--- title: "Produce Your Own Comedy Show: A Roadmap | D.O.C." description: "A step-by-step roadmap to producing your own comedy show: the room, the deal in writing, the lineup, the crowd, and a settlement you can show." url: https://disciplesofcomedy.com/career-atlas-produce-a-comedy-show.html updated: 2026-11-10 --- The Career Atlas · Your own shows · stop 1 of 5 # Produce one real show: your roadmap Start the playbook → Your proof The short answer Producing a show means the room, the comics, the crowd and the money are yours to arrange. Agree the deal in writing with the person who can say yes, confirm the lineup and its pay before you announce, budget for a small crowd, and settle the night on paper before you go home. - **17** steps, each with its “done when” - **3** buyers, in their own words - **5** 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 build a crowd that comes back 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… ### Comic and producer: a night of your own - You’ve done guest spots and showcases, and you’ve seen from the audience’s side what makes a night work. - You’d rather make stage time than wait to be given it, and you’re ready to run the whole night, not just your set. - You have a room in mind, and you can reach the person there who can say yes. - You know comics you’d like to book, and you’re ready to pay them what you promise. You’re ready to move on when… ### …to [build a crowd that comes back](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/career-atlas-build-a-comedy-crowd.html) These are the tests for the next stop, from its buyers’ own published rules where one exists. Tick each one when it’s true for you. You’ve produced a show, settled it with the venue and paid every comic what you promised. You’ve started a list people chose to join. Flappers’ form for independent producers asks how many people are on your email list. [Flappers Comedy Club ↗](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc6uMEmqhr-Y5PNwJzGKC_bn8dutqbIBNCumMhGlJFBgTT7Ig/viewform) You know who came because of you: Flappers asks whether you can get at least 30 people to your show without relying on the other comedians on the lineup. [Flappers Comedy Club ↗](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc6uMEmqhr-Y5PNwJzGKC_bn8dutqbIBNCumMhGlJFBgTT7Ig/viewform) The venue would host the show again. 0 of 4 true ### The playbook 17 steps in 4 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. #### Choose the room and the deal From the Career Field Manual: Produce your own night and Choose help when it solves a problem. In [the D.O.C. book](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/stand-up-comedy-book.html): topics 197–233, 258–289 and 290–313. 1. Produce your own night · produce-01 #### Choose a realistic room and identify its decision-maker Get the yes from the person who can give it, in so many words: the venue’s manager, its booker or whoever runs the room. **Done when** Venue terms and authorized contact. [Bootstrap a Room, in Stage Time →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/stage-time.html#bootstrap) Rooms that publish their terms, on this page → **Your note and target date** Your note: what you did, a link, what's next Target date 2. Produce your own night · produce-02 #### Write the show’s audience promise and format **Done when** Running order, set lengths and show type. [How to produce a comedy show →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/answer-produce-a-comedy-show.html) **Your note and target date** Your note: what you did, a link, what's next Target date 3. Produce your own night · produce-03 #### Calculate seats, average ticket, fees and break-even Work it at a small crowd first: the room’s terms, the ticket platform’s fees and the comics’ pay, with a few seats sold, then with half. **Done when** A scenario that can withstand low sales. [Run the Math of a Gig →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/comedy-road-maps.html#math-of-a-gig) [Ticket platforms and their fees →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/answer-comedy-show-ticket-sales.html) **Your note and target date** Your note: what you did, a link, what's next Target date 4. Choose help when it solves a problem · team-07 #### Avoid pay-to-play, bogus showcases and fake representatives A room may ask for a guarantee or a ticket buy to hold the night: know exactly what it is, and pay only what’s written down. **Done when** Documented checks before paying any fee. [Fees up front, in The Hollywood Effect →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/pay-to-play-comedy.html#fees) **Your note and target date** Your note: what you did, a link, what's next Target date 5. Produce your own night · produce-04 #### Get the venue and performer terms in writing Who sells the tickets, who handles refunds, who promotes, and when you settle: rooms differ, so get each answer in writing. **Done when** Who sells, refunds, markets and settles. [Get the deal in writing →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/get-paid.html#deal) [Door deal or guarantee →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/answer-door-deal-vs-guarantee.html) **Your note and target date** Your note: what you did, a link, what's next Target date #### The lineup and the house rules From the Career Field Manual: Get paid. Keep records. and Become the comic rooms trust. In [the D.O.C. book](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/stand-up-comedy-book.html): topics 234–289 and 400–434. 