MC Skills for Comedians by Mel Byron

ABOUT THE WORKSHOP:

The MC, or host, is a key part of the success of any comedy night.

But what makes a good, or even great, MC?

What are the skills needed to create the very best experience for all involved? How can you use crowd work to skilfully get an audience on side? How can these skills enhance your usual comedy set?

In this workshop, highly experienced MC, Mel Byron, will take you through the wider set of skills an MC needs to have to make a comedy gig a success and shows how these skills can be used even when you’re doing your usual set.

Topics covered include:

• Knowing and preparing the audience
• Crowd work
• Attitude and Persona
• The Rhythm of a Comedy Gig
• Making acts feel welcome
• Being organised
• MCing ‘non-traditional' nights (e.g. corporate dinners)

All attendees to this workshop will receive a free ticket to watch Mel Byron perform at the Mad Cow Comedy International Showcase on Sunday 19th April.

WHO IS THIS WORKSHOP FOR?
This workshop is for comedians with some stage experience who want to start MCing, as well as comics who already host and want to sharpen their skills. It’s also ideal for anyone looking to improve their crowd work, audience awareness and on-stage confidence — skills that directly strengthen your own comedy sets.

ABOUT MEL BYRON

MEL BYRON is a comedian, speaking skills coach and writer. She performs comedy all over the UK and is much in demand as an MC and host. Mel has presented solo shows at the Edinburgh, Brighton and Manchester Fringes, the Nottingham Comedy Festival and at Festrogen (Luxembourg).

PRAISE FOR MEL

‘Mel is a brilliant MC who can play any room’
(Don Biswas, Top UK Comedian)

‘Mel is able to whip even the most timid of crowds up into the perfect comedy audience with great skill and dexterity.’
(Katie Pritchard, Award-winning comedian)

‘Mel is an extremely able, affable and professional MC. She quickly gets an audience on-side with her warmth and wit, thus ensuring every act receives a warm welcome.’
(Comedy Lock-In, Kent)

‘Mel’s sessions were not just enjoyable but informative, and everyone went aware on a real high, she gave everyone a ‘real buzz’’
(Skills for Care)

‘Highly recommended. A total tonic at our event. Just what we all needed.’
(Athena Networking)

‘May just make your day’
(The Scotsman)

‘Inspired Comedy’
(Lancs Post)

PRACTICAL INFORMATION:

• Date: Saturday 18th April
• Location: De Schuur, Wijde Doelen 8 (around the corner from the Louis Hartloper Complex on Ledig Erf)
• Getting here: Our venue is a around 7 minutes’ walk from Utrecht Vaartsche Rijn station, or a 20-minute walk from Utrecht Central Station.

• Time: 13:30 – 17:30 (doors open 13:00)
• What to bring: Something to make notes is useful, other than that, just a mindset to learn and have fun!

ABOUT THE ORGANISER:

Mad Cow Comedy is all about bringing the best comedy experiences to the Netherlands. We believe in collaboration over competition, working with other companies and producers to create unique, unforgettable shows. Our events feature a diverse lineup of talented comedians, ensuring no two shows are ever the same.

In addition to our events, Mad Cow Comedy is dedicated to supporting the development of comedians through our workshops. We offer a platform for aspiring performers to hone their craft, connect with others, and grow within the comedy community. Whether you're a comedy lover or a performer, Mad Cow Comedy is your go-to for a good laugh, a great time, and growth in comedy!