If you're a musician or comedian looking to showcase your talents, or a venue owner looking to attract local talent, hosting an open mic can be a great way to build community and exposure.
But where do you start?
In this complete guide, we'll take you through the entire process of hosting an open mic, from choosing a venue to engaging the audience and keeping them coming back every week.
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What’s an Open Mic?
An open mic is an event where performers, usually musicians or comedians, are given the opportunity to showcase their talents in front of a live audience.
Open mics are typically held in bars, coffee shops, and other small venues, and are often hosted by other local musicians or comedians. Sometimes a guest emcee is invited in from another event or is an employee of the venue.
Why Host?
Hosting an open mic can be an excellent way to build a community of local musicians and comedians. Performers of all types need a place to test new material without fear of judgement.
Playing a new song live at an important gig or testing out a new joke in a Netflix special can be too much pressure!
Open mics provide a platform for up-and-coming performers to gain exposure and practice their craft, as well as for industry professionals to practice in a safe space.
Hosting an open mic can bring in business for the venue and help establish it as a hub for local artists. This may be just the thing your community is looking for!
Types of Open Mics
Some common styles of open mics and the types of equipment needed to run them include:
- Acoustic open mics: This type of open mic is for acoustic performers such as guitar players, ukulele players, cajon players, and even banjo players. The key is that all the instruments played must be acoustic.
- Set up: One microphone and one instrument cable available to performers.
- General music open mics: At this open mic, musicians of any kind can get up to the mic and play their songs. It might be a rock singer with two acoustic guitar players, a pop or hip hop artist playing their songs over an aux cable, or even a comedian doing Weird Al Yankovic parodies. General music open mics mean that anything is possible.
- Set up: Multiple microphones and instrument cables. Sometimes a piano, keyboard, or other instruments are available as a “backline” to performers.
- Full open mics: Performers of any kind are welcome at a full open mic. Spoken word poetry, acoustic jams, and comedians can all take the stage. These are rare, but they allow performers of any kind a chance to play and show off their skills. These are usually hosted at larger venues.
- Set up: Multiple microphones and instrument cables. Sometimes a piano, keyboard, or other instruments are available as a “backline” to performers.
- Comedy open mics: These events are strictly for comedy. Usually only one microphone is provided in the middle of the stage. If you're doing a duo set or playing music, plan to bring extra cables or microphones.
- Set up: One microphone and that’s it. Sometimes a second microphone is available for an emcee or guest.
What Type of Event to Host
Do you want to provide a platform for all musicians in the area, or do you specifically want to focus on amplifying the jazz community?
Clarifying your open mic goals will help you decide what type of event to host.
Additionally, as you choose a venue for your event, you can determine whether this type of event is appropriate for that space.
Coffee shops are great for acoustic shows but not for jazz groups. Plan accordingly.
Open Mics: Hosting Considerations
Choosing a Venue
The venue should be easily accessible to both performers and audience members. Choose a centrally located space in a good neighborhood that doesn't have many barriers to getting people in the door.
For example, if lots of musicians live downtown, hosting an open mic in your downtown area may make sense. However, if you live somewhere like LA, downtown may come with some downsides, such as a lack of parking.
It's best to choose a location that's easy for everyone involved to say yes to.
Setting a Date and Time
Avoid scheduling conflicts with other events in the area. Try to choose a time that is convenient for most people. Most open mic events last about 3 or 4 hours, so choose a start and end time that lines up with the availability of the business.
For instance, if the kitchen at your cafe closes at 8 PM, but people are there until 10 PM, you risk losing revenue and causing extra stress.
Hosting during the week is helpful for performers who have day jobs, but weekend spots may be taken more seriously as they can be an "event." Come up with a time that matches the vibe and goal of your open mic.
Promoting the Event
Promotion is key to getting performers and audience members to attend the open mic. Start by creating eye-catching flyers and posters that can be hung up around town. Use social media to spread the word about the event and create a Facebook event page that people can RSVP to. Reach out to local media outlets, such as newspapers and radio stations, to promote the event and invite them to attend.
Preparing the Space
Before the event, it's important to make sure the space is clean and organized. Set up chairs and tables for performers and audience members, and make sure there is enough space for people to move around comfortably. Make sure the stage is set up with the necessary equipment, such as microphones and speakers, and consider adding decorations and lighting to create a welcoming atmosphere.
Equipment Needed
Make a list of all the equipment you'll need for the open mic, such as microphones, speakers, and cables.
Test the equipment before the event to make sure it's in good working order and troubleshoot any technical issues that arise.
Consider hiring a sound engineer to ensure the audio quality is top-notch and to assist with setting up the equipment.
If you follow these tips and best practices, you're sure to host a successful and memorable open mic event. Good luck and have fun!
⏳ Running the Open Mic
Creating a Signup Sheet
When creating a signup sheet for performers, I would make sure to include fields for their name, contact information, and the type of act they will be performing.
I would also consider using an online signup form, like Google Forms or SignUpGenius, to make it easier for performers to sign up and for me to keep track of everyone.
Setting Rules and Expectations
Setting clear rules and expectations for performers and audience members is crucial to the success of the event. I would make sure to let performers know the time limit for their act, any restrictions on explicit language or content, and any other guidelines they need to follow. I would also set expectations for audience behavior, such as encouraging them to give performers their full attention and refrain from talking during performances.
Introducing Performers
Properly introducing performers is an important part of hosting an open mic. I would take the time to learn each performer's name and a brief description of their act, and introduce them to the audience before they perform. This can help build excitement and engagement among the audience.
Keeping the Show Moving
Keeping the show moving is important to ensure that the event stays on schedule and doesn't drag on for too long. I would consider setting a time limit for each act and using a timer to keep track of the time. I would also have a backup performer or two in case someone doesn't show up or can't perform.
Dealing with Problematic Performers
Dealing with a problematic performer can be challenging, but it's important to address the situation calmly and professionally. I would pull the performer aside and remind them of the rules, or if necessary, ask them to leave the stage. It's important to ensure that the event continues to run smoothly and that all performers and audience members feel respected and safe.
Engaging the Audience
Engaging the audience is key to keeping them entertained and coming back for future events. I would consider hosting a raffle or trivia game during intermissions, or asking audience members to vote for their favorite performer at the end of the night. I would also encourage performers to interact with the audience, such as by asking them to sing along or participate in a call-and-response.
Remember, hosting an open mic can be a fun and rewarding experience for everyone involved. By following these tips and best practices, you can create a memorable event that fosters community and showcases local talent.
Example: For inspiration, check out this list of the best open mics in Los Angeles, curated by Time Out Los Angeles.
Checklist During the Open Mic
After the Open Mic
- Thanking performers and audience
- Collecting feedback
- Planning for the next open mic