6. Get paid. Keep records. · money-01 #### Confirm the buyer, slot, set length and fee in writing Each comic’s slot, minutes and pay, in a message they answer, before you announce the lineup. **Done when** A saved agreement or confirmation. The lineup confirmation → **Your note and target date** Your note: what you did, a link, what's next Target date 7. Become the comic rooms trust · pro-02 #### Confirm each room’s code of conduct and recording rules **Done when** A note for rooms with different expectations. The questions for the venue → **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 **Done when** Know who has authority and where to get help. [Nerves & Hecklers →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/stage-fright.html) [Handling hecklers →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/answer-handling-hecklers.html) **Your note and target date** Your note: what you did, a link, what's next Target date #### Fill the room From the Career Field Manual: Produce your own night and Turn one good night into a return. In [the D.O.C. book](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/stand-up-comedy-book.html): topics 197–233, 258–289, 348–366, 383–399 and 435–455. 9. Produce your own night · produce-05 #### Build a realistic local promotion calendar **Done when** Dates, partners and materials. [When to post →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/promote-your-comedy-show.html#when) [Local press and radio →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/answer-local-press-for-comedy-shows.html) **Your note and target date** Your note: what you did, a link, what's next Target date 10. Turn one good night into a return · audience-02 #### Create a small, consistent set of show-promotion assets **Done when** A poster, feed caption and venue-approved photos. [Make the poster in Promo Studio →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/comedy-show-flyer-maker.html) [The posts, one for each platform →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/promote-your-comedy-show.html#posts) **Your note and target date** Your note: what you did, a link, what's next Target date 11. Turn one good night into a return · audience-01 #### Publish accurate upcoming dates with official ticket links **Done when** A date page with no phantom ticket links. [Your dates on your own site →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/tour-dates-widget.html) **Your note and target date** Your note: what you did, a link, what's next Target date 12. Turn one good night into a return · audience-03 #### Build an opt-in email list with an unsubscribe path **Done when** A consent-based signup process. [Your list, from the stage →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/promote-your-comedy-show.html#yourlist) [Why an email list →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/answer-email-list-for-comedians.html) **Your note and target date** Your note: what you did, a link, what's next Target date #### Run the night, then settle it From the Career Field Manual: Become the comic rooms trust, Produce your own night and Get paid. Keep records.. In [the D.O.C. book](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/stand-up-comedy-book.html): topics 400–434, 197–233, 258–289 and 234–289. 13. Become the comic rooms trust · pro-03 #### Prepare your show-day checklist **Done when** Travel, arrival, set list, sound and exit. [Show night, early and prepared →](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 14. Produce your own night · produce-06 #### Confirm sound, staff, safety and accessibility arrangements **Done when** Show-day checklist and responsible people. [Advance the show →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/answer-comedian-rider.html) **Your note and target date** Your note: what you did, a link, what's next Target date 15. Produce your own night · produce-07 #### Run the show and account for every expense Settle before you leave: the paid count, comps, fees, the venue’s share and each comic’s pay, on one sheet you both agree. **Done when** Real settlement with ticket and cost totals. The settlement sheet → [On the night: settle, count, get paid →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/get-paid.html#night) **Your note and target date** Your note: what you did, a link, what's next Target date 16. Get paid. Keep records. · money-05 #### Create a simple invoice and expense-recording system **Done when** Sample invoice and current expense ledger. [Income, expenses and set-asides →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/answer-taxes-for-comedians.html) **Your note and target date** Your note: what you did, a link, what's next Target date 17. Produce your own night · produce-08 #### Decide whether to repeat the show from actual results **Done when** A written go/no-go decision. [Your own night: one show into a regular one →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/get-paid.html#residency) **Your note and target date** Your note: what you did, a link, what's next Target date ### What speeds this up - **Start where a room has a quiet night** A bar or a cafe with a slow night may welcome a show that fills it. [Bootstrap a Room →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/stage-time.html#bootstrap) - **Book comics people come to see** A lineup the crowd wants helps sell the night. [A following that buys tickets →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/answer-comedy-following-that-buys-tickets.html) - **Make one good poster** One clear image with the date, the room and the ticket link. [Promo Studio →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/comedy-show-flyer-maker.html) - **Know