How to hire the best entertainer - Part 2
Posted by Michael Kett on Thursday, January 24, 2013 Under: entertainment
Three more considerations when hiring an entertainer...
4) What type of set-up is needed? A very common problem is to have a stage on one side of the room, the audience on the other and a large dance floor separating the two. This separation will kill a show! There will be no interaction possible and the entertainer will have to come down from the stage to relate with the audience. This will severely hurt
timing as well as sight lines for those in the back. A great idea is to have the event staff bring chairs to
the dance floor and set-up and theater-type setting. They can quickly be moved back after the show for
dessert, awards, dancing etc.
Another very common mistake is to not have a stage. **Rule-of-Thumb -**- If you are expecting more than 50 guests, you will need at least a riser. Many more than that, and a stage will be needed. Ask your potential entertainer what they need, what they supply, what they expect and, very importantly, what they think will be needed to make it the best event possible!
5) What do you charge? This is a pretty obvious one. It may be the first thing you ask a prospective
entertainer. Be certain to find out if that is the total fee! Some entertainers charge mileage, hotel
room, meals and more which is fine, just so long as you know about it in advance and are prepared for
it. Nothing will make your accounting department angrier than getting a bill for an expense account
they knew nothing about and you unknowingly signed-off on.
**Additional tip ** -
Many entertainers offer discounts for local events, multiple bookings, non-profit groups, package
deals, etc. It never hurts to ask! You may save your organization some money and end up getting
more service in the form of a package. Which brings us to…
6) Do you have any package specials? Most professional entertainers will offer different entertainment
packages. Every event is very different and this gives you a chance to match the entertainment to best
suit your needs. Whether it be mingling entertainment during the “opening” hour, special gifts from
the performer for the attendees, or whatever; ask your entertainer what they can package together to
make your event EXTRA special!
Final installment to follow...
4) What type of set-up is needed? A very common problem is to have a stage on one side of the room, the audience on the other and a large dance floor separating the two. This separation will kill a show! There will be no interaction possible and the entertainer will have to come down from the stage to relate with the audience. This will severely hurt
timing as well as sight lines for those in the back. A great idea is to have the event staff bring chairs to
the dance floor and set-up and theater-type setting. They can quickly be moved back after the show for
dessert, awards, dancing etc.
Another very common mistake is to not have a stage. **Rule-of-Thumb -**- If you are expecting more than 50 guests, you will need at least a riser. Many more than that, and a stage will be needed. Ask your potential entertainer what they need, what they supply, what they expect and, very importantly, what they think will be needed to make it the best event possible!
5) What do you charge? This is a pretty obvious one. It may be the first thing you ask a prospective
entertainer. Be certain to find out if that is the total fee! Some entertainers charge mileage, hotel
room, meals and more which is fine, just so long as you know about it in advance and are prepared for
it. Nothing will make your accounting department angrier than getting a bill for an expense account
they knew nothing about and you unknowingly signed-off on.
**Additional tip ** -
Many entertainers offer discounts for local events, multiple bookings, non-profit groups, package
deals, etc. It never hurts to ask! You may save your organization some money and end up getting
more service in the form of a package. Which brings us to…
6) Do you have any package specials? Most professional entertainers will offer different entertainment
packages. Every event is very different and this gives you a chance to match the entertainment to best
suit your needs. Whether it be mingling entertainment during the “opening” hour, special gifts from
the performer for the attendees, or whatever; ask your entertainer what they can package together to
make your event EXTRA special!
Final installment to follow...
In : entertainment
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Lip Print Reading is personalized entertainment that is all about the guest and not the performer. Perfect for cocktail hour, corporate/private parties, weddings, birthdays, and anniversaries.
