Performers get requests for donations all the time, but as this is how they make a living, they often do not honor these requests. Inviting students or
amateurs to perform for free or as "good experience" instead devalues the professionalism performers try to bring to and maintain in the industry.
The presence of a performer of any level at your event will in fact be good PR for you, but is unlikely to be an effective promotional tool for the performer.
In the future, please keep in mind that if there is a budget for decorations or DJs, there should also be a budget for performers as their skills and talents
are much more specialized they will inevitably be the touch that makes your event memorable and talked about.
Please also keep in mind that you get what you pay for. Professional performers have experience, and aspiring professionals usually have professional mentors from whom they learn codes of conduct et al. These folks will have better skills, not only with manipulating their props but with creating and maintaining character and engaging your audience. They will also have top-notch costumes and (hopefully) performer's insurance- thereby protecting you and your guests and if necessary, the venue.
While an amateur or hobbyist might seem like a great idea for your event because you can get something for nothing, keep in mind that you may also find them gorging themselves at your buffet table without invitation, blending in with your guests in normal clothes rather than standing out with stylish costumes, playing with themselves instead of your guests, showing up late, leaving early, and in the worst cases offending or injuring guests and damaging property.
So we invite you to request volunteers, but sincerely hope that you are thorough in your interview process and will invite only the most professional performers to your event. If you can offer any of the perks listed below, you may find it's not that hard to find a professional and build a good working relationship to make your event memorable for years to come.
Volunteer Perks:
- include the performer's name/contact info on marketing materials for the event
- provide copies of any photos or video documentation for the performer to use for future promotional purposes
- food and drink
- provide a stipend to cover travel costs and parking, et al
- offer opportunities for future paid work
Please also keep in mind that you get what you pay for. Professional performers have experience, and aspiring professionals usually have professional mentors from whom they learn codes of conduct et al. These folks will have better skills, not only with manipulating their props but with creating and maintaining character and engaging your audience. They will also have top-notch costumes and (hopefully) performer's insurance- thereby protecting you and your guests and if necessary, the venue.
While an amateur or hobbyist might seem like a great idea for your event because you can get something for nothing, keep in mind that you may also find them gorging themselves at your buffet table without invitation, blending in with your guests in normal clothes rather than standing out with stylish costumes, playing with themselves instead of your guests, showing up late, leaving early, and in the worst cases offending or injuring guests and damaging property.
So we invite you to request volunteers, but sincerely hope that you are thorough in your interview process and will invite only the most professional performers to your event. If you can offer any of the perks listed below, you may find it's not that hard to find a professional and build a good working relationship to make your event memorable for years to come.
Volunteer Perks:
- include the performer's name/contact info on marketing materials for the event
- provide copies of any photos or video documentation for the performer to use for future promotional purposes
- food and drink
- provide a stipend to cover travel costs and parking, et al
- offer opportunities for future paid work