the deal types** A ticket split, a flat rent and a guarantee each share the risk differently. [Door deal or guarantee →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/answer-door-deal-vs-guarantee.html) - **Run the night to the minute** Doors, host, running order and the end, planned: a room notices a show that keeps to time. [Show night →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/answer-comedy-show-night.html) - **Turn one night into a regular one** A room that liked one show may like a standing date. [Your own night →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/get-paid.html#residency) 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. - **Talk to one room** Visit or write to one venue that could host the night, and ask who decides. - **Watch a show you’d want to run** See one independent show and note the room, the lineup, the door and how it kept to time. - **Work the numbers** Update the night’s budget: seats, ticket price, fees, the venue’s share and the comics’ pay. - **Confirm in writing** Turn one spoken yes, from the venue or a comic, into a message they answer. - **Promote one thing** One post, one poster or one invitation each week, from the announcement to the night. - **Keep your own sets going** Producing takes time; keep getting up yourself, and log each set. 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 venue’s published producer terms ### Q.E.D. Astoria A ticket split with no rent: up to 50 tickets, generally, at a price you set. The venue takes the first dollars of sales, which producers guarantee ($75 on a Sunday to Thursday evening), and the rest is split 50/50. - We offer a ticket split and sell up to 50 tickets, generally, and you set the ticket price. - No rental or up front costs are involved. - The first $75 in ticket sales goes to Q.E.D. The remainder is split 50/50. [Q.E.D. Astoria’s page ↗](https://qedastoria.com/pages/producing) · checked 10 November 2026 A venue’s published producer terms ### The Lincoln Lodge A flat rent instead of a split: after the rent, the ticket sales are yours. For now it books monthly regular runs. - we offer a flat rent rate and you keep 100% of ticket sales after that - Currently, we only have availability for monthly regular runs. [The Lincoln Lodge’s page ↗](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd2qX-3_Bt4NDg4WWobqCyAkKx0pFJKpSZrk-L4HLxisxf-WQ/viewform) · checked 10 November 2026 A club’s producer form ### Flappers Comedy Club The concept, the room you want and your marketing plan, and whether you can buy $200 worth of tickets to hold the space. - What's the name of your show and the concept? - What's your marketing plan? - Are you able to buy $200 worth of tickets to hold the space? [Flappers Comedy Club’s page ↗](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc6uMEmqhr-Y5PNwJzGKC_bn8dutqbIBNCumMhGlJFBgTT7Ig/viewform) · checked 10 November 2026 ### Where to send it Places that publish how a producer’s show 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 Astoria, NY · Produce a show · Form #### Q.E.D. Astoria, producing a show Tell it about your show or event through the form on its page. Its baseline for new shows and producers: a ticket split with no rental or up-front costs, up to 50 tickets, generally, at a price you set; the first $50 to $125 in sales, by night, goes to Q.E.D., producers guarantee that amount, and the rest is split 50/50. **Worth knowing.** It asks its producers not to produce or regularly host other shows in Astoria within two months before or after their Q.E.D. show. [Its page ↗](https://qedastoria.com/pages/producing) Checked 10 November 2026 Published route Chicago, IL · Produce a show · Form #### The Lincoln Lodge, show submissions Its show submission form, linked from its own site: what the show is and why it’s unique, a one-off or a regular run, the theater size you want and your availability. Its theaters rent at a flat rate, and you keep the ticket sales after that. **Worth knowing.** Its form says that for now it has room only for monthly regular runs, not weekly or daily shows. [Its page ↗](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd2qX-3_Bt4NDg4WWobqCyAkKx0pFJKpSZrk-L4HLxisxf-WQ/viewform) Checked 10 November 2026 Published route Burbank, CA · Produce a show · Form #### Flappers, independent producers A proposal for a show you produce: the concept, the room you want, your audience and your marketing plan. **Worth knowing.** The form asks whether you can buy $200 worth of tickets to hold the space: know the terms before you agree. [Its page ↗](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc6uMEmqhr-Y5PNwJzGKC_bn8dutqbIBNCumMhGlJFBgTT7Ig/viewform) Checked 10 November 2026 Published route New York, NY · Produce a show · Pitch #### Caveat, pitch a show Pitch a whole show of 60–90 minutes: Caveat mostly hosts comedy that is smart, nerdy or informative. Not a route to a guest spot. [Its page ↗](https://caveat.nyc/pitch) Checked 10 November 2026 Check its own page first Los Angeles, CA · Produce a show · Pitch #### Dynasty Typewriter, show submissions The venue’s own Show Submissions page holds its form for pitching a show; open it to see what the form asks before you pitch. **Worth knowing.