Fun With Human Puppets

I have an upcoming showcase for the APCA convention in Verona, NY. The convention is attended by college activities boards. They learn about planning, scheduling, producing and promoting campus events. They also get to have a great time and see some entertainment.

The goal at any showcase or convention is to create a "buzz". You want people talking positively about you. I attended a NACA convention to get a feel for things since I am relatively new in this market. One thing I did realize is that without credentials and a showcase, it is hard to gain serious attention. So at my APCA showcase, I intend to make the most of the moment.

I enjoy designing things, so I created a new Human Puppets logo. The ten minute showcase will feature them since it is one of my most requested routines. The day before my showcase, my agent will be passing out Human Puppet buttons to help generate interest. Following the showcase I will be giving away T-Shirts with the same logo.

I had fun designing the logo and coming up with the promotional ideas. It will be interesting to see how and if it works. In the meantime, you can check out the landing page for the promotion:
HumanPuppets.com

Walking Away

Today I had a very tough decision to make. Early this year, I had started negotiations for a performance. We went back and forth and the client wanted me. I explained everything up front, and the decision was made to hire me. Then things went to the contracting agent.

I had to jump through a few hoops. Their system required certain account set-ups and verifications of my business that needed to be handled. I did everything I could to make it easy for them.

Today the contracting agent called for a scheduled phone meeting. He had a few issues with my terms. The first, that they do not pay deposits, and final payment would be 30 days following the event. I refused the terms. He went on to explain the clauses in "their" contract, and how I am protected as a contractor. I remained silent, and finally told them no thank you.

When I hung up the phone, I wanted to kick myself. First, the money I was passing up was substantial. Very substantial. So why not agree to the stipulation? Lessons of life - hard lessons.

This event may have gone fine and payment may have been exactly as described. But if not, it would have been a nightmare. And experience tells me I made the right decision - but my wallet was still screaming at me.

Comedy In Maryland

Today was full of promotional duties. I have an upcoming show entitled "An Evening Of Adult Comedy" on Saturday, November 20, 2010 at the Carroll Arts Theater in Westminster, Maryland.

I grew up in Westminster and it still amazes me how many people still recognize my name. I almost never perform there. It has been over two years since I last performed in Westminster. So this night of comedy will be a pretty rare appearance in my hometown.

The show will also feature a good friend, Mike Rose - the Magic Kinda Guy. Mike will open the program with Magic, Wit and Stuff. If you haven't seen him work, it will be a great opportunity. Mike is fast thinking and his "Wit" leaves you laughing every time.

Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased here.

Come on out and enjoy an evening of comedy!

Clean Comedian For Holiday Party

"We want to hire a comedian for our company holiday party entertainment. We need to be certain you do clean comedy. Is your show clean?"

"No problem, what is your definition of clean?"

Silence.

The chairperson in charge of entertainment can be placed in a difficult position. They are asked to make sure the entertainment is clean, but given no guidelines. The lack of guidelines get passed on to the act.

People have different definition of clean. It may be as simple as the lack of the f bomb. It could be a lot more complicated. A friend had a client say "Don't say anything that couldn't be said on network TV." The client later complained about his use of the word Viagra. My friend asked the client if he had ever seen a Viagra commercial on network television - which was the guideline he was given for "clean". TV is a wide open area of topics.

I don't want anyone to think that my show is not clean. I'm just trying to point out that when you are in charge of entertainment - if your company or organization says they want the comedian to be clean - get the definition. Then call me to discuss your needs. I'll make certain the comedy is funny, customized and right for your audience. So hire a clean comedian for your next company event!

What's New?

I often get the question - is it going to be the same show?

Do you really want to see something new? When you go to hear your favorite band or singer, would you be upset if they didn't do their hits?

Every show I do is slightly different, based on the fact I use an outline, not a set script. It also depends on the audience, outside factors that work their way into the show and my own state of mind. At a recent event, I changed the show at the request of a client. After the performance, the same client came to me and cried she had a complaint that I didn't do a certain routine. She TOLD me to change things.

People who come to my shows again and again have favorite characters and routines. People who have never seen me before, deserve to see my best material, honed over countless performances.

So what's new?

Well, I just came back from a two day writing retreat with another comedian. During that time I started working on two new characters. The material that developed is in the infant stages. It will take a lot of work to get these characters on stage and to the level of Wilson, Nancy, Dangerous, Patty and George. But when they do - you'll have the chance to see something new. I'll keep you updated.