Looking to hire a comedian for an upcoming event? At GigSalad, we’ve connected thousands of people with the best entertainers in their area. Choose a city below to browse comedians for hire near you. We also have answers to your most frequently asked questions about booking a local comedy show. Let us help you find the perfect entertainment to make your event unforgettable!
On average, professional comedians cost $300-$500 for a 1-hour set. This price may vary depending on your location, the size of the event, the style of comedy, and the comedian’s skill level.
Comedians are commonly booked for 1-hour performances. Most comedians have enough material to fill a 45-60 minute set. That’s also about how long guests expect to sit and listen to a comedy show. The exact performance time may vary depending on your needs. If you hire a comedian to act as a host or emcee, they might do smaller sets of jokes in between awards or other activities over the course of the full event.
Every comedian generally has their own unique style. They might focus on stand-up comedy, corporate comedy, or improv. They will also have certain tones to their humor, whether it be clean, adult-only, or dark in nature. Consider the famous comedians you enjoy most when determining what type of comedy you want for your event. Then watch videos of their past performances to see if you like their jokes and delivery.
Most comedians just need a stage and a microphone. Your comedian may be able to bring their own sound equipment, but it’s best if the venue provides it. You should also ask the comedian if there are any other needs for their set, like a stool to sit on or a table for props. Most comedians like to have a drink on hand as well, so be sure to offer them water or a drink from the bar.
Many comedians are willing to travel as long as they are compensated accordingly. Because they require very little equipment, it’s easy for them to hop on a plane and fly to events across the country. You can offer to book their travel for them or let them build those additional costs into their quote.
Comedy shows are great for almost any event. It’s best if you plan to have a decent-sized guest list as comedians feed off audience laughter and interaction, which will make the show better. Your comedian can be the featured entertainment, or they can act as host or emcee, peppering in jokes while also keeping your event on track. Comedians are a popular choice for corporate events, college campus events, holiday parties, and more.
Offers Virtual Services
Washington, DC 
Stand-Up Comedian / Comedian 
11 Verified Bookings Jennifer said “Friendly, accommodating and wicked funny...really played with the audience well. We had a blast! Thanks Winston.”
Offers Virtual Services
Washington, DC
Comedian
18 Verified Bookings Joshua K. said “Shawn and his team were very easy to work with and flexible to our needs. He did a show for a very small group of teachers and school staff. It was a…”
Washington, DC
Motivational Speaker / Comedian Kim M. said “This was probably the best speaker we've had in the 8 years of our seminar. Very informative and extremely entertaining. Thanks for making me look good…”
Baltimore, MD
Stand-Up Comedian / Comedian
9 Verified Bookings Dana M. said “Wow! Booked Dave Butler for my 50th Virtual Birthday Party on Zoom! Dave is top notch, he was ultra prepared, kept my online guests laughing with his…”
Everyone loves to laugh, which means a comedian is a great choice for any occasion. Hire a comedian to entertain the guests at your special event, roast the guest of honor at their birthday party, or emcee your corporate award ceremony. There are also comedians with family-friendly material that can perform at community or school events.
When booking a comedian, take the time to browse profiles to see photos and watch videos of previous performances to make sure they are a good fit for your event. Read reviews from past clients to get a better feel for their services and how their shows were received by real audiences. When you find a comedian you want to hire, get all the details in writing with a contract or booking agreement. When you book on GigSalad, your payments are handled through our secure site and are protected by our Worry-Free Guarantee.
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Using data from quotes sent through GigSalad, we’ve gathered average nationwide pricing for hiring Comedians.
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