Touring as a comedian is as much about preparation as it is about performance. When you’re constantly on the move, hopping from city to city, making sure you have the right tools, gear, and personal comforts can be the difference between a successful show and a stressful experience. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or an up-and-coming comic, there are essential items that help ensure the tour runs smoothly, keeping the focus where it should be: on delivering great performances.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the comedy tour essentials every comedian brings on the road, from the practical tools to the personal comforts that make life on the road a bit more bearable.
1. Reliable Travel Gear
When you’re traveling frequently, having reliable travel gear is crucial. Whether you’re hopping on planes or taking long drives to get from venue to venue, having the right gear can make travel easier and more comfortable.
What to Bring:
- Durable luggage: A high-quality suitcase or duffel bag is essential for a comedian who’s always on the move. Look for lightweight yet durable luggage that can withstand the rigors of constant travel and last through many tours.
- Backpack or carry-on: A sturdy backpack or small carry-on bag is necessary for carrying essentials like your laptop, chargers, personal items, and any comedy material you may need to review between shows.
- Noise-cancelling headphones: Long travel hours, whether by plane, bus, or car, can be draining. Noise-cancelling headphones help create a quieter, more relaxing environment, allowing you to rest, listen to music, or concentrate while you prepare for your next gig.
Why it’s Essential: Travel gear ensures that you can move efficiently from city to city while keeping your belongings organized and safe. Whether you’re dealing with a tight connection or an unexpected layover, the right luggage makes everything easier.
2. Comedy Material and Notes
One of the biggest responsibilities of a touring comedian is ensuring that the material stays fresh and relevant. For many comedians, having access to their notes, jokes, and routines on the road is crucial.
What to Bring:
- Notebooks or tablets: Many comedians prefer keeping their material in a notebook, where they can quickly jot down ideas, add new punchlines, or make adjustments. Others might use a tablet or phone to take notes digitally, which can be synced across devices for easy access.
- Printed sets: Some comedians bring printed versions of their setlists, so they can make notes and revisions after each performance. This helps them keep track of what worked and what didn’t.
- Recording device: Recording your performances and rehearsal sessions is a great way to review and refine your set. Having a portable recording device or using a phone app to capture material on the go can provide invaluable insight.
Why it’s Essential: As a comedian, your ability to write and adapt on the fly is key. Keeping your material organized and easily accessible ensures that you can adjust and improve your set, as well as test out new jokes between shows.
3. Comfortable Clothing for Stage and Travel
Comfortable and practical clothing is a must for any touring comedian. After all, you’ll be spending hours traveling, performing on stage, and sometimes even doing interviews or media appearances. Finding the right balance between looking good on stage and staying comfortable on long travel days is a key consideration.
What to Bring:
- Performance wardrobe: Your stage outfit is an important part of your comedic identity. Comedians often wear clothing that reflects their personality and style while making sure it’s comfortable enough for an entire performance. Think about clothing that won’t be too restrictive, allowing you to move freely on stage.
- Comfortable travel clothes: When you’re not performing, it’s important to have travel clothes that are both comfortable and practical. Sweatpants, hoodies, or casual shirts are popular choices, especially for long flights or car rides. Comfortable shoes are also essential, as you’ll be walking through airports or driving to different venues.
- Backup options: Bringing a spare set of clothes in case of spills, stains, or wardrobe malfunctions is always a good idea. Comedians are constantly in the public eye, and you want to look sharp for every performance.
Why it’s Essential: Comfortable clothing helps you focus on performing without being distracted by discomfort or a wardrobe malfunction. Additionally, looking good on stage contributes to your overall confidence and the audience’s perception of you.
4. Personal Care and Health Items
Maintaining your health and well-being is crucial for a comedian who spends much of their time on the road. Between late nights and constant travel, staying healthy and refreshed helps ensure that you can perform at your best every night.
What to Bring:
- Vitamins and supplements: Travel can take a toll on your immune system, and staying healthy is essential. Many comedians pack vitamins or supplements to keep energy levels up and avoid getting sick while on the road.
- Travel toiletries: Keep a basic toiletry kit on hand, including items like toothpaste, deodorant, face wipes, and hand sanitizer. Freshening up after a long day of travel or before a show can make you feel more comfortable and confident.
- Hydration: Staying hydrated is critical, especially after long flights or nights of performing. Carry a refillable water bottle with you, and consider packing drinks like coconut water or electrolyte tablets to stay hydrated throughout your tour.
Why it’s Essential: Traveling and performing regularly can take a toll on your body. Having personal care items and maintaining a healthy routine ensures that you stay energized and ready for every show.
5. Portable Tech Gear
Comedians rely heavily on technology to support their work, whether it’s for social media promotion, editing videos, or communicating with fans and the press. Having the right tech gear helps you stay productive, connected, and on top of your game.
What to Bring:
- Smartphone and charger: This is a no-brainer. A smartphone is essential for navigating cities, staying in touch with friends and family, managing schedules, and using social media to promote your shows.
- Laptop or tablet: For writing new material, responding to emails, or editing videos for promotion, a portable device is key. Many comedians use their laptops to review their setlists, write new jokes, or record bits while traveling.
- Portable charger: Having a portable charger or power bank is essential when you’re on the go. Between traveling, performing, and interacting with fans, you’ll be using your phone constantly. A backup charger can keep you connected when you’re in transit.
Why it’s Essential: The digital age has changed the way comedians connect with their audience and promote their work. Keeping your devices charged and ready ensures that you can handle business tasks on the road while also staying connected to your fanbase.
6. Entertainment and Downtime Essentials
When you’re not performing, having activities to keep you entertained or relaxed during downtime can help break up the monotony of being on the road.
What to Bring:
- Books, podcasts, or audiobooks: Many comedians bring along books or download podcasts and audiobooks to stay entertained during long travel times. These can also serve as sources of inspiration for new material.
- Streaming services: If you’re staying in hotels, streaming services like Netflix or Spotify can help pass the time after a show. A comedian’s downtime is valuable for relaxation, and watching movies or listening to music can help recharge their energy.
Why it’s Essential: Touring is intense, and moments of rest are important for mental well-being. Having entertainment options allows you to decompress, relax, and stay in a positive headspace for your next performance.
Conclusion
Touring as a comedian requires a balance of practicality, creativity, and personal comfort. The essential items listed here help ensure that comedians stay organized, healthy, and prepared to deliver their best performances every night. Whether it’s the right travel gear, the latest tech, or a comfortable set of clothes, every item plays a role in making the comedian’s journey smoother and more enjoyable. With these essentials in hand, comedians can focus on what matters most—making people laugh.
