Manhattan Comedy Night

I recently got to emcee Manhattan Comedy Night at the Mayo Performing Arts Center. Emceeing is a skill that entails:
 

• Opening the Show: You’re the first comic the audience sees. 
• Reading the Room: Figuring out who’s in the audience (demographic and geography), how they feel, what they want and need. (Some audiences need to be talked to. Some just want you to get to the jokes. It’s your job to know which one or both.)
• Setting the Tone: Command the stage, the room, and be funny AF. This lets the audience know that they don’t have to worry. They are in capable hands and they’re going to have the good time they came for.
• Bringing the audience together as… well… an audience. Remember, chances are they all didn’t arrive in the same car. 
• Then, introducing each comic with respect and enthusiasm. (Yes, even if you hate their guts. What? It happens!)

Bonus points if you get the pronunciation of their name and credits right, but also if you add a personal touch. That’s what’s cool about working with people that I've known for a long time. You get to enjoy the show as much as the audience. At this gig I shared the stage with