Ventriloquism
What Do You Know About Ventriloquists?
Ventriloquists seem kind of strange. People playing with dolls used to lead to the common misconception of “LOSER!” But these comedians with puppets are anything but loners with problems. It is a misunderstood art ridiculed by people who found it an easy target. Now ventriloquists are getting the last laugh, and so are their audiences.
Ventriloquism is not an easy art to master. When top ventriloquists perform, it looks easy. Thousands of amateurs can tell you it is not. A ventriloquist is a puppeteer, a comedian, an impersonator, and actor, a skilled linguist and a technician of the art. Skills accomplished simultaneously without any apparent effort on the part of the performer.
Consider what is happening during a ventriloquist comedy act. Only one person is on stage, yet it must seem like two or more. The ventriloquist needs to present a script while sounding spontaneous, requiring the delivery of an actor. Unlike an actor, the ventriloquist must also deliver the opposite side of the conversation. Both must sound as if they come from two distinct individuals with different voices and personalities. The banter must remain constant, with no holes in the presentation.
Talking for two involves change of pitch and speech patterns. These voices must be identical every time. After all, your voice doesn’t change midway through a conversation. It you think this would be easy, try holding a conversation with yourself for ten minutes. Now try it for forty-five minutes!
Now that you have a conversation going, lets make things even more difficult. Living beings are never still. They breathe, look around and remain animated while awake. During the ventriloquist act, both ventriloquist and puppet must remain “alive.” Beginning ventriloquists will often freeze when their puppets talk. They are busy concentrating on the puppet’s lines and what it will say. You will see the reverse of this too. The puppet will freeze or become “lifeless” while the ventriloquist talks.
Finally you need to add the technical skill of not moving your lips when talking for the puppet. Lip control takes years to master and constant practice to maintain. Ventriloquists need to learn how to make sounds like “P” and “B” without moving their lips. Diction must be practiced so the ventriloquist puppet can be understood.
The skill most ventriloquists have trouble mastering is comedy. What good are the skills if the ventriloquist can’t make people laugh? Top comedian ventriloquists are in demand and well paid for their talents. Two ventriloquists are on the list of Forbes Magazine’s top grossing comedians.
If you want to hire a ventriloquist for your next event, contact our office now.
Ventriloquism
Live entertainment can provide incredible guest experiences. Your event dynamics change the moment an entertainer appears on stage. What you see on stage is only the tip of the iceberg. The performance is the shining diamond formed by the lump of coal. So what exactly goes into the creation of a live entertainment performance?
Entertainers don’t just walk on stage and talk. They don’t just perform their skill without effort. It should appear that way, but these results come from thousands of hours of practice. That is right – thousands.
Most professional entertainers start at an early age. They entertain their family and friends. Parents and siblings witness countless mistakes and provide encouragement. In some cases, discouragement makes the would be entertainer even more determined to succeed.
These young entertainers perform hundreds of shows and each one is a learning experience. They discover what audiences enjoy, and what they don’t like. It isn’t an easy path. The process can shake the entertainer to their core. Many give up when failures strike. The process is hard on the weak.
As the future acts develop, they begin to understand audiences. Each group of people creates a unique beast. Some are friendly and supportive. Others are tired and bored. People have their own problems that may absorb their attention. The entertainer must find ways to deal with these situations and provide everyone with a good time.
So when you see live entertainment, you are watching:
Hundreds of hours of technique mastery.
Hundreds of hours of script writing and refinement.
Hundreds of hours of stage choreography.
Hundreds of hours of polishing the routines.
and
Hundreds of hours of audience testing.
These mold your live entertainment into an act that can provide your guests with the experience of a lifetime.
Selecting the right entertainment is an important piece of the puzzle. When you need live entertainment for events, contact our office to discuss your plans. Our no-obligation consultation can provide entertainment ideas to rock your next function.
Corporate Event Entertainment
Corporate comedy
is not like regular
stand up comedy gigs.
Business comedians follow different guidelines than their comedy club brethren. The contrast is exemplified in the following case study:
Event planners hired a stand up comedian for several corporate comedy gigs. His use of foul language caused extreme discomfort for the audience. In a regular setting, the comedian would have been funny. In the corporate setting, no one wanted to laugh at the politically incorrect material. The comedian was stopped midway into his program. His inappropriate “entertainment” caused great embarrassment to the event planner. The business owner was not happy, and the comedian lost the remaining dates of his contract.
This situation is the horror story of many a troubled event planners and corporate comedians. It has happened more than once and makes planners weary when using comedians. The reason these embarrassing situations arise is simple. Many comedians fail to realize the significant different between regular and corporate comedy.
