaller markets, or have a limited social media following to get noticed and booked?
Stand Up: Michael regularly travels to cities for festivals and club showcases. Kyle finds comedians attending festivals as well through recommendations from the local Don’t Tell producers.
Casting: Try looking for any offices around where you live and seeing who's working on projects that shoot near you again. People have a better shot at being cast for those roles where they are already in the location If you are trying to be cast in projects for roles that are being cast out of New York or LA, I think it would be just sending your materials. But it's a harder sell if you're not in LA or New York.
Question: How should comedians approach posting their material online in terms of potentially "burning" their jokes?
Be strategic about the material you share online. Posting select pieces of your best work can increase your visibility, but be mindful that audiences may recognize these jokes during live performances. Balance is key—use online platforms to highlight your style and attract fans, while reserving some material exclusively for live shows to keep your act fresh.
Question: How important is social media to a booker?
Specifically being booked for stand up or acting, social media and someone’s number of followers isn’t relevant. Overall it can still help you be seen by people
Kyle: “For comedians just starting out I would not film anything for a couple years so you can focus on getting up on stage, getting more comfortable, working on the craft, etc. Social media can be helpful, but it’s not a shortcut so I think focusing on the craft is the most important thing and then when you have a body of work to share, you can leverage social media to market yourself and get your comedy out into the world. Some of the most successful DTC sets were from comedians who hadn’t posted many clips online before they filed their Don’t Tell Set.”
Submissions
Question: How important is it for comedians to be seen live versus submitting tapes?
The Tonight Show has never booked someone off just video, and will try to see a comedian live multiple times before booking. Kyle has booked someone without seeing them live, but always with a recommendation from someone on the Don’t Tell team.
Question: What should a submission look like when reaching out to industry professionals?
Preferences / General Guidelines
Video starts with the first joke, avoid a long introduction or crowd work at the start.
Audio is just as important as video.
Doesn’t have to be professional level video and audio but shouldn’t be hard to watch.
The Tonight Show has 5 specific requirements for every submission.
5 minute maximum unedited clip
TV Clean - No swearing / Avoid making light of topics such as domestic violence, stereotypes, sexual assault, mental health disorders, etc.
Avoid brand mentions
Include transcript of every word in the set
Submit via viewable link rather than attached file
Don’t Tell Comedy submission guidelines
Link to set (Ideally 7-10 minutes)
Here is the submission link
Casting Submissions
Typically requesting headshot, resume, and a reel,.
Each role is different but will be looking for some sort of character work on camera get a sense of who the actor is.
Casting does want you to improv and bring yourself to the role, but not to go too far off the page and miss certain beats the director wants their actor to hit.
Additional Questions
Question: How do comedians and performers stay relevant and on your radar after the 1st time you've seen them.
ANSWER:
Follow up every 6-12 months with updates on your career progress
Share news about significant achievements (e.g., taping a special, booking a big show)
Continue to improve your craft and create new material
Attend festivals and showcases where bookers might be prese
Question: How can comedians stay on industry professionals' radar without being overly persistent?
Answer: Maintain respectful and periodic communication. It's appropriate to update contacts every few months, especially if you have significant news like a new video, an upcoming special, or noteworthy performances. Ensure each outreach has a purpose and avoid excessive follow-ups without new information, which may be perceived as intrusive.
Question: What trends are shaping the future of comedy bookings and castings?
Answer: The industry is evolving with technology, leading to more virtual auditions and online showcases. There's a growing emphasis on diversity and inclusion, creating more opportunities for underrepresented comedians. Additionally, the rise of digital platforms allows comedians to self-produce content, reach global audiences, and bypass traditional gatekeepers.
Question: What are some good festivals that industry attends?
Motor City / Detroit, MI Sept 19-22
Big Pine / Chandler, AZ Sept 26-28
Big Sky / Billings, MT Oct 2/3-6
Big Diamond / Bentonville, AR Oct 3-5
Laugh After Dark / Vegas, NV Oct 7-9
10,000 Laughs / Minneapolis, MN Oct 10-13
Prize / Shreveport, LA Oct 16-19
Laughing Skull / Atlanta, GA Oct 17-20
Flyover / St.Louis, MO / Nov 14-26