Tag Archives: booking entertainment

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.

A backstage look at booking entertainment…asking critical questions

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Applause Productions & Entertainment

When the curtain goes up, the entertainment shines, but any good planner knows that  behind the scenes there are technical, physical, and performance considerations that ensure success. The applause that results from amazing entertainment can only be realized when the details of preparation are understood and mastered. The key to booking entertainment is asking critical questions.

1. Technical considerations: We’ve talked about the necessity of knowing what technical accommodations are available to the entertainment, but the importance of this fundamental foundation is so often taken for granted or even ignored. Is your entertainment self-contained? Do they bring their own sound and light equipment, including personnel? Or are they expecting to access the available AV capability of the site, and what are the fees associated with it? Typically, bands will bring their own, yet comics, mentalists, and other solo artists will need to give you their specs. Ask this question: What AV requirements do you need to perform?

2. Physical considerations: Is the entertainment familiar with the physical layout for load in and load out of necessary equipment? This is one of the most overlooked aspects of providing talent, and yet communication could solve many problems. Additionally, know where the talent will dress, take breaks, and leave personal belongings; a secure and private green room is necessary for this. It is unprofessional and demeaning to expect the entertainers to use a space that is open to the public.

3. Performance considerations: As the event comes to a conclusion, the entertainers should be clear about the planner’s expectations. Will the music  and visual aspects of the event continue their vibrant energy until the ballroom is clear? Or will there be a transition to an afterglow that includes softer music, lighting, and a subtle ending to the event? Entertainment experts with years of experience can incorporate these key ideas and understand the critical nature they play in the overall success of the event. What goes on behind the scenes will most definitely impact the final stage performance.