Speaking

Speaking

Hiring Corporate Entertainment: Four Different Types of Comedy Performers

If you are looking for some clean corporate comedy for your company or association event, there are several different types of performers to choose from. Four common ones to review for your convention are comedians, humorists, magicians, or jugglers.

Comedian

A clean comedian is usually a single performer whose act is designed for pure laughs. There is often a message behind the mirth but on the laughs/content scale, a comedian is targeting for more laughs. Some comedians are ideal for award banquets, celebration dinners, after dinner keynotes and other events where good times are the number one priority.

Humorist (or Humorous Speaker)

A humorist also brings a tremendous amount of humor to the platform. Generally a humorist will have more of a message or overall theme than a pure comedian. Often they will have a motivational quality to their speech. In fact, several of these speakers are billed as ‘motivational humorists.’ They are great as after-dinner or opening keynote speakers. They can be used to wrap up a convention for the main keynote if they are able to incorporate the convention theme and client message into their talk.

Juggler

Jugglers are great entertainment for after-dinner or cabaret situations. Many have a comedy patter that is clean and hilarious. Expect to see balls, hoops, clubs, bowling pins and more flying through the air. Keep in mind that if your event is indoors fire cannot be used. Some events get around this by having the juggler outside the meeting hall juggling fire as people come in. Many popular jugglers ar booked up to 6 months in advance so make sure to plan ahead.

Magician

Magicians are always a favorite for people of all backgrounds and often work comedy and motivational messages into their routine. Remember that there are several different kinds of magicians–you can view online demos to get a flavor of their act. You could even have a close-up magician walking through the crowd performing for small groups at a time. Be sure to check liablility insurance in all cases and especially if a magician involves audience members in large tricks.

Recent trends indicate audiences want more than laughter when listening to a corporate speaker. For that reason make sure any humorists or comedians filling that role also work in solid content that the audience can put to work in their daily life.

For pure entertainment you could get a comedian or magician or juggler. All three are time tested audience favorites. With the right planning you’ll put together a convention to remember.

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