Excited about working in some new material for Henderson State University. This auditorium should be full in a few hours!
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Monday, September 27, 2010
The Most Important Things You Must Know Before Booking Entertainment For Your Next Event - Part 2
Welcome back! This entry is part two of an earlier blog entry started in August. The August entry dealt with planning and type of program. To view the first entry, click here. And now, enjoy part two!
3. Choosing the Right Program
So, you are looking for an entertaining program and need to find the right fit. Where does one find a reputable speaker or proven entertainer?
In today’s world, the internet is the most powerful tool to help you find anything you are looking for. All savvy, business-minded, professional entertainers and speakers have a website. A professional website is an incredible tool where your future entertainer can list their specialties, describe exactly what they do and how they do it, post video clips, photos, letters of recommendation, etc. A good website is the ultimate brochure where the entertainer can educate potential clients on who they are.
You should be able to see enough from the entertainer’s website to get a really good idea on whether they will be able to do the job for you or not. The best entertainers specialize in specific fields such as children’s entertainment, family events, corporate entertainment and speaking, etc. You should be sure that the entertainer you are considering specializes in entertaining groups like yours. An excellent children’s entertainer may not be the appropriate choice for presenting at a corporate sales meeting, and vice-versa. The website should make it clear exactly what type of programs the entertainer offers and who they are appropriate for.
As you keep in mind the event you are planning, make sure your future entertainer has testimonials on their website from other event planners like you who have planned similar events. When a client takes the time to express how well a program was received it speaks volumes to the entertainer’s professionalism. See what Sara Arthur, special events coordinator for the city of Sparta, TN thought after working with me…
“As Special Events Coordinator, I had the task of finding entertainment for a very diverse group of people. When you were suggested to me, I was concerned that we would have a strictly "magic" show that would only appeal to half of the people. However, you put on a "performance" that included the whole crowd and a variety of illusions, magic and drama. I love the fact that you used the audience so much. When you concluded the show, I could not believe that 45 minutes had passed already, I wanted to see more! I cannot wait until the renovations on our historic theatre are finished so that we can have you back to do your full show!!”
As a side note, there are some really fine amateur and part-time entertainers and speakers who don’t maintain a website. The biggest problem with selecting someone without a website is that it’s a total shot in the dark. There’s no way to know if you are going to get top-notch entertainment or if you’re going to make a huge mistake.
Wrap Up
Click here for part three where we will deal with The Inital Contact. I hope this information helps guide you through the decision making process and ensures you have a dynamic, entertaining program. If you are planning an event soon or don't want to wait for all the blog entries to be posted, visit www.jasonmichaelsmagic.com, fill out the webform, and I'll rush you a copy of my new book absolutely free. Enjoy!
3. Choosing the Right Program
So, you are looking for an entertaining program and need to find the right fit. Where does one find a reputable speaker or proven entertainer?
In today’s world, the internet is the most powerful tool to help you find anything you are looking for. All savvy, business-minded, professional entertainers and speakers have a website. A professional website is an incredible tool where your future entertainer can list their specialties, describe exactly what they do and how they do it, post video clips, photos, letters of recommendation, etc. A good website is the ultimate brochure where the entertainer can educate potential clients on who they are.
You should be able to see enough from the entertainer’s website to get a really good idea on whether they will be able to do the job for you or not. The best entertainers specialize in specific fields such as children’s entertainment, family events, corporate entertainment and speaking, etc. You should be sure that the entertainer you are considering specializes in entertaining groups like yours. An excellent children’s entertainer may not be the appropriate choice for presenting at a corporate sales meeting, and vice-versa. The website should make it clear exactly what type of programs the entertainer offers and who they are appropriate for.
As you keep in mind the event you are planning, make sure your future entertainer has testimonials on their website from other event planners like you who have planned similar events. When a client takes the time to express how well a program was received it speaks volumes to the entertainer’s professionalism. See what Sara Arthur, special events coordinator for the city of Sparta, TN thought after working with me…
“As Special Events Coordinator, I had the task of finding entertainment for a very diverse group of people. When you were suggested to me, I was concerned that we would have a strictly "magic" show that would only appeal to half of the people. However, you put on a "performance" that included the whole crowd and a variety of illusions, magic and drama. I love the fact that you used the audience so much. When you concluded the show, I could not believe that 45 minutes had passed already, I wanted to see more! I cannot wait until the renovations on our historic theatre are finished so that we can have you back to do your full show!!”
