Laugh Out Loud

I love to laugh. I love to hear a funny story or a really good joke, something that makes me giggle or laugh out loud a couple of hours later when it comes to mind. And when I’ve laughed out loud, I need to explain why to people around me, which makes me laugh even more since it’s funny to me again, but compounded by the confused looks on their faces because I’m laughing contagiously and can’t stop long enough to tell them why. Amusingly, I am terrible at retelling jokes. I can recall the funny part in my head so much so that I can laugh until my sides hurt a day later, but fail miserably when I try to cheer others up with the same enjoyment I received from those words.

Enter, the comedian. Whether a professional, that odd uncle who sits at the kitchen table making comments under his breath while dinner is cooking, or your friend whispering shenanigans in your ear at the movies, some people are just funny. They’re quick-witted. They have the right vocabulary and know how to use it. Their timing is impeccable to deliver just what needs to be said just when it needs to be said for it to land in a room like a giggle bomb.

Several years ago I helped an organization plan an annual comedy club event. This was an event with “clean comedians.” Yes, there are very funny people out there who don’t need to use profanity to get their jokes across. It was a great family-friendly occasion and sold-out every time. We’d pack the place out. You know why? People love to laugh!

I’m happily in the throes of planning a comedy club again. I can’t wait until tickets go on sale. I’m hoping that they fly out of the box office as they did before. I hope we see families come and enjoy a clean night of fun and laughter. Watching 1600+ of my friends and neighbors laughing until tears run down their faces gives me great joy. Our volunteers will sell some merchandise, coffee, and snacks; others will welcome people at the doors, park cars, and scan tickets. We’ll even have an opportunity to visit with those we may not have seen for a couple of years.

This event includes an improv company to open the show entertaining us with the gift of spontaneous comedy. You never know what is going to come out of the mouths of these guys. Then, onto the headliner stand-up comedian with his schtick. Two different styles of comedy delivery, both equally as funny and enjoyable. Marketing is underway. Volunteer sign-up form is ready. Website is up. Ticket sales poised to open. And now the hard part as an event planner….waiting.

Have you planned a comedy club? What did you learn? Share it here or send me an email!

Don’t forget to comment and like this blog as well as share it with others you know who plan events.

Do you partner with volunteers to accomplish your mission? Check out my book Cultivating a Healthy Volunteer Team for practical tips to engage, equip, and empower your team!