Most comedians gain experience by performing at open mics in comedy clubs and lounges. They often use of shock value to draw laughs from the crowd. This type of humor will not work in the corporate events. Many stand up comedians consider their performances an exercise in freedom of speech. They develop a signature style and speak to a specific audience.
Corporate comedians perceive their performances as a representation of the company. They develop a style that allows them to speak to the client’s target audience. Business comedians understand their act will have a profound impact on the success of a corporate event. As a corporate entertainer, they seek to represent the company’s interest in the best possible way.
Corporate comedy is a specialized field that involves consulting with clients. The entertainer needs to understand the client’s goals for the performance. Corporate comedy gigs need personalized material designed for the target audience. Respect is also an integral component of corporate comedy. No one may be embarrassed or made the butt of a joke.
Often the goal of the corporate entertainment is to incorporate the company’s message. The business comedian must be able to work the message into his or her act in a favorable way.
Event planners can escape embarrassing situations by clearly conveying their needs. They should express all taboos and requirements at the consultation stage. This happens well before moving ahead with contracts. If the comedian can not fulfill the client’s needs, there are other comedians that can.
It is also important that corporate comedians are properly framed for presentation. The audience must be close to the stage. Do not obstruct views so guests can see the stage. Sound should be directional, set to come from the stage area, not ceiling speakers. The stage must be lit so the comedian may command attention. These tips allow corporate entertainers to command the room. When not followed, a comedian may feel the need to use shock humor to grab attention.
If you hire a corporate comedian with experience in your industry, you have greater chance of success. Their reputation provides you confidence in knowing you will avoid the embarrassing situation. After all, you don’t need the extra headache of worrying about your corporate entertainment.
To find a corporate comedy professional that will engage your audience, contact our office. Comedian ventriloquist Tom Crowl provides engaging corporate comedy for events across the United States. If his act is not right for your event, Tom knows the best corporate event services providers in the business. He is happy to make recommendations to help you.
Corporate Event Entertainment
The goal of corporate entertainment is to engage the target audience while meeting the event’s goals. A corporate entertainer isn’t there just to amuse, but to help the host achieve an outcome. That may involve making a message memorable. The goal may be to relax the guests to create a positive atmosphere. Perhaps a memorable shared experience is needed to create a sense of team.
Why are some corporate entertainers successful when others fall short? Why do some corporate performers rivet large audiences, while other bore people to tears? What makes a good choice for a corporate entertainment event?
The reason lies in several areas of expertise. Successful corporate entertainers must develop a mastery in these areas to master their art. We now share with you the secrets of corporate performers that deliver results:
Engaging Discussions:
Successful corporate acts understand they have a role to fill. The role changes based on your company’s event needs and goals. Entertainers experienced in the corporate market listen to the client first. They ask questions that lead to a solid understanding of the event, the client’s needs and expectations.
This helps the entertainer gauge their appropriateness for the target audience. They will know if they are the right act to help the client reach their goal. If they are not, they should be able to make recommendations that will help the client move forward. The successful corporate entertainer’s goal is to make the client look great. They realize if they are not the right act this time, there will always be a next time if the client can trust their judgment.
Unique Performances:
Successful corporate performers consult and strategize with the client’s event planner. They will study the client’s company and ask questions that allow them to personalize their program. This creates a once in a lifetime performance that pulls the company’s guests into the show.
A show that is customized for your event delivers a stronger impact. This increases the guests’ experience and is a major contributor toward a triumphant event. Your company’s goals are better served and get a higher return on investment with this attention to detail.
Sound Knowledge Of Audience Demographics:
Successful corporate entertainers understand their target audience. They understand that your audience consists of individuals. People have a lot on their mind and may not be “into” a show. Experienced performers know how to reach out and engage individuals. They can create a cohesive group that is open to your company’s message.
Responsibility:
Successful corporate performers understand responsibility. As an event planner, you are placing a lot of faith in the entertainer you hire. Quality event service providers realize your reputation and job could be on the line. For them it isn’t about the paycheck, it is about the outcome. We recommend you lock onto these vendors when you meet them. They will save you aggravation and headaches.
All these secrets are practiced with an eye to ensure trust and foster a relationship with the client. Expert event performers ensure the ideal entertainment for their client’s event. They win over customers with ovations from their clients and repeated results.
If you need corporate entertainment ideas for your next corporate event, contact Tom now. Our no-obligation corporate entertainment consultation can provide your next event with WOW!
