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wolfmage
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wolfmage = NO RABBITS!
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Oct 8 23:55 UTC 1995 |
WHAT THIS IS
Valerie (popcorn) sent me some email some time ago and asked about a fund
raising program for Grex. I forwarded my current promotional catalog and a
brief proposal.
The board discussed the project and I received email from Valerie again
asking if I would object to an item being posted in Co-op and Agora to get
feedback from Grexxers on whether or not they wanted a show.
Obviously, I did not object.
Below is a *VERY BRIEF* summary of the promotional information Valerie
received and a short description of the proposed fund raising project.
==================================================================
* PERFORMANCE BACKGROUND *
* Over 15 years experience with last 4 years as a full time professional.
* Wide variety of shows for major corporations, resorts, colleges, and
individuals.
* Long list of rave reviews and positive production credits.
* Family and interpretive shows listed as featured attraction in 1994 West
Michigan Visitor's Guide.
* Consistent repeat bookings at resorts and convention centers demanding
quality entertainment.
* THE SHOWS *
SOMETHING DIFFERENT: Magical mayhem, topical humor and audience involvement
makes 'Something Different' the cutting edge in charming lunacy. It's the
show people will talk about (sometimes to the proper authorities).
INTO THE NIGHT: What if ghost stories are true? Participate in a strange
journey through myth and time in an atmosphere of real magic. Featuring
dramatic recreations of spiritual and psychic phenomena.
LIVING MYTH: Like nothing you've ever seen. One man three act play fusing
elements of illusion, drama, motion, lights and sound to tell the story of
myths and magic, and what can happen when one believes in the impossible.
MURDER MYSTERIES: Direction7 and myself have redefined the Murder Mystery
experience with numerous innovations and a dedication to excellence in
entertainment. Over 13 titles to choose from ranging from the darkly
disturbing to the absurdly humorous.
* THE PROPOSAL *
My experience has indicated that an extended program (residency) including
a high profile publicity event, murder mystery, and one other show is the
most successful combination for a fund raising effort.
Example: High profile publicity event in conjunction with local business
(i.e. suspended straitjacket escape, predicting newspaper headlines a month in
advance, hypnosis stunts) gets free publicity for weekend shows.
Radio and print blitz focusing on novelty of shows and uniqueness of Grex,
the sponsoring body.
Murder Mystery Friday night, followed by private charge Into The Night.
Saturday night either Living Myth or Full evening Into The Night.
All shows and events feature an opportunity for presentaion of Grex
information to raise memberships and awareness.
This is one of the last projects I will be able to freely handle on my own
as the lawyers and agents are becoming more involved in my bookings process.
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| 82 responses total. |
wolfmage
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response 1 of 82:
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Oct 9 03:48 UTC 1995 |
I emailed katie asking her to link this item to Agora to allow greater
participation.
BTW, 'NO RABBITS!' is a trademark symbol (you can't see it here, but it's
on the newest catalog and posters), copyright is pending.
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robh
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response 2 of 82:
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Oct 9 03:52 UTC 1995 |
So what exactly would the plan be for this? Would Grex have
to pay for the shows, and then take in all the proceeds?
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wolfmage
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response 3 of 82:
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Oct 9 05:23 UTC 1995 |
Like the majority of fund raising programs, the fee is paid to the artist
and the show is then ticketed. All proceeds go to the sponsor.
However, as I expressed to Valerie in the hard copy, I am flexible in
the funding of the project. (a benefit of working around the agents)
There are several program options and fee schedules. It all comes down to
how large the vision is for the fundraiser. (i.e. a 'one-night stand' is
a lower fee per show but has the lowest profit margin, while a series has
a higher fee but greater profit and greater exposure for the sponsor.)
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popcorn
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response 4 of 82:
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Oct 9 06:04 UTC 1995 |
This response has been erased.
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scg
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response 5 of 82:
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Oct 9 06:36 UTC 1995 |
I would worry about how much money Grex would have to put up for this,
considering that we don't have that much spare money to bat around. If this
made a lot of money, that would be great, but I'd want to be pretty sure we
could count on that.
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otter
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response 6 of 82:
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Oct 9 09:46 UTC 1995 |
To clarify a couple of things before this really gets going:
While reading an item in summer Agora about how little money Grex has to do
the things it wants to do (better equipment, more memory, faster internet
connections) it occurred to me that there was something Direction 7 and Kenn
could do to help. I wrote to popcorn and asked her to get details from
wolfmage about a fundraising project.
