Continued from page 1
The cost of an entertainer varies according to
quality, experience and notoriety of performer. As a rule, best performers will be more expensive -- as it should be. Don't make mistake of hiring two inexpensive acts of lesser quality instead of one expensive act. Two adequate acts will never compare to one great act, and money you spent two acts of lesser quality will have been wasted. This is simply an issue of quality, not quantity.
If for some reason act is beyond your budget, be truthful and open to act or agent and let them know what your budget is. They might be able to make concessions or suggest ways of saving you money -- perhaps presenting only a 20 minute show instead of a 30 minute show, or perhaps presenting an alternative act instead of one they had originally planned. Other than small concessions though, don't expect them to reduce their price considerably. They know what they are worth and to maintain their reputation in industry, they must maintain a consistent market price. To charge your group less than they charged their last group is simply bad business.
Once act is contracted, make sure entertainer or agent provides you with a list of PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS -- things that act needs to make show run smoothly. This may include things like a dressing area, size of stage or dance floor they will require to present act properly, microphone or sound requirements, time they will need in advance to set up show, etc. Having this list of requirements in advance will save you from last minute surprises like "not knowing that act required a cassette tape player", or that "the audience should not have been seated at sides of performer". This list tells you what is needed to make act run smoothly. If you cannot meet one or more of these requirements, let act or agent know as soon as possible so they can adjust show accordingly.
Once show requirements are provided for, you can be assured that show will run smoothly, and you can relax knowing that you have best professional entertainer in right environment which will make your event an event to remember!
________________________________________________________
CHECKLIST:
Things you need to know in advance before contacting an entertainer or agency:
___ 1. The location of event ___ 2. The number of people you expect to attend event. ___ 3. What performance area will be available at location? (dance floor, stage, etc.) ___ 4. Does location provide a sound system and or lighting? ___ 5. Do you plan to have other entertainment at event? ___ 6. What time would you like performance to start? ___ 7. Are you planning to have award presentations or speeches?
Things to find out when speaking with a prospective entertainer or agency:
___ 1. How many years has agency or entertainer been in business? ___ 2. What kind of experience does entertainer have? ___ 3. What professional credentials or awards has entertainer won? ___ 4. Is entertainer available for your engagement? ___ 5. Ask to receive for your review: ___ A. A complete promotional packet of entertainer ___ B. A promotional videotape ___ C. Testimonials from previous clients
When reviewing an entertainer on tape, consider:
1. How polished and professional is performer? 2. How does act look (consider dress of performer, and props he or she is using) 3. Does audience on tape sound like they are being entertained? 3. If you were in that audience seeing that show, would you be entertained? 4. Does entertainer's style compliment your company or company's ideals? 5. Is tape complete enough to give you an idea of act? (You don't want to see short "snippets" of act)
Things to do once entertainer has been selected:
___ 1. Send performer directions to event along with any program or event information along with returned contract.
___ 2. Ask to receive a copy of any "Performance Requirements" and pass a copy of them along to people handling technical aspects of show (lighting and sound people, hotel AV department, etc.)
___ 3. A final call a week or two before event to go over last minute details is always helpful and appreciated -- especially when last minute changes have been made (like addition of an "awards presentation", a "speech by company President" etc.)
_____________________________________________________________
Harry Maurer is a professional entertainer who performs regularly in showrooms of Las Vegas and Atlantic City. With over 20 years of experience, he provides comedy magical entertainment tailored to needs of his corporate clientele. He resides in Houston and can be reached toll free at (877) 223-6291 or on world-wide web at: hmmagic@aol.com.
If you are looking for great entertainment, please take a moment to visit The Comedy & Magic of Harry Maurer web site at:
www.hmmagic.com
The site describes types of shows he presents, lists his professional credentials, provides a list of past clients, press reviews, testimonials from satisfied clients and displays his "online performance Calendar" so that you can instantly determine his availability -- everything you need conveniently located to let you know that he is your best entertainment choice.
Located on site are also a variety of "online forms" where both entertainment agents or individuals can request promotional material or a quote for a particular event with no obligation!
If you have any additional questions or comments about this report or about The Comedy & Magic of Harry Maurer, we invite you to contact us by e-mail at: sales@hmmagic.com -- we'd love to hear from you!
_____________________________________________________________
