How to Be Comedy Tour Manager - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jul 8, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The role of a comedy tour manager is a pivotal one, as they are responsible for the successful execution of a tour. A comedy tour manager must ensure that all aspects of a tour are managed correctly, from scheduling bookings, to coordinating travel and accommodation arrangements, to managing the financial budget of the tour. This is a complex task, and requires strong organizational and communication skills.

In addition, the comedy tour manager must be knowledgeable about the laws and regulations that govern the entertainment industry in the countries where the tour is taking place. Furthermore, they must be adept at problem solving and be able to handle unforeseen difficulties that may arise during the tour. the success of a comedy tour is dependent on the skills of the tour manager; without their expertise, the tour could fail to reach its potential.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. To become a comedy tour manager, you will need to obtain a bachelor's degree in business, marketing, communications, or a related field. This degree will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in this occupation.
Gain Experience. After graduating from college, it is important to gain experience in the industry by working as an assistant to an existing tour manager. This will allow you to learn the ropes and gain an understanding of the job.
Network. Taking the time to network will be essential in becoming a comedy tour manager. Attend industry events, build relationships with comedians and other industry professionals, and join professional organizations such as the Association of Comedy Tour Managers.
Build a Resume. Make sure you have a well-written resume that outlines your experience and skills. This will be essential when applying for positions as a comedy tour manager.
Look for Opportunities. Once you have built your resume and networked, start looking for opportunities to work as a tour manager. You can search online job boards, contact local comedy clubs, and reach out to comedians you know.
Apply for Open Positions. Once you find an open position, apply for it. Make sure to include your resume, references, and any relevant experience you have.
Interview. After submitting your application, you may be called in for an interview. Take this opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge of the industry and showcase your ability to manage tours.
Negotiate Salary. Once you have been offered the job, make sure to negotiate the salary to ensure you are paid what you are worth.

A successful Comedy Tour Manager must possess a range of essential skills and capabilities. They must be adept at organisation, communication and problem solving. They must have the ability to coordinate multiple performers and crew, coordinate travel arrangements, and manage budgets.

They must also be able to recognise and respond to potential challenges and risks. The manager must be able to make efficient decisions quickly, as well as being able to assess the needs of the performers and crew in order to ensure the tour runs smoothly. The manager must also possess excellent interpersonal skills, as they will need to interact with many different people and organisations.

Finally, the Comedy Tour Manager must be able to build strong relationships with venues, promoters and other stakeholders, in order to ensure the tour is a success. By having these skills and capabilities, a tour manager is able to effectively handle the responsibilities of overseeing a comedy tour, ensuring that it is both successful and enjoyable for the performers and audience alike.

You may want to check Stand-Up Teacher, Vaudeville Comedian, and Comedy Writer for alternative.

Job Description

Coordinate tour logistics, such as travel, accommodations, and performance venues.
Negotiate contracts and fees with performance venues, promoters, and other vendors.
Manage production staff, such as technicians and other personnel.
Oversee tour budgets and cost tracking.
Book transportation for performers, staff, and equipment.
Manage tour merchandise sales, including inventory and accounting.
Handle artist hospitality, including meals and other arrangements.
Monitor ticket sales and attendance at shows.
Supervise and provide guidance to crew members throughout the tour.
Coordinate with local promoters and venues to ensure a successful show.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Strong organizational, problem-solving and decision-making abilities
Ability to multitask and prioritize
Ability to delegate tasks and manage staff
Good knowledge of the comedy industry
Knowledge of local and national laws and regulations
Ability to develop budgets and manage finances
Knowledge of production and technical aspects of live shows
Ability to work with promoters, venues, sponsors, and agents
Excellent networking skills
Understanding of marketing and promotion strategies
Familiarity with sound and lighting systems
Excellent customer service skills
Knowledge of safety protocols
Knowledge of social media platforms

Being a successful comedy tour manager requires a number of different skills. The most important skill to have is the ability to think on your feet and be able to problem solve quickly and effectively. A tour manager also needs to be organized, have strong communication skills, and be able to negotiate with promoters, venues, and agents.

they must have a good understanding of the comedy industry, including the latest trends and regulations. Lastly, they must have a good understanding of the logistics of touring, such as booking flights, hotels, and transportation for the performers and crew. All of these skills combined are essential for a successful comedy tour manager, as they are responsible for making sure the tour runs smoothly from start to finish.

