How to Pick the Perfect Venue for Your First Comedy Special
Stuart Thompson - Conditional Love
Filming your first comedy special is a huge moment. It's the payoff for all those years of weird bar shows, empty open mics, and questionable comedy condos. But before you roll the cameras, you’ve got to answer one huge question: Where are you going to film it? The venue you choose will shape everything: the vibe, the crowd, the energy, and even the way your jokes land. And trust me, not all venues are created equal when you're filming.
Here’s what you need to think about:
1. Size Matters (But Not How You Think) Bigger isn't always better. A sold-out 100-seat room will always feel better on camera than a half-full 500-seat theater.
Pro Tip: Pick a space you can pack easily. Tight rooms = hotter crowds = better specials. Energy gaps are your enemy. Empty chairs read like awkward silences on film.
2. Look for Good Bones (and Good Lighting) When I scout venues, I’m looking at the bones: Low ceilings (energy stays in the room) Intimate seating (no huge gaps between stage and audience) Decent stage sightlines (no poles in the middle of the room) And I think about lighting too. Harsh fluorescent lights kill the mood (and your punchlines). We can always bring in lighting gear, but it’s way easier if the room already has some warmth or character.
3. The Audience Experience is Everything. If your audience isn't comfortable, you’ll feel it, and so will everyone watching your special. Check the chairs, check the A/C, check the bathrooms (seriously). People who are cold, hot, cramped, or desperately trying not to pee aren't giving you their best laughs.
4. Venue Sound = Your Sound. Even the best jokes die when the mic keeps cutting out. Good in-house sound saves you money, headaches, and editing nightmares later.
5. Think Visually (You're Making a Movie) Remember: you're not just filming jokes, you're creating a piece of art. Your venue should feel like your special: Gritty dive bar energy? Elegant theater vibe? Underground speakeasy atmosphere? Pick a place that matches your voice and your material. It'll make the whole special feel cohesive without trying too hard.
Final Thought: Picking the right venue is half the battle. Get it right, and you set yourself up for a night and a special that captures everything you’ve worked for. Get it wrong... and you spend the next six months editing around giant blank spaces and cold laughs.
If you need help scouting or filming your special, send us an email. We specialize in making stand-up look cinematic, feel intimate, textured, and full of heart.
