A Laugh And A Half – Comedian FAQ
Thinking of performing with us? Please read this carefully before applying.
First Things First:
Can I Get a Spot?
No – not if you’re after a casual spot. We don’t offer them.
A Laugh And A Half is not a drop-in room or an open mic. We operate with a curated, committed roster of comedians. If you’re simply looking to “get a gig”, this isn’t the place.
Still interested? Good. Read on.
About Us
What is A Laugh And A Half?
We’re a curated comedy collective of approximately 40 experienced, supportive, and skilled comedians. Think of us less like a single venue and more like a high-standard, collaborative comedy project. Our live comedy shows include Secret Comedy Club, The 7 Comedians Show, A Complete Guide to the Internet, and more.
Who Runs It?
The Utopian Mafia.
(Seriously though – it’s not important. Please don’t send us Facebook friend requests. If you meet the criteria, apply through the form.)
Why Was This Started?
Several of us have collaborated on comedy projects since 2013 and we formalised this group in 2015 to create better performance opportunities for comedians with solid material and limited access to quality gigs. We aim to build an audience for smart, original comedy – and support the comics who deliver it.
Our Shows and Standards
Are You a Pro Room?
We started as a passion project, unpaid. Now, our comedians are paid and we’ve significantly lifted the standards required to perform with us.
So… Are You a Room?
Not quite. We’re a project with regular shows across Sydney and the Central Coast – and more in development.
Do You Book New Comedians?
Rarely. We receive dozens of applications each year and only accept a few. We’re focused on growing opportunities for the comedians already on our roster.
Selection Process
What Do You Mean by “Curated”?
We hand-pick comedians who meet specific criteria and suit the tone and audience we’ve cultivated. We don’t run open mics or casual guest spots.
Can I Still Work Other Rooms?
Absolutely. If you’re on our roster and meet all our criteria, we encourage you to perform widely.
How Is My Application Reviewed?
We ask comedians already on our roster about you. If that goes well, we’ll quietly attend your show(s) to assess. You won’t necessarily know we were there.
How It’s Going
- We run over 100 shows a year.
- Our 2019 Sydney Fringe show was nominated for ‘Best Comedy’.
- Most shows sell out – from 85-seat rooms to 200-seat venues.
- Our growth is steady and deliberate.
Common Questions
Why So Much Text?
Because this FAQ saves time – yours and ours. We’ve learned most applicants don’t read carefully. If you’re detail-oriented, you’ll stand out immediately.
Do I Need to Bring a Crowd?
No. We build our audiences. We want real audience members, not your friends doing you a favour.
That said, we do expect comedians to share our shows on social media. It’s basic support – not a bringer model.
Can I Come See a Show First?
Yes – and we recommend it. Several comics have come, observed, and immediately understood our points of difference.
We don’t comp comedians – our shows sell out. If you won’t buy a ticket to check us out, this isn’t the place for you.
Who Should Apply?
Only apply if you meet every one of these criteria:
- Live in Sydney.
- Haven’t applied before.
- Perform stand-up comedy (not sketch or improv).
- Are reliable, punctual, and communicative.
- Are computer-literate (missing hyperlinks = auto-fail).
- Have easy access to Word, Excel, and PDF software (not just phone access).
- Have done 200+ spots over the last 3 years (at least 1 gig every 2 weeks).
- Want to continue doing stand-up long-term.
- Are not a room runner, show producer, or booker.
- Have a 300-word comedy bio that meets our criteria.
- Have a high-resolution (300 dots-per-inch), professionally photographed promotional portrait photo of you.
- Hold public liability insurance.
- Attend and perform at shows sober.
- Use 100% original material.
- Do not perform racist, sexist, homophobic, or transphobic content.
- Enjoy working within a supportive community of comedians.
- Willing to help others when needed.
- Have a public Facebook page for your comedy.
- Have liked our Facebook page.
- Maintain another active comedy-focused social media account.
- Are active on social media, and share our posts.
- Have recently attended one of our shows.
- Have read this entire FAQ.
- Can fill out the application form carefully and truthfully. (Over 40% don’t. They’re rejected.)
- Are happy to sign a photo release and confidentiality agreement if accepted.
“But I Meet 80–99% of the Criteria…”
Then you don’t meet the criteria. Please don’t apply.
Application Limits and Process
- You can only apply once.
- If you’re not ready, wait. A second application will be ignored.
- There are only two ways in:
- Apply if you meet all criteria.
- Be invited.
(Being sent this page does not count as an invitation.)
I’m a Pro Comic – Can I Apply?
Yes – if you meet all criteria.
Common Pitfalls
I Run a Comedy Room – Can I Apply?
No. Room runners create their own opportunities and pose a conflict of interest. This roster supports those who don’t.
Can I Negotiate My Way In?
No. If you meet the criteria, apply. If not, don’t contact us.
Why Haven’t I Been Invited?
Maybe you’re on the list. We’re expanding gradually, to avoid overloading the roster.
Classic Mistakes That Come Across As Lazy and Amateurish?
Contacting us via Facebook for spots.
Contacting us via ticket sales websites for spots.
Why No Casual Spots?
Because building with a reliable team saves huge amounts of time and stress. Also, we want to reward those who’ve contributed over years, not randoms with an email address.
What’s in It for You?
If you join our roster, here’s what we aim to provide:
- Regular, well-organised gigs with great audiences.
- More quality stage time.
- Support from a friendly and professional community.
- Cross-promotion and professional assets.
- Business skills, guidance, and future project opportunities.
- Annual scholarship opportunities for professional development.
- Help marketing your solo shows and comedy career.
Final Clarifications
I’m Not on Facebook / Other Social Media – Can I Still Apply?
No.
I Have a Mate With a Fancy Camera – Can He Take My Promo Pic?
No. Not unless he’s a professional. Phone pics = application binned.
Some People Still Do That?
Yes. Always men. Don’t know why.
OK, I Read Everything – What Now?
✅ If you’ve read this entire page
✅ And you meet every single criterion listed above
✅ And you can follow instructions carefully
Then go here:
👉 https://alaughandahalf.com/comedian-application
