The best compliment any entertainer can get is the request for a second show, but when a club or corporation asks for a repeat performance it’s important to know what you’re asking for and what to expect.
New or Old
The number one thing to think about is if you want a new show or a repeat performance. A totally new show may seem like a great idea but if you had a waitlist or expect lots of new people, the expectations of your members may be that it must be the same show. For repeat shows I often suggest a mix of the old and new, this way your returning members get a new experience but your first timers will experience the best of the first show. It’s also important to note that not all performers have two fabulous shows. I’ve worked hard to create two shows with only ‘A’ material but many entertainers fill the second show with ‘B’ material. Be careful… if your entertainer doesn’t sound like they have a strong second show just rebook the first one!
Timing
After a great show the instinct is to bring back the performer right away. Resist this temptation and give it some time. Put at least a year between shows to allow momentum to build up and the memory of the previous show to fade just a little. Make your members want it… don’t overdo it!
Audience
An important thing to consider is, are you presenting this to a new audience or trying to get the same crowd back. No matter what you decide, the assumption your members will have is that “we’ve seen the show already.” Knowing how your members think is vital to success in filling up the room. Once you decide if you want the new or the old audience, you’ll know how to advertise properly.
Advertising
If you’re presenting a new show, you must let your members know that it’s a brand new show. Encourage them to come back to see the ALL NEW SHOW. I cannot stress enough how important it is to let your members know that the show is different than the last one. So often a show is rebooked but the club forgets to say that it’s new material. Your sold-out show quickly becomes undersold. Advertising a second show is vital to getting the same success as the first one!
Word of Mouth
Asking the members who attended the first to let their friends know about how good it is is a great way to get a good crowd! Word of Mouth is a great tool but it only works if you encourage it. Send an email to previous attendees and ask them straight up to let their friends know.
Michael Gutenplan is a corporate mentalist specializing in engaging performances for Private Clubs and corporate events. Michael was named by Boardroom Magazine as the top club entertainer, as the top mentalist in Los Angeles by the Los Angeles Awards, and is considered one of the best mentalists in America. He will make your next event unforgettable. Learn more at www.mentalist.show
