How to Book an Improv Comedy Show for a Fundraiser: 9 Things to Consider

Looking for a fundraiser that people actually want to attend? An improv comedy show is one of the easiest ways to fill a room, keep guests laughing and raise money at the same time. But not every comedy act is a good fit for a charity event, a school or a church audience.

The short answer: when booking an improv show for a fundraiser, ask where the proceeds go, confirm the material is clean enough for your audience, agree on who handles the venue and promotion, plan how the show fits into the rest of your event, and watch the troupe perform before you commit. Here’s the full checklist.

1. Start with your goal

Are you trying to raise as much money as possible, build awareness for your cause, or thank donors who have already given? The answer shapes everything else. A ticketed comedy night works well for raising funds. A short set at a gala or banquet works well for keeping donors engaged between dinner and the auction. Tell the troupe your goal up front so they can suggest the right format.

2. Ask exactly where the money goes

This is the most important question, and it’s surprising how often it goes unasked. Does the performer charge a fee? Do they split ticket sales? Do the proceeds from the performance go entirely to your organization? Get the answer in writing before you announce the event, so your supporters know exactly what their ticket supports.

3. Make sure the material fits your audience

Comedy-club humor and a church fundraiser don’t mix. Ask the troupe directly whether their show is clean, and whether they can keep it family-friendly if kids will be in the room. Because improv is made up on the spot, you want performers with the experience and discipline to stay clean even when an audience suggestion tempts them otherwise.

4. Settle the venue and setup

Find out who provides the location and what the performers need once they’re there. Improv doesn’t need much, but the audience does need to see and hear the performers. Ask about a performance area, seating that faces the stage, and whether a microphone or sound system is needed for the size of your room.

5. Plan how the show fits the rest of your event

If your fundraiser also includes dinner, speakers, a raffle or a silent auction, decide where the comedy goes and how long it should run. Laughter is a great warm-up before an ask, and it’s a great way to bring a room back together after a long program. Share your run of show with the troupe so the timing works for everyone.

6. Use audience participation to feature your cause

This is where improv beats almost any other kind of entertainment. Improvisers build scenes from audience suggestions, so your guests become part of the show. Ask whether the troupe can work your organization, your volunteers or even your auction items into scenes. It makes the night memorable, and it keeps your cause at the center of the evening.

7. Agree on who promotes the event

A great show only raises money if people show up. Ask whether the performers will help spread the word through their own audience, social media and mailing list, and what materials they can share with you. Two groups promoting one event will always outsell one.

8. Watch them perform before you book

Read reviews, watch performance videos, or better yet, attend a show. You’ll learn more in ten minutes of watching than from any sales pitch: how quickly the performers think, how they treat the audience, and whether their style fits your crowd.

9. Book early and talk to a real person

Good troupes book up, especially during gala and holiday season. Reach out as soon as you have a date in mind, and look for a group that will work with you directly on the details rather than handing you a one-size-fits-all package.

Booking The Outcasters for your fundraiser

Through our Improv for a Cause program, The Outcasters partner with charities, foundations, schools, churches and local non-profits to raise money and awareness. Here’s how it works:

• 100% of the proceeds from our performance benefit your cause.
• Squeaky-clean material that’s completely appropriate for church and school audiences.
• You set up the location, and we’ll be there to entertain and help promote your cause.
• We work with you directly to create a unique show for your organization and help with the details.
• We earmark a number of shows each year to work with charitable organizations at no cost, and we especially love helping small local groups.

Improv for a Cause is a great fit for charity events, banquets and galas, golf and country club events, school fundraisers, church events, and foundations of every size. Every show is a World Premiere, made up on the spot from your audience’s suggestions and never seen again.

Want to see us first? Visit our shows page for performance videos, or read what audiences and students say on our kudos page.

Fundraiser improv: quick answers

Is improv comedy appropriate for a school or church fundraiser?

It can be, as long as you book a troupe that commits to clean material. The Outcasters perform squeaky-clean shows that are appropriate for church and school audiences.

Who keeps the money raised at an Improv for a Cause show?

Your organization does. 100% of the proceeds from our performance benefit your cause.

Does The Outcasters ever perform for charities at no cost?

Yes. We set aside a number of shows each year to work with charitable organizations at no cost, especially small local non-profits. Contact us to ask about availability.

What kinds of events work best?

Charity events, banquets and galas, golf and country club events, school fundraisers, church events, and foundation or non-profit gatherings.

How do I book The Outcasters for a fundraiser?

Fill out the form on our Improv for a Cause page or call 480.612.0298, and we’ll talk through your goals, date and location.

Ready to turn laughter into support for your cause? Tell us about your fundraiser and let’s make your event unforgettable.