Corporate Event Entertainment
Are you thinking of organizing a corporate event but don’t know what to do? Are you fed up of doing the same thing every year and want to try something different? We have put together a mega list of 46 different types of entertainment activities and entertainers that would be great fun for everyone. By doing something different you will find that people will enjoy themselves more as they won’t know what to expect. You may also find that you get a much bigger turn out compared to previous years. Why not choose a number from the list below!
Mega List Of Entertainment Ideas For Corporate Events
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Comedian – Poke fun at corporate culture and shared frustrations
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Magician – Make your new product appear
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Ventriloquist – People and product puppets to keep everyone laughing
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Dance Band – Get people on the dance floor
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D.J. – A less expensive alternative
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Go karting – Let departments compete on the track
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Inflatable Gladiator Ring – Compete with your colleague one on one
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Sumo Wrestling – A fun way to blow of some steam
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Karaoke – Lets show your colleagues how great you are at singing
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Game Show – Compete as groups and buzz your way to the end
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Cocktail Making – Design your evening drinks
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Dinner at a local restaurant – Relax and enjoy some fabulous food
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Cooking Classes – Try not to give your colleagues food poisoning!
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Master Chef – Competing in the kitchen, who will impress the judges?
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Iron Chef – A cooking show guests watch then truly enjoy.
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Chocolate Making – Design each other an Easter Egg!
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Darts Competition – Who will hit their target?
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Dance Classes – Show off your moves to the department
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Mini Olympics – Race your colleagues to the finish line
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Boat Racing – Paddle in teams while getting wet
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Treasure Hunt – X marks the spot, where has the team leader hidden the treasure?
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Murder Mystery – Was it your boss that killed the victim?
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Quiz Evening – Find out who is the biggest music fan
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Fancy Dress Party – Impress your friends while dressed as your favorite character
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Casino Night – Who has the brains to figure out who is bluffing
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Soccer Competition – Have some fun running around the pitch
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Basketball Games – Compete in teams on the court
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Imposters – Who is the new guy?
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Sushi Making – Roll and design your own sushi
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Wine Tasting – Do you prefer Red or White?
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Moon Bounces – Relive your youth
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Singer/Band – Liven up the night with a big brass band
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Impersonator – That guy looks like Brad Pitt!
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Paintballing – A great way to get back at your boss
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Assort Course – Lets get muddy!
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Clay Pigeon Shooting – Practice your shooting skills in the fresh air
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Quad Biking – Outdoor fun for everyone
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Indoor team building activities – Who will be the next apprentice?
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Cake Decorating – Decorate some cakes for your favorite team
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Mini Golf – Who will get a hole in one?
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Corporate BBQ – Outdoor eats and a few refreshing drinks
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Horse Racing – Dinner, drinks and sport – what more do you need?
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Archery – Bulls eye!
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Segways – Roll around on two wheels
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Bowling – Who will knock down the most pins?
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Gift Exchange Party – What will you end up with?
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Movie Making – Team videos go up for Oscars.
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Join The Circus – Skills and team building with circus arts.
I hope this list has given you an insight on all the different types of things you could do for a corporate event. If you would like some more information on any of these ideas please contact our office. If Tom’s services aren’t a good match for your needs, he can put you in touch with corporate event services and providers to make your function incredible.
Ventriloquism
Keep your audience laughing with a comedy ventriloquist …
Ventriloquist comedy acts are popular, but seldom seen at live entertainment events. Of the highest grossing touring comedians ventriloquist Jeff Dunham sits at the top of the heap. Jeff’s viral YouTube videos have entertained more people than any other ventriloquist in history. He is a major reason for the popularity of ventriloquist comedy.
Another comedy ventriloquist who has gained fame through YouTube is Nina Conti. Daughter of British actor Tom Conti, Nina turned to the art of ventriloquism for her comedy career. Her resulting fame has created sold out shows at Fringe Festivals. In 2013 she was cast in an HBO television series.
When it comes to comedy, a good stand up comedy ventriloquist is hard to top. Regular stand up comedians rely on word play and taking audiences on a unique look at common situations. Ventriloquist comedy acts add an extra dimension by creating the illusion of a conversation. The distinct personalities create conflict which is the basis of all humor.
There was a time when ventriloquists were viewed as a step below a birthday party clown. The image was an old man who played with a doll. That image was well deserved, since many “ventriloquists” were not skilled at the art. The only way to learn was through books. Some professional ventriloquists even steered people in the wrong direction to prevent competition.
Other professional vents mentored the best ventriloquists on their skills. Edgar Bergen, the most famous ventriloquist of his generation learned from The Great Lester. Lester is still considered one of the best by the ventriloquism community.
