Category Archives: Party

Live Entertainment that Comes Alive

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Applause Productions and Entertainment

Today’s audiences are sophisticated. They demand more unique entertainment that stuns a crowd with the “Wow Factor.” To surpass any event planner’s expectations, it is essential that companies hire live entertainment that comes alive. Luckily, there are several options that can help create a party that no one will soon forget.

Mari edit1. Theme parties with glamorous costuming, vintage props, and stunning venues continue to be popular. However, the addition of truly interactive entertainers is becoming the norm. This might include greeters who pose as party guests, singers who croon to specific audience members, or dancers who teach their choreography to willing participants. With these additions, guests will experience the entertainment rather than simply viewing it.

1Wed-1572. Iconic movies and television shows continue to entice planners with their popularity. Whether it’s James Bond or a best-selling Disney feature like Frozen, event executives are harnessing the value of these well-loved characters. With the added benefit of familiarity, audience members of all ages and experiences resonate with these particular entertainment options. Further ornamentation of LED lighting, décor, and signage combine with powerful entertainers to culminate in a fantasy experience for guests.

DJ3. DJs that become VJs, because they use videos that create a visual display of the music, are a growing option. Not only does this exciting twist on traditional DJ services allow for exciting engagement from the guests, but it offers social media and interaction experiences for 21st century audiences. During the course of the event, these DJs can use videos to spark games and other teambuilding activities as they help invigorate the party.

 

 

 

How to Use Entertainment Successfully for Corporate Events

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Applause Productions and Entertainment

Event planners across the country are once again booking their yearly calendars. Whether a vintage, formal, or themed event, the keys to good planning are always the same. The following tips will help as you discover how to use entertainment successfully for corporate events.

aerial-bartender1. What is the purpose? For talent to be effective, you must first decide upon its purpose. Decide whether your event needs entertainment that is central to the evening, or that which is merely an icebreaker or a welcoming, spotlight feature. A theme show, band or DJ is an excellent choice when entertainment is a key aspect; however, greeters, an aerial bartender, or a walk-around magician is better suited for events that only need an effective thread of talent.

2. Who is the audience? It is critical that you understand who will attend the event so that you can best address their expectations. Knowing your age group and entertainment sophistication will help guide your booking decisions. A crowd filled with Millenials will most likely respond well to an interactive presentation with LED lighting, high-powered music, and experiences that pop on social media. In contrast, large events using vintage themes are typically more formal and might excite a more diverse crowd.

3. What are the time and space considerations? As you look to hire your entertainment, be sure that your venue is suitable in terms of physical space, time of the year, and recurring social events in a particular area. There’s nothing worse than having an outdoor wedding, without a contingency plan, and entertainment that suddenly won’t fit into the space provided. No planner wants to change dates after having everything planned, including talent contracts, to accommodate pre-existing events on a city’s social calendar. Be sure to check all event calendars and your contracts.

Hot Themes for Holiday Events in 2014-15

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This year Santa has plenty of surprises in his bag. Traditional holiday entertainment always pleases even the most sophisticated crowd, but don’t forget about specialty entertainment that will make your Christmas party unforgettable. Here are the season’s hot themes for holiday events in 2014-15.

1. Great Gatsby/20s. By popular demand, the 1920s Gatsby Themed event maintains top billing once again this year. With its extensive, luxurious costuming, period-appropriate music, and sparkling staged entertainment throughout, it’s no wonder this show still thrills. This theme can be highly ornamented with additional acts, which only strengthens its entertainment value.

2. Brazilian. Hot on the heels of a successful and exciting World Cup,

everyone is riding the Brazilian wave to the entertainment stage. This robust and extensive offering includes a spicy mixture of Samba dancers with instructors, Latin bands, cigar rollers, muscle cars, fire entertainers, and only the finest Brazilian acts. It’s ok…let your guests feel the heat.

3. Holiday Performers. From Santa to choirs, holiday greeters to Renaissance singers, the entertainment associated with a traditional holiday gathering is timeless. Add a Flair Bartender and create a visual appeal that is exciting and quite novel to many party attendees. In fact, this easy addition lights up the evening no matter how grand or intimate your setting is. 

Corporate Entertainment Thank You

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Applause Productions & Entertainment

Whether an intimate party or year-end extravaganza a corporate entertainment thank you may come in many different packages. Successful businesses know how to maintain and improve employee morale. They know that a memorable party with live entertainment is a fantastic way to express gratitude. Likewise, entertainment companies, such as Applause, are grateful to have the opportunities to provide such empowering events. As we look back on 2013, we want to say thanks and remember some of the outstanding productions of the past year.

1. Roaring 20s Year-End Party: Integrated and high-energy live entertainment made this event pop from start to stop.  By including costumed-greeters, live bands, a floor show, and stilt-walking jugglers, guests were transported to the world of the Great Gatsby. Greeters asked for passwords to enter the “Cotton Club,” as they accompanied guests into the main ballroom. Caricature artists, tarot card readers and fortune tellers made guests feel as though they were part of the action. The result?  A fluid, well-choreographed, and an interactive event…plus, a very happy planner.

2.Culinary Industry Conference: Live entertainment under the beautiful Arizona sky set this production apart from many others this season. A beautiful resort terrace set the stage, as Taiko drummers, a German polka band, a British string ensemble, and Belgian musicians highlighted the international affair. Talent and food worked together to create a multi-sensory delight. Strategic positioning, lighting, and timing allowed the acoustic sounds to blend a savory atmosphere of conversation and culinary favorites. Bon appetite!

