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Getting a Comedy Agent

Your complete guide to how to land a comedy agent for stand-up, TV, film, and comedy writing.

What Does a Comedy Agent Do?

A comedy agent represents comedians for live performance bookings, TV appearances, film roles, and writing gigs. They negotiate fees, secure festival slots, and help build your profile from open mics to headline tours.

Comedy agents often work with managers — the agent books the gigs while the manager develops your career. Some agencies handle both roles, especially for emerging talent.

Types of Comedy Representation

Live Agent

Books stand-up gigs, tours, and festival appearances

Theatrical Agent

Handles TV, film, and scripted comedy roles

Literary Agent

Sells comedy books, scripts, and writing projects

Manager

Overall career strategy and day-to-day guidance

Comedy Agent Commission Rates

  • Live bookings: 10-15% of performance fees
  • TV/Film: 10% (theatrical agent)
  • Manager: Additional 10-15% of all income
  • Writing deals: 10-15% (literary agent)

How to Land a Comedy Agent

Understanding how to land an agent in comedy means proving you can fill rooms. Here's the path:

1

Develop Strong Material

You need at least 20-30 minutes of solid, road-tested material. Agents want to see you can consistently deliver.

2

Build Your Following

Perform everywhere — open mics, new material nights, small clubs. Build a reputation and regular audience.

3

Create Professional Content

Record high-quality clips of your best sets. Agents need to see you perform before they'll meet you.

4

Enter Competitions & Festivals

Edinburgh Fringe, Leicester Comedy Festival, and competitions like So You Think You're Funny get agent attention.

5

Get Industry Introductions

Established comedians, promoters, and club owners can recommend you to agents. These warm intros matter.

What Comedy Agents Look For

Green Flags

  • * Unique comedic voice and POV
  • * Consistent live performance record
  • * Growing audience and following
  • * Professional, reliable reputation
  • * TV-ready presence and material
  • * Award nominations or wins

Red Flags

  • * Agents who charge upfront fees
  • * Promises of specific TV slots
  • * Requiring you to buy showcases
  • * No verifiable comedy clients
  • * Very long exclusive contracts
  • * Commission over 15%

Related Guides

Getting an Acting Agent

For comedic actors in TV and film

Getting a Literary Agent

For comedy writers and authors

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