James Chartier's Comedy MagicShow Tips & Ideas to help make your show experience more enjoyable. Note: These are not demands, and do not need to be met,just helpful hints
When to have the show for maximum audience impact.
* Do not do a show during dinner or dessert, ever- Magic is a visual art, people need to see what is happening. When people are eating, you cannot make them laugh or get involved. The best one can do, is to make them look up once in a while or choke. Also, make sure dessert plates are cleared before you start the show. You don't want dishes clanking or breaking during the show.
* Do not have intermission right before the show- Sometimes people will do awards or presentations, then let everyone take break before a show. It seems like a good idea. The problem with this is, getting everyone back in the room sitting down and focused at the same time.This is very difficult & can kill the show.
NEVER DO- Dinner, Awards, BREAK, Show
A Few Better Suggestions: *Dinner, Show, BREAK, Awards. (this assures that everyone will be stay for the entire event) *Dinner, BREAK, Awards, Show. (this may cause low show attendance if Awards or Presentations aretoo long) *Dinner, BREAK, Some Awards, Show, BREAK, Finish Awards.
STAGE REQUIREMENTS
*For audiences of 75 or less, performance can be given on floor level. However, a 12'W x 8'D (minimum) stage or riser of at least 8–12" in height is recommended for professional/viewing appearance,but not required.
*For audiences over 75, an 12'W x 8'D (minimum) stage or riser of at least 12-18" in height is highly recommended for optimal viewing,although not required, but may create limited visibility.
*For audiences of 150 or more, a minimum stage height of 18" is highly recommended for optimal viewing, but again, not required.
*A set stairs is required, preferably one on each side of stage or one in the middle of stage for all staging or risers for easy access on and off staging/risers for the performer and volunteer guests.
*There are to be NO gaps in the staging or risers. My show uses lots of audience participation and the safety of audience members and myself, is of most importance. (women in high heels might get caught up in gaps, etc...)
*Also, the staging or risers are to be steady and level, it must not be wobbly, have weak spots, or be uneven. Again, the safety of audience participants is of most importance!
*The stage or riser needs to be placed as close as possible to the audience. *Nodance floor or large gap is to be between the performing area and the audience. This is a sure way tokill the show, having a large gap between performer and audience is not a good idea...
*Place the crowd close to the stage. The closer the better. Comedy does not work if there is a 20 foot gap between the firstrow of people and the performer. Laughter travels from the front of the room to the back of the room. Laughter is contagious. Place the first set of tables or seats no morethan 6 -10 feet from the stage.
* Seating should be set-up as you would see at a comedy club. The closer people are, the more interaction takes place thus creating a more pleasurable entertainment experience.
*If the stage or riser is in a fixed location, then the chairs and/or tables need to be placed as close as possible to the stage or riser, but not surrounding performer, see diagram for best Table/Seat placement. Seating on extreme sides will create limited visibility. It is understood if there is seating on the sides due to room size and conditions.
*If there is a permanent dance floor, then a portable stage or riser is to be placed on the dance floor as close as possible to the audience prior to show time, or seating should be placedon the dance floor as close as possibleto stage/platform. Or better yet, have the entertainer set-up on dance floor close to the first row of tables or seats.
SOUND REQUIREMENTS and CURTAINS
*For most private shows James Chartier provides his own mics and sound system.
*However, if sound is to be provided, a wireless headset, lapel mic or a hand held wireless microphone is needed. A corded (standard) microphone is also recommended to use as emergency back-up, with 25' cord minimum. Sound is everything, if you have bad sound, you have a bad show. Period. Check the house system.
*NOTE: Podium lecternsCANNOTbe used.
*For most performances, James Chartier uses a remote control sound system that needs to be patched in to the venues' sound system. 1/4" stereo "phone" jack OR “mini” 1/8" jack for patching is required. Again, check the house system.
*James Chartier can also provide a backdrop curtain if one is not available / this is for appearance only.
LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS (not required, but adds to appearance of show)
*For audiences of 75 or less, the existing light in area of performance is usually satisfactory unless area is unusually dark, however, lighting is recommended for everyone to see.
*For audiences over 75, stage lighting or a spotlight is highly recommended but not required.
*Other additions such as colored flood lights & specials can be added for professional appearance.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS Introduction of James Chartier is to be given by a designated member of client's group. A pre-written intro will be presented to you prior to the show. Or if preferred, James Chartier also provides a pre-recorded intro if members of your group are microphone shy.
See...just as I stated...no demands...just ideas to make your show experience more enjoyable...see you at the show!
