--- title: "How to Become a Comedy Host: An MC's Roadmap | D.O.C." description: "A roadmap to hosting comedy shows: the clean set and the job clubs ask an MC for, in their own words, where to apply, and the proof to keep." url: https://disciplesofcomedy.com/career-atlas-comedy-host-work.html updated: 2026-11-10 --- The Career Atlas · Club circuit · stop 2 of 5 # Hosting and emcee work: your roadmap Start the playbook → Your proof The short answer The host opens the room, carries the announcements, brings up each comic and keeps the night on time, so a club trusts its MC with the whole audience, not just a set. Build a clean opening, rehearse each introduction, tape a full night of hosting, and keep the producers who will vouch for you. - **19** steps, each with its “done when” - **3** buyers, in their own words - **6** places to send it - **4** notes ready to send By D.O.C. Editorial · [The Career Atlas](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/stand-up-comedy-career-atlas.html) ## This roadmap, in five parts Your roadmap ## From here to feature bookings Where you are, the tests for the next stop, and the steps between, in the order most comics take them. The steps are the Career Field Manual's; mark each one as you go, and the day goes in your passport. You’re here if… ### Host or MC: running the show - You’ve had guest or showcase spots, and a booker has seen you hold a room. - You have a clean set of 10 to 15 minutes, or most of one. - You like the work around the jokes: the announcements, the introductions and keeping the night moving. - The next booking you want is the host’s slot, at a club or on a show you know. You’re ready to move on when… ### …to [feature bookings](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/career-atlas-feature-bookings.html) These are the tests the next stop’s buyers set in their own published rules. Tick each one when it’s true for you. You have a feature-length set that holds a paying room: the Loony Bin in Tulsa asks for 30 minutes of tape for feature consideration, Funny Girl Events for 25, and Lafayette Comedy’s own example of a feature set runs 10–25. [The Loony Bin, Tulsa ↗](https://tulsa.loonybincomedy.com/FreeForm/93aaa712-52ff-47a3-9da5-36acbe85def2/bca30415-8e4e-4ec5-817d-52222ac57427/Comedian_Booking_Info) · [Funny Girl Events ↗](https://www.funnygirlevents.com/submission.html) · [Lafayette Comedy ↗](https://www.lafayettecomedy.com/submissions/comediansubmission) Your feature tape is one continuous take that starts with you, not a host bringing you up. Funny Girl Events asks for both. [Funny Girl Events ↗](https://www.funnygirlevents.com/submission.html) You have clean minutes for the nights that call for them: Funny Girl Events says many of its shows are clean or PG-13. [Funny Girl Events ↗](https://www.funnygirlevents.com/submission.html) A producer you’ve hosted for will vouch for you. Lafayette Comedy asks who can vouch for you. [Lafayette Comedy ↗](https://www.lafayettecomedy.com/submissions/comediansubmission) 0 of 4 true ### The playbook 19 steps in 5 parts, from the Career Field Manual. Each has its “done when”, a D.O.C. tool for it, and your status, note and target date; star up to twelve for your 90-day plan. #### Build the host’s toolkit From the Career Field Manual: Host, feature and headline and Grow the act without padding. In [the D.O.C. book](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/stand-up-comedy-book.html): topics 115–131, 435–455 and 51–70. 1. Host, feature and headline · roles-01 #### Write a two-minute hosting opener and transitions BARK asks its MCs for a clean 10–15 minutes: write the opening so it works clean, then two ways into each act. **Done when** A timed opener and clean transitions. [The host’s job, step by step →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/answer-comedy-host.html) [The Writers’ Room →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/how-to-write-stand-up-comedy.html) **Your note and target date** Your note: what you did, a link, what's next Target date 2. Host, feature and headline · roles-02 #### Practice pronouncing every performer’s name correctly Ask each comic before the show how their name is said and what they’d like said about them; an introduction gets the room ready for someone else. **Done when** Show notes or a hosting rehearsal. The note to the lineup → **Your note and target date** Your note: what you did, a link, what's next Target date 3. Grow the act without padding · set-02 #### Prepare a separate clean five-minute version **Done when** An actual timed set, not censored placeholders. [Write a clean set →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/answer-clean-comedy-set.html) [Clean vs. Dirty →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/clean-dirty.html) **Your note and target date** Your note: what you did, a link, what's next Target date 4. Grow the act without padding · set-03 #### Build ten usable minutes without adding filler **Done when** A ten-minute recording and notes. [From five to ten and twenty →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/answer-expand-a-comedy-set.html) [Log the set in Stage Time →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/stage-time.html#log) **Your note and target date** Your note: what you did, a link, what's next Target date #### Run the room From the Career Field Manual: Become the comic rooms trust. In [the D.O.C. book](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/stand-up-comedy-book.html): topics 400–434. 