“But They’re Stinking Up The Territory!”
I know that is a shocking headline to start this blog but it is true, especially if you have been performing or want to start performing in a given area. A bad act coming into your area CAN "stink up" the place with a terrible act, making it almost impossible for you...
Are “Kidshows” Real Show Business?
Anyone who knows me and knows my work can answer this question in ONE word...YES! Kidshows are a legitimate part of show business. The clientele is different, granted, but the same good principles of show business apply, whether you are doing kidshows or corporate...
Are Themed Shows Important?
I've been asked by many when I lecture "Are themed shows important?"...and my answer is always YES! In this age of specialization the "generic" show has almost lost it's place in school and library settings. Even corporate events want special material added into the...
Special Trunks Needed For Traveling By Air
I often travel by air when going to do shows and I've learned (the hard way!) that you can't just fly using your regular trunks or suitcases and expect your act to arrive in one piece. You actually need to have special cases constructed so your ventriloquist partner...
“NO” Doesn’t Mean “Forever”!
As entertainers I think many of us are a soft skinned bunch. I know I can be, although I've gotten much better over the last few years. But do you remember the first time you were rejected or told "no" when you went back after a repeat date? Herein lies the idea of...
Confidence A Big Factor In Success
The title of this blog needs no big explanation, but it does bear repeating. When you have confidence on stage it goes through your every fiber of being and shows up in your presentation. That's why good rehearsals are so important...to work out the "bugs" and to make...
Have A Rehearsal Routine
I am in the process of learning an entirely new school show that I will take to Indiana shortly to present to elementary schools. The subject matter is about energy savings, you know, turning off lights, making sure the windows are closed tightly (air conditioning...
Blocking Your Show Is Important
Ever see someone arrive at a date and NOT know where every prop, every puppet, every EVERYTHING needed to go? The poor performer/vent looked lost and frustrated and this set the stage for things not to go well. That's because they forgot to do blocking, or setting up...
When To Say “No” To A Show
If you are like most performers you always want to work as many shows as come your way, and that’s understandable. But there are times when a show is not a good fit for you and you and the client will both be dissatisfied. There are times when you must simply say “No”...
“The Confidence Factor”
Many things have been written and recorded about having confidence, but this is never so true as it is with performing. An audience can sense almost immediately if you have confidence in yourself as a performer (and as a person ... ) the moment you walk on stage. I...
