Venue Standards
Making Your Event the Best It Can Be!
I’m here to help make your event truly unforgettable! Below are some tips to ensure your guests have the best entertainment experience possible. After 35+ years of performing at just about every type of event you can think of, I’ve picked up a few tricks and learned what works best to make my performances really shine. Let’s make your event one to remember!
- Promotion and Billing: Build the Buzz! The show starts long before the event itself—it begins with the excitement you build around it! Don’t undersell the entertainment by just saying “a magic show” or “a magician.” These generic terms won’t create the buzz your event deserves. I’m happy to provide promotional photos and copy to help generate excitement. Using my actual show name adds a level of authenticity and gets people hyped for a high-quality experience!
- Have a schedule, give directions, and stay flexible. Most events have a game plan, and your guests will need a bit of guidance to keep things running smoothly. A heads-up before each scheduled part of the event helps everyone get where they need to be, when they need to be there. But hey, sometimes life throws a curve-ball. If the schedule shifts, don’t sweat it—keep me in the loop, and I’ll do what I can to help things stay on track.
- Banquets: "Dinner and a show" doesn't mean at the same time. I know combining dinner with my show sounds like multitasking magic, but trust me—trying to perform during dinner is like doing magic while everyone's distracted by their steak. My show is interactive, and people need to be fully present to enjoy it. Let your guests savor both the meal and the entertainment separately—everyone wins that way!
- The buffet exception. Okay, I get it. Sometimes you have a buffet, and guests are just waiting around to be called up for food. This is the perfect time for me to work some table-side magic. While they're waiting for their turn, I’ll keep them entertained, and you’ll keep the buffet line running smoothly. Magic and organization—that’s a combo I can get behind!
- Set up the room for success. When it comes to room setup, think “wide,” not “deep.” If I’m performing at one end of a long, narrow room, it’s tough for folks in the back to see or hear. Try setting up the performance area in the middle of the long side of the room so the audience is spread out width-wise. Also account for any visual obstructions in the room when arranging tables. Nobody likes watching a show through a support beam. It’ll make things better for everyone—me, you, and your other speakers.
- Backdrop, please! A good backdrop isn’t just for show—it’s for focus! It helps the audience zero in on what’s happening, whether it’s my act or a speech. Whether it’s a proper backdrop or just a hard wall, it works as a visual anchor. No backdrop?It’s harder for the audience to focus, and we want their attention right where it belongs: on the magic! Check with your venue. They sometimes have one.
- Minimize background noise and distractions. Nothing ruins a performance like background chatter or side activities. My job is to create a special moment that pulls everyone in, but if people are mingling at the bar or chatting in the back, it can break the spell. Make sure the audience knows something fun and magical is happening, and let's keep those distractions to a minimum!
- A proper introduction sets the stage for magic. Let’s avoid the awkward "Hey everyone, I’m your performer!" moment. A great introduction is like a drum-roll—it grabs attention and lets everyone know something exciting is about to happen! I’ll gladly provide you with a fun, easy-to-read intro card so you can hype up the crowd and get them ready for the show. Trust me, it makes a big difference!
- Parking and gear drop-off instructions If I’m just doing close-up, strolling magic, no need to worry about loading in. But if you’ve booked a full show, I’ll be bringing some gear and sound equipment that I need to unload. Will there be parking nearby? I’ve had a few events where I ended up parking blocks away, which makes hauling gear a bit tricky. If you think parking might be an issue, please give me a heads-up so I can plan accordingly!
- Keep Me in the Loop—I'm Here for You Good communication is key to preventing and solving any issues that might come up. If any of the suggestions above seem challenging for your event, just let me know! I’ll do my best to adjust and make things work on my end. I’m here to be a team player and help make your event a success!