5. Become the comic rooms trust · pro-01 #### Learn basic mic handling and stage-light signals Ask who gives the light. When it’s you, agree the signal with each comic before the show. **Done when** A set in which you handled the light correctly. [Microphone technique →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/answer-microphone-technique.html) **Your note and target date** Your note: what you did, a link, what's next Target date 6. Become the comic rooms trust · pro-03 #### Prepare your show-day checklist **Done when** Travel, arrival, set list, sound and exit. [Show night, like a pro →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/answer-comedy-show-night.html) **Your note and target date** Your note: what you did, a link, what's next Target date 7. Become the comic rooms trust · pro-05 #### Respect set time even when the room is going well **Done when** Consistent finish times over several sets. [Your finish times in Stage Time →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/stage-time.html#log) **Your note and target date** Your note: what you did, a link, what's next Target date 8. Become the comic rooms trust · pro-06 #### Write a plan for disruptions or unsafe audience behavior The host is often first to face a disruption: know who has authority, and where the manager is, before doors. **Done when** Know who has authority and where to get help. [Hecklers and tough rooms →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/answer-handling-hecklers.html) [Nerves & Hecklers →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/stage-fright.html) **Your note and target date** Your note: what you did, a link, what's next Target date #### Prove you can host From the Career Field Manual: Host, feature and headline and Assemble booking proof. In [the D.O.C. book](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/stand-up-comedy-book.html): topics 115–131, 435–455 and 143–173. 9. Host, feature and headline · roles-03 #### Host a show and collect a producer’s feedback **Done when** A show date and useful feedback. The note after hosting → **Your note and target date** Your note: what you did, a link, what's next Target date 10. Assemble booking proof · package-04 #### Record an uninterrupted live sample set The Loony Bin asks for 15 minutes for MC consideration: tape a whole night’s hosting, with the opening and the hand-offs, not only your set. **Done when** A clip showing what a buyer can expect. [Set up the tape: Stage Time’s Tech tab →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/stage-time.html#tech) **Your note and target date** Your note: what you did, a link, what's next Target date 11. Assemble booking proof · package-06 #### List your proven set lengths accurately **Done when** Lengths you can deliver in real rooms. [Set lengths by spot →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/answer-comedy-set-lengths.html) **Your note and target date** Your note: what you did, a link, what's next Target date 12. Assemble booking proof · package-07 #### Record recent rooms, shows and dates with references **Done when** A verifiable performance history. [Your log in Stage Time →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/stage-time.html#log) **Your note and target date** Your note: what you did, a link, what's next Target date 13. Host, feature and headline · roles-05 #### Gather two references from rooms that booked you **Done when** Permission to share each reference. [Why clubs rebook comics →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/answer-why-clubs-rebook-comics.html) **Your note and target date** Your note: what you did, a link, what's next Target date #### Pitch the rooms, and keep them From the Career Field Manual: Find and pitch the right rooms and Become the comic rooms trust. In [the D.O.C. book](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/stand-up-comedy-book.html): topics 143–196 and 400–434. 14. Find and pitch the right rooms · bookings-03 #### Verify the current submission route for three target rooms **Done when** A dated first-party booking requirement record. Where to send it, on this page → [Who books hosts →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/answer-who-books-comedy-clubs.html) **Your note and target date** Your note: what you did, a link, what's next Target date 15. Find and pitch the right rooms · bookings-04 #### Tailor your clip and message to each buyer Say you’re submitting to host, send the hosting tape, give the length of your clean set, and name the rooms you’ve hosted. **Done when** Three concise, different pitches. The submission email → **Your note and target date** Your note: what you did, a link, what's next Target date 16. Become the comic rooms trust · pro-07 #### Follow up after a booking without demanding another date **Done when** A concise thank-you or useful check-in. The note after hosting → **Your note and target date** Your note: what you did, a link, what's next Target date 17. Become the comic rooms trust · pro-08 #### Make reliability a documented part of your reputation **Done when** Return requests or references, with permission. [Keep the record in Stage Time →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/stage-time.html#log) **Your note and target date** Your note: what you did, a link, what's next Target date #### Get paid From the Career Field Manual: Get paid. Keep records.. In [the D.O.C. book](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/stand-up-comedy-book.html): topics 234–289. 