Our objective is to have a great show. We want happy guests and a creative, supportive atmosphere for comics. We want comics to feel they are growing and getting better through stage time and we want guests to love our venue and become repeat customers. Please start by getting on board with our objective. This is essential.
1. Comics must be 18 or older with ID. It is the comic’s responsibility to read and understand the rules, which will always be posted online at FunnyDinner.com and are subject to change.
2. Comics must arrive and put your name on the sign-up list ONE HOUR before show time. We stop at 16 comedians, so come early. We always start the show ON TIME. If you are not on the list and on-site one hour before show time, you are not in the show.
3. All comics are required to have at least 2 guests come to their show, unless you live more than an hour away. This should not be difficult, since there is NO COVER charge. There is a $5 purchase minimum for food/drink. If you would rather pay $10 instead of producing 2 guests, this is acceptable.
4. The box office will ask arriving guests “who are you here to see”. Don’t be shy about telling your guests to answer it. If you prefer to give your guests tickets, ask for them at the box office (they are free) and write your name on your tickets and this will count towards your guest number.
5. We ask that the comics and their guests stay for the entire show. This is polite.
6. Once all comics arrive, the Open-Mic Director for the show will design the line-up. This is the order of the show. The Director’s decision of the line-up is a combination of:
- Number of guests comics expect (higher number = later in the line-up)
- Experience and fresh material of the comic
- Accuracy of past “expected guests” declarations
- Director’s good sense for the show
7. The Director will assign your stage time (eg 4 min, 7 min). You will receive the flashing light 30 seconds before you should get off stage. Please stick to your time.
8. Morale is important to us. We expect comics to be team players and encouraging for a good show for everyone. If you are problem for morale, you may be asked to leave or asked to not perform again - for any reason we deem necessary. We don’t have enough room to specify what is rude or unsupportive. Show respect and use your instincts. Also, its expected that you tip your servers if they are running drinks and food for you.
9. Clean comedy is preferred and foul language is tolerated if it really helps your set. We aren't asking you to be totally clean, just don't be totally offensive. That means no "F" word, "N" word or the gay "F" word…or the "C" word and do not base your set around vile hatred or mean spiritedness. Certainly never mistreat an audience member and if you are in doubt about your content, keep it cleaner, it's more professional anyway.
10. We do not want or expect comics to enforce the rules of the house. The Open Mic Director runs the show, enforces the rules and makes judgements as needed. We don’t need drama. Enjoy your stage time and be supportive of the show. Just BE FUNNY and you will be loved, adored and worshipped.