Get Booked

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Comedians Charlie Gadd, Ryan Walker, Sam Norton, Matt Moran and Trenton Davis

Last updated: 8/16/2010

Calling all comics – whether you’re new or used, hit the stage at the Tap House Grill, in Oswego on Tuesday nights for Comedy Under the Tap.

The show starts at 8:30pm and the doors open at 8pm. The show is 21+ and guests must show an ID at the door.  The cover is $3  There is a two item minimum in the showroom. Comics do not ever pay a cover. Comics may be under 21 but may not drink (of course), at the show.

The Tap House Grill, located at 123 Washington Street right off the river in Oswego (see the map at http://bit.ly/taphouseoswego), the room is located in the basement and has a bar and will serve a full food menu for the show – and they have some of the best food in the area.  Comedy will happen in a dedicated downstairs area from the main bar, and the room seats about 50 people.  While we don’t require comics to bring people, but we all know that a bigger crowd is a better crowd – size does matter – so please invite your friends if you’re on the lineup.  And if you’re coming out to see the show anyhow, invite your friends to come out with you.  It’s only $3, so it’s a cheap night out.

Each show is limited to seven-eight comics (all spots are unpaid) — as we like to keep the entire show run at 90 minutes.

  • 1 Host – The host gets an 8 minute set and does host duties (announcements, etc)
  • 5-6 Featured Comics (Max 8 minute set each – comics get a flashing light at 6 minutes and a steady light at 8 minutes)
  • 1 Headliner (Max 20 minute set)

Signup for the shows are taken up to the second Sunday of the month before the booking month (unless there a five Sundays, then we take signup to the third Sunday). We then book the shows the third week of the month, usually by Friday, and we post all the lineups online and notify all the comics of their booking status via email.

The lineup is determined based upon a number of factors including, but not limited to: Balancing the show with new and seasoned comics, making sure we have good comic and content variety, what the decision makers had for lunch and your previous appearances on the show lineup.  We want to give comics ample opportunity to perform, this means you may not be selected every week – we usually do not repeat comics more than once per month.  We assure that, in most cases, it’s not personal.  So please don’t make it personal with us.  We also try not to book the same comics back-to-back weeks.  It allows variety.  There are some exceptions, but as a rule, we will not book comics on back to back weeks for the lineup.

We have a ton of regulars at Comedy Under The Tap – so our room is perfect for comics who work hard and work on new material.  It’s a great place to work out fresh, new stuff while honing your craft.

Before you sign up, please read the following guidelines we have for comics performing at Comedy Under the Tap – by signing up you agree that you will follow these rules.

  • BE ON TIME: You must be checked in no later than 8:00pm the night of the show. If you’re not checked in by 8:00p, you will forfeit your spot in the show.  The doors open at 8, but you can arrive anytime after 7:30.  If you get lost or are running late, there is spotty cell coverage in the showroom, but you can call us at 630-517-0003.  Comics who are late (and do not call with ample notice) will not be given the opportunity to perform.
  • KEEP IT CLEAN: We’re not talking squeaky clean, so PG-13.  If you have to ask if it’s ok to say, it probably isn’t.  I know you think we’re just being assholes, but no saying “Fuck” or anything worse than that. Oh, and not only should you not say “Fuck”, try to steer clear of anything that’s too vulgar, lude or tasteless.  If you don’t have material that is PG-13, please don’t sign up until you do.
  • RESPECT THE LIGHT: When you have 2 minutes left in your 8 minute set, you will see a flash of light from the back of the room.  This is your cue that you need to wrap it up. If you hit 8 minutes you will see a steady light. Don’t ignore the light – it’s disrespectful… which leads us to the final note.
  • BE RESPECTFUL OF THE CROWD, THE OTHER COMICS and THE TAP HOUSE: This is pretty much common sense but we’ll say it anyhow: when you’re off stage, don’t distract the crowd.  We want you to bring your friends to the show and enjoy it with them.  If you want to chat with other folks or comics, go outside or to the main bar. We do our best to keep the shows at 90 minutes, so why not take a seat and watch the other comics? Oh, and The Tap House Grill staff are some of the best people you’ll ever have waiting on you – treat them with respect as well – this means during the show and when you cash out your tab.

As a service to the comics we now video tape every show. Comics, if you’d like a copy of your set, we can arrange that for you for a small $5 fee. Within the week following the show, we will deliver the file to you via web. If you want it on disc, we will mail it to you for a total of $10. Be sure you request your set the night of the show. We also take a group photo every week just after the show, so be sure you can stick around a few minutes after.

Finally, if you and another comic (or more than one) are carpooling or riding together, or you have something else special to communicate to the producers, please put it in the “Notes to the producers” field at the end of the form.  While we cannot guarantee to book everyone based on every request, we do our very best to take your time seriously and respect your art and craft.

Thank you for being a part of our show. We hope you enjoy performing on our show as much as we enjoy having you.