3. Unique convention entertainment: Home on the range doesn’t necessarily apply to most big-city convention centers, but in this case it did. Dancing saloon girls, honky-tonk piano players, a singing cowboy on horseback, and an authentic card shark kept guests thoroughly entertained and engaged as they walked the convention floor. The 1880s were alive and well in this western city thanks to the live entertainment that transported, delighted, and satisfied all involved.

Celebrate 2013: Part Two – A Black Tie Event to Wrap Up the Year

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Applause Productions & Entertainment

Tis the season to host your stellar black-tie event to wrap up the year. No matter what the ocassion, an end-of-the year party can never be over the top. After all, ringing in a new year should wow all of your attendees. When your event requires “champagne wishes and cavier dreams,” choosing any one of the following options guarantees a rockin’ good time.

1. Liven it up! Living decor can provide an exciting and unexpected thrill for your attendess as they party the night away. One option is an elegant aerial bartender who pours champagne or wine as she floats above the bubbles she pours. Or, greeters dressed in elaborate and authentic costumes can transport your guests to another time or era. Perhaps Vegas greeters can add just the right spice of life to a casino party with their feathers and sequins. Statues painted to represent everything from Renaissance sculptures to popular urban characters definitely provide the perfect opportunity for your guests to mix and mingle.

2. Use the Techno-Human Experience. Wow…Applause Entertainment just coined a new phrase (we think)? Either way, this option, which combines both the latest and greatest use of technology with live entertainment, is sure to captivate the crowd. Whether this includes dancers wearing LED costumes, spectacular light shows while live musicians and djs perform, or an explosion of confetti from canons to truly celebrate, the party will be one to remember.

3. Evething Old is New Again. Whether its retro Vegas, including a great Sinatra impersonator, or old arcade games to entice Generation X, what comes around goes around. There are a growing number of opportunities for guests to relive their childhood with interactive games like Centipede, Pinball, and Pac Man. Why not bring in the new year with a cherished memory from the past?

 

Celebrate 2013: Part One –Throw a Party That Pops

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Applause Productions & Entertainment

It is the most wonderful time of the year. So, why not throw a party that pops to celebrate the accomplishments of 2013 with friends, family, and business associates. Whether you choose a cocktail party, intimate gathering, or a larger venue, live entertainment is the best way to say, “Now, this is a party.” To help you best plan the brightest event, we’ve done your homework. Choose one of these options, and your party will stand out from the rest.

1. Get on Your Feet. It’s time to celebrate. After a well-designed dinner, your guests are ready for a shift in energy. Make them part of the action with an interactive DJ, choreographed dances and lessons, or even a spontaneous flash mob. These options are perfect for a crowd that has energy, personality, and just a little swag. Think about it, have you ever seen a room full of people dancing with anything but a smile on their faces? Fun is a powerful choice — it works. So let it work for your party.

2. Winter Wonderland. With the clear, chilly nights in the Valley, nothing is more romantic and elegant than a party with entertainment everywhere. Guests can view the night sky with professional astronomers, discuss those beautiful constellations with an astrologer and Tarot card reader, and couples can capture the essence in a photo booth dressed with a stunning background. All the while, the sounds of duo guitars seranade the guests. What a marvelous night for a moon dance…

3. Make me Laugh. Nothing is more contageous than the sound of laughter. So, treat your guests to a stand-up comedian, interactive, improvisational troupe, and a lively band. A good comedian can capture the audience, make them laugh, and get them ready to dance the night away. Or, if your group is particulary witty, perhaps they would enjoy joining in the fun with an improvisational comedy team. Either way your guests will be energized for the night ahead.

The Use of Digital Media or Interactive Entertainment

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Applause Productions & Entertainment

As planners book entertainment for the coming season, they desire to be on the cutting edge; they want what is unique, new, and effectively promotes the company’s brand. For many, this includes the use of digital media, or interactive entertainment. While this can be exciting and innovative, it can also be costly and ineffective unless managed by experienced professionals. What alternatives are there to create the “Wow” factor that will captivate your guests and still maintain quality and budget?

1. Technology doesn’t have to take center stage. Use intelligent lighting, videos, and computer graphics as part of the entertainment package, rather than the driving force. Examples might include dancers performing the “Gangnam” routine while a video of Psy streams simultaenous song and movement. Another example could be a concert pianist performing Hollywood’s theme songs highlighting movie clips associated with the music. The idea is effective use of technology to enhance live entertainment.
2. Interactive entertainment doesn’t have to be digital. Pieces of entertainment expertly woven into an event can spice up the traditional passive role of the audience. Whether this happens during a dinner experience or an award presentation, or becomes a total theme event incorporating greeters, casino tables, and a Vegas theme show, the event comes to life. Showcasing company executives during this interaction is also an added benefit.

3. There’s no substitute for pure talent. Technology is an asset. A photo booth that links immediately to facebook and twitter can make many attendees quite happy. How cool to post instantly while they attend an amazing event. However, there is nothing like the thrill of live Taiko drumming as it beats with the pulse of your audience; or a mentalist that amazes by accurately reading the minds of your guests; or a hypnotist  that persuades audience members to get up and sing an aria.Let’s face it…the legend that is Elvis didn’t need to tweet that he’d “left the building.”

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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