Tip the Waitstaff and Talk to the Crowd After

​If there's one thing about traveling the country doing comedy I love outside the actual performing, it's meeting people from the audience members and the waitstaff and venue crews. Everyone has a story, and after getting to share my story on stage, people want to share their story with me. What I find fascinating is when comics just want to shine on stage and then ignore or belittle the staff or ditch the fans by sneaking out the back. Now, if you're Dave Chappelle or Jerry Seinfeld, you can probably sneak out the back, but I hear they treat the staff wonderfully. But considering their fan base might get nuts, I understand. For the road dogs and beginners, there is no excuse when it comes to shaking hands after the show and telling the staff it was a pleasure to work with them. Even if the crowd wasn't the best and the staff didn't cut the crust off your sandwich, you aren't a prima donna and these are human beings. 

This past weekend I met so many wonderful staff members at the Rain Rock Casino and Harvey's Comedy Club, as well as bar tenders and waiters at the restaurants, my weekend was full and rewarding even if I never did a single set. What I realized after talking to the people is they seemed genuinely interested in my life as a comic, and it was implied many comics they met weren't as "generous" with their time. Maybe it's the teacher and extrovert in me, but I always like learning about people and having them ask me questions. It's part of the job in the early stages, and a way to sustain your relationship with a city, and it's the right thing to do. 

It Starts Early in Your Career 
When I started 11 years ago, I still remember sitting at the bar at Flappers, the Ice House, and the Van Nuys Springbok talking to the staff and learning about them. The way I approach it is we are all co-workers together. They work the front and I work the stage. But if they do their job and the drinks and food are served well, my job is easier. And If I'm funny and engage the crowd, the people will come back and tip them again. Being a "human being" is good for your career and the venue. 

I remember the old booker at Flappers, Richie Leis, and my mentor Ken Pringle telling me to stand at the exits and shake hands and talk to fans as they exit the room, whether it was the YooHoo Room or a bar show. I took that to heart, and now that my face and name is on the marque, talking to them is not just a suggestion but a requirement. I know some comics feel awkward and social interaction doesn't come naturally, but you got to find that inner-Bert Kreischer and learn to love meeting the people paying your bills.

So many times, younger comics, when I was starting would bail after their set to hit a mic or hang at The Comedy Store. None of them 10 years later are doing road work or regulars at the Store. Their lack of interacting with fans and staff early on and their career in stalemate is not a coincidence. People want a experience. Even the staff at the comedy shows want an experience - it's why they chose to work there. The experience begins when you show up and ends after everyone has left. You have to fill the time with as much exposure and good vibes as possible. Oh, and tip the staff when they bring you free food or drinks, you animals! 

Answer The Staff's Questions - Even If You Think It's Weird
I can't tell you how many times I've been sitting in a casino greenroom or theater backstage and one of the venue's employees says, "There's always something I've wanted to know about comedians..." and then they ask one of the following questions:

• How do you write your material?
• What's the scariest part about being on stage?
• Do you and the other comic travel everywhere together?
• Is everything off the top of your head?
• If I wanted to start comedy, what should I do? 

And while you might want to get ready or your set, I would highly encourage you to engage fully and vulnerably with the staff, manager, etc. First, because they're a human being and deserve the dignity of being treated as such. Secondly, because you want them to want to help you later when something goes wrong. Sometimes I'll check into the hotel and mention I'm the comedian, and after I answer a few questions, they'll wave a temporary security deposit fee or upgrade me from a queen to king size bed. People love exercising their power, both positively and negatively, so try to be the type of person that encourages others to want to help you. Thirdly, because their tone seems to imply other comics weren't friendly and if you seem approachable, that's a blessing. 

Clearly, there are boundaries you can set, like talking about how your social life is effected or how much money you make, but having a quick and funny response will keep them wanting to stay positive with you too. If they ask how much you make, thinking you're making Seinfeld money, I just like joking, "Thank God the hotel room is comped." That lets them know you aren't a complete open book. People living outside of LA might ask things others in bigger cities would never ask, so you just want to keep the energy positive when they step over the line. 

Meet and Greet Now For When You Meet and Greet For Real Later
I once heard a pastor say "Don't dress for the job you have. Dress for the job you want." The same philosophy applies to interacting with audience members. As soon as the show is over, get out to the exit doors and shake hands and say thank you for coming. And I don't care that you were just an opener or guest set. If you performed, get out there and kiss babies!  

A) It helps the venue by looking like the comics enjoyed their time and will encourage to come back 

B) You get great experience interacting with fans for later when you're selling merch. 

Over the years I've met so many interesting people. Last weekend I met an amazing retired EMT from New York who saved lives on 9/11 and got flown around the country by casinos because of his Player's Card Points. I've met swingers from Wisconsin. I've had teachers tell me it was it was inspiring to see another former teacher on stage. I've had people buy me more sodas (and vodka sodas in my early days) than I can count. 

Comedians have a different relationship with their audience. Actors and singers are elevated to "god" status, but comics are seen as men and women of the people - until you're at Kevin Hart's level. A few weeks ago I wrote about finding inspiration in pro wrestlers from the 1980's and 1990's. If Rowdy Piper and Ric Flair can sign autographs and high five kids, you can talk to a couple from Indiana who goes to one comedy show a year.

Final Thoughts
Comedy isn't just about writing jokes and performing them. It's the part that that we enjoy, but it's the tip of the iceberg. Under the glamour and showmanship there's the marketing, merch, branding, social media, and interaction with venue staff and fans. If you just like getting the laughs, eventually the audience will remember that. In fact, working at Flappers we saw comics sell out one year and the next year would cancel the final shows due to low ticket sales. The correlation was their lack of desire to meet with the fans after. 

You've probably heard that comedy is a conversation. At some point the audience wants to connect on another level. They want to thank you for cheering them up. They want to relate to a story you shared. They want to feel like you and them have more in common than just this evening. Every person has a story. It's our job as we rise though the ranks to hear their story for a few seconds after the show. 

Often after featuring or headlining, a guest or venue staff member would would say, "When are you coming back?" My response: "Let the venue know you'd like to see me come back." I haven't gotten the call yet that I'm not welcomed back. And I will say, there is nothing better than seeing a bartender or a fan once a year that remembered you and said they were looking forward to you coming back.   

​This is part of the job. So enjoy it.