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You would think that booking live entertainment, a magician or clown for example, should be a simple and straight forward process but it is common for mishaps to occur. We will discuss a few general guidelines you need to follow in order to make the process smooth and frustration-free for you and the entertainer.
When to book
First, you should figure out exactly what kind of live show you are looking for. There will be numerous options to look into so having a general idea of what you want will help cut the search down, and save you time! Take into consideration your budget range as well. Many professional or well-known performers won’t be nice to your wallet. Of course, if it’s a big once-in-a-lifetime moment, any cost could be worth it in order to make the event memorable and beautiful.
Try to picture the image that you desire the guests to leave with and decide what you are willing to spend in order to attain that. So be upfront and honest about your budget, the worst that will happen is for the entertainer to politely decline your offer. Be aware that you should give at least 3-4 weeks of notice to any performer before your big event. Some entertainers will charge more for short notices because they will be under pressure to create custom routines, prepare for your unique event, and/or obtain permits.
Know your venue
It is very important to know certain details of your venue, which will make the booking process simple and fast. Have these written down when calling performers for cost estimations and schedule availability; exact date of the event; time you require the performer to arrive & begin performing, as well as expected duration; type of event; any special requests you want from the entertainer down to the very last detail; your budget; number of guests estimated; description of the location where the event will take place; appearance of other entertainment; and finally, have all your contact information available.
Selecting a performer
As you search for the perfect entertainment, you will find that prices will differ greatly. Even when the acts are similar (as in the same area, not the same performance) prices can go from the hundreds to the thousands. Do not use the mindset that expensive is best. Take your time to select perhaps two or three performers and review them carefully before making your last choice. Ask for samples of performances, read through testimonials, look at their websites, and contact them with any doubts. Good performers will have teasers of their show available to potential customers, will answer all questions, and will have referrals from trustworthy sources.
Expect a contract
No matter how “little” your event is, it is important to the performer for a legal contract to be a part of the booking process. Contracts help him or her keep track of all gigs, expenses, and income for tax purposes so don’t be offended if they want to establish a contract even when the event is small. Contracts will also help you feel reassured about the whole booking process. Make sure to abide by your agreements (payment agreements as well, whether it means paying before or immediately after performance) so that both you and the performer can have a tranquil and pleasant business transaction.
About Today's Contributor:
Florin is known as a freelance publisher and foodie whose work has been highlighted in personal blogs, websites, publications, and TV advertisements.
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