My solution was to give up being an open-stage MC (at least for now). Maybe some of these tips will encourage me to give it another shot, but... I dunno... toward the end I was hosting two open stages and, in addition to the c**p-performer problem, the owner of one establishment was stiffing me part of my payment (and giving me hell for wanting to be paid at all), while in the other establishment the teenage audience was getting unruly and stealing tips from the waitresses' tip-jar. Besides, the boyfriend who was my "roadie" had broken up with me and moved west, so I had to set up and break down my equipment myself (and trust that any performers who helped were not breaking anything!). I finally realized that it wasn't any fun for me anymore – and I already have a day job that's not always fun, so I figured "Why am I spending my off-time doing something I no longer enjoy? And am I making it a less enjoyable experience for the performers and audience by struggling on when I'm burned out?" So I decided to give it a rest; I quit the job where I was being given hell (the other was cancelled by the owner, who then changed the theme of her place from coffeehouse to "upscale" restaurant with no amateur musicians); and did not seek any more open-stage MC gigs.

But I do remember that one thing I used to do was to schedule a "showcase performer" to do a longer set, usually in the middle of the evening. The aim there was to let some folks do their 2-3 songs, then hang out and enjoy the showcase (and, in some cases, learn something!). Then, afterwards, those folks could play again (or if more performers signed up in the meantime, it would be their turn). This method met with mixed success; too often, the young-adults who'd already played or who were waiting to play would go out back and smoke. Entreaties to stay and listen to their peers fell on deaf ears.

Kudos to all those who are sticking it out and putting up with the disadvantages in order to provide a place for performers to be seen, to hone their craft, to find support and advice. I know from experience the personal cost and the sacrifices you are making!