When Tracey Bell committed to performing at the Silver Screen Gala on October 18th, she saw a great opportunity to make the fundraiser for Langley Care Foundation and Langley Hospice more successful.

Here’s what Tracey had to say:

“I’ve been performing at Special Events for 27 years. Sometimes I want to do things that aren’t usually my job, especially for fundraisers. I had known the event planner, Debbie Howard, for many years though ISES and The Canadian Special Event Industry  . Deb agreed to let me handle some of the publicity.  Jasper Anson of Novacurrent Creative Solutions has connections with Langley media since he works with Langley pop country duo Robyn & Ryleigh, so I asked him to come on board. Publicity is a win-win since press is good for my career as well as the cause.”.

As a result of NovaCurrent’s press release and Jasper’s hard work, Tracey ended up appearing on three TV shows, being  featured in three newspapers, having a full-page magazine spread and more. Those interviews and appearances kept Bell busy between her other gigs before the Gala.

Her fans helped the fundraiser out as well. Two of Tracey’s closest friends and best supporters were the biggest bidders of the night.  Steffany Hanlen Francey and her husband Patrick Francey  bought a VIP table in the front row with their friends, including Alf and Sandie Krause of Krause Berry Farms . Their table’s high bids during the live and silent auctions got them a private flight and lunch for 4 in Victoria, A dinner for 10 people, a cooking class with Angie Cuaale , a basket of local wines and a photo shoot.

Steffany Hanlen Francey, Patrick Francey, Tracey Bell as Marilyn Monroe and Alf Krause

The night was a huge success.

As a result of her performance, Tracey Bell has been hired to perform at Langley MLA Mary Polak’s fundraiser in March. There is also a rumour that the planning committee for next year’s fundraiser for Langley Hospice and Langley Lodge might bring Bell back to perform a customized show with new characters and costumes.

David Cristofoli Photography

Cher chooses an 82-year-old to be Sonny, Tracey bell at the Silver Screen Gala

Tracey Bell as Liza Minnelli performs New York New York at Langley’s Silver Screen Gala

The post Tracey Bell Brings more than a Show to the Silver Screen Gala appeared first on Corporate Entertainer - Tracey Bell Entertainment - Official Site.

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.

The post The Six Most Important Traits of Corporate Entertainers appeared first on Corporate Entertainer - Tracey Bell Entertainment - Official Site.

Award-winning entertainer Tracey Bell is excited to host the 2014 Women in Film & Television Spotlight Awards and 25th Anniversary Gala on April 30th at Performance Works (1218 Cartwright St – Granville Island).

Bell will be changing wigs and costumes in seconds to become show business legends Marilyn Monroe, Cher, Julie Andrews, Celine Dion, Liza Minnelli, Judy Garland and more.

Previously recognized as the 2005 Canadian Special Event Industry’s “Entertainer of the Year” and the 2009 BC Event Industry Awards’ “Entertainer of the Year”, Bell performs internationally at private corporate events, charity galas and in billionaires’ homes and has just celebrated her 25th Anniversary as an Entertainment Entrepreneur in the Special Events industry.

Bell recently returned from China where she performed for the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai using colourful energy, lightning fast costume changes, and abundant audience participation that her signature one-woman show, 8 Divas in 44 Minutes, is known for.

The 2014 Women in Film & Television Spotlight Awards and 25th Anniversary Gala takes place on April 30th at Performance Works (1218 Cartwright St – Granville Island) at 7pm. Tickets are $30 for WIFTV Members ($40 for non-members) and are available now at WomeninFilm.ca.

The post Tracey Bell Hosts Women in Film & Television’s 25th Anniversary Gala appeared first on Corporate Entertainer - Tracey Bell Entertainment - Official Site.

The more we connect with people virtually; on Facebook, Twitter, Skype and via texts , the more we are virtually starving for personal connections. That’s what the most dynamic live-performance acts are betting on in today’s technology-saturated business environment. Exciting, unique, interactive shows have the wow-factor; and everyone loves a celebrity performer, even if it’s just so they can say they saw someone famous.

High-end Acts

Not every company can afford the world’s most famous performers, but if you have six or seven figures for your entertainment budget, you are set to wow your guests.

World Famous Blue Man Group will amaze your attendees. Visually stunning, intensely exciting and hilarious, their non-verbal show is perfect for all ages and cultures. Their corporate shows explore themes of community, collaboration and creativity. If you seek to unite, motivate and inspire your attendees and you have a big budget, think about hiring Blue Man Group.