Usually, our fundraising projects are for groups with which we have no
other involvement, therefore profiting from such an endeavour is the
company's primary objective. The situation with Grex is quite different and,
trust me, Grex would be charged only enough to ensure that we do not lose
money on the project. It would be counterproductive to discuss specific
amounts at this point. The funds Grex raises through this project will be
directly related to how much effort the members/users put forth in moving
tickets.
ref #3: A grammatical error here may cause some confusion. Here's the way
it works: a one-show-only booking costs a client more *per show* than a
series of shows/events over consecutive dates. Makes sense when you think
about travel, set-up/strike times, etc.
ref #4: Yes, I am married to wolfmage, and it's no big secret if one pays
attention on the BBS. But when it comes to Direction 7, I use a different
surname, partly to avoid the stigma of "this guy and his wife...". The
personal relationship has no place in our business matters; I am Miss
Chappel, a founding partner.
BTW: When working without an agent, I do cold calling, finances, and
scheduling; Mr. Capman handles client contact and specifics of production.
Please direct any questions accordingly.
Again, this fundraising idea was put forth in the spirit of helping; please
keep that in mind as the issue is discussed.
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eeyore
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response 7 of 82:
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Oct 9 15:37 UTC 1995 |
(meg thinks that this could be alot of fun, and would be willing to help in
anyway....:)
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ajax
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response 8 of 82:
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Oct 9 15:41 UTC 1995 |
I definitely see that. I think there may be some trepedation just because
this is so different from anything else Grex has done, and I don't know if
many people here have experience with the sorts of issues involved in
putting on a performance (e.g. how to get people to go to it - lead times
to get into papers/magazines, how to sell tix, increase publicity). It's
certainly over my head. If Kenn were coming down to lecture on how to
repair hard drives or something, we'd be on more familiar footing :-).
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eeyore
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response 9 of 82:
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Oct 9 15:49 UTC 1995 |
i think, t ho, that it could be doable, depending on the cost. grexxers seem
to be an adventures lot....why not try this adventure?
i will b honest in saying that i don't have much experiance with this type
of thing, but still.....we've done other stuff that doesn't involve computers,
without making mpney in the process.....:)
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wolfmage
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response 10 of 82:
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Oct 9 15:53 UTC 1995 |
As a matter of course, my office and Direction7 provide complete promotional
packages, and assistance/advice on promoting the event. I also am well-known
for making myself available for personal appearances and anything else that
will make the show and sponsor more visible.
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meg
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response 11 of 82:
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Oct 9 16:43 UTC 1995 |
(This image of Mickey Rooney saying "Hey kids! Let's put on a show!" comes
to mind...)
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sliver
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response 12 of 82:
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Oct 9 17:03 UTC 1995 |
I think this sounds like a lot of fun... where would something like this take
place? i live alittle over an hour away from ann arbor, but i would be willing
to go to something like this...
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ajax
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response 13 of 82:
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Oct 9 17:08 UTC 1995 |
I'm curious about risks and benefits. Hypothetically, if Grex did a
really lousy, irresponsible job on our end, what would our downside be?
What range of money do you think we might lose? On the other hand, if
we did a really great job, how much do you think we might make?
Plan for the worst, hope for the best! :)
A good small place might be the Performance Network. Large cheapish
space might include University auditoria, or large pricey space would
probably be the Michigan Theater.
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eeyore
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response 14 of 82:
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Oct 9 17:14 UTC 1995 |
or, why not check with the high school? i know for a fact that pioneer has
two damn good auditoriums in it (both were redone a couple of years ago...
i've sung in one, and did performances in the other....:) i'm sure that you
would be able to use the sound and light boards, and all that good stuff....
and they are VERY nice! :)
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wolfmage
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response 15 of 82:
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Oct 9 17:29 UTC 1995 |
re: #11 Cute, but hardly applicable. This is what I do for a living.
re: #13 The issues you raise would depend on what show or series of shows
were utilized. Although I can state with confidence that the Michigan would
be too large since I no longer do full scale illusion shows.
Another way to think is this; Into The Night has had much success as a full
evening event by running three shows at one site/time. For example, a
reception is held with wandering actors and other strange characters for
entertainment, then at the top of every hour a new show starts. The show
is abbreviated to fit time constraints, but no one minds because they've
been entertained all evening.
But it all comes down to the specifics of what show or series is booked.
Any upscale restaurants that have entertainment? These venues work very
well for Murder Mystery fundraising shows.
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birdlady
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response 16 of 82:
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Oct 9 21:18 UTC 1995 |
Kenn, have you considered linking this to the synthesis cf? I think your kind
of audience (meaning those highly interested in tarot, magick, etc) can be
found in there also. Also...is the "no rabbits" logo the bunny picture you
showed me on the mac? The one with the red line through him?
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robh
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response 17 of 82:
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Oct 9 22:02 UTC 1995 |
(The Synthesis fw has already seen the item and decided not to
link it over. Carry on.)
