Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
hopes you are coming to McFadden's tonight at 8 pm. If you're there you'll see the new version of thishttp://ping.fm/01Zyo
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Friday, November 26, 2010
Listening to the Audience
I find myself interested in comparing notes with other entertainers. Specifically, I am truly fascinated with a performer’s choice to edit themselves and their show while that show is going on. You may ask yourself why an entertainer would choose to edit themselves during their show. Well, this isn’t common practice. Typically, only the most experienced entertainers do this. The most common reason I find for it is that the audience is responding to certain routines and parts of their scripts early in the show. The audience’s responses early in the show lead the performer to edit the show as it goes on and select material that he or she believes will be the most effective. Editing the show or the lines they choose to deliver is done to optimize the entertainment experience. This sounds a bit too theoretical, let’s talk specifics.
I pay very close attention to the audience before I take the stage and then as the show goes on, as well. I am trying to get a feel for the energy they are giving off and how they react to certain magic. For instance, I was recently performing and got to the part of the show where I had my razor blade swallowing routine planned. As I thought about what I had planned, I looked out at the audience and saw mostly families. The room was full of moms, dads and young people. They were laughing at all the right jokes and having fun watching a lighthearted magic show. I realized that the razor blade routine that I had planned was a dark, moody piece that would totally change the energy of the room. While the razor blade routine is a perfect piece to perform in a theatrical show for a theatre crowd, it didn’t feel right for this room. So I substituted a much less theatrical routine, The Linking Rings, in its place. The way I perform the rings gets an audience member involved and makes them the center of a fun, laugh filled few minutes. It turned out to be the perfect choice. I selected a young man who had the perfect temperament and knew how to play to the crowd. He was a massive hit and he received a huge ovation for coming up onstage and giving the audience exactly what they wanted, to laugh and have fun.
So, why do I bring this up? I guess my point in writing this blog article is to say that I believe good entertainers listen closely to their audiences. It’s important to keep in mind who the audience is made up of and why they are watching the show. Instead of performing material that the entertainer may want to perform, he or she should perform material that will best fit the situation. Think about it. If you were hiring an entertainer to come in and entertain your family, friends, or coworkers, wouldn’t you want that person to pay close attention to how everyone is reacting and edit their show to maximize their responses and the entertainment experience? I know I would.
I pay very close attention to the audience before I take the stage and then as the show goes on, as well. I am trying to get a feel for the energy they are giving off and how they react to certain magic. For instance, I was recently performing and got to the part of the show where I had my razor blade swallowing routine planned. As I thought about what I had planned, I looked out at the audience and saw mostly families. The room was full of moms, dads and young people. They were laughing at all the right jokes and having fun watching a lighthearted magic show. I realized that the razor blade routine that I had planned was a dark, moody piece that would totally change the energy of the room. While the razor blade routine is a perfect piece to perform in a theatrical show for a theatre crowd, it didn’t feel right for this room. So I substituted a much less theatrical routine, The Linking Rings, in its place. The way I perform the rings gets an audience member involved and makes them the center of a fun, laugh filled few minutes. It turned out to be the perfect choice. I selected a young man who had the perfect temperament and knew how to play to the crowd. He was a massive hit and he received a huge ovation for coming up onstage and giving the audience exactly what they wanted, to laugh and have fun.
So, why do I bring this up? I guess my point in writing this blog article is to say that I believe good entertainers listen closely to their audiences. It’s important to keep in mind who the audience is made up of and why they are watching the show. Instead of performing material that the entertainer may want to perform, he or she should perform material that will best fit the situation. Think about it. If you were hiring an entertainer to come in and entertain your family, friends, or coworkers, wouldn’t you want that person to pay close attention to how everyone is reacting and edit their show to maximize their responses and the entertainment experience? I know I would.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Monday, November 22, 2010
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Friday, November 19, 2010
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Do you want a huge turnout for your next event? Check out my latest blog entry - http://ping.fm/x96LE
Do You Want a Huge Turnout for Your Event?