18. Get paid. Keep records. · money-01 #### Confirm the buyer, slot, set length and fee in writing **Done when** A saved agreement or confirmation. [Get the deal in writing →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/get-paid.html#deal) **Your note and target date** Your note: what you did, a link, what's next Target date 19. Get paid. Keep records. · money-03 #### Know the payment date, payment method and paperwork **Done when** Who owes you what and by when. [How comedians get paid →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/answer-how-comedians-get-paid.html) **Your note and target date** Your note: what you did, a link, what's next Target date ### What speeds this up - **Host a night of your own** Running a mic or a show gives you hosting reps each week. [How to produce a comedy show →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/answer-produce-a-comedy-show.html) - **Keep a clean set ready** BARK tells its MCs a clean set gives them more opportunities. [Write a clean set →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/answer-clean-comedy-set.html) - **Learn the room’s rules** Phones, recording and the house announcements: ask the manager before doors. [Working a Room →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/working-a-room.html) - **Reset a hard moment** A heckler or a set that struggled is the host’s to repair. [Hecklers and tough rooms →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/answer-handling-hecklers.html) - **Be good to the staff** BARK looks for MCs who are polite to staff. [Show night, like a pro →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/answer-comedy-show-night.html) - **Know who books the host** In some rooms the club chooses the host; on other shows the producer does. [Who books hosts →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/answer-who-books-comedy-clubs.html) Each week ## Your weekly rhythm here Habits, not a timetable: the atlas has no stopwatch. Keep these going, and the proof for this stop builds up week by week. - **Host something** Host a mic, a showcase or a night of your own when you can: the job grows with the reps. - **Rehearse the hand-offs** Run each introduction aloud, with each name said the way its comic says it. - **Keep it clean** Work your clean ten to fifteen minutes, so it’s ready when a room asks for it. - **Tape a night** Film a whole night’s hosting where the room allows it, and watch the transitions, not just your jokes. - **Ask for one note** Ask the producer one question after the show: what would they change about the announcements or the pace? - **Send one, follow up one** Send one hosting submission the way a room asks, and follow up on one sent earlier, on its own timetable. What buyers check ## In their own words Each buyer's published rule, quoted from its own page, checked on 10 November 2026. They differ, so send each one what its page asks for, and read the page again before you send. A club company’s published MC requirements ### BARK Entertainment A clean 10–15 minute set, no worse than PG-13 even when the headliner works dirty, from a comic who is easy to work with, polite to staff, sober on stage and eager to learn the announcements. The MC sets the tone for the whole night. - The ability to do a clean 10-15 minute set. - You set the mood and the tone for the entire evening. - willing and eager to learn the MC announcements [BARK Entertainment’s page ↗](https://www.barkentertainment.com/paid-mc) · checked 10 November 2026 A producer’s published performer form ### Durango Comedy Hosting is its own job: crowd engagement, pacing and the tone of the night. Its first criterion for performers: stick to your time. - Hosting is not the same as doing a set. - You should be comfortable with crowd engagement, pacing, and setting the tone for the night. - Keep the energy up, manage the room, and help the audience have a great time. [Durango Comedy’s page ↗](https://form.jotform.com/252975450600052) · checked 10 November 2026 A club’s published booking rules ### The Loony Bin, Tulsa Full-length, unedited video: a 15-minute set for MC consideration, with the full-week clubs you’ve worked in that position. - We book from full length, unedited set video. - 15 minute set for MC consideration - a list of full week clubs you have performed at in the position (MC, Feature or Headline) for which you are applying. [The Loony Bin, Tulsa’s page ↗](https://tulsa.loonybincomedy.com/FreeForm/93aaa712-52ff-47a3-9da5-36acbe85def2/bca30415-8e4e-4ec5-817d-52222ac57427/Comedian_Booking_Info) · checked 10 November 2026 ### Where to send it Places that publish how a host gets in, each checked on 10 November 2026. Save one to your booking desk to keep its status, a follow-up date and a note. [62 places in all, on the Career Atlas →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/stand-up-comedy-career-atlas.html#ways) Published route Oklahoma City and Tulsa, OK, and its other clubs · Club spots · Form #### BARK Entertainment, paid MC What it looks for in a paid MC, before you apply: a clean 10–15 minute set, no worse than PG-13 even when the headliner works dirty, and a comic who’s easy to work with, polite to staff, sober on stage and keen to learn the MC announcements. **Worth knowing.