|
|
Jonathan Inner circle Oklahoma 1223 Posts |
As I've said before, I'm new to the corporate arena and my corporate show experience is very limited thus far. I know there are different types of corporate events, award shows, trade shows, etc.
I'm curious to hear from those who have a lot of experience what the differences are in terms of the typical "needs" for each of these types of events. If all is needed is just an hour of entertainment on stage, I'm ready. But, I'm assuming things will have to be modified depending on the type of event. I want to make sure that will be possible with my show. Obviously, I'll be working hand in hand with each individual client to discover their individual needs. But, it would help to be prepared ahead of time as much as possible. I've read the few books on this subject as I could find, and it's never really been addressed. I appreciate your input! |
insight Inner circle 3095 Posts |
Make sure you customize your magic around a particular theme or message that is important to the company or organization. Giving a speech is a lot like performing great magic...and in order to do either, you have to know your audience!
Regards, Mike |
dpe666 Inner circle 2895 Posts |
It all depends on the situation. The corporate shows that I have done for employees of a company such as banquets, awards, etc, they did not care if I used corporate information in the patter. But when the shows were for clients or potential clients then they cared. All you really have to do is learn a few facts about the company and their products, services, and features and work them into your patter. The facts do not need to be explained by the magic nor do the facts have to explain the magic. The magic makes the facts interesting. Joel Baur said that, "...anything is interesting when nothing is interesting."
|
Jonathan Inner circle Oklahoma 1223 Posts |
Yes, some entertainers incorporate themes and others don't.
As for the different types of show, how have you experienced workers out there changed your act for each type of event? If Richard Osterlind or Jon Stetson are out there I'd love to hear your thoughts! (I own both of your published work in this area, Mystique and Brown Paper project respectively) |
Christian & Katalina Elite user 407 Posts |
Jonathan,
Your question is a bit broad. But I will throw in 2 cents just to get the ball rolling. There is no way I am customizing a show for every client. If they want customization then it will cost more. Think of it this way. You just spent the last couple of years researching, writing, practicing, and rehearsing your show. Then honed it under fire with audiences. Now you want to change your script and some effects to satisfy someone's whims? That is a recipe for disaster and it will quickly tire you out. During a busy time my wife and I might be doing 10 to 20 corporate shows in a month. Now you want me to change each of those show to fit some kind of theme. Which means, I will have to change out effects, props, and script. Wow..way too much room for mistakes to creep in. On the surface this might sound lazy..but you already have enough to worry about... travel plans, plane connections, transporting your show, what kind of venue/environment you will be performing in, what type of audience you will have, contracts, marketing yourself for the next gig, costume, etc. The one constant is my show. Now you want me to also change that for every gig as well. NO. Now to be fair, I'm not saying I won't throw in a joke or line that fits with the company/audience or even modify an introduction to an effect to get a warm fuzzy but for the most part my show is my show. Back in the day when the economy was working and people had money, trade shows was one area where changing the show was more readily accepted. We would learn about the product and find ways to tie our effects and script to the message. But..they paid for that effort. Wow..with all that writing I only answered one question. I'm not sure what you mean by typical needs.
Milbourne Christopher Award for Mentalism 2011
The Annemann Award for Menatalism 2016 Author of "Protoplasm" Close-up Mentalism |
Jonathan Inner circle Oklahoma 1223 Posts |
Thanks, Christian! It almost seems like I wrote that! My thoughts exactly! Some people might throw together a show and it be good, but I've honed and am honing mine to be the best possible. That's why I'd like to know what differences there might be between the different types of show, so I can come up with a few variations ahead of time if I needed to. For instance, an award show might require the entertainment to be between presentations and thus not all at once. Not sure, don't have any experience doing award shows.
It'd be easiest if I could just have one show that will fit everything, if an hour long stage show will suffice. But, if there are some types of entertainment that require modifications or certain needs, then I'd like to know that ahead of time so I can have one ready. Does that clarify my question at all? |
Rocketeer Special user Westchester, NY 965 Posts |
I would imagine how much you are or should be willing to change your show depends on where you are in your career.
If it's early in your career and you can command only a few hundred dollars doing the Elks club or a private party perhaps remaining a little flexible could be a good idea. That's why your repertoire should exceed what you put in your current show. But whatever you don't normally do has to be as well-rehearsed as the rest of your act. In fact in small venues, the buyer or host may give you some pre-show info either knowingly or unknowingly. If it's useful, why not use it? Like if in conversation it's mentioned that Irene gets readings all the time you might user her in an effect with a reading theme. (But if you use say, a tarot deck, make sure you have it down cold. Irene probably will.) On the other hand if you're a pro with many years of experience, who commands four and five figure fees, your act is your act. Then your customization might go no farther than, "It's great to be in Cleveland again tonight." Rocky
I'm selling my hardcover autographed limited edition copy of Jerome Finley's "Thought Veil"
PM me for info. |
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Penny for your thoughts » » Different needs for each type of show? (0 Likes) |
[ Top of Page ] |
All content & postings Copyright © 2001-2024 Steve Brooks. All Rights Reserved. This page was created in 0.02 seconds requiring 5 database queries. |
The views and comments expressed on The Magic Café are not necessarily those of The Magic Café, Steve Brooks, or Steve Brooks Magic. > Privacy Statement < |