Open mic nights provide new musicians a fantastic platform to showcase their music while receiving invaluable feedback from an attentive audience. 1. Research key information. 2. Be flexible. Follow these tips to prepare for an open mic performance: 3. Secure support Find out about the venue Open mic nights offer singers and musicians an invaluable way to practice performing in front of an audience without needing to book a show. However, it's essential that you understand what to expect before attending one; some venues require pre-registration while others have specific requirements such as time slots or song limits that must be respected. As part of your research process, it's also important to determine whether the venue provides any equipment you can utilize. Most venues feature basic PA and microphone setups; however, some offer instruments for you to play live on stage as well. Some locations even feature house bands or special features which might warrant consideration. Many people may think comedy requires being born a certain way; but anyone with enough determination and focus can become a comedian. You don't have to be an amazing comedian to perform comedy successfully - all it requires is hard work and practice before hitting the stage! Most open mic nights can be found online or by calling ahead, while some venues require that performers apply in advance and screen performers to ensure the quality of performances is in line with expectations for an event. Make sure that you arrive early at your venue to avoid last-minute stress, and remain hydrated throughout your performance. Avoid drinking too much water right before or during a performance; doing so could force you to pee, potentially hindering singing or playing abilities. Before and after each performance, be sure to shake the hand of your host as an essential part of stage etiquette. Furthermore, avoid "riding the light," which occurs when performers continue after being told there's only one more minute remaining despite most venues giving you a signal when time has elapsed - don't miss this important signal! To establish a positive reputation among audiences and performers alike for future shows. Make a list of songs Making a list of songs you plan to perform at an open mic night and practicing them thoroughly can help ensure you are ready if someone else requests one of your songs, or there is some kind of technical glitch which requires repeating your set. Finding out whether or not the venue offers house equipment (guitar amps, keyboards and drums) can also be useful - this will save both time and money while making sure your instrument is ready when its turn comes up on stage. Most open mic nights allow musicians to perform original and cover songs, although you should always read the rules beforehand to find out exactly what is allowed. Some venues only accept music from specific genres or age groups while some require performers to reserve their spot prior to attending. Open mic nights usually allow performers three to fifteen minutes for performances at open mic night events. Use this opportunity wisely; try not to speak over other performers and keep any banter short and sweet! If you are promoting any music - be it an EP or album - at an event, bringing copies is ideal as people can give these to people to take away afterward or you could also give out your website address and/or social media profiles so people can listen online. Arrive early. It can be extremely nerve-wracking to rush things or arrive on the day of an event without enough time to prepare, particularly if this is your first performance experience; therefore it is wise to be extra careful and plan in advance. With these tips in mind, you are now prepared to enter London's comedy scene and showcase your comedic wit! Best wishes in your endeavor and don't forget to thank host, venue and fellow performers when your set ends. Practice Many people believe they will be able to improvise spontaneously at open mic nights, but it's best to prepare and practice material beforehand. By doing this, your confidence will skyrocket when it comes time to perform on stage! Additionally, visualising your performance might help ease nerves - this technique has worked for some people so give it a go! An open mic night provides the ideal opportunity for you to experience what other performances are like and possibly receive valuable advice on improving your own act from other performers. Plus, it could offer valuable feedback that could be instrumental in developing it further! Most open mic nights feature an MC (or host), who introduces acts and oversees sign up & allocation of time slots. To maximize your performance opportunities, arrive early so you can check the timetable and ensure your name is on it in plenty of time for performance! Typically, an MC will provide a PA system and microphone; all you need to bring along is your instrument. Some venues may provide keyboards or pianos; otherwise you should bring along your own. Don't forget bringing along all the supplies necessary - and bring along an extra battery! If you are a singer, bringing vocal acoustic enhancement may be necessary if there is not enough natural sound at your venue and a vocal compressor may come in handy to keep your voice in tune. Furthermore, having water at hand will keep hydrated and help avoid any dry throat issues which could hinder performance. Remember to be polite and respectful towards other performers at an open mic night. To encourage them to come back, it is important to respect their space and efforts. If someone heckles one of the performers, try intervening politely but don't hesitate to seek assistance from the MC if necessary. Additionally, any noise interference caused by phone rings should be resolved without making performers uncomfortable. Be prepared for the unexpected An open mic can be an incredible opportunity to build your confidence, demonstrate your talents and gain useful feedback from an audience. Plus, networking and making connections with other performers are invaluable assets! However, some factors beyond your control may arise so it's wise to plan for any potential surprises beforehand. As an example, if you're a musician, make sure to explore your venue in advance and understand how its set-up works. Many venues impose time or song limitations; research this aspect and practice your songs accordingly before going on stage. Also plan on arriving early so you have enough time to settle in and relax before getting up there on stage; taking deep breaths can help calm nerves; you could bring along friends or family as an extra support group (provided this doesn't become disruptive!). Staying for other acts after you perform is also highly advised; many are there specifically to see new talent, and will happily support any that come out. Plus, it provides the chance to meet fellow musicians as potential gig partners! Open mic nights often present challenges when it comes to running out of material, which should be monitored closely so as not to embarrass yourself when your time expires and the host comes over to take you off stage. To avoid embarrassing moments like these, keep tabs on the clock so as to be ready when they call your name! Often an emcee will signal when this time has come up so keep track of time to avoid embarrassing moments with hosts walking up after you and ushering you off stage when your time has run out! As a comedian, it's crucial that you stay true to the best jokes in your repertoire. Avoid repeating old and worn out gags as this may bore audiences. Additionally, mixing in one or two well-rehearsed new material may demonstrate to promoters that your repertoire can provide for an extended set. Finally, if you're new to performing in front of an audience, be prepared for heckling. While it can be intimidating as a newcomer, heckling is part of the learning experience and will only serve to strengthen your act over time. If you know any experienced comics personally ask them for advice before attending your first open mic; they'd likely be more than willing to provide some tips!