Comedian - Working conditions
Tangata Whakakatakata
Working Conditions
Comedians work on stages and sets in front of cameras and/or audiences, or in front of audiences at bars. They spend much of their time writing and preparing their material.
Comedians often travel both locally and overseas to perform.
"It's physically very exhausting, and if you're travelling a lot by yourself you do get tired of living out of a suitcase and being in hotel rooms."
Jeremy Elwood - Comedian
Equipment
Comedians use a microphone and microphone stand. If their act involves a persona they may use costumes, props and instruments.
Comedians sometimes use props or instruments during their set
Photo courtesy of David Binstead
Comedians may use costumes for their performance
Hours
Comedians work irregular hours and often perform at night.
There are limited opportunities to work full time as a comedian, so some comedians also work part time as actors, writers, presenters or doing voice work for radio advertisements and promotions.
"You are going to work nights and a lot of the time you're going to work late nights. This is not a 9 to 5 job, and if it is, it's at the other side of the clock."
Jeremy Elwood - Comedian
Contact with people
Comedians usually work on their acts independently, but when performing they have contact with other comedians and audience members.
Comedians get a lot of their work through talking with people who organise events, so they have to promote themselves.
Some comedians have managers or agents who organise their performances, bookings and other jobs.
"A large part of comedy is socialising. There's a lot of networking, and you're investing your time in talking with people who organise gigs."
Jim Stanton - Comedian
Updated
February 2008