With the invention of video, ventriloquism instruction changed. People began to learn from first, VHS cassettes and later DVD’s. Comedy ventriloquist Tom Crowl harnessed the power of the Internet to further develop the art. Crowl created time released virtual lessons. This required students to practice the skills before moving forward. His course is now considered the top resource in learning the art.
When you are planning a live entertainment event, think outside the box with a comedy ventriloquist. If you think a stand up comedy ventriloquist might be right, contact Tom. If Tom is already contracted, or his act is not a fit for your needs, he can still help. Tom is friends with most of the comedian ventriloquists in the world. We will be happy to help you select an act that suits your needs and has your audience raving!
Ventriloquism
Providing live entertainment for
corporate functions is big business.
Event planners have access to a wide variety of live entertainment choices. Selecting the right choices from this menu can be difficult. Today we take a look at some new entertainment ideas for corporate events. By following these examples, event planners can head in different directions, creating exciting events.
When planning entertainment for special events, it is good to stay fresh and current. One way to do this is to see what is currently trending in the world. Google “Current Trends” to get exciting theme ideas for your event. Other possible themes can be determined by looking at upcoming movie releases. In 2015, Hollywood will release Fast & Furious 7. Imagine your executives racing Go-Karts at your own Fast & Furious corporate function.
We’ve assembled a list of the
Top Five Live Entertainment Options:
Ventriloquist Comedians:
Comedians with puppets are one of the hottest entertainment choices today. Ventriloquist Jeff Dunham created a renewed interest in the art. His Comedy Central specials set viewership records. Ventriloquist Terry Fator received America’s votes to win America’s Got Talent. Fator now headlines sold out shows in Las Vegas. Ventriloquism is not as easy a skill to master as it looks. For that reason, there are fewer ventriloquists than any other live entertainment option. This makes it extremely unique for live entertainment events, and a great option.
Corporate Magicians:
There are tons of magicians available. Most people have seen one in a corporate entertainment setting. The best corporate magicians are not performing standard magic tricks. Avoid magicians producing bowling balls. Top corporate magicians provide custom shows for something truly amazing.
Comedy Jugglers:
From corporate boardroom to trade show booth, comedy jugglers can make the day. Drawing huge audiences to your display booth by juggling your products is one possibility. Teaching teamwork through juggling techniques is another. Juggling takes coordination and teamwork, a great message that can tie into many events.
DJ’ing:
DJ’s have moved beyond simple tune playing. Many are now multi-media powerhouses. Video and light projections of company logos, uplighting and other visuals set moods. Involving your guests in social media can have people tweeting music requests as the DJ brings your music and event to life.
Aerialists:
Cirque Du Soliel style amazing can set the tone of any event. From trapeze and hoops to the aerial silks, your guests will love the “Wow!”
These top five types of corporate entertainers can be easy to work with and cost effective to produce. Their acts are usually flexible enough to fit within any event’s theme. In the case of the ventriloquist, your message, product, people and company can be woven into their delivery.
If you are planning entertainment for events, contact our office now. We offer a free corporate event consultation to help you determine the right entertainment for your guests.
Ventriloquism
Live entertainment encompasses many areas of the entertainment industry. People searching for live entertainment for parties though, may be seeking different results.
For example, someone may be looking for something fun to do. They might search for “live entertainment near me”. They may be looking for music, or stand up comedians that can provide an entertaining evening. In this case they are looking for clubs, bars or theaters hosting entertainers.
Someone else may search live entertainment looking for entertainment for events. That is the main focus of this article. Entertainment companies offer many forms of event entertainment. Larger firms have a specialized live-entertainment division, which handles all aspects of live performance.
Live entertainment is sought for touring, fairs & festivals, broadcast, theater and other venues. You may be thinking about big name acts like Paul McCartney, Carrie Underwood or ventriloquist Jeff Dunham. Major acts create tours that have many facets of production. These facets include promotion, publicity, merchandise, transportation, and more. They appear in large, state-of-the-art venues and entertain thousands a night.
Residency shows, such as AGT winner, ventriloquist Terry Fator, also falls under live entertainment. Acts like Terry’s Penn & Teller, The Blue Man Group and Cirque Du Soliel reside at casinos. They may or may not tour, but they have an established theater. People will travel to see these shows, which include many production values of the biggest touring shows.
Another form of live entertainment is the national act. This may be a corporate entertainer or celebrity that performs one-nighters across the country. A one-nighter is a solo event not tied to another performance. This means the entertainer is available for smaller events. They are not tied into a set touring schedule that sells tickets and hosts major production. This type of entertainer is often sought when planners search for live entertainment for events.
