How We Curate a Comedy Lineup
On rhythm, pacing, and building a show that works for the audience and the performers
Curating a comedy lineup can be tricky because each comic brings a distinct voice, rhythm, level of experience, and energy to the room. At Comedy on Mackay, we curate our English pro-am shows around three main anchors: a strong opener, a strong middle act, and a strong closer.
These anchor spots are important because they shape the rhythm of the night. The opener helps establish trust with the audience, the middle act keeps the room energized, and the closer sends everyone out on a high note. We also spotlight these acts on our social media.
We also care about highlighting new voices, emerging comics, and out-of-town performers. That is one reason we use an online submission form: we want to discover new acts, feature a wider range of comedians, and learn more about how comedy works elsewhere. Over the last few weeks, we’ve had comedians from Berlin and Paris drop by, and it has been interesting to see how performers from different cultures approach English comedy.
For guest spots, we usually place comics between the opener, middle, and closer based on the vibe and energy they bring. I may not always remember every specific joke, but I usually remember a comic’s presence: whether they are calm, chaotic, sharp, warm, dark, musical, high-energy, or conversational. That helps us place them in a lineup that builds naturally and creates a strong crescendo by the end of the show.
Lineups matter more than people think. Sometimes shows feel uneven because the lineup has not been thought through, or because the producer is trying to be too accommodating. A good lineup is not just a list of comics. It is a rhythm. It is about contrast, pacing, trust, energy, and knowing when the audience needs a reset or a lift.
While we do not have the biggest budget, we strive to make the room artist-centered. We want to pay our featured acts, provide professional footage, offer a comped drink, and create an environment where comedians feel respected. Curating a lineup is not only about filling spots. It is about building a show that feels good for the audience and is worthwhile for the performers.