Would you like to hire one of the world’s most famous magicians? David Copperfield could perform at your event for $1,000,000 or you could hire David Blaine for an international corporate event for half or at home in the United States for only $250,000. Blaine is an American illusionist, magician, and endurance artist. He is best known for his high-profile feats of endurance, televised worldwide. He has set and broken several world records. He is a modern day Houdini.

One of the best dance bands ever, Earth Wind and Fire are guaranteed to get your party people dancing. Since their inception, Earth, Wind & Fire has won six Grammys and four American Music Awards while selling over 20 million albums in the U.S. alone. Earth, Wind & Fire hits include “Shining Star”,”(Dancing in)September,” and “Boogie Wonderland”. They put on a great high-energy show and wear fabulous outfits. If you’re throwing a corporate party in the United States, they will cost around $300,000.

Mid-range Performers

Okay, most corporate events don’t have budgets like the ones listed above. If your budget is $10,000-20,000, you have a huge variety of great acts to choose from.

Jessica Holmes is Canada’s top female comedian. When she’s not on TV, she makes time for corporate events around the world. Her comedic high-jinx and crazy antics, topped with her unique knack for skewering celebrities (including Celine Dion and Britney Spears), are sure to amuse even the most straight-faced audiences. Her grace, bilingualism and ability to react on the fly make her natural choice as an entertainer or emcee.

Shawn Farquhar is an award-winning magician who has worked at corporate events around the world. Ellen Degenres loved him when he was on this show. Look for the clip on YouTube .Shawn offers a fast paced, audience participation experience that will draw everyone into an evening of entertainment they will not soon forget. As a two-time World champion of magic, Shawn knows the right blend of magic and comedy to make your guests have fun. Shawn’s show is filled with incredible magic and gut busting humor.

Andre-Philippe Gagnon is Canada’s most famous voice impressionist, following in the footsteps of Canadian legend Rich Little. From Mick Jagger to Bob Dylan, The Bee Gees to Frank Sinatra – Gagnon is almost better than the originals. In 1985 he performed on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and was discovered by the world. He sings beautifully and his show is hilarious.

Economical Acts and Super-good Deals

In the $5000-$15,000 price range, you still have good choices.

Corporate entertainer Tracey Bell changes in seconds to become today’s most glamorous stars. In her best-selling show, “8 Divas in 44 Minutes”; Tracey Bell impersonates Cher, Marilyn Monroe, Celine Dion, Janis Joplin, Tina Turner, Madonna., Dolly Parton and Liza Minnelli. This high energy 45-60 minute show is a hilarious interactive performance designed for corporate events, family parties and gala fundraisers. Tracey Bell has been named “Entertainer of the Year” at both the Canadian Event Industry and BC Event Industry Awards.

Tom Watson’s Vaguely Vegas show is a hilarious one-man tribute show where he impersonates Roy Orbison, Elvis, Tom Jones and even Tina Turner. Tom also performs a bigger show with his band The Timebender. Six performers are constantly moving and rotating positions bringing you an ever-changing, fresh look and sound throughout the evening as the Timebenders’ show covers almost every musical genre from the vocally-charged harmonies of the 50′s, the British Invasion, California and Motown sound of the 60′s, Glam Rock and Disco beats of the 70′s, the New Wave of the 80′s, Divas of the 90′s and even some surprises from this past decade and hits of today!

There are other wonderful acts for $500-$5000 and up, all over the world. If you can’t afford to have Cirque du Soleil perform at your event, you can find other talented performers with circus skills. Firebelly Productions offer contortionists, acrobats, fire dancers, silk artists and jugglers in every price range.

There are a wide range of magicians offering everything from close-up card magic to big illusions. For over 25 years, Clinton W. Gray has been blending magic, music and mayhem into high-energy, interactive comedy shows around the world. A ten-time international award winning comedy magician, his performances have been described as a “roller-coaster ride of antics, that cause audiences to be belly-laughing one moment and speechless with amazement in the next.

Great musicians, from soloists to interactive dueling pianos to tribute bands and dance bands are available at competitive prices. If you’re looking to compare a variety of reasonably priced musicians, comedians, ventriloquists and other novelty acts, then it’s best to call a qualified Entertainment Bureau. K&M Productions, Total Entertainment Network, Events Edge, MCP and Fuze Entertainment Systems are experienced , knowledgeable and ethical bureaus with reliable and professional acts.

Enjoy finding the right entertainment for your event. A great entertainer makes a party memorable for years to come.

The post Corporate Entertainment in Different Price Ranges appeared first on Corporate Entertainer - Tracey Bell Entertainment - Official Site.

