TIPS * SUGGESTIONS
for PARTY PLANNING
& HIRING ENTERTAINMENTCourtesy of:
Master Magician
'The Man With The Powers On Loan From Houdini'®
Subjects: (Click on individual topics or scroll entire page.)
HIRING ENTERTAINMENT - GENERAL INFORMATION
CORPORATE & ORGANIZATION EVENTS
SCHOOLS
YOUTH / CHILDREN FUNCTIONS
PRE SCHOOL CHILDREN
SENIORS & NURSING HOMES
HOLIDAY SEASON
OUTDOOR EVENTS
FEES
LIABILITY INSURANCE
OTHER PERFORMERS
HIRING ENTERTAINMENT
GENERAL INFORMATION
With the proliferation of mediocre talent in the
industry within the last couple of years it would be wise if you did some
research before engaging entertainment for your event. Here are some tips.
Do not go on what you may see on a Video if the talent provides you with
one. NOBODY IS GOING TO SEND OUT AN UNCOMPLIMENTARY TAPE. Judging from what
I've heard from clients videos have been very misleading. The best way is
to see the act yourself. If that is not possible get references, but again
be careful. I know of one guy who used his daughter as a reference. Here
is a good procedure to follow. PLAN AHEAD. Call an act and get references.
About two weeks later call again and AGAIN ask for references. Compare the
two lists. IF THE NAMES ARE THE SAME ON BOTH INQUIRIES, it's either a set
up or the act does not work very much in which case proceed accordingly.
Another way is to check with friends and acquaintances who may have hired
talent in the not too distant past and get their opinions. Shows in hotels, function
facilities, restaurants , etc. require more preparation (set-up) time and
sound amplification and those needs must be addressed at the time of the
booking. Some performers carry their own (I DO ) sound systems others require
you or the house to supply one. If you want to use an agent
and also WANT A SPECIFIC ACT - ASK FOR IT - AND DEMAND IT. Most acts work
with all agents on certain terms. If you have the time and the patience
do the booking directly with the talent. When I book through an agent
I always insist on speaking with the client directly so that there are no
misunderstandings - you should do the same. Book through an agent if you
must BUT speak to the talent because what the agent tells you may not be
what the act can deliver. Unfortunately this happens many times when the
agent just wants to get the job and promises everything under the sun. TO RETURN TO TOP OF PAGE CLICK HERE
|
CORPORATE & ORGANIZATION EVENTS Unless you have a person in your organization well versed in party planning it is wise to hire a Professional Party/Event planner for important Corporate functions. CAUTION: A lot of Variety Artists working today are GREAT children entertainers because that's what they primarily do, but if you want more sophisticated entertainment search for acts that also do adult (not X rated) entertainment. GET CORPORATE REFERENCES. ADULT PARTIES, BANQUETS, ETC: Generally the entertainment should start as you finish the Dessert. You may wish to give people a chance to go to the rest rooms at the end of the meal so all will get to appreciate the entertainment. This is for general situations. Usually the caterer or the facility want to dispense with the meal as soon as possible but we have run into situations where the clients want a more leisurely run event with time between the dinner courses. In those cases the entertainment has taken place between courses. Either between the salad and main dish or between the main dish and dessert. If more than one entertainer is used one can perform at each meal interval. FOR ROVING, TABLE TO TABLE PERFORMANCES:
You can have the entertainment at the start of
the evening during Cocktail time, or again, after the Dessert. You may also
wish to have the Roving Type of performance during Cocktail Hour and a Formal
Show at the end of the event. |
SCHOOLS There was a time when all schools wanted was a good entertaining show, but then someone got the idea that shows in schools should also deliver a message, anything from drug abuse to curriculum emphasis. Trends, as you know, come and go. Last year only about 20% of educators requested shows with messages. The rest just wanted to give the kids a good time. Most shows were for classes who has achieved in certain subjects or for the Holidays and for Year-end events. - Whatever your pleasure - we deliver. |
YOUTH / CHILDREN EVENTS CHILDREN'S BIRTHDAY PARTIES: Plan the show about 30 minutes into the party. Then follow up with the cake and ice cream, etc. and then the present opening, followed by other activities. Do not pass out loot bags or noise makers, balloons, or anything that will cause distraction until after the show. I personally do not allow anyone with food or beverages during my shows. Because of safety all toddlers should be attended to by an adult. And every show should be supervised by an adult. At my shows don't be afraid to let adults attend because they will enjoy the show as much as the children. We have a flyer on PARTY PLANNING & TIPS FOR CHILDREN'S BIRTHDAY PARTIES. Contact is for a FREE copy. Email us at: magicjim@rainho.com or you
can go to it here and download it. Very few entertainers will book small shows
(birthday parties, etc.) on weekends during Holiday Seasons because at these
times we get calls for larger higher priced shows. If your child has a birthday
in December hold your party on a week day. If you MUST celebrate on a weekend
be prepared to pay twice to three times the normal fee.