So, I had a great time performing for North Central College (Naperville, IL) over the weekend. I wanted to share some thoughts from that booking. First things first, we had a huge turnout. It was way more than what they had expected. During my conversations with Ebony (the lady in charge) she explained that 1)North Central is a relatively small campus, and 2)there were two other events going on at the exact same time on campus. They were expecting a good turnout (maybe 150-200 or so), but were totally surprised by the huge turnout (probably about 350) that we had. Not only was it standing room only, but there were actually people who stood in the hall looking over other people’s heads for the entire show. That was very cool from my perspective and it contributed to an electric atmosphere and a great show.
So, I made sure to talk to Ebony after the show and ask what they had done to spread the word. I thought others would be interested in the kind of massive success this small campus had planning, promoting and staging my show Jason Michaels…Unplugged.
Thinking back on our discussion, I have realized they did four important things. The first thing Ebony and the folks at North Central College did right was to pick a date that coincided with their family weekend. Moms, Dads, brothers and sisters were on campus visiting their kids/siblings. An interactive comedy and magic show is going to appeal to everyone. It’s a safe bet for the family. And when I looked out at the crowd, it was mixed with students and families. #1 check.
The second thing they did right was to promote the show with table tents in the high traffic dining areas. For the entire week leading up to the show everyone who ate in the dining areas had table tents promoting the show right in front of them. Ebony and her team actually created their own table tents and posters by downloading my image from my website. They also could have downloaded my pre-made table tents, photos and posters right here. #2 check.
The third thing that worked for them was sending out a campus wide e-blast the day of the show. There are a lot of things competing for our attention and the students at NCC needed a quick reminder that there was something that would be fun to do that night. #3 check.
And the final thing that the campus life team at NCC did right was to have me do teaser performances during the dinner hour a couple of hours before the show started. The truth of the matter is that until someone has actually seen a performer, they have no idea if the upcoming show is going to be any good or not. By walking around the dinner areas, doing some street magic and freaking everyone out, I was able to let everyone know that the show was, in fact, worth their time. Once they knew the show was going to be cool, then they started texting and telling all their friends and the message to come see the show went viral. #4 check.
Obviously there are other ways to promote a show, but this is an excellent case study on how these folks did it very successfully. My congratulations and thanks to Ebony and her team at North Central College. I hope to see you guys again soon!
So, I made sure to talk to Ebony after the show and ask what they had done to spread the word. I thought others would be interested in the kind of massive success this small campus had planning, promoting and staging my show Jason Michaels…Unplugged.
Thinking back on our discussion, I have realized they did four important things. The first thing Ebony and the folks at North Central College did right was to pick a date that coincided with their family weekend. Moms, Dads, brothers and sisters were on campus visiting their kids/siblings. An interactive comedy and magic show is going to appeal to everyone. It’s a safe bet for the family. And when I looked out at the crowd, it was mixed with students and families. #1 check.
The second thing they did right was to promote the show with table tents in the high traffic dining areas. For the entire week leading up to the show everyone who ate in the dining areas had table tents promoting the show right in front of them. Ebony and her team actually created their own table tents and posters by downloading my image from my website. They also could have downloaded my pre-made table tents, photos and posters right here. #2 check.
The third thing that worked for them was sending out a campus wide e-blast the day of the show. There are a lot of things competing for our attention and the students at NCC needed a quick reminder that there was something that would be fun to do that night. #3 check.
And the final thing that the campus life team at NCC did right was to have me do teaser performances during the dinner hour a couple of hours before the show started. The truth of the matter is that until someone has actually seen a performer, they have no idea if the upcoming show is going to be any good or not. By walking around the dinner areas, doing some street magic and freaking everyone out, I was able to let everyone know that the show was, in fact, worth their time. Once they knew the show was going to be cool, then they started texting and telling all their friends and the message to come see the show went viral. #4 check.
Obviously there are other ways to promote a show, but this is an excellent case study on how these folks did it very successfully. My congratulations and thanks to Ebony and her team at North Central College. I hope to see you guys again soon!
