Category Archives: Corporate

Are You Ready?…Time to Book Your Event Entertainment

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Applause Productions & Entertainment

It may be July, but it’s time to book your event entertainment. Exciting and engaging events are an essential part of any corporate calendar, since they can help to promote the company both externally and internally, while boosting morale and rewarding a job well done. The easiest way to ensure a successful event is to include stellar entertainment. Here are three ideas to guide you.

1.Know your audience: Consider the demographics of the attendees. Before you hire a Lady Gaga impersonator, make sure the majority of audience members are not octogenarians! Although they may remember the event, it may be a nightmarish vision rather than the sublime experience you were hoping for. A 1920s theme party, an Impersonator show, or even a Wild West night complete with casino and saloon girls, has a much broader audience appeal.

2. The window of opportunity is open. Book now is good advice. Quality corporate entertainment with a high profile will often have its season set by the end of August. Don’t lose out on what might have been a great event because you are still planning your vacation, rather than your companies’ event calendar.

3. Make it Memorable. So many times a great band is hired, but because of  dinner, awards, and other necessities, guests head for the exit by the time the music plays. When you integrate the entertainment throughout the event, you can tell a story, highlight a successful moment, or simply celebrate a new brand. Consider this: a choreographed musical number that opens the evening and sets the mood. Throughout dinner, talent takes the stage for short, engaging moments allowing the audience to enjoy the food, the conversation, and the enterainment. This experience energizes an ordinary awards ceremony to become an award in itself, as the guests become part of the show. Here’s just a peak of what your audience can expect…imagine selected pops of entertainment  from this delightful 1920s theme show. Enjoy!

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Coming soon…the new and improved Applause Productions and Entertainment

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Applause Productions & Entertainment

We’re not considering Botox or fillers; however, you will soon see the new and improved Applause Productions and Entertainment. In an age where youth and vibrancy rule the world, it is often necessary to self-examine. As such, we’ve determined that our technology, while useful and effective, can be improved to better serve our clients and a growing market share. You can take a sneak peak starting with our newly redesigned logo, and can wait anxiously for the reveal of our new website. All of course, with the purpose of improving our ability to deliver unique, spectacular, and innovative talent.

1. Why re-brand? The millennials demand precision, speed, and immediate gratification. These are the people who are now making business decisions that affect companies of all sizes and all profit margins. These are acute business people who need to identify with the people and products they consume. Think of the old adage, “This isn’t your father’s Oldsmobile…” but far more successful.

2. Version 2.0. Not only should companies promote updated technology, marketing, and promotion, but also deliver on the promise. Our technology is improving as is our entertainment offerings. This isn’t just a face lift, but, as Broadway would say,  a shift to “Bigger and Better” presentation of talent.

3. Stay tuned. Great businesses are always reinventing themselves. Whether it’s Chrysler, Nike, or your local neighborhood supermarket, savvy business leaders are showing that they value their customers by staying on top of the latest and greatest products. Applause Productions continues to meet and exceed the needs of clients by advancing our relationships and staying always grateful for what is and can be.

Bridging the Generation Gap: The Dance Between Technology and Live Talent

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Applause Productions & Entertainment

Churchill once said, “To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.” This is true even in the field of corporate entertainment. While nothing will ever replace the heart-pounding presentation of a live rock band, or the breath-taking beauty of contemporary dancers, technology is now a piece of the puzzle. Many times this is the piece that elevates live entertainment to ground-breaking heights. We can help you bridge the generation gap and expertly choreograph the dance between technology and live talent.

1. Increasingly, corporate events are merging the use of live talent with technology. Planners are looking to movies, reality T.V. shows, and pop culture to create unique and mind-blowing entertainment. They use these sources because that’s what motivates their clients in generating new and exciting events. Planners want choreography as brilliant as the latest entry on Dancing with the Stars, and contortionist virtuosos not unlike those on America’s Got Talent. Businesses once driven by Baby-Boomer leaders are rapidly changing to suit the needs of their Generation-Y protégés and Generation-X clients. It is in this climate that live talent and technology combine forces to produce larger than life events.  Events will take on a more purpose-driven atmosphere along with following traditional Galas, Holiday, and seasonal celebrations. These events are integrating the most brilliant talent with the latest technology to generate a powerful event.