|
ENTERTAINMENT FOR VERY YOUNG CHILDREN (PRESCHOOLERS) I have seen preschool children cry and scream at the sight of a clown or costumed cartoon or super hero figure. Young children, up to four years old, and sometimes five, are used to seeing these characters in picture book or on TV as small one dimension unthreatening entities but when they see them LIFE SIZE and LIVE in three dimension they become frightened. This is why some children fear Santa Claus. I'll never forget a Big Bird costumed nut insist of presenting a bouquet of birthday balloons to a hysteric screaming child. I finally intervened and pulled him away from the child. Unfortunately providers of these services do not train their personnel (usually kids or house wives making a few extra bucks on the side) on how to interact with children and the proper approach if a child seems to be scared. My advise to parents is to be careful when ordering balloons or other products to be delivered by costumed characters. Make sure the provider uses trained personnel. Let them know about your concerns of the children being afraid. If in doubt, DON"T DO IT. I know that a parent can feel that he wants to please or surprise the child with his 'FAVORITE' action hero or cartoon character, but like I stated above, they are used to seeing them in a different perspective. For young children I usually suggest they hire a clown for the birthday party entertainment but I also warn them about the 'fear' possibilities. You know your own child and know how he/she may react, but also consider the other children at the party. If there will be a child who may react badly have the Mom stay at the party and sort off stand by her child. Some clowns are very boisterous and loud and come on very strong, some are more subdued in their presentations. Get references and talk to parents who have used him/her in the past. Ask the clown if she/he will come and entertain out of costume. Some are very accommodating, others feel that they have developed a character and you must take them as they are. Of course YOU make the choice. Children at this age love to see animals. That is why I use live animals for children's birthday parties. I feature some of my doves and the VERY FAVORITE: POPCORN The Magic Bunny I tell my regular clients to vary the entertainment from year to year, especially for children's birthday party shows. This will give the youngster exposure to different types of acts and performances. |
FOR SENIORS & NURSING HOMES I advise my clients NOT TO HIRE strictly talking acts for
these events, especially in Nursing Homes where the residents may not be
able to hear well or respond to or participate in physical activity. |
HOLIDAY SEASONS SHOWS BOOK HOLIDAY SHOWS EARLY Very few entertainers will book small shows (birthday parties, etc.) on weekends during Holiday Seasons because at these times we get calls for larger higher priced shows. If your child has a birthday in December hold your party on a week day. If you MUST celebrate on a weekend be prepared to pay twice to three times the normal fee. |
OUTDOOR SHOWS Always let the act know if the show is going to be held outdoors. Some acts will not work outdoors. If the act works with live animals and it's a sunny day a shady spot or tent is a MUST. For large audience shows where sound amplification is necessary the act will need electrical power unless it carries battery powered equipment. Get all these details straightened out when you book the act. |
FEES This is a touchy subject and I don't want to anger my peers but I'll give you some guide lines. Fees for a good Professional Performer (in the Boston market)
generally start at $175.00 to $250.00 for a BASIC 45 minute children's birthday
party show and $450.00 to $600.00 for Adult Corporate Shows. Basic means
no frills, no large equipment, single performer. My shows vary on content
depending on the event and what is necessary to make it a proper show for
a given situation or age group. Some performers don't follow this concept.
They do one show for all. I have specific presentations for specific situations
and events. Amateurs and semipros may give discounts but again - be
wary. If they offer a discount, ask yourself WHY. I know of performers who
have low fees and they supply a gift for each child at the party and bring
an extra special one for the birthday child - BUT - WHAT KIND OF SHOW DO
THEY PROVIDE???????? Sometimes, for children birthday parties during week days (Monday to Thursday) mornings or afternoons, you may find an act who will offer a discount. BUT PLEASE be careful of bargain fees. REMEMBER THE SAYING - YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY
FOR. IF YOUR EVENT IS IMPORTANT TO YOU GET THE BEST THAT YOU CAN AFFORD. BE CAREFUL OF THE ACT THAT OFFERS TOO MUCH.
|
LIABILITY INSURANCE PROTECTION You should also hire someone who has liability insurance coverage. Most professional acts carry a One Million Dollar Policy. This is especially important if working for general public or you hold your event in a hired hall, restaurant, public facility, etc. For your protection and peace-of-mind I carry a One Million Dollar Policy, which I have never used, but it is there, just in case. CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE AVAILABLE ON REQUEST. |
CLOWN/JUGGLER/ANIMAL BALLOONS/SOME MAGIC
ROBB PRESKINS
-Phone: 617-547-3777
VENTRILOQUIST
DONNA MARIE
Many Characters & Even Songs (Donna is a great CW singer)
- Phone: 603-875-3499
MUSIC/MUSICAL ACTIVITIES
HUGH HANLEY
- Phone 781-643-6362
ZANY COMIC/STORYTELLER/MUSIC
JACKSON GILLMAN
-Phone: 508-295-0886
207-244-3838
MARIONETTES/PUPPETS
JENN WAITT'S CIRCUS SHOWPLACE
-Phone:871-581-91`86
KING OF THE JESTERS
ALEXANDER THE JESTER
Hilarious Fun For Any Event - Zany Antics
Call Alex at: 617-491-2180
Click below to go to his web site -.
http://www.alexthejester.com
FUNNY - FUNNY CLOWN
J THE CLOWN
Phone: 978-744-1140
FOR ADULT EVENTS THE SALEM WILLOWS YACHT CLUB BAND THE SWINGERS THE COSMOS JIMMY DEL PONTE BAND FUN PSYCHIC READINGS CARICATURES & CARTOONS ALSO ALEXANDER THE JESTER |
CLICK HERE TO GO BACK TO THE TOP OF THIS PAGE
©1998 - 2003 - James Rainho