Monday, November 15, 2010
Friday, November 12, 2010
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Find and book entertainment easily this holiday season. Check out my blog for some simple tipshttp://ping.fm/xU7aR
The Most Important Things You Must Know Before Booking Entertainment For Your Next Event - Part 3
Hey There! This is the continuation (part 3) of several earlier blog entries on how to successfully find and book the very best entertainment for your next, upcoming event. To start reading this series from the beginning, click here. As a professional entertainer, I have dealt with numerous meeting and event planners planning all sorts of cool special events. The advice in this article is intended to make your life (as someone looking to find entertainment) easier. You might even find the whole process fun! Enjoy!
4. The Initial Contact
There are several ways to make contact with your prospective entertainer or speaker. The easiest is to just pick up the phone and call the entertainer’s office. Making contact with your prospective entertainer with a phone call is an excellent way to get to know them. By actually speaking with your prospective entertainer you can learn things that you may not be able to tell through other contact methods. A conversation allows you to hear the person’s voice, including their inflection and level of friendliness, and it allows you to get an impression about how appropriate this person is for your event. A phone conversation also allows your prospective entertainer to ask you specific questions that they need answered in order to quote a fee, check availability, and be sure that they are the right fit for your event.
Another option is to send the entertainer an email. Email is a great way to make first contact with your prospective entertainer. If you choose to make contact through email, try to give as many details about the event as possible. Include your phone number and a window of time when you will be available to talk so that the entertainer can call you back and ask additional questions he or she may have.
An additional way to make contact with your prospective entertainer is to fill out a web form that is on his or her website. A web form will have specific fields such as name, phone number, your address, type of function, venue address, approximate number of guests expected, etc. The web form is often a preferred method of contact over email because it is designed to provide the entertainer with specific information needed in order to quote a fee, check availability, etc.
No matter which method you choose to contact your entertainer, it shouldn’t be difficult to do so. His or her office should be easily accessible and respond within 24 hours to your phone call, email or web form submission. In fact, when I received a letter of recommendation from Bob Mackie at Institutional Wholesale, he specifically mentioned how easy it was to schedule my act. Take a look at what he said…
“We received so many compliments from our employees that this was one of the best parties we’ve had. They absolutely loved your show. We would highly recommend your show to anyone looking for good entertainment. Working with you to schedule your act for our party was easy with no problems.”
So, what should you ask? You will want to know what time your entertainer will arrive and how much space he or she is going to need. Be sure to consider whether sound equipment and/or staging will be needed. If there is something special about your guests that is important for the performer to know -- anything from high achievements to physical impairments -- be sure to mention it as well.
The best speakers and entertainers will find ways to customize their presentations to your group. As you pose questions to your entertainer, also be sure you share as much information about your event and your group as possible. Because every event is unique, the more information you share with your entertainer, the more they can utilize that information in the planning and implementation of your program. For instance, when Lithographics, Inc and I worked together, Cindy Tanley and I planned an entertainment event that occurred in numerous places throughout their facility over the course of an entire day. Here’s what Cindy said about the event…
“I am not sure I can adequately express how much your ‘magic touch’ enhanced our employee appreciation celebration. This was no small feat, requiring multiple shows, two locations, and even making magic happen at midnight.”
Price Shopping? Whether you are planning a private Christmas party for a few guests or a huge banquet dinner, everyone is on some kind of budget. The general rule of thumb is this: Do not go with the lowest price. Going with the lowest price is likely a precursor to disappointment. In the entertainment and speaking fields remember the old adage "you get what you pay for." Ultimately, you will find that the most important thing regarding your entertainment won’t be the price tag. What really matters when searching for the best program for your event is that the program be the right fit. Don’t think of it in terms of dollars and cents as much as you think of it in terms of the best program for your guests. Above all, you have to feel comfortable knowing that the person you have chosen to entertain your guests is a reflection of you. Ultimately, your goal should be to have each and every one of your guests come up to you after the event and share sentiments similar to those of Nelson Griswold, president of Bottom Line Solutions, when he said to me…
“Jason, you had our group stunned one minute and howling with laughter the next. You were the perfect addition to our party. You really made the night special. Thanks so much for making our evening so much fun.”
