INTERNATIONAL ILLUSIONIST
MAGICAL COMEDIAN
GLENN KEELEY
STAGING TIPS FOR LARGER AUDIENCES…
To ensure your guests can fully enjoy the performance it is imperative that the correct show environment is created.
As you are booking a sight act it is of vital importance that the audience can actually see the show, if they can not see, they can not get interested and will talk and be disruptive to those who are trying to enjoy.
Most function centres are simply not correctly laid out to enable the success of a show, the better the layout the better chances of a successful and enjoyable show for all.
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STAGING, SEATING, LIGHTING, SOUND AND TIMING ARE THE 5 MOST IMPORTANT THINGS TO GET RIGHT:
STAGE
It’s best if the performance takes place on a stage or elevated platform.
When seated for meal service (around a table) it is very hard to see once you are more than 2 tables back if the performance is on floor level.
AUDIENCE SEATING
Seating the audience “theatre style” (in rows, facing forward) is best, if guests are dining then seated around the tables is unavoidable, but try not to use round tables as this puts 50% the audience with their back to the performance.
For magic and comedy to work a personal connection between the performer and the audience is vital, therefore it is important that the first row (or table) is no further that 2 meters from the stage.
The worst possible scenario is the most popular function centre layout…a large empty dance floor in front of the stage with the audience around the sides and up the back. This creates a real barrier, try having an important conversation with a person 50 feet away, it does not work.
In this environment it is almost impossible to generate any form of enthusiasm or personal contact required to create good comedy.
If this configuration can’t be avoided please check with the venue if they have a portable stage which can be placed on the dance floor, close to the front row.
LIGHTING
Most function centres do not have correct lighting, relying mainly on soft mood light and often with weaker lights on the dance floor where the performance will take place. This is exactly the opposite of what is required, a strong spotlight will highlight the performance and draw attention to it.
Please check with the venue if a spot light is available.
SOUND
We supply our own headset microphone which can be plugged into the bands or DJ’s or in-house equipment.
A sound system can be hired in the unlikely event that none of the above are available.
TIMING
Please do not schedule the performance while the audience are eating.
It is impossible to concentrate on the show while fighting your fettuccine.
Also, while spectators are enlisted to help out in the show their meals are being left to go cold.
The best time for the show is between mains and dessert.
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In short, you can have the world’s greatest performer and the act will fail if the correct environment is not provided!
If the required staging, lighting and sound are not available at the venue we can hire,
set up, break down, pick up and drop off all the necessities for you at a minimal cost.
Alternatively If you are unable to provide the above requirements for a workable show environment we would strongly suggest you reconsider the show and go with “walkaround entertainment” which can be performed in any environment.
Please understand this is all to give you the best possible show for you money as well as maintaining our high reputation in the entertainment industry.
Thank you for your co-operation.
LAYOUT EXAMPLES
COMMON & COMPLETELY WRONG LAYOUT!
* Round tables mean 50% of the audience has their back to the performer.
* There is usually a huge dance floor between the stage and the first tables.
* The back tables too far away to feel any connection to the performer.
A beautiful room that dooms a show to fail!
A BETTER OPTION!
* Long tables, end to the stage
means all can face the act.
* Tables paced on the dance floor
means no huge expanse to first tables.
* The back tables not too far away to
feel part of the show.
Set up for a high chance of a successful show.
LONG TABLES – LONG ROOM…OK
* If your room is long and narrow with no stage, position the performer
along the longest wall central to the audience. Performing at the ends
of the tables would mean guests at the far end are too far away to
feel part of the action.
* In this example, move the 2 left rows to the right, leaving a space for
the performance at the arrow “perform here”
A reasonable set up for a successful show.
THEATRE STYLE – THE GOLD STANDARD!
We don’t expect you to provide a theatre for your function,
but seated in rows, facing forward,
in theatre style is the NEVER FAIL option!
Every guest is focused on the performer,
no swivelling uncomfortably in their seat,
All are engaged in the show.
Theatre style seating is the “never fail” setting for a show!
Following these staging tips will ensure you guests can fully enjoy Glenns amazing show!
BOOK NOW ON:
Phone: 02) 42 619 017
Mobile: 041 228 8054