AV Equipment Checklist for a Comedy Show in New York

Brought to you by Event Rentals NYC — a KLAV Group company.

Comedy lives or dies on clarity. If the punchline doesn't land in the back row, the laugh doesn't either. This checklist covers exactly what you need to produce a clean, professional comedy show in NYC — whether you're booking a 75-seat lounge in the East Village or a 500-seat theater in Midtown.

Sound

Sound is non-negotiable for stand-up. Voice intelligibility is everything.

• PA System (full-range speakers + subs) — Need it: always. Quantity: 2 mains, 1 sub for rooms under 200; 2 mains + 2 subs for 200-500. Cost: $250–$650.
• Wireless Handheld Microphones (Shure SM58 or Beta 58A) — Need it: every show. Quantity: 2 (1 active, 1 backup). Cost: $75–$150 each.
• Stage Monitor (wedge) — Need it: so the comic hears themselves. Quantity: 1. Cost: $75–$125.
• Digital Mixer (Yamaha TF1 or X32) — Need it: always. Quantity: 1. Cost: $150–$300.
• Mic Stand (round base, low profile) — Need it: always. Quantity: 1 + 1 backup. Cost: $15–$25.

Lighting

Comedy lighting should be flattering, warm, and never blinding to the performer.

• Stage Wash (warm front light) — Need it: always. Quantity: 2–4 LED PAR cans. Cost: $25–$50 each.
• Uplighting (room ambiance) — Need it: for venue mood. Quantity: 8–12 wireless uplights. Cost: $25–$40 each.
• Dance Floor / Pre-Show Lighting — Need it: if there's a DJ before showtime. Quantity: 4–6 moving heads. Cost: $50–$100 each.
• Ambient House Lighting Control — Need it: to dim during sets. Quantity: 1 dimmer pack. Cost: $50–$100.
• Spotlight (follow spot, optional) — Need it: for headliners in larger rooms. Quantity: 1. Cost: $200–$400.

Video

Video supports the host, sponsors, and the comic's bumper reels.

• Projector (5,000+ lumens) — Need it: for sponsor logos, intro reels. Quantity: 1. Cost: $250–$500.
• Tripod Projection Screen (8–10 ft) — Need it: with projector. Quantity: 1. Cost: $75–$150.
• 55" or 65" TV Display on Stand — Need it: smaller venues, stage-side branding. Quantity: 1–2. Cost: $150–$300 each.
• HDMI Switcher + Cables — Need it: always. Quantity: 1 kit. Cost: $50–$100.

DJ / Music

Walk-in music sets the energy before the host hits the stage.

• DJ Controller (Pioneer DDJ-FLX6 or DDJ-1000) — Need it: for live DJ. Quantity: 1. Cost: $100–$200.
• Turntables (Technics 1200s + DJM mixer) — Need it: if your DJ spins vinyl. Quantity: 2 + mixer. Cost: $300–$500.
• DJ Booth / Facade with LED Front — Need it: for branded look. Quantity: 1. Cost: $150–$300.
• DJ Headphones — Need it: always. Quantity: 1 pair. Cost: $25–$40.

Extras

The extras turn a comedy show into a memorable night.

• Photo Booth (open-air, social-share enabled) — Need it: for VIPs, sponsors, lobby. Quantity: 1. Cost: $500–$900.
• Low-Lying Fog Machine — Need it: pre-show entrance. Quantity: 1. Cost: $75–$150.
• Confetti Cannons (CO2 or electric) — Need it: closer/headliner reveal. Quantity: 2. Cost: $50–$100 each.
• Step & Repeat Banner with Stand — Need it: red carpet arrivals. Quantity: 1. Cost: $150–$300.

Book Your Comedy Show with Event Rentals NYC

Event Rentals NYC — a KLAV Group company — has produced over 1,000 events for clients including Madison Square Garden, Barclays Center, Hot 97, and BET Networks. Comedy shows demand precision audio and intelligent lighting, and we deliver both with same-day NYC delivery, on-site engineers, and packages built for venues from 50 to 5,000 seats.

Call 646-280-9522 or visit klavgroup.com to lock in your comedy show package today.