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You’ve
hired
an
entertainer
to
perform
at
a
holiday
function.
Whether
it’s
in
your
home,
a
hotel,
banquet
hall
or
even
a
restaurant, there are a few things to keep in mind in terms of putting on the show.
Has
the
performer
given
you
a
list
of
things
that
are
required?
In
the
industry
this
is
sometimes
called
a
“technical
rider”
and would be part of the contract you signed. These are essentials for the performer.
This
could
be
as
simple
as
a
table
or
chairs,
or
access
to
an
electrical
outlet.
It
can
be
quite
elaborate
and
complex
and
include
stage
requirements
or
placement,
microphones,
lighting,
dressing
room.
I’m
sure
that
you’ve
read
some
of
the
stories about A-list personalities that require specific red candies or exotic brands of brands of bottled water.
When is the performance scheduled?
If
it’s
strolling
entertainment
(the
performer
walks
around
and
mingles
with
your
guest
and
performs
up
close
and
personal),
consider
what
else
is
happening
at
the
same
time
that
might
interfere.
Are
there
speeches
or
door
prize
drawings?
Unless
it’s
background
music,
do
not
schedule
any
kind
of
entertainment
while
people
are
eating!
Your
guests
will
not
give
the
entertainer
the
attention
deserved,
and
it’s
downright
rude:
both
to
the
guests,
and
to
the
entertainer.
As
a
performer, I simply won’t do it.
The
only
times
to
consider
are
before
the
meal
and
after
the
meal.
I
have
also
seen
and
suggested
the
break
between
the
main
course
and
dessert.
Often
the
meal
is
so
large
that
the
guests
actually
appreciate
the
“intermission”
and
then
have
a renewed appetite when dessert is served.
Have you considered the ambience of the room where the show is being held?
If
you’re
in
a
banquet
hall
or
hotel,
how
thin
are
the
partition
walls
and
what
is
happening
in
the
adjoining
rooms?
Is
there an overly loud band playing next door?
If
you’re
in
a
restaurant,
are
you
in
a
separate
private
room
or
are
you
simply
curtained
off
from
the
main
room?
This
can
be
a
real
challenge
to
the
performer.
The
ambient
noise
that
is
a
part
of
most
restaurants,
and
is
part
of
the
ambience
of
the
venue,
can
be
a
real
distraction
to
both
the
performer
and
to
the
other
restaurant
patrons.
If
you
are
having
entertainment
in
a
restaurant
venue,
then
at
least
select
a
restaurant
with
a
private
dining
room.
This
is
really
a
win-
win-win situation.
If
you
haven’t
booked
your
entertainment
for
the
holiday
season,
you
may
be
too
late!
Most
of
the
top
performers
have
already filled their calendars.
And
if
you
haven’t
dealt
with
the
items
mentioned
here,
there
may
be
some
challenges
with
the
quality
of
the
performance you receive.
Showtime Etiquette
Things to keep in mind when hosting a magic show.