Frequently Asked Questions

Rule #1 - Remember, some parties and events don’t always go as planned! It doesn’t have to be that way if you follow these simple guidelines: Be aware that sometimes unexpected events or delays happen, with careful planning and entertainer management you’ll feel at ease knowing you have a tight grasp on the situation when these unexpected events arrive.

Below is some very useful information that is not normally shared with the general public. Why? Honestly, most people don’t normally ask! With this knowledge you will be many steps ahead in understanding the value of hiring a true professional.

Q: Can you explain the costs?

A: Most Professional Entertainers have educated themselves with the study of their art and perfected their acts for years before presenting it to the world. A true professional would not even consider presenting an act to you until they knew it was tried, true, and tested material. Many hours, days, nights, and conversations have produced some of the best entertainers/acts in the world. These entertainers make the things they do look easy because it has become second nature to them because of hard work. Considering the time entertainers put in to their craft in their lifetime, the travel, mailers, photos, updated websites, literature, phone contact, paperwork, networking, cleaning, and production/prop overhead the cost is almost self-explanatory once a customer is aware of this knowledge.

This is knowledge customers are not usually aware of because they usually see the entertainer show up to the event, set-up their equipment, perform their act, break-down the equipment, and leave. What they don’t see is the work the performer put into booking the show, the phone calls, obtaining proper directions, correspondence, mailings, scheduling, preparation, writing, creating, unloading the vehicle, loading the vehicle, travel expense, follow-up mailings, keeping material/props new, current, clean, state-of-the-art, up to date, and keeping track of names and events (in case of being rebooked so you don’t see the same show twice in some instances). If you took the time to truly add up the value of all of the work put into a booking you would find the cost is quite reasonable. True professionals usually charge what they feel they are worth, as long as they are being honest and realistic. Professional entertainers are usually aware of standard fees being charged within their area and find an agreeable range. Technically, you are paying the entertainer for their time, expertise, professionalism, and most important - good customer service.

Q: Will we have to pay extra if the performer stays longer?

A: The correct answer to this should be yes but it is not in some instances and I’ll explain why:

If the entertainer agrees to stay longer at an extra fee agreed on by both parties, that is acceptable. Now the bottom line...you are paying the entertainer for their time. In most cases, entertainers are more than willing to go out of their way to help out in case of delays or sudden mishaps. At times, entertainers are sometimes booked to do up to 4 or more shows in one day, throwing them off schedule could mean putting the performer at fault for tardiness if held up too long. Naturally, an entertainer wanting to provide good customer service would not want to deny anyone’s request to stay longer. Yet, the entertainer would also not want to come across as “uninterested” if he/she had to leave to make it to the next engagement on schedule.

Q: Do I have to book in advance?

A: It is the best idea to book in advance to guarantee the entertainer will be at your event at the precise time you request. Good professional entertainers will usually go the extra mile to help you find entertainment on short notice if they are not available, although it is not recommended.

Q: How long is the performance?

A: Great question! Performances are most likely to be set to a standard time but they can also in some instances be catered to your needs! Whether you need 10 minutes, 20 minutes, four hours, or more, most entertainers can cater their presentation to your event. They will also recommend what they find to be best from their experiences.

Q: Can we see an act or receive literature on the performer(s) before we officially book the event?

A: YES! I highly recommend this! Just email or call supplying us with your name, address, and phone number and we can send you literature and a sample video. Your personal information will not be given to anyone but will be supplied in the Act One Productions database for history/future reference only.

Q: Can you help us plan the event from scratch?

A: MOST DEFINITELY!

Q: Is there a minimum of people required at the event for you to perform?

A: No audience is too big or too small. I once performed at a comedy club for an audience of 3, they are my biggest fans now! Intimate and personal parties are great fun! I have also performed in the hot sun for thousands of spectators performing strolling magic and stage magic. I have done comedy and magic for concert crowds with great success. When done correctly, entertainment is “adaptable”.

Please feel free to email me if you have any other questions and/or if I can list them on this page. Thank You!