 |
Choosing and Booking Party EntertainmentBy Ellen ZuckerParty entertainment sets the tone for your event.TIP: Caricature artists, Fortune Tellers, DJs, Karaoke, Musicians, Magicians, Harry Potter Shows, and Reptile shows.
So, how do you choose your entertainment?There is an enormous array of choices available.They can be roughly broken down into three categories. Music, audience participation, and fun diversions.Music includes bands, DJs, individual or groups of musicians. A DJ may be the centerpiece of a Bar Mitzvah celebration, for an example, but a harpist, violinist or string quartet can provide a lovely backdrop that elevates the entire atmosphere of the event. And bands exist for all types of music-from swing to raggae. Audience participation entertainment is designed to put on a show in front of an audience. Some examples are magicians, hypnotists, comedians - even reptile shows. The advantage is that one person or group can entertain an unlimited amount of people. However the event has to be such that it can allow a break in the flow to divert guests' attention to the show. Karaoke, can entertain groups of people and provides musical fun. Fun diversions include everything else. Caricature artists, Astrology and Tarot readers, clowns, balloonists, face painters, tattoo artists, mimes, stiltwalkers are a few examples. Casino night set ups would fall under this category also. Fun diversions add a delicious accent to large events or events with other activities. But many of them are successful as a centerpiece for a smaller, more intimate group. Some types of party entertainment can bridge categories. For example, casino night set ups are often the focus of an event. They generally contain groups of gaming tables at which separate games can be played. Magicians can stroll and perform their tricks to individuals and groups. And while caricatures are drawn one person or couple at a time, onlookers love to watch an artist draw. With a compatible group and a relaxed pace, I've been able to reach out and ask for participation from my onlookers-turning the entertainment into a performance.
What is appropriate for my event?The type, design, guest profile (and, yes, budget) of your event will dictate the types of party entertainment that are appropriate. Some choices are obvious. Face painters and balloonists are great choices for children's events, but would be out of place for a gathering of business executives. Caricature artists are perfect when your guests span various age groups. A Tarot reader can add life and color to a Mardi Gras themed event or become the highlight of a Ladies Tea or a Bachlorette party. RequirementsBefore booking your party entertainment find out what their requirements are. They can be more or less than you'd think.
Most requirements are easy and straight forward. But there can be surprises! Beth Goldenburg, CSEP cites the example of booking a piano player. She says "If you want a piano player you can’t assume that the piano player is going to bring a piano, you might need to rent a piano. Along with that they might need microphones and speakers and a whole sound system." So, as a general procedure make it a point to ask!!! At my company, Faces & Fortunes, for example, we automatically provide our clients with set up requirements in writing-twice: First, with our general information package, and second, as part of our cover letter enclosing our contract. And tell your venue about the party entertainment you are planning. (This is so they can make appropriate room and seating arrangements, or plan for any unusual requirements). This is particularly important if space is tight. Where to find your party entertainmentBest: Be at an event where you see the entertainer in action. You see what you'll get-first hand - in real life conditions. Depending on the specifics of the event, you may be able to approach the entertainer directly and ask questions-or at least get their business card. Next best: Word of mouth (or referral) from friends, family members and colleagues. Event planners, caterers, DJs, even your venue, can often refer or even book the entertainment for you. Many venues make it a point to keep a preferred vendors list for referrals. Other places to look for party entertainment include booking agencies, the local convention and visitors bureau or chamber of commerce, internet searches, trade organizations such as ISES, the Yellow Pages, and ads in hospitality industry and local publications. Party entertainment rates and other considerationsWhen you book your performer(s), they are reserving their time for you. That means they must turn away other clients who want to use their services for the same time slot. So if you change your plans and pull out, your entertainers are likely to be left without work during an otherwise busy time. This fact drives the way party entertainment fees are negotiated. For starters, entertainers will generally ask for a deposit. Expect to pay more if you want your party entertainers to commit to be available for a rain date. Your entertainers are blocking out two dates for you instead of one-and to do that, they must turn down other opportunities for both days. Speak up if you're not clear about how the rates or any other aspect of your arrangements with your entertainers. Just as you would with any other vendor. One last thought. Party entertainment is fun.While a good performer makes his or her job look easy, most professional entertainers have taken years to develop their skills. Equally important, a good performer is a professional. He or she has learned to handle all kinds of situations and people that can be encountered at a at party or event. So, sit back and be prepared to watch your party entertainment add that spark that makes your party memorable.
Caricatures
Bar Mitzvahs Return Home from Choosing and Booking Party Entertainment. |