How to Emcee a Show

Often the most important aspect to any stage performance, whether it be a comedy show, or a talent show, is the emcee. The responsibility of working a crowd rests on the shoulders of one person, and it takes patience, and skill.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Emceeing a Show

1. Open The Show: Introduce yourself as the emcee. Of course, thank them for coming, and welcome them to the show. Tell a few jokes, or stories, and make any announcements that may need to be made. If this is a comedy show, do a 5 - 7 minute set, or however much time you are allotted. Work the crowd a bit. The front row is typically your easiest point of focus. Talk to someone, get their name so you can go back to them. Have fun.

2. Introduce An Act: The best way to introduce acts is to speak with them prior to bringing them on stage. Ask them what they would like said about them. If they are a comedian, this would typically be stage and film credits. If this is a speaker or talent show, this may vary. Bring them up on stage, shake their hand, and head off.

3. Add Some Filler: After the act finishes their routine, use up a minute or two. Tell another joke, or talk to the crowd again. Introduce your next act the same way. The typical emcee line tends to be "are you guys ready for more show?".

4. Close the Show: After all of the acts have gone up, be sure to go up one last time. This is to thank the audience, maybe tell one more quick joke, then wish them all a good night.

Tips & Warnings

• Be personable with the crowd.
• Prepare your intros in advance.
• Make sure you can properly pronounce the name of the performers.
• If possible, during filler, call back to something the previous performer did or said.
• Practice crowd work so that you always have the one-up over them.
• Beware of hecklers.