Live entertainment also encompasses regional and local entertainers. Everything from the band that plays in several states, to the community theater of volunteers.
Live entertainment is everywhere, from club concerts to stadiums. The production value may differ, but one thing is certain:
Live entertainment is more appealing than dead entertainment any day.
If you are looking for live entertainment for parties, contact our office. We will be happy to discuss your needs and work with you to find the perfect event entertainment to delight audiences!
Corporate Event Entertainment
Corporate Comedy Ideas To Generate Laughter At Your Functions …
According to studies, corporate comedy reduces stress levels amongst the workforce. When people laugh, they relax and share a common experience in a memorable way. Can you remember the last time you laughed really hard? It may have been a while. Isn’t it time you bring more laughter into your corporate life?
Business comedians have a way of transforming mundane office tasks and practices into hilarity. From the generic “every office” set ups to full customization, your employees will never see things the same way again. Does your office have a confusing phone system that sends calls to the wrong department? A corporate comedian can have a field day with that type of problem. The next time your staff has a phone issue, you can bet they will remember those jokes and start to laugh.
Is there someone in your office always taking off to golf? Or go on a trip? Or can never be located around the office? A good corporate comedian can tease around the subject without offending. This shared moment can generate some huge laughs and ease the pain the next time you can’t find Jim, the guy who can’t be found.
Corporate comedian ventriloquist Tom Crowl specializes in finding the funny around your office. He works with you to create personalized presentations that will have co-workers laughing so hard they cry. When you want your audience to say “I haven’t laughed that hard in years!”, talk to Tom.
Corporate comedy gigs can be fun for everyone, comedian, event planner and audience. Contact our office to discuss how laughter can elevate your next event.
Ventriloquism
Considering hiring standup comedians for your next event? Before you begin, we’d like to share some interesting information that may help:
1. Most standup comedians form their acts at open mics in comedy clubs and bars. These situations can be brutal on someone that thinks they are a comic. Some bars hold an open mic just to get people through the door. Usually those people are the comics and any friends they can drag along.
These situations are far from perfect. Not knowing how to present live entertainment or comedy, bar owners don’t make it easy. I’ve seen open mics where comedians are competing with a major sports game on television. The comedians will lose almost every time. The comedians who survive this setting learn how to battle against the odds and become stronger.
2. Standup comedians seldom have rules or limitations on their comedy. They build their audience and don’t care about entertaining the masses. Many consider their standup comedy to be freedom of speech. It is their personal baby and no one should attempt to mess with it.
This makes it difficult for some standup comedians to work for corporate entertainment events. In that setting they represent the company and must follow rules. A comedian who uses foul language can ruin the evening and create headaches for the event planner that hired them.
3. Standup comedy is subjective. People have different tastes and experiences. A comedian’s experiences may not relate to your audience. This happens all the time with comedy entertainment. The top standup comedians create their comedy around broad based topics so they can appeal to a wider audience.
4. Famous standup comedians sometimes suffer in private. You would think that comedians would be laughing constantly. They seem to see the funny in everything. The truth is, many famous standup comedians are just the opposite in private.
Comic entertainers can have massive mood swings that can be hard to cope with. One of the most famous standup comedians that recently dealt with fatal depression was Robin Williams. A true comedic genius, his life ended way too early.
5. Even with these pros and cons, stand up comedians are great choice for live entertainment events. Laughter reduces stress and brings people together.
If you decide to hire a standup comedian, we invite you to consider a unique style of comedy. Tom Crowl is a standup comedy ventriloquist. Ventriloquism is a popular form of comedy that leaves audiences in doubled over laughing. For more information, pricing and availability, contact Tom now.
Corporate comedy is a specialized field that involves consulting with clients. The entertainer needs to understand the client’s goals for the performance. Corporate comedy gigs need personalized material designed for the target audience. Respect is also an integral component of corporate comedy. No one may be embarrassed or made the butt of a joke.
The goal of corporate entertainment is to engage the target audience while meeting the event’s goals. A corporate entertainer isn’t there just to amuse, but to help the host achieve an outcome. That may involve making a message memorable. The goal may be to relax the guests to create a positive atmosphere. Perhaps a memorable shared experience is needed to create a sense of team.
When it comes to comedy, a good stand up comedy ventriloquist is hard to top. Regular stand up comedians rely on word play and taking audiences on a unique look at common situations. Ventriloquist comedy acts add an extra dimension by creating the illusion of a conversation. The distinct personalities create conflict which is the basis of all humor.
