Do you play along when your child is pretending to be a super hero or a rock star? I want people to feel that comfortable to let go and have fun. Imagine yourself at a Celine Dion concert where Celine walks into the audience and sings directly to you. Would you feel special? What if Marilyn Monroe sang her breathy version of Happy Birthday to your company president? Would you take a picture? Do you smile and laugh? If the people you work with played guitars like rock stars at your company party, would you cheer them on? My stage shows get those reactions.

Marilyn Monroe Impersonator Tracey Bell sings Happy Birthday Mr. President at the Victoria Hospital Foundation Gala Fundraiser

People like to shine, even shy people.

On New Year’s Eve, when New York New York is playing and everyone in the room is doing a kick line, do you join in, or smile while you watch them? Would you clap along with people if Dolly Parton encouraged you to? If your friends were strutting their stuff onstage with Madonna, would you want to video them? These are the experiences that I create with people. Whether you want to kick up your shoes, cheer from the sidelines, or smile as you watch others, there is a place for everyone at my shows.

Audience Participants learn to Vogue like boy toys with Madonna Impersonator Tracey Bell

After decades of experience, I know how to choose the first participants

It only takes a few outgoing people to get audience participation started, to set the example. If they can do it, others can too. Nobody has to be perfect. It’s especially rewarding when I get shy people involved in the show. I get the same reaction as a hypnotist, where participants are entranced and want to let their inner rock star shine.  After decades of experience as an interactive impressionist, I know how to choose the first participants, then encourage and inspire them. I’m encouraging them. Joy, fun and laughter are contagious.

Celine Dion Impersonator Tracey Bell Holds hands with the Canadian Consul General at the Chamber of Commerce Special Event in Shanghai, China

My stage shows are rewarding to me because I’m engaging people and giving them an experience they’ll talk about for years, whether they’re a spectator or participant. When we’re engaged, we’re fully present in the moment. Playing is good for us. Connecting is good for us. My purpose is to create a show where we do those things.  I put my whole heart into it. There’s a lot of me in the show: Tracey Bell disguised as Lady Gaga, Tina Turner, Judy Garland, Janis Joplin, Tina Turner, Julie Andrews, Shania Twain, Alanis Morrissette, and the rest.

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In the corporate realm, events are taken very seriously. Hiring a headline performer can be a stressful job or it can be fun and exciting. After 26 years of specializing in corporate special events, I thought I’d share important traits for entertainers and their clients to consider.

1. Professionalism

Professional entertainers send a detailed list of their requirements early, communicate clearly and put everything in writing. Then they follow up on their requirements closer to the event, making sure there are no misunderstandings. They ask the client for information; about their company, the itinerary, floor plan and audience. Professionals don’t bring an entourage. They dress appropriately, even at the sound check. They stay sober, are respectful of others and they clean up their mess in the green room. They don’t share their personal problems. Performance material needs to be corporate-appropriate. Only clean comedy is acceptable. Corporate entertainers need to respect people’s time. I have a colleague who wanted me to get her bookings. She would call often and talk my ear off. It was difficult to get her off the line. Even though she was talented, I could see why people weren’t hiring her. She wasted their time.

2. Reliability

Event planners are under pressure to pull off a perfect event. Whether they are an in-house employee making party arrangements or they are from a top-notch event production company, their reputation is at stake. Corporations need a high standard met. That one night is like a wedding, It only happens once and it costs a lot of money. Performers need to prove that they are reliable and build trust from the moment they are in contact with the client. They should return calls promptly, write up contracts immediately and show up early to meetings. Of course, they also need to be onsite hours before the show. There is no replacement for a one-of-a-kind act. I know a woman who broke her wrist in the middle of her show and continued performing. I have gone on stage injured, with pneumonia and grieving at times, but the client never knew. Having a lot of adrenaline on the day of the performance helps me overcome anything. There is no excuse. The show must go on.

3. A Good Attitude

An entertainer might be a diva but they better not have a diva attitude, not at corporate special events. They need to be low-maintenance, especially on show day. The planner has the whole event to think of; food, décor, attendance, their other employees and more. Talent must be accomodating from the time they are booked until the end of the event.

4. Flexibility

Customization and comprimise are often required at special events. Seasoned performers have the most experience with their optimal performing conditions and their best shows, but have to be flexible when necessary. Is your act prepared to adlib if there are logistical or technical difficulties? When a corporate performer is a trooper of trouble-shooting, they can save the day. I’ve had the power go off, computers break down and other big challenges on stage and have had rave reviews for stepping up and keeping the flow going. Entertainers have to be prepared for anything.

5. A Good Reputation

Corporate entertainers should have reference letters, preferably posted on their website. It’s good to have letters from event planners as well as direct clients. A potential client should be able to speak with recent clients who are usually happy to talk about a show they enjoyed. A planner should be able to ask around within the industry and get good feed-back. If an artist is represented by a reputable talent agency, they are sure to be good.

6. Being Fabulous and Talented

You have to be good to make it in the corporate special event market. Having a unique act that engages the audience and has wow-factor makes the event memorable.

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