Your One-Stop Guide to Variety Acts

When it comes to hiring entertainment, you might automatically gravitate toward bands or stand-up comedians. But with so many unique acts on the market, there’s no reason to limit yourself. Variety acts, featuring entertainers such as hypnotists or ventriloquists, are another option that can be budget-friendly and highly entertaining.

“Many variety acts are single performers, therefore you win big impact with only one person,” says Kate Taylor, director of social feats for P.W. Feats Inc. “They also typically own all of their equipment or need very little else for their performance.”

These types of performers work especially well for events in which attendees are mingling or using several rooms, rather than sitting down for a dinner, says Deborah Elias, president of Elias Events in Houston and a certified special event (CSEP) and meeting planner. She recently planned an event for a large oil consulting company in which guests occupied two different floors and 10 different rooms. To keep everyone entertained, she hired multiple variety acts like magicians, palm readers, jugglers and other strolling performers. “The acts could mingle with the crowd and move around,” she says. “And the guests seemed to really enjoy it.”

Dian Ginsberg, manager of events for AACSB Inter­national, says many of her events have a strong networking component so she plans buffets and cocktail receptions, rather than seated dinners. “People come to these conferences to meet people and exchange ideas, so it often requires entertainment where not too much attention is needed,” she says. “Low-key variety acts can be perfect. It provides a form of entertainment, but is not so intrusive that you couldn’t still have a conversation and do your networking.”

No matter what your reason, a variety act may be the perfect pick for your next event. Here are eight to consider.

{from mind reader to participatory theater}

He’s been called a “master showman” by the Los Angeles Daily News, and People magazine has called his work a “new form of participatory theater.” Using his advanced set of techniques, Max Maven (pg. 40) has been able to discern the thoughts of total strangers, making for an interesting — and at times even bizarre — act that audiences love. www.maxmaven.com

Dr. Weakeyes: Courtesy: Walt Majewski

{‘caricatures’ that are true works of art}

If you’re looking for something a little different than a standard caricaturist, consider Walt Majewski (aka, Dr. Weakeyes), whose clients say he creates works of art. “His work is so impressive, and even though it’s a contemporary take on a portrait, it ends up looking just like you when he’s done,” says Patti Coons, CSEP, who came across Dr. Weakeyes at a street fair and got him into doing corporate events. “Planners should know he doesn’t sketch something up in three minutes, so make sure there’s enough time for guests to take a turn.” www.waltmajewski.com

Michael Harrison: Courtesy: Craig Neier Associates

{when guests become puppets}

You may recognize Michael Harrison from “America’s Got Talent,” which gained him acclaim for his “human puppet” act in which he brings a member of the audience on stage to act as a puppet and does the voice for him or her. The judges likened him to previous winner Terry Fator. “His performance is always entertaining and it’s fresh,” says Sam Pellegrino, owner of Powerhouse Studios & Entertainment in New Jersey, who hired Harrison for a recent corporate event. “He’s always on point, and he’s appropriate for all ages too.” www.craigneier.com


Rhythm Extreme: Courtesy: Rhythm Extreme

{get ready for a stomp}

Styled after “Stomp,” Rhythm Extreme is a percussion performance that can energize any crowd. Because they use everyday items to perform with, they can use your product within the performance. “They can customize their act,” says Peter Berliner, president of Innovative Entertainment, who has hired the group many times. “I’ve used them for general sessions, as featured entertainment, for after-dinner entertainment — basically in a variety of different ways. I’ve seen them in many different situations and it’s always been a homerun.” www.rhythmextreme.com


Joe Castillo: Courtesy: Nashville Speakers Bureau

{live art in an extraordinary medium}

For a one-of-a-kind act, consider Joe Castillo’s live art presentation, which he calls “SandStory.” He creates powerful illustrations by drawing with sand on a lighted table that an overhead video camera projects onto a screen for all to see. “What he does is truly amazing,” says Paul Creighton, CSEP, executive vice president of T. Skorman Productions Inc. Castillo’s striking sand images flow from one scene to the next, and can even incorporate event images and themes. Search for “sandstory” on YouTube or see his work on his website. www.sandstory.com


Jon Stetson: Courtesy: Jon Stetson

{mentalism to order}

This mentalist comes highly recommended by Creighton. “Mentalism is a very cool art form to begin with,” he says. “It’s like close-up magic. People are left asking: ‘How did you do that?’ But the thing that makes Jon special is that he has a terrific personality and can weave the client’s material into his presentation.” www.jonstetson.com


The Incredible Boris: Courtesy: The Incredible Boris

{let your guests be the stars}

Comedian-hypnotist the Incredible Boris gives a motivational performance that all ages are sure to enjoy. He’s appeared many times on “Maury,” helping guests overcome fears and phobias through the power of hypnotism. But his performance is a hit at corporate events as well, as it allows audience members to become the stars of the show. www.comedywood.com






Jean Francois: Courtesy: Extreme Art

{live art, writ large}

If you’ve seen Jean Francois in action, as many in the event industry have, you know why he’s so popular. The French-born artist turns the art of painting into a performance, working incredibly fast and to upbeat music. He uses brushes, sponges, and even brooms and mops to create beautiful works of art. Through this art, he can communicate your message in a truly unique way. www.extremeart.com

Hiring Variety Acts: 3 Tips

Looking to hire a variety act for your next event? Here are three tips to keep in mind.

Stay Local. If you’re tight on cash, consider local talent. “It saves you money and people at the event think you’re being a good partner in the community,” points out Paula Wright, director of events marketing at Tunheim Partners. “They don’t assume you chose the act because it’s cheaper, but because you wanted to showcase local talent. Just make sure to check them out beforehand!”

Hire More than One. Because variety acts are often less expensive than a big-name band or comedian, it may be possible to hire more than one performer. “One very popular trend right now, is having multiple smaller acts back to back,” says Cindy Y. Lo, president of Red Velvet Events Inc. “This way the guests are constantly being entertained.”

Help Them Shine. Carla Niutta Ryan, owner of Impeccable Events LLC, says she has variety performers such as magicians or mentalists dress like members of the group. “They’ll snack on appetizers and mingle just like everyone else, and then all of the sudden will perform a trick like bending the stem of a wine glass,” she says. “These close-up performances leave people saying ‘Wow,’ but still don’t interrupt the flow of networking and socializing at the event.”

Planner Perspective: Variety Acts

“Peoples’ minds need to be kept busy. Unusual entertainment does that for them. It’s seeing something that’s different that makes a big impact — something you don’t expect.”

“People talk about these things when they leave an event. They may think the food is good, but they don’t talk about it. The entertainment, when it’s unique, people will talk about for a long time.”

“Acts like this do tend to be less expensive. That means you can have more of them. If you only have one piece of entertainment, it almost has to be a band because you need something that big to cover the whole group. But for the same amount or less, you can have four or five pieces of entertainment and it allows the guests to interact with them too.”
— Betty Garrett, CSEP, Columbus, Ohio-based Garrett Hospitality Group