Quote from: "Tonya"I love your wedding dress ~ it's gorgeous! And thanks for sharing some of your stories...they are so funny!
I know you do a lot of library shows... do you use storylines from childrens books, or do you write your own storylines? Also, how many balloons on average do you make onstage for your shows and how many do you take pre-made? Do you have any tips for someone wanting to do more shows of this sort?
Thanks for the compliments, Tonya.
For the library shows I make up my own stories or use old traditional stories. I don't like using existing books because I don't have specific permission from the author. If I were a librarian doing something in my own library, I wouldn't think twice, but since I'm actually making money, I would feel I should get permission before using a story in a book. Luckily, there are so many stories out there!
I use mostly premade stuff during the shows because it slows the pacing to try to twist anything more than just really quick twists. That said, I always try to some kind of twistin and balloon nonsense in there because people love to watch it - a little. After about a minute or two, they're done with it and want to see more active stuff.
Tips? Join a storytelling group. Join a theater group too. Search YouTube for storyteller performances. Then get out there and do it.
John Abrams, www.RebelEntertainer.com, has a great little course about how to write a show, and another on how to market a show. He's a friend and mentor of mine and I highly recommend the show building course for any variety entertainer who wants to learn to build a show. I use it as a refresher when I'm thinking up a new show.
Tonya, are you going to be going to Twist and Shout this year? I'd love to see you.
BTW that holds true for everyone - come on over. Chicago is a short flight from the UK!