Business - SHOW

[Tom Crowl]

I'm not going to mention names here, because with a bit of research it can be figured out fairly fast.

On another forum, a ventriloquist described a fairly fantastic circumstance that happened prior to a performance. This act stated the client even paid a bonus she was so happy with the performer's help. The job was scheduled through a service that allows clients to provide feedback. Even with the praise for the accomodating manner of the performer - the client rated the performer based on the program - which wasn't up to expectations. The ventriloquist responded in a garbled message about the unique events prior, that the audience was tired, wanting prizes and expected a more adult program than this act offered.

As an act, you should ask questions that allow you to determine if the show is right for you. The ventriloquist mentioned above should have known going in what type of humor this audience expected. If they honestly didn't - the act doesn't belong in that market. This act is a "professional" - and should KNOW better. Providing "public" excuses as to why the show wasn't well received is idiotic at best.

If you are not right for the show, help the client by finding them an act that is. If you need the money - take a commission from the other act. Taking a job just for the money shows a real lack of respect for the client, the art and the performer taking the gig. We are in SHOW business. Clients hire us for many reasons - being accomodating is one, but the main reason is the SHOW - and if we don't deliver - they won't be satisfied.

Why do I care? Because this client will likely NEVER hire a ventriloquist again. If they do, it will be a while and it will require a great amount of work from the act landing the gig.

Sorry to rant - but with all the prestige Jeff & Terry have provided - it only takes a few to tarnish the image again.
Tom

[Ventguy]

Tom,

I know theh situation you are talking about and I agree.

I also agree with you that we should never take a show just for the cash. I have turned down quite a few shows lately that I felt I wasn't right for. I recommended other entertainers I thought better suited, and said if they were ever doing a more family-oriented event, to give me a call.

The clients were very happy I was willing to accomodate them and not just take their money.

Will they call me? Maybe, or maybe they will recommend me to their friends.

[Smith & Jones]

It really boils down to knowing your audience. I've turned down doing kids birthday parties several times over the years because of the type of act I do (old time, vaudeville style, with "hee haw" type of jokes) just does not play well to modern kids. Even though my act is clean and "family friendly", it plays best to an audience of older adults and senior citizens. And if the person who books my act is unfamiliar with what we do, I ALWAYS let them know up front what thay can expect. It's just good business...

[Mr. Pitts]

If you read further in the reviews, you'll find this is a consistent pattern. Everybody takes a show they shouldn't once in a while. Hopefully they learn to ask questions and avoid taking the wrong kind of event. Sometimes, a performer encounters a situation that is beyond their control and it affects the quality of the performance. This sort of thing makes me glad I don't have reviews of a couple of duds I've been guilty of over the years. However, that being said, if I had a consistent track record of negative reviews, I would be taking a serious look at what I was doing. We should be assessing our own work as honestly as possible all the time anyway. Even if someone tells you how much they liked you, if the laughs weren't there, if the audience wasn't responding, that person is just being nice. If I was disappointing my clients so consistently, I think I might consider getting out of the business. Harsh, but not everyone is cut out for entertainment.

[Ventguy]

David,

I agree. We have all had duds. I am sad my one review on Gigmasters was one of those, but at least it didn't have negative comments.

If I saw the consistent negative reviews this performer got, I would be reconsidering show business too, but they seem to be in a bit of denial.

[Tom Crowl]

I believe the consistant pattern is simply because this act is willing to accept shows outside its limitations. The type of shows this act is suited for, do not really come through this source. Because the act has made some sales there - it is unlikely they will drop the service. There will always be clients who seek out the cheapest alternative and so the pattern will continue.

Should the clients be blamed? Clients can be fooled. (I'm not saying this act is engaging in deceptive practices!) If you watch the act's video - there is laughter. The feedback response of "I don't do filth" will appeal to some clients and they may think this is the act for them. It is the performer's responsibility to know when to say "this isn't right for either of us."

I hesitate to say the act should get out of the business - but they should take a long hard honest look at what they are selling and what a client actually needs. In the right setting, I'm sure this act would do okay. I just wish the performer had some respect for their act and art. The consistantly bad reviews make the vent look horrible and can't be good for the ego. Their actions hurt us all.

Tom

[Mr. Pitts]

I might have gone too far in suggesting the performer get out of the business. Over the years I have learned how very important it is to know who my audience is and who it is NOT. I have learned this, as we all do, by taking engagements that weren't appropriate for what I do. Why did I take shows that I knew, intuitively (had I listened to myself), weren't a good fit? Money, just like this situation. That and ego. I WANT to believe my show can work for any audience, and while I do have pretty good range, the truth is I am NOT a one-size-fits-all performer. Who is?

[Tom Crowl]

David,
I wouldn't say you went too far, it is a logical reaction to the situation. Unfortunately when you get bad reviews from schools, country clubs and even birthday parties - it really leaves you with the idea that the act shouldn't be selling itself at any level.

I agree not everyone is cut out for entertainment - but I would hate to dash anyone's dream. Desire is a big part of being a pro, but that should also include the desire to constantly improve. Maybe that is the problem here.
Tom

[Ventguy]

Tom,

Just wanted to say this has been one of the most interesting discussions in a while. Thanks.

[Tom Crowl]

Same story, second verse. This time the ventriloquist posted about how well things went prior to receiving feedback. After the feedback hit, they now claim they injured their knee and were in great pain during the performance. Funny how that detail was left out of a very detail oriented first post of the event - AND their rebuttal reply on the system.

I'm not saying that they didn't hurt themselves - just saying this pattern continues.

Hope your holidays are going well...