As a side note, there are some really fine amateur and part-time entertainers and speakers who don’t maintain a website. The biggest problem with selecting someone without a website is that it’s a total shot in the dark. There’s no way to know if you are going to get top-notch entertainment or if you’re going to make a huge mistake.
Wrap Up
Click here for part three where we will deal with The Inital Contact. I hope this information helps guide you through the decision making process and ensures you have a dynamic, entertaining program. If you are planning an event soon or don't want to wait for all the blog entries to be posted, visit www.jasonmichaelsmagic.com, fill out the webform, and I'll rush you a copy of my new book absolutely free. Enjoy!
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Monday, September 20, 2010
What is Beyond Smoke and Mirrors?
First, a little history is in order. A number of years ago, a small group of entertainers and friends got together and began meeting to help each other with performance pieces that each of them were working on. It began very informally, as a way to flush out ideas and fraternize with like minded individuals who could challenge each other. Out of this group, four of the performers (John, Scott, Nelson and myself) created a show where they could put the magic, illusions, comedy and juggling they were working on in front of real live audiences. The Nashville based show was aptly titled Music City Magic. What made Music City Magic such a hit was that the performers were able to create and hone original material that had never been seen before. Audiences responded well to hilarious comedy, larger than life characters, and genuine mysteries. Music City Magic ran on and off at different venues, including Miss Marple’s Dinner Theater and Opry Mills Mall, for several years. Ultimately, the four principle performers got busy with their own projects and Music City Magic went on hiatus.
In July 2010, I got a phone call from Nelson (a friend and fellow founder of Music City Magic). He mentioned that there was a possibility of being able to either revive Music City Magic or create a brand, new experience. Basically, John had an opportunity to bring a show to a venue in downtown Nashville and he was interested in getting the “band” (and I use that term in jest:) back together. After a few phone calls and emails were exchanged, it became obvious that all the original parties were onboard and excited to have the opportunity to perform together again.
Upon reflection, we decided that we weren’t really interested in creating the same experience as the original Music City Magic with this new opportunity. None of the creators wanted this just to be another magic show. We wanted to change things up a bit. We were still interested in creating original illusions, comedy, etc, but we also wanted to incorporate other variety entertainers as well. We wanted to do strange things in our performances. Things like eating razor blades and stopping time. We wanted to warp the minds of those in attendance. Beyond Smoke and Mirrors is that child. I believe it will prove to be a cross between a cozy, Victorian parlour performance and an over the top circus side show. And we want you to experience it firsthand.
Beyond Smoke and Mirrors debut performance is Monday night, October 4th at McFadden’s on 2nd Avenue in downtown Nashville. Enjoy the video below to get a tease of what to expect, then find us online. We’ll be posting ticket discounts and weekly drink specials on our Facebook page and our Twitter feed.
And if you’re intrigued by now, buy your tickets to the opening night of Beyond Smoke and Mirrors here. We can’t wait to show you what we have planned!
In July 2010, I got a phone call from Nelson (a friend and fellow founder of Music City Magic). He mentioned that there was a possibility of being able to either revive Music City Magic or create a brand, new experience. Basically, John had an opportunity to bring a show to a venue in downtown Nashville and he was interested in getting the “band” (and I use that term in jest:) back together. After a few phone calls and emails were exchanged, it became obvious that all the original parties were onboard and excited to have the opportunity to perform together again.
Upon reflection, we decided that we weren’t really interested in creating the same experience as the original Music City Magic with this new opportunity. None of the creators wanted this just to be another magic show. We wanted to change things up a bit. We were still interested in creating original illusions, comedy, etc, but we also wanted to incorporate other variety entertainers as well. We wanted to do strange things in our performances. Things like eating razor blades and stopping time. We wanted to warp the minds of those in attendance. Beyond Smoke and Mirrors is that child. I believe it will prove to be a cross between a cozy, Victorian parlour performance and an over the top circus side show. And we want you to experience it firsthand.
Beyond Smoke and Mirrors debut performance is Monday night, October 4th at McFadden’s on 2nd Avenue in downtown Nashville. Enjoy the video below to get a tease of what to expect, then find us online. We’ll be posting ticket discounts and weekly drink specials on our Facebook page and our Twitter feed.
And if you’re intrigued by now, buy your tickets to the opening night of Beyond Smoke and Mirrors here. We can’t wait to show you what we have planned!
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Friday, September 17, 2010
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)