Wrap Up
Keep your eyes on this blog for next month's entry where we'll discuss performance contracts and deposits. To start at the beginning of this blog series, click here for the first entry. To receive a free copy of my brand new book (where most of this information is coming from), visit my website, fill out the webform, and I'll rush you a copy today! Blessings!
4. The Initial Contact
There are several ways to make contact with your prospective entertainer or speaker. The easiest is to just pick up the phone and call the entertainer’s office. Making contact with your prospective entertainer with a phone call is an excellent way to get to know them. By actually speaking with your prospective entertainer you can learn things that you may not be able to tell through other contact methods. A conversation allows you to hear the person’s voice, including their inflection and level of friendliness, and it allows you to get an impression about how appropriate this person is for your event. A phone conversation also allows your prospective entertainer to ask you specific questions that they need answered in order to quote a fee, check availability, and be sure that they are the right fit for your event.
Another option is to send the entertainer an email. Email is a great way to make first contact with your prospective entertainer. If you choose to make contact through email, try to give as many details about the event as possible. Include your phone number and a window of time when you will be available to talk so that the entertainer can call you back and ask additional questions he or she may have.
An additional way to make contact with your prospective entertainer is to fill out a web form that is on his or her website. A web form will have specific fields such as name, phone number, your address, type of function, venue address, approximate number of guests expected, etc. The web form is often a preferred method of contact over email because it is designed to provide the entertainer with specific information needed in order to quote a fee, check availability, etc.
No matter which method you choose to contact your entertainer, it shouldn’t be difficult to do so. His or her office should be easily accessible and respond within 24 hours to your phone call, email or web form submission. In fact, when I received a letter of recommendation from Bob Mackie at Institutional Wholesale, he specifically mentioned how easy it was to schedule my act. Take a look at what he said…
“We received so many compliments from our employees that this was one of the best parties we’ve had. They absolutely loved your show. We would highly recommend your show to anyone looking for good entertainment. Working with you to schedule your act for our party was easy with no problems.”
So, what should you ask? You will want to know what time your entertainer will arrive and how much space he or she is going to need. Be sure to consider whether sound equipment and/or staging will be needed. If there is something special about your guests that is important for the performer to know -- anything from high achievements to physical impairments -- be sure to mention it as well.
The best speakers and entertainers will find ways to customize their presentations to your group. As you pose questions to your entertainer, also be sure you share as much information about your event and your group as possible. Because every event is unique, the more information you share with your entertainer, the more they can utilize that information in the planning and implementation of your program. For instance, when Lithographics, Inc and I worked together, Cindy Tanley and I planned an entertainment event that occurred in numerous places throughout their facility over the course of an entire day. Here’s what Cindy said about the event…
“I am not sure I can adequately express how much your ‘magic touch’ enhanced our employee appreciation celebration. This was no small feat, requiring multiple shows, two locations, and even making magic happen at midnight.”
Price Shopping? Whether you are planning a private Christmas party for a few guests or a huge banquet dinner, everyone is on some kind of budget. The general rule of thumb is this: Do not go with the lowest price. Going with the lowest price is likely a precursor to disappointment. In the entertainment and speaking fields remember the old adage "you get what you pay for." Ultimately, you will find that the most important thing regarding your entertainment won’t be the price tag. What really matters when searching for the best program for your event is that the program be the right fit. Don’t think of it in terms of dollars and cents as much as you think of it in terms of the best program for your guests. Above all, you have to feel comfortable knowing that the person you have chosen to entertain your guests is a reflection of you. Ultimately, your goal should be to have each and every one of your guests come up to you after the event and share sentiments similar to those of Nelson Griswold, president of Bottom Line Solutions, when he said to me…
“Jason, you had our group stunned one minute and howling with laughter the next. You were the perfect addition to our party. You really made the night special. Thanks so much for making our evening so much fun.”
Wrap Up
Keep your eyes on this blog for next month's entry where we'll discuss performance contracts and deposits. To start at the beginning of this blog series, click here for the first entry. To receive a free copy of my brand new book (where most of this information is coming from), visit my website, fill out the webform, and I'll rush you a copy today! Blessings!
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
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