An inappropriate question?

[Martin]

I've been asked by someone how much a big-time alt-comic would charge for a mid-sized corporate gig. Like a Patton, a Tompkins, a CK. I have no idea what to tell them - anyone got a clue? Ballpark? The people organizing this event have contacted Ze Frank (it's a nerdcentric event, as far as I can tell) and he wanted €20 000 ($27 500), which sounds insane to me (and them, apparently).

I'm too afraid to ask this over at the Comedy Zone, I'm under the (perhaps false) impression that it's a touchy subject and you don't really talk about these things (rates and/or corporate gigs). Not unlike Fight Club.

[buffcoat]

I liked Ze Frank ok when I used to see his stuff randomly, but not $27,500 worth.


http://www.allamericanspeakers.com/sportspeakers/Celebrity_Personal_Appearance.php

This might help - at least it's interesting.


I had this crazy idea about booking Charles Nelson Riley for our company holiday party.  Now it's too late!  Don't end up like me.

[hugman]

I've been asked by someone how much a big-time alt-comic would charge for a mid-sized corporate gig. Like a Patton, a Tompkins, a CK. I have no idea what to tell them - anyone got a clue? Ballpark? The people organizing this event have contacted Ze Frank (it's a nerdcentric event, as far as I can tell) and he wanted €20 000 ($27 500), which sounds insane to me (and them, apparently).

I'm too afraid to ask this over at the Comedy Zone, I'm under the (perhaps false) impression that it's a touchy subject and you don't really talk about these things (rates and/or corporate gigs). Not unlike Fight Club.

why don't you just email your best friend, todd barry? huh?

[moonshake]

In her Am I Right interview, if I remember correctly, Maria Bamford said that she'd do a gig for a few hundred bucks plus airfare- or something along those lines- and she sounded somewhat sincere saying it. I don't know that that would be the case for other comedians. Todd Barry claimed he made $100,000 at the Aquarium in Fargo yesterday.

[Jouster]

I'd go ahead and ask at Comedy Zone, Martin - it's not like you're asking because you're curious, you have a genuine, valid reason.  If people are reluctant to discuss it in public, they can at least private message you.

The other way to go would just be to email any/all of their booking agents and ask directly.  Sounds like you're not looking for any one person's price, but if you get a couple answers, you can narrow it down from there.

[colonel panic]

In her Am I Right interview, if I remember correctly, Maria Bamford said that she'd do a gig for a few hundred bucks plus airfare- or something along those lines- and she sounded somewhat sincere saying it. I don't know that that would be the case for other comedians. Todd Barry claimed he made $100,000 at the Aquarium in Fargo yesterday.

I'm still laughing about Todd talking about renting an entire apartment building in Fargo: "here's $1,200, clear everybody out!".

[Martin]

Thank, Jouster - I'll go ahead and post something at AST.