by copyright » Feb 28th, '07, 17:27
Almost all comedy club do open spots, it's the first rung of the ladder for aspiring comedians. There are basically two kinds, 'open mike nights' and open spots. In the former, everyone on stage is an open spot and there is usually some kind of prize for the winner. Everyone in the audience knows that all the comedians are open spots. Regular opens spots, are usually the second of three comedians on the night. He, or she, will come on for ten minutes after the first act and before the break. Unless it is the comedian's very first gig, the audience will not be told that he is an open spot. Once you've done a few good open spots, you may if you are good enough be offered a 'half spot', which is still ten minutes but you get paid.
Anyone who wants an open spot simply phones up the club and asks for one. Depending on the club, you may have to wait up to six months. Smaller venues may get you a spot much sooner. It's worthwhile turning up early and speaking to compare in smaller clubs, if someone doesn't turn up, you might get on.