2. Successful execution of events throughout the rest of 2013 will use live talent to inspire the attendees. Whether a cutting-edge 20s theme show that emulates the new release of The Great Gatsby, or an action-packed show inspired by the Sky Fall James Bond theme, planners are wanting live entertainment that is up-close and personal to empower their event. Unique entertainment such as themed greeters, aerialists cascading from chandeliers, waiters dressed to augment the theme, speed painting artists, and distinctive theme shows will grace many a corporate stage. Entertainment that is innovative, and has a wow factor with its technique or individuality, will captivate the audience and result in staying power.

3. What was once a novelty addition to talent acts is now an integral part of the event. Technology becomes an entertainment design in itself. Screens incorporating videos during a live dance performance are utilized to enhance the brand of the product, and capture the attention of mobile audiences. LED and intella moving lights, lasers, and streaming videos are all part of engaging the audience and having a commanding event. Technological advancements, including more extravagant videos, social media, and tools we have not yet dreamed of will  work in tandem with live entertainment.

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Now presenting…2013!

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Applause Productions & Entertainment

As the new year begins, clients want to know what the hottest entertainment will be and how they can be involved. While many acts are creating a buzz right now, one thing is certain; the talent must be engaging, interactive, and responsive. Corporate clients want their events to be powerful. Now presenting…2013!

1.Unique entertainment. Traditional talent is harder to sell in this competitive, TV-driven market. Clients want what is popular on television, Internet sources, and the latest cultural fad. Bands or other musicians that do not engage with the audience are losing favor; however, a cutting edge musical act will incorporate audience engagement throughout its performance.

2.Destination entertainment. Many international corporations are rewarding their top employees with trips to beautiful U.S. locations. As part of this wave of geographically-based entertainment that is requested, specific talent in certain areas will be in demand. For example, Native American storytellers, dancers, and crafters will be appealing to those groups sending employees to the Southwest. Likewise, mermaids who perform as interactive characters will be popular in areas like Florida and California.

3. Twist on the traditional. Unique talent is the trend, but traditional entertainment that has included an interactive or unique element will always be in demand. Magicians that include sleight-of-hand, a dj that includes the teaching of popular dance moves, and a surprise waiter that is actually part of the show are good examples.

Details That Can Make or Break Your Event

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Applause Productions & Entertainment

The saying goes, “The devil is in the details.” This adage could not be more true than when planning an event. We’ve already explained the importance of planning, communication, and the necessary aspects to producing a seamless event. Now it’s time to focus on those minute details that can make or break your event.

1. Be proactive and brainstorm possible challenges. As you meet with your event director and team members, you will have conceptualized the theme for the event. However, it’s important to discuss any possible challenges that might arise and have the ability to contact key players at a moment’s notice. Let all members of the production team know who has the authority to make those last minute changes that may need to be made on the spot. Stay in touch with each of your team members. Have a hard copy of relevant cell phone numbers and emails for your team and other vendors that may have a role in your production.

2. Check and re-check technical requirements. Be sure to re-check stage requirements, mikes, wireless microphones or lavs, green room size and accessibility to the stage, chairs in the green rooms, water, etc. These needs are a priority for entertainment; however, the director’s priority is the production. As a result, you must be diligent about these necessities. All too often these details are forgotten until only hours or minutes before the event begins. You are left trying to find the site contact person to produce these requirements and, at this point, they have a million other things to do. Schooli  tables for makeup, and even lighting for a pipe and drape green room, should be in place before the entertainment arrives. It’s impossible to put on makeup and dress in the dark. When the minute details are taken care of, talent can go immediately into their preparation with ease.

3. Understand that time is important. Even though your contract is signed with definite start times and particulars, you will need to re-check the scheduling of the event, since call times and show times can change at the last minute. Make sure your contract provides an additional fee in the event that your entertainment has to wait for an extended period of time before performing. Sometimes a speaker or awards presentation can go extraordinarily long, causing the performance time to be delayed. This can happen and entertainment expects to be compensated.