You have to do your time …and most of the time not too much more.
For the sake of discussion, let’s assume you have a show slot where you are to do 45-50 minutes. I’ll save going under for another day, but what about going over time?
The crowd is super hot. You’re a comedy magic act and the crowd gave you an opener for ad libs that would just not quit. Laugh after laugh. You’re thinking, “This is GREAT!! The client is going to LOVE this.” You go 55+ minutes, and leave the stage to a huge ovation.
After the show the event planner (or cruise director, party planner, etc.) does not look pleased. You’re puzzled.
He says, “You went nearly an hour. You made me late for the XYZ event I have to attend in Taurus Lounge,” or “I told Mr. Big Wig you’d be off at 9:05 at the latest. I look like a putz now,” or “The Oompa Loompa ice cream parfaits I had ready are MELTING!”
Ugh. You leave the stage expecting a hug and get what feels like a kick in the butt.
And the truth? For the most part, you might deserve it.
The Great (or not so great) Reasons An Act Can Take More Time.
● You get an opening for an ad lib (or several openings) that score really well and laughter takes time.
● Borrowing a bill for the bill to lemon takes more time than usual.
● You have to deal with an unexpected audience assist (That’s a euphemism I just came up with for “heckler.”)
● You get an audience helper that becomes the star of the show and you let him shine to great audience reaction, which means additional time.
● All of the above.
Those reasons are understandable to you and me, but the event planner/cruise director/party host just …doesn’t …care …if they need you to end by a specific time.
First Step: Know When They Want You Outta There!
Simple. Ask. Politely pin them down to numbers. Explain a range of, say, five minutes, works best. Tell them in layman terms what your last routine looks like, as this frequently helps them with their part of the event.
NEXT POST: How To Overtime Proof Your Show
PS: The current Dixon Magic newsletter is talking about the Iceland Sale!
