The Squirrel often gets requests from readers about where the Open Mic opportunities are in their area. Particularly after being inspired by shows at a festival, many people wish to try their hand at Stand up, but aren’t sure where to start.
One way is to attend your local comedy night and introduce yourself to the promoter. They won’t bite (unless you catch them at a particularly busy or stressful time) and are often only too happy to help the potential stars of future. If they give can’t you stage time themselves, they’re sure to point in the right direction.
We have compiled a list of those rooms who regularly feature open mic spots. If there others that we have left off this list, please feel free to drop us a line and tell us about it, so we can enlighten everyone else.
National
If you want to jump in at the deep end and start off with a national comedy competition, The Raw Comedy Competition is held every year. Heats are held nationwide from January with the final held in April at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Registration begins at the start of each year, so visit the Melbourne Comedy Festival Website for details.
Melbourne
Comedy @ Spleen runs on Monday nights at Spleen. Amongst their high profile acts, they often include new faces to the line ups. Speak to Steele Saunders in person to inquire if he has any spots available.
The Comics Lounge holds a New Comics Night on Tuesdays. Call them on 9348 9488 to find out their application process.
Star Wars Canteen happens every Wednesday at Caz Reitop’s Dirty Secret. Their mission statement is to promote new talent. Visit the room and speak to Dan Brader.
Fortnightly Fools at Dantes showcases big name acts, up and comers, as well as nurturing new talent every second Sunday. Join their Facebook Group to contact Sharon Booth.
A new comedy competition launched this year is LoLapalooza. Run by Freeza and SYN FM, it caters to aspiring comedians from 12 to 25. It will be held on July 4th at The RMIT Kaleide Theatre. Registrations close on Friday 14th of June. Email your interest to admin@syn.org.au .
Canberra
Another comedy competition, Green Faces runs from July to September at The Canberra Irish Club. Visit the Green Faces Website for registration details.
Sydney
Full Body Contact No Love Tennis is a monthly impro night at The Roxbury Hotel. A new player tryout is held every other month. Contact Cale Bain on 0406609334.
A Mic In Hand (held every Thursday at the Friend In Hand Pub) holds Open Mic spots every week. Email bookings@amicinhand.com for all the information.
Comedy on the Rox (every Wednesday at The Roxbury Hotel) runs the Quest for the Best Competition from February until November. Visit the Comedy on The Rox Website for booking enquires.
The Laugh Garage Comedy Club hold their The Anything Goes Show! every Tuesday, that offers spots across all sorts of entertainment disciplines. The Open Mic nights for stand ups are held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Email info@thelaughgarage.com or visit the Laugh Garage Website to find out how to apply.
Hobart
Alley Cat Comedy is held fornightly at The Alley Cat on Thursdays. Contact Tim Logan on bringthehaha@hotmail.com or 0437014656.
Mick Lowenstein runs The Short Back and Sideshow every month at The Backspace Theatre and is often on the look out for new talent. Contact Mick on mick.lowenstein@gmail.com or 0419 318 006.
Adelaide
The Rhino Room holds Open Mic spots every Thursday. Visit the Adelaide Comedy Website to register your interest.
Darwin
The Darwin Comedy Club is on the lookout for new faces to featuring along its headline acts. Email standupproductions@live.com.au to inquire.
Perth
Shapiro Tuesdays happens every week at the Brisbane Hotel. Contact Josh Makinda (0423077281) or Bonnie Davies (0424 571 388) find out how to obtain a spot.
Hopefully this article is helpful to any budding comedians reading. Good luck and hopefully we will see you headlining in the future.