Comedians, emcees and speakers for Calgary events
Shaw Entertainment arranges comedians, emcees, hosts and entertaining speakers on request for corporate events, galas and fundraisers in Calgary and across Canada. Tell us the audience and the tone, and we look for someone who fits both.
The person holding the microphone sets the tone for everyone else.
A good emcee keeps a programme moving and a room warm. A comedian gives a company dinner the part people repeat at work on Monday.
Who holds the microphone
- Emcees and hosts
- Someone to open the night, introduce the speakers, keep the presentations moving and close on schedule. Send the agenda and they work from it.
- Comedians
- A set after dinner, chosen for the people in the room. Tell us what is off limits and we pass it on.
- Speakers and interactive shows
- An entertaining speaker for a conference lunch, or a game show or duelling pianos set that gets the tables competing. More ways to get guests involved are under interactive entertainment.
Ask us about
Arranged on request. This is a list of ideas, and we look for the performer once we know your date.
Emcees and hosts, Stand-up comedians, Comedy for a workplace audience, Entertaining and keynote speakers, Game show hosts, Duelling pianos.
Occasions it suits
- Corporate EventsMake your next corporate event something your guests will actually talk about.
- Fundraisers & GalasKeep your guests entertained while creating an evening they'll remember.
- Holiday PartiesDecember fills up before anyone expects it to.
- Stampede EventsFor ten days in July, every patio in Calgary is a venue.
- Private PartiesBirthday parties, anniversaries, celebrations, reunions, holiday parties, and milestone events deserve great entertainment.
What to tell us
Four things let us match the act to the event. If you don't know one of them yet, say so and we will work with what you have. Booking more than one act? See how we plan the entertainment around your agenda.
- The audience
- Who is in the room, how well they know each other, and anything that is off limits.
- The agenda
- Speeches, presentations, an auction. A host needs the agenda and the names, with how to say them.
- The room
- A stage, a lectern, a microphone. Comedy needs the room seated, quiet and able to see.
- The tone
- Warm, sharp, formal, playful. One word helps more than a paragraph.
What affects the cost of a comedian or an emcee?
Who the performer is, how long they are on stage or how much of the programme they host, the date and the season, any travel, and the sound the room needs. Send us the agenda and we will come back with a quote.
Questions people ask
- Can the comedy be kept clean for a workplace audience?
- Yes. Tell us the audience and what is off limits. We pass that on and look for a performer whose material suits the room. See also entertainment for a company awards night or a staff party.
- What does an emcee need from us?
- The agenda, the names of everyone being introduced and how to pronounce them, and one person on your side to answer questions on the night. For a charity evening, tell us about the auction too: see entertainment for fundraisers and galas.
- How long should a comedy set be?
- Shorter than most people expect. It depends on the programme around it. Send us the agenda and we will suggest where a set fits and how long it should run.
- Can one person host the night and perform as well?
- Sometimes. Some comedians and some bandleaders also host. Tell us what the evening involves and we will say whether one person can carry both.
- Do you keep comedians and emcees on a roster?
- No. Comedians, emcees and speakers are arranged on request, like all of our specialty entertainment. Tell us what you have in mind and we will look for the right performer, and find out who is free for your date.
Tell us about your night
Choose the occasion and what you are looking for. It takes a few minutes and gives us a proper brief to work from.