Comedy Festival Social Media Coordinator, Parody Comedian, and Character Comedian are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have arranging and managing comedy tours?
What strategies do you use to ensure a successful comedy tour?
Describe a situation where you had to think quickly and develop a creative solution to a problem on a comedy tour.
How would you handle a dispute between a comedian and a venue or promoter?
What challenges have you encountered while managing a comedy tour?
How do you handle difficult personalities or performers?
How do you ensure that all tour regulations are followed and safety protocols are adhered to?
How do you manage a budget for a comedy tour?
How do you monitor and evaluate the success of comedy tours?
What marketing strategies have you used to promote comedy tours?

Common Tools in Industry

Tour Accounting Software. Tour Accounting Software is used to track the financial transactions of a tour, such as ticket sales, vendor payments, and artist payroll. (eg: Tourbooking)
Tour Scheduling Software. Tour Scheduling Software is used to plan and organize tour dates, venues, and travel routes. It helps managers ensure that all tour-related tasks are completed on time and within budget. (eg: TourReady)
Social Media Management Software. Social Media Management Software is used to manage the presence of a tour on social media platforms. It allows managers to create, publish, and track content across multiple channels. (eg: Hootsuite)
Merchandise Management Software. Merchandise Management Software is used to manage tour merchandise sales. It helps managers track inventory levels, pricing, and orders, as well as handle payments. (eg: Shopify)
Tour Inventory Tracking Software. Tour Inventory Tracking Software is used to track physical items associated with a tour, such as instruments and equipment. It helps managers ensure that all items are accounted for and in working order. (eg: InventoryLab)
Ticketing Software. Ticketing Software is used to handle ticket sales for a tour. It allows managers to create and manage event tickets, as well as track sales and attendance. (eg: Ticketmaster)

Professional Organizations to Know

International Association for Comedy Artists (IACA)
National Association of Comedy Tour Managers (NACTM)
International Live Events Association (ILEA)
Professional Conference Management Association (PCMA)
Society of Professional Tour Managers (SPTM)
National Tour Association (NTA)
Concert Tour Managers Association (CTMA)
International Tour Management Institute (ITMI)
International Booking Agents Network (IBAN)
International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA)

We also have Comedy Festival Coordinator, Comedy Club Technician, and Standup/Storytelling Comedian jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Tour Itinerary. A plan of activities and destinations for a tour.
Merchandise. Items offered for sale by a band or artist on tour.
General Admission. A type of ticket that does not guarantee a specific seat in a venue.
VIP Experience. A type of ticket that includes special perks such as backstage access and exclusive merchandise.
Show Runner. The person responsible for the overall production of a live show.
Talent Buyer. An individual or company responsible for booking acts to perform at a venue.
Site Manager. The person responsible for managing a venue during a show.
Security Manager. The person responsible for maintaining safety during a show.
Tour Bus Driver. The person responsible for driving the tour bus and ensuring it is kept in reliable condition.
Promoter. An individual or company responsible for promoting and marketing a tour to the public.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Comedy Tour Manager?

Comedy Tour Manager is a software platform designed to help comedy performers, promoters, and venues manage their shows and tours. It provides features such as ticketing, marketing, and analytics to help users get the most out of their comedy performances.

How many venues can Comedy Tour Manager support?

Comedy Tour Manager can support up to 500 venues.

What analytics does Comedy Tour Manager provide?

Comedy Tour Manager provides analytics such as ticket sales, audience demographics, and performance reviews. It also provides market insights such as popular venues, comedy trends, and regional statistics.

What platforms does Comedy Tour Manager work with?

Comedy Tour Manager works with web browsers, iOS and Android devices.

How much does Comedy Tour Manager cost?

Comedy Tour Manager has a free trial, and then costs $99 per month for unlimited shows and venues.

Web Resources

Tour Manager | Berklee www.berklee.edu
Comedy tour visits PSU to support Thon - collegian.psu.edu www.collegian.psu.edu
Comedy Performance Summer Program | USC Pre-College precollege.usc.edu