So, you want to hire a comedian for your special occasion, nightclub, fund raiser, etc., and you're not sure how to go about it? Well, friend, you've come to the right place. I'm going to tell you how to locate, inspect, hire, and deal with any comedian. First, be sure to ask yourself the following questions.

1.) Do you really need a comic?

Make sure that the entertainment fits the event. Fundraisers, birthday, anniversary and corporate parties are very conducive to comedy-as are, bachelor dinners, retirement parties and company roasts. Bad environments for comedy include (but are not limited to), Weddings, funerals, wakes, hospitals, nursing homes (ok, maybe some nursing homes would be cool with a good, clean comic), baptisms (and most religious occasions) and my very favorite, the drunken frat party.

2.) Can I afford a decent comedian?

Check your budget. Get the best comic you can afford, or don't have comedy at all.

3.) What type of comedian do you want to hire?

Comedians come in all ages, both sexes, shapes, sizes and comedy styles. Are you looking for a squeaky clean, audience-friendly, Wayne Brady type of comedian, or are you looking for the love-child of Andy Dick? Look at the type of event you're having to determine the best type of comedian to hire. I've seen functions brake to a complete halt because of a bad (or dirty) comic. When you speak to a potential hire, don't be afraid to ask questions. Some questions you may want to ask include...

"How long have you been a working comedian?" "Working" is the key word.

"How much time can you do comfortably?"

"Can you work 100% clean?"

"Do you interact with the crowd?"

"Can you prepare a roast?"

"Do you require a deposit? How much?"

"What if I have to cancel the event?"

4.) Suppose I don't get a pro? My cousin Herman is pretty funny. He'd do it.

Ok, you do that and let me know how that works out for you.

5.) There may be kids at this event. Should I have comedy?

I wouldn't book a comedian for an event unless the kids are older teens. (16 and up) There's nothing more distracting to a comic and an audience than little kids running around the room-no matter how cute they are.

Go See the Comedian Perform

Ask the comedian where he/she is performing and go and see them live. You'll get a good indication of how they act in front of an audience. If that's not possible, the comedian might have some videos of their act on YouTube or Facebook. Don't be shy about asking questions. Good comics aren't worried about providing references.

Get Techy With It

What type of sound system does the comic require? A mic and stand is not a good answer. Does the venue provide a decent public address system? Is a quality microphone available? Is there someone at the event who knows where the unit is located? (Sounds crazy, but trust me, it happens.) I can't tell you how many times I've shown up to perform and the promised, required equipment was unavailable, or no one knew anything about it. Is there a stage, or is the performer going to be in a dark corner where no one can see their act? Is there lighting? Can you quiet your drunken uncle Ed while the comic is performing?  Be sure to cover as many bases as possible, so your event will be a success.

Firm Up Everything

After you hire a comic and the date is set for the event, keep the lines of communication open (especially if the date is in the distant future.) A couple of weeks before the event, contact the comedian and confirm the performance. If something comes up and the event is canceled, be sure to let the comic know asap so he/she can rebook the date. If something should come up to disturb your plans on the comedian's end of the deal (sickness, death in the family, jail, etc.), ask him/her to set up an alternative for you-then confirm with the new act as soon as possible. Things do come up.

Have a Happy Comedy Show!

Rockin' Joe Hebert, Owner: Ocean State Talent Co., Pawtucket

Any other questions? Please ask