Entertainment has long history in the world of corporate business. Many companies have realised the benefits of having a social function for their employees which provides them with a necessary mental break and the opportunity to develop as a team.

Often a company will hire a band or D.J. to provide a show, but what is proving increasingly popular is hiring a comedian. Having the right comedian at a charity golf day or Christmas party can make the difference between a good event and a great one!

Companies can sometimes display concern about using a comedian in one of their functions. They see comedians as being offensive. Whilst this is often the case when watching a comedian in a club or on DVD, it is possible to hire one with a clean act which won’t result in an embarrassing situation in front of the company director or client. Working clean does not mean that the comedian will not be as funny.

To really make sure it is probably worth watching a comedian’s showreel to see if they are really the one for you. Better still why watch a live “showreel” by having the comedian perform between 5-10 minutes of material for free at the beginning or end of a company meeting.

Before hiring an entertainer make sure you are clear on the following details:

1) Date, Time and location of event.

2) What time you want them to arrive.

3) What time you expect them to perform.

4) The approximate number of people invited.

5) An approximate number expected to attend.

6) Average age-range of the audience.

7) Let them know about other entertainers.

8) Name of a contact and their details on the day.

9) What time you expect them to perform.

10) Clarify the nature of the event: black-tie affair, informal luncheon, etc.

These are the kinds of details that an entertainer will ask you when you speak to them for the first time.

Here are 9 questions to ask the entertainer before hiring (note if are hiring a big name entertainer be careful with these questions as their agent may get offended):

1) Is this all you do for a living? (If they’re on T.V. avoid this one)

2) Do you send us a contract?

3) Do we send you a deposit?

4) Do you have a tape we could watch?

5) How long is your show? (Can they fit into your time constraints?)

6) How come we’ve never heard of you? (Again, if they’re on T.V...)

7) Can you tailor your act for our group?

8) Do you have a money back guarantee?

9) Can you perform clean? (Clarify what clean means to your company. What words can can’t be said?)

By now you might be thinking about the cost of hiring an entertainer. A word of warning: do not go with the lowest price. That doesn’t mean that the highest price is best either. What can happen is that you find your entertainer on the internet or the phone book and they could be a second-rate performer just out to make a quick buck.

Unfortunately this can damage the rest of the entertainment industry as you now have a negative idea about using such a service again. This is why you should have a “taster” show or see a tape.

When you hire an entertainer you can do so in one of two ways: you can contact them directly, which is pretty simple these days, or you can go through an agency. The choice is entirely up to you, but bear in mind that by hiring an entertainer directly they won’t necessarily have the same overheads as an agency.

Also remember that hiring a comedian whom you have not heard could save you money. Oftentimes, big name stage or TV comedians can be restricted with their schedules and can be costly.

You will need to confirm with the entertainer that they will be arriving and everything is going ahead as scheduled. Politely ask them to send you a letter or emailing re-confirming everything. And don’t forget to get their contact number for the day too. It will help give you peace of mind!

Make sure they have somewhere to change if they need to. A quiet area is good just so they can compose themselves before the show.

When the show time comes around just sit back and try to have some fun!

So next time you or your company has a corporate event or function consider doing something different - hire a comedian.