The Business of Comedy: Hosting and Emceeing

Great comedy shows don’t just need funny comedians, they need strong hosts who know how to control the room, connect with audiences, and keep the energy going. This workshop is designed for comedians, performers, and aspiring emcees who want to sharpen their stage presence and learn the art of hosting and emceeing events.

Participants will learn practical techniques for crowd engagement, transitions, time management, professionalism, and handling unexpected moments on stage with confidence and humor. Whether you’re hosting your first open mic or a packed comedy showcase, we’ll help you command the mic and stage like a pro. With guaranteed admission, this workshop includes one hour of instruction and 30 minutes for Q&A.

About the Instructor

Ralph Figueroa is a U.S. Army veteran who proudly served 12 years before transitioning into higher education and entertainment. He is the owner and producer of his own entertainment company, where he has produced, hosted, and performed in shows all across the nation and for military audiences stationed all over the world. Most recently, Ralph completed his M.A. in Rehabilitation Counseling at CSU-San Bernardino with a 4.0 GPA, and he was honored as the 2024 National Student Veteran of the Year by Student Veterans of America. He also serves the veteran community as the Commissioner and Chair of the San Bernardino County Veterans Advisory Committee. His career reflects a commitment to leadership, resilience, and empowering others through the power of laughter, education, and advocacy. Blending his military discipline, academic expertise, and comedy experience, Ralph knows how to teach the business side of comedy while keeping things fun!