Earnings of Indian Stand-Up Comedians: Insights into Gig Fees at Venues Like Canvas Laugh Club

The earnings of Indian stand-up comedians can vary widely based on their experience, popularity, and the venue. At places like Canvas Laugh Club, established comedians might earn anywhere from 10,000 to 50,000 or more per gig. Emerging comedians typically earn less, often in the range of 5,000 to 15,000.

Factors Influencing Fees

Several factors contribute to the earnings of stand-up comedians:

Experience and Reputation: More established comedians with a strong following can command higher fees. Event Type: Private corporate gigs usually pay more than public shows. Location: Fees may vary depending on the city and venue. Show Format: Solo performances might pay differently compared to ensemble shows or open mics.

Overall, the comedy scene in India is growing, and as it does, so are the potential earnings for comedians.

Specific Earnings Breakdown

Here is a more detailed breakdown of earnings for various types of gigs:

Bar Show with Other Comedians

Average earnings for a bar show with other comedians range from 0 to 8,000 per set, ranging from about 1,000 to 2,000.

Bar Show by Themselves

For comedians performing solo in a bar, the earnings can range from 3,000 to 1,000,000, depending on the number of tickets sold. However, the typical earnings are less, around 100 to 330 per ticket, where the rest of the proceeds might go towards marketing, venue costs, and taxes.

Corporate Show

Corporate shows typically pay higher fees. Comedians with over 100,000 subscribers on YouTube can charge between 1 to 2 lakh per corporate show. Newer comedians might start at 20,000 to 80,000 over the course of 1 to 5 years.

Social Media Promotion

If a comedian has built a 100,000 organic following on Instagram, they can charge at least 1 lakh per post.

Hosting or Featuring in an Event

The earnings for hosting or featuring in an event can range from 7,000 to 8,000 for a 25- to 30-minute performance.

Canvas Laugh Club: While specific figures for Canvas Laugh Club cannot be cited, in general, the amount made by performers depends on their experience. Starting comedians can earn around 5,000 to 10,000 per gig, mid-level comedians can earn 15,000 to 30,000 plus travel and stay expenses. The top-tier comedians can charge up to 1 lakh for a corporate gig. There is an anecdote mentioning that Raju Shrivastava charged 3 lakh for one of his stadium shows.

The landscape of Indian stand-up comedy is evolving, and as more venues emerge and audiences grow, the potential earnings for comedians are likely to increase. Comedians must continue to build their networks, improve their skills, and leverage social media to enhance their earning potential.