** Its page calls MCing a difficult position that sets the tone of the night, and not for everyone. [Its page ↗](https://www.barkentertainment.com/paid-mc) Checked 10 November 2026 Published route Tulsa, OK · Club spots · Email #### The Loony Bin Email a full-length, unedited set: 15 minutes for MC, 30 for feature, 45 for headliner. With it: the full-week clubs you’ve worked in that position, your avails for the next 12 months, a bio and headshot or press pack, any recommendations, your phone and email, and your social media. **Worth knowing.** It won’t download a program or sign up to a service to watch a video, and it gets in touch only if your act is a match. [Its page ↗](https://tulsa.loonybincomedy.com/FreeForm/93aaa712-52ff-47a3-9da5-36acbe85def2/bca30415-8e4e-4ec5-817d-52222ac57427/Comedian_Booking_Info) Checked 10 November 2026 Published route Tulsa, OK · Club spots · Form #### Bricktown Comedy Club The club’s contact page links BARK Entertainment’s comic submission form, shared by its clubs: choose Bricktown Comedy Club, Tulsa, and the positions you want (MC, showcase, feature, headliner), with a video (5 minutes recommended), the clubs you’ve worked in the past 12 months and any referrals from comics who work for it. **Worth knowing.** Once you’re passed, you go on its avails email, sent at least once a quarter: the only way to submit for dates. It may not answer every submission, and it welcomes new video every six months. [Its page ↗](https://barkentertainment.wufoo.com/forms/qlehqqh0c279y1/) Checked 10 November 2026 Published route Oklahoma City, OK · Club spots · Form #### Bricktown Comedy Club The club’s contact page links BARK Entertainment’s comic submission form, shared by its clubs: choose Bricktown Comedy Club, Oklahoma City, and the positions you want (MC, showcase, feature, headliner), with a video (5 minutes recommended), the clubs you’ve worked in the past 12 months and any referrals from comics who work for it. **Worth knowing.** Once you’re passed, you go on its avails email, sent at least once a quarter: the only way to submit for dates. It may not answer every submission, and it welcomes new video every six months. [Its page ↗](https://barkentertainment.wufoo.com/forms/qlehqqh0c279y1/) Checked 10 November 2026 Published route Lafayette, LA · Club spots · Form #### Lafayette Comedy A 5–10 minute stand-up video, not set to private, the role you want (host, opener, feature, headliner) and references who can vouch for you. Its own examples of set lengths: a feature 10–25 minutes. **Worth knowing.** It mostly brings in national touring comics; the showcases are where it books others. [Its page ↗](https://www.lafayettecomedy.com/submissions/comediansubmission) Checked 10 November 2026 Seasonal: check first Durango, CO · Club spots · Form #### Durango Comedy Its 2026 performer form, for openers (5 minutes) to headliners (up to 60) and hosts; national and non-regional headliners are booked by invitation only. **Worth knowing.** A 2026 form: check that it’s still taking names before you send. [Its page ↗](https://form.jotform.com/252975450600052) Checked 10 November 2026 The money here ### Ask, and get it in writing BARK Entertainment calls the job a paid MC, but none of the buyers on this page publishes what a host is paid, so this page gives no figure: ask, and get the answer in writing. **In writing, before you go** - The nights, the number of shows and your time onstage - The fee, and whether it’s per show or for the week - When and how you’re paid - The announcements you’re to read, and who gives them to you - The content rule for your set - What happens if a show is cancelled Questions to ask before you say yes · [Road Maps: the Math of a Gig, with your own numbers](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/comedy-road-maps.html#math-of-a-gig) · [Get Paid, Get Back: the deal in writing](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/get-paid.html#deal) · [The IRS on gig work ↗](https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/manage-taxes-for-your-gig-work) Ready to copy ## The notes to send Fill in what you know once: it fills every note below and stays on this device. Anything left blank shows in [brackets], to fill in by hand. Your details Your name Your home town The booker’s or producer’s name The club or venue Your hosting clip’s length, in minutes Your clip’s link Your clean set’s length, in minutes The rooms you’ve hosted The dates you can do A producer who will vouch for you The comic’s name The show’s name The show’s date The check-in time ### The submission email ``` Subject: MC submission: [Your name], [Your home town] Hi [The booker's or producer's name], I'm [Your name], a stand-up from [Your home town], submitting to host at [The club or venue]. A continuous [Your hosting clip's length, in minutes]-minute clip of me hosting, from the opening through the hand-offs: [Your clip's link] My clean set runs [Your clean set's length, in minutes] minutes. Rooms I've hosted: [The rooms you've hosted]. I'm available [The dates you can do]. A producer who will vouch for me: [A producer who will vouch for you]. Thank you for looking, [Your name] ``` ### The note to the lineup ``` Hi [The comic's name], I'm hosting [The show's name] at [The club or venue] on [The show's date], and you're on the lineup. So I get your introduction right: 1. Your name, the way you say it? 2. One line or credit you'd like said, or just your name? 3. How long are you up, and how would you like the light? Check-in is at [The check-in time]. See you there, [Your name] ``` ### Questions to ask before you say yes ``` 1. Which nights, how many shows, and how long do I do up top? 2. What's the fee, and is it per show or for the week? 3. When and how am I paid? 4. Which announcements must I read, and who gives them to me? 5. What's the content rule for my set? 6. Who gives the light, and what's the signal? 