Corporate events, in and of themselves, are activities to look forward to. They signify a milestone crossed for a company, a celebration of a meeting a goal, or a step in a new direction. Employees look forward to these times when they have the chance to let their hair down and socialize with their colleagues without deadlines and projects looming in the near future. Corporate events, especially those that are held offsite, are some of the only times that employees reveal their true selves to the people they work with.

Selecting entertainment for a corporate event requires careful planning. Unlike venue or entertainment specific events, there is a lot of latitude allowed when the type of entertainment to perform. Comedians, magicians, musical acts, solo singers, variety acts, ventriloquists, traveling petting zoos, impersonators– there is a wide array of talent to choose from in the corporate event environment. However, with that flexibility brings additional concerns to the table. Here are three tips to consider when looking for talent to perform at your next corporate event:

Type of Entertainment

The chief concern when planning a corporate event is the type of material that will be presented.  There is virtually no way to please every single person in the company with a specific performer.  Being faced with that reality can present a challenge. Do you hire a male performer every year? Maybe you should consider a female comedian this time.  Sticking with the basics will make the decision easier.  Music that combines a mix of the popular genres, magicians, and clean comedians are choices that will satisfy a wide range of people. Interactive shows are especially memorable.

Material Covered

Once you have decided to go with a specific entertainment type, confirming that the material is appropriate for the audience is important. With people from coming from all walks of life and with no other common factory than employment at the company to share between them, it can be tricky to gauge levels of appropriateness.

Relevance of Material

Will the jokes make sense to the vast majority of your employees? If you’ve employed a cover band, will the music be recognizable? This is where knowing your employees will come into play. Understand the age ranges of the people employed in your business before you audition talent. If you have a young employee base, hire an act that will speak to their sensibilities and interests and vice versa. If the crowd is mixed, so should your talent be. Hire a DJ that can spin records spanning four decades or hire a comedian that talks about past and present situations.

Planning a corporate event can be an exciting activity. Having the opportunity to employee local talent, introduce your team members to a performer they may never have heard of before, and treating your employees to a company party is a perfect opportunity celebrate your teams accomplishments and show your company’s appreciation.

The post Tips for Choosing the Perfect Corporate Entertainer appeared first on Corporate Entertainer - Tracey Bell Entertainment - Official Site.

Choosing the proper entertainment to perform at a corporate event can be an exciting undertaking. Searching for the talent, reading their reviews, watching their videos and making the final decision can make you feel like you are preparing the cast for the next big play on Broadway. In a way, you are performing a similar task to a casting agent and, while the audience for the corporate event will be considerably smaller than for a Broadway play, there will be several personalities to take into account when deciding on the finished product.

There are many things that must be considered when hiring a corporate entertainer. Here are 5 key questions that should be asked as part of the vetting process:

What type of material do you perform?

There are several types of performances that are perfect in the corporate setting. You need to determine how large the gathering will be to choose an appropriate act. Magicians, comedians, musicians, and impersonators do well for large groups. Ventriloquists, close-up magicians, artists, and solo acoustic performers do well with more intimate groups.

What size of audience have you performed in front of before?

This information will allow you to gauge how polished the act is before they come in for an audition. While the amount of performances is not indicative of ability (everyone has to start somewhere), knowing this information will allow you to properly compare acts when you do your final analysis.

What type of material do you cover in your act?

Knowing this ahead of time may seem like it spoils the fun, but it is imperative that you know ahead of time what kind of material the act will perform for your corporate audience. Considering the human resources ramifications of illicit material being presented in such a setting, you must choose your act with great care in this regard. Suggestive lyrics, profanity, and adult material should be tempered. While you won’t please everyone, you must ensure that you don’t offend anyone.

How long is your act?

Knowing the amount of time the performer plans to be on stage will allow you to plan the other aspects of the evening, such as food and speakers.

How much do you charge?

Money is an important aspect of the vetting process. As with every aspect of the event, a budget must be adhered to. Knowing the fee required by the talent will allow you to make the proper decisions about use, such as choosing local bands over well-known event performers.

Planning a corporate event allows you to create a special show for your colleagues. Since many corporate events are thrown as a way to say thanks for a job well done, the choice of performer is a very important part of that sentiment. Research and planning will aid the search for the perfect event performer. These questions will get you started on your way to finding the perfect match for your company.

The post Questions to Ask when Hiring a Corporate Entertainer appeared first on Corporate Entertainer - Tracey Bell Entertainment - Official Site.