Yawp Mag ISSUE 19 Getting Ready for the Comedy Festival | Page 31

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low-to-mid level disasters can occur: "Some
tech will break, tech will go missing, props

tape and some throat lozenges." Thompson is
there for emotional support too: "Even the
celebration of good reviews and commiseration
of poor ones. It's all part of the job."
While Thompson says that in the lead-up
she does most tasks herself, again, in the
days before and during the festival, she is
supported by a strong team. "I have two venue
managers, Jo Bain and Ben Vernel who will
take care of the Provincial and the Duke [of
Wellington] respectively during the festival.
We also have a team of about 40 volunteers

Expanding the team during the festival
stresses the importance of communication. For
instance, at the Imperial Hotel, small tasks
need to be communicated and ensured: the box

and double counted, rooms reset, chairs
straightened and an all-round tidy-up.
It's enough to tie up Thompson for the whole
festival. "What surprises people the most is
shows. I watch bits at the Imperial Hotel but
very rarely a whole show."
Another behind-the-scenes identity is Jo
O'Callaghan from TS Publicity which is the

an empty room or venue in Melbourne without
looking at how many people it might seat and
ask if it might be available in April."
From a more overall perspective, O'Callaghan
makes it a point that each venue is given its
due care, due diligence to make the place
cater for the comic's show and the audience's
experience. "The diversity of our venues
both of the venue but also the shows that might
each room."
With that in mind, it then becomes about the
some of the key issues to tackle include
programming
and
contracting
artists,

permits, building stages, drawing venue plans
and maps, and even designing lighting and
rigging. Really, it's enough to make your
head spin.
In light of all that, are there any tips to
smooth out the process? "Spreadsheets, lists
and don't be afraid to use thinly-veiled
threats if you need something," Thompson
says. Luckily, the audience does not need
to think about the stern operations end of
comedy. Instead, as the audience, all you
at the funny parts, and enjoy the show as
well as the venue.

how much goes into making the festival run
without issue. Working full time on the task
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