** The form is drawn by the page’s script, so what it asks can change without the page saying so: read it the week you pitch. [Its page ↗](https://www.dynastytypewriter.com/submit) Checked 10 November 2026 The money here ### Agree the deal before you announce Rooms publish different deals. Q.E.D. Astoria’s baseline is a ticket split with no rent, and producers guarantee its first $50 to $125 in sales, by night. The Lincoln Lodge rents at a flat rate, and the ticket sales after that are yours. Flappers’ producer form asks whether you can buy $200 worth of tickets to hold the space. Any other room: ask, and get it in writing. **In writing, before you announce** - Who decides, and who’s in charge on the night - The deal: a rent, a split or a guarantee, and on which money - Who sells the tickets, at what price, and who pays the fees - Refunds, comps and the guest list - What the room provides: sound, light, staff and the door - When you settle, and how - What happens if the show is cancelled Questions for the venue before you agree · [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 Your show’s name The show, in one line The venue The venue’s contact The night you want The show’s date The comic’s name Arrival and show times Their set length, in minutes Their pay, and when it’s paid The room’s rules: content, age, recording ### The pitch to the venue ``` Subject: A comedy night at [The venue]: [Your show's name] Hi [The venue's contact], I'm [Your name], a stand-up from [Your home town]. I'd like to produce [Your show's name] at [The venue]: [The show, in one line]. The night I have in mind is [The night you want]. I'll book the comics, promote the show and run it from the doors to the last act, on time. Before anything is announced, I'd like us to agree in writing who sells the tickets, how the money is split or what the rent is, what the room provides, and when we settle. Could we talk this week, at a time that suits you? Thank you, [Your name] ``` ### The lineup confirmation ``` Subject: [Your show's name], [The show's date]: your spot Hi [The comic's name], You're booked on [Your show's name] at [The venue] on [The show's date]. [Arrival and show times] Your set: [Their set length, in minutes] minutes. Your pay: [Their pay, and when it's paid]. The room's rules: [The room's rules: content, age, recording] Could you reply to confirm? I'll announce the lineup once everyone has. Thank you, [Your name] ``` ### Questions for the venue before you agree ``` 1. Who decides about the room, and who will be there on the night? 2. Is it a rent, a ticket split, a minimum or a guarantee? On which money: gross ticket sales, or after the fees? 3. Who sells the tickets, on which platform, and who sets the price? 4. Who handles refunds, comps and the guest list? 5. What does the room provide: sound, a mic, light, a door person, staff? 6. How many seats, and how will they be set out? 7. What are your rules on content, age and recording? 8. When do we settle, and how am I paid? 9. What happens if the show is cancelled, by either of us? ``` ### The settlement sheet ``` [Your show's name] at [The venue], [The show's date] Capacity: Ticket price: Paid tickets: Comps and guest list: Refunds: Gross ticket sales: Ticket fees: The venue's share or rent: Comics' pay: Promotion and other costs: Left over: Agreed by [Your name] and [The venue's contact], the night of the show. ``` 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 venue’s yes in writing, with the deal, the date and who settles Each comic’s spot and pay confirmed in a message they answered The show announced, with its official ticket link A settlement sheet from the night, with every ticket and cost Every comic paid as promised, and the record of it Your status ### Produce one real show 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 [Your own shows · Find your people **Build a crowd that comes back** A list of people who chose to hear from you survives any venue or app.](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/career-atlas-build-a-comedy-crowd.html) [Club circuit · Run the show **Host and emcee work** The buyer is trusting you with the whole room, not just a set.](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/career-atlas-comedy-host-work.html) ## Go deeper - [How do you produce your own comedy show?](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/answer-produce-a-comedy-show.html) The explainer, from the D.O.C. book - [Chapter 10, The DIY Tour](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/stand-up-comedy-book.html) Renting a room, door deals and venue minimums, in D.O.C.’s companion book, Stand-Up Comedy: From Writing to Touring - [Maria Bamford’s Comedy: A Cast of One](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/study-maria-bamford.html) The comic study: a special performed for crowds at park benches, bowling alleys and theaters ## 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. - [Q.E.D. Astoria, producing a show ↗](https://qedastoria.com/pages/producing) A venue’s published producer terms. - [The Lincoln Lodge, show submission form ↗](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd2qX-3_Bt4NDg4WWobqCyAkKx0pFJKpSZrk-L4HLxisxf-WQ/viewform) A venue’s published producer terms. - [Flappers Comedy Club, independent producer submission form ↗](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc6uMEmqhr-Y5PNwJzGKC_bn8dutqbIBNCumMhGlJFBgTT7Ig/viewform) A club’s producer form. - [Caveat, pitch a show ↗](https://caveat.nyc/pitch) Its published route, checked 10 November 2026. - [Dynasty Typewriter, show submissions ↗](https://www.dynastytypewriter.com/submit) 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): your own shows, stop 1 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 producing your own show takes, read [How do you produce your own comedy show?](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/answer-produce-a-comedy-show.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)