7. Who do I check in with at [The club or venue], and when? 8. What happens if a show is cancelled? ``` ### The note after hosting ``` Subject: Thank you, [The show's name] Hi [The booker's or producer's name], Thank you for having me host [The show's name] on [The show's date]. Is there anything you'd like done differently with the announcements or the running order next time? I'm open [The dates you can do] if you need a host. The night's clip: [Your clip's link] Best, [Your name] ``` Your proof ## Proof for your passport Tick each piece when you have it: the day goes in your passport with it. The passport keeps your whole career's record on this device, to download, print and review once a year. The evidence ### This stop is done when you have A continuous clip of you hosting a full show, with a link that opens for anyone A clean set of 10 to 15 minutes, taped in front of an audience Shows you’ve hosted, in your log with their dates and rooms A producer who will vouch for your hosting A room that booked you to host, booking you again Your status ### Host and emcee work A link to your proof: a tape, a booking, a review Your private note **On your record** Nothing yet: your status changes and ticks appear here, each with its day. [Your whole passport: the timeline, your booking desk, your 90-day plan, the printable career record, the yearly review and the cloud copy →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/stand-up-comedy-career-atlas.html#passport) Saved in this browser ## Next stops [Club circuit · Hold the middle **Feature bookings** Longer is better only once the set holds a real audience.](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/career-atlas-feature-bookings.html) [Your own shows · Own the room **Produce one real show** Make your own stage time, with the costs counted.](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/career-atlas-produce-a-comedy-show.html) ## Go deeper - [What does a comedy host do?](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/answer-comedy-host.html) The explainer, from the D.O.C. book - [The host’s reading path](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/stand-up-comedy-book.html#bk-s4) In D.O.C.’s companion book: Chapter 6, Host, Feature, Headliner, from opening the room to keeping the show moving, then who books hosts and becoming a reliable host - [Who books hosts, features and headliners at comedy clubs?](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/answer-who-books-comedy-clubs.html) The explainer on who makes the call ## Sources The buyers' rules are quoted from each buyer's own page, checked on 10 November 2026. A buyer can change its rules at any time, so read its page before you send anything. - [BARK Entertainment, paid MC ↗](https://www.barkentertainment.com/paid-mc) A club company’s published MC requirements. - [Durango Comedy, 2026 performer form ↗](https://form.jotform.com/252975450600052) A producer’s published performer form. - [The Loony Bin, Tulsa: comedian booking information ↗](https://tulsa.loonybincomedy.com/FreeForm/93aaa712-52ff-47a3-9da5-36acbe85def2/bca30415-8e4e-4ec5-817d-52222ac57427/Comedian_Booking_Info) A club’s published booking rules. - [Funny Girl Events, submissions ↗](https://www.funnygirlevents.com/submission.html) A producer’s published submission rules. - [Lafayette Comedy, comedian submissions ↗](https://www.lafayettecomedy.com/submissions/comediansubmission) A club’s published submission rules. - [Bricktown Comedy Club ↗](https://barkentertainment.wufoo.com/forms/qlehqqh0c279y1/) Its published route, checked 10 November 2026. - [Bricktown Comedy Club ↗](https://barkentertainment.wufoo.com/forms/qlehqqh0c279y1/) Its published route, checked 10 November 2026. - [Lafayette Comedy ↗](https://www.lafayettecomedy.com/submissions/comediansubmission) Its published route, checked 10 November 2026. - [The D.O.C. book](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/stand-up-comedy-book.html) The playbook's book topics, matched to the book's contents on 10 November 2026. ## About this roadmap **By D.O.C. Editorial.** This is one stop of [the Stand-Up Career Atlas](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/stand-up-comedy-career-atlas.html): club circuit, stop 2 of 5. It's a way to plan, not a promise of bookings: it gives no expected years, its only figures are the ones buyers and venues publish on their own pages, and the buyers' rules are theirs. For what a host does, read [What does a comedy host do?](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/answer-comedy-host.html). Updated 10 November 2026 · [The Career Atlas](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/stand-up-comedy-career-atlas.html) · [Comic's Corner](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/tools-for-comedians.html) · [Privacy](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/privacy.html)