Ask any stand-up comedy headliner and you will hear that the most important thing for an aspiring comic to do is to get up on stage as much as possible. The Open Mic is essential for first time comedians to work out material on stage and get comfortable with their own stage presence. Often times, you find that the nearest club offering any stage time is much too far from home or non-existent. What do you do when there is no open mic available for you? You start your own.

Here is a simple breakdown on how you can start your own open mic comedy room.

1. Select a Venue - What sort of businesses strike you as a prime location for your open mic? A great place to look besides the local dive bar could be a privately owned restaurant, a coffee house, or any place that offers karaoke (because hey, built in stage and sound equipment!). Try to tailor the location around the style of comedy. A bar will be a 21 and over crowd, so the humor can cross the line, but a coffee shop must be ok for all ages. Talk to the owner, let him know what you are doing and why, and  be sure to let him know that you will be promoting these events, and it won't cost them dime.
   
2. Get Some Equipment - You are going to need a mic, mic stand, and amplifier at bare minimum. If you want to look into a set up that will allow for ambient music for in between sets. Maybe you know a friend who is a musician or knows one. Worst case scenario, you can almost always find something for rent at a music shop or borrow a sisters little karaoke machine. Just make it happen!
3. Promote your Open Mic - Sending a press release to a local newspaper, college paper, or radio station will almost always get some coverage. Be sure to find a spin to your Open Mic that makes it news worthy. Fostering local talent in the community, a free live comedy event for families, finding a creative way to earn money in a recession, etc. These are things that a newspaper will want to write about. Creating fliers and leaving places where both aspiring comedians and potential audience members will find them. Also, leverage your social media network. Facebook events, twitter updates, etc.
4. Be Ready - You will be hosting this event, so know your material. Not everyone who goes up on stage is going to leave the audience in an upbeat mood. It will be your job to raise that energy in between sets and rally the crowd. Also be sure to allow time before the show for comics to sign up.
5. Rinse and Repeat!

There you have it. A really simple method for starting your own Comedy Open Mic Night. If your room brings in a lot of new business for the owner of your venue, you may even be able to work out getting a cut of that night's sales, or eventually have a couple comics guest spot at your own show and charge $5 admission. The venue keeps the sales your keep the door fee. It really is as simple that.