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otter
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response 18 of 82:
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Oct 9 22:08 UTC 1995 |
Into The Night works well for an audience of 20 to 50; it has even been done
in large private homes. (but I do mean *large*)
A high school auditorium with proper equipment is very good for Living Myth.
(if you tell me it can fly scenery, I might wet myself. ;^>)
Someone may want to talk to a local high school computer club about helping
co-ordinate the particulars of securing one of those venues, when the time
comes.
Ajax, if you book it, they will come. Just don't choose a place you aren't
sure about filling, and you'll do fine. If Grex falls down and does a
lousy job, you will have been marvelously entertained and out some money,
but I doubt that the membership would let it happen that way.
Thanks for the suggestion, Sarah, but I don't think there will be a lack of
Grexxers in the audience.
Robh, the best answer I have for you right now is to have you look at the
promo material popcorn has, and decide which type of show(s) would be the
biggest draw for the A^2 area, and look at several possible dates. Once that
is figured out, consider how many tickets you think you can sell, and a
ballpark price. (remembering that when we do a blitz, it's a true blitz!)
Once you have those things in mind, it will be time to talk with us about
actual money matters.
For everyone thinking/saying, "sounds great but I have no idea how I can
help": if the Board decides to go for it, you will be given detailed
instructions.
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eeyore
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response 19 of 82:
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Oct 9 23:03 UTC 1995 |
it just might be able to fly secenery...i'm not quite sure...:)
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anne
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response 20 of 82:
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Oct 10 04:00 UTC 1995 |
Hmm... Murder Mystery... I've participated in a couple of those, they
were a LOT of fun....
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ajax
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response 21 of 82:
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Oct 10 05:37 UTC 1995 |
I haven't heard of any "dinner theater" places in Ann Arbor.
Kind of odd, as I have heard of them around Detroit 'burbs.
I'd definitely be interested in going to a show, and I'm sure
other Grexxers would too. But I'm totally in the dark about
the finances. Suppose we did a publicity event, and two shows
in a relatively cheap space, selling 40 tickets to each. Can
you give even a super-rough ballpark of how much it would be
to rent space and pay your cost, and what ticket prices might
be? I know the info sent via mail had lots of detail, but for
on-line discussion, some numbers here would be helpful. Any
guesses you could make would be more educated than most!
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wolfmage
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response 22 of 82:
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Oct 10 06:57 UTC 1995 |
re: #21 Here's some sample numbers and set-ups.
Murder Mystery
A lot of times more upscale restuarants will allow the event to take place
at the restaurant with no charge. They make their money by setting out a
buffet for the MM guests and by bar revenues.
Depending on circumstances, (i.e. cast and crew costs/travel/lodging)
Direction 7 MMs typically are $600-$100 with average fees at $700.
As in #6 that wouldn't necessarily apply to this project though.
If average ticket price is $20/person (or $35/couple) only 20 couples
need to buy tickets to make the fee back. (Not a bad value compared to
Red Lobster and an action movie at the multi-plex)
Into The Night
When done as a full evening event with three shows we expect (from
publicity only) about 80-100 people in an average market. Ann Arbor
would probably yeild more. Tickets are $5 for example, fee for this
configuration of show is $300-$500. At least there's a break even point.
Making the tickets $10 dollars is more reasonable if you have a reception
atmosphere and outside Direction 7 talent in the reception area. It's
a full evening event for $10 a head.
Living Myth
This is where rental come in. Living Myth *needs* a stage to run.
Fees start at $300. Given a 500 seat venue with $5 tickets that generates
$2500 or $2200 after fees, less venue costs.
Often Living Myth is abbreviated and run on stage with another Direction 7
act (soloist) opening, then there is an intermission and a special version
of Into The Night is presented. Kind of like two for one. The fee for the
double bill varies but is usually around $700-$900.
Hope that helps give you an idea.
REMEMBER: these are only ball park figures done on the fly to facillitate
discussion. Email me or call (517) 732-6978 for an actual quote.
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otter
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response 23 of 82:
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Oct 10 10:05 UTC 1995 |
ref #22:
PURELY hypothetical; none of those figures apply to real life, but you can
see the investment/return ratios involved.
Again, this discussion has not yet reached the point at which we can
address real numbers, especially regarding Grex.
Clarifications:
Murder Mystery - ticket prices include dinner and participation.
Into The Night - guests are cycled through from the reception to the show,
meaning that tickets are in blocks with different
arrival/show times.
Living Myth - more seats = higher profit margin per ticket. best when
coupled with a publicity event a day or two before the show.
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steve
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response 24 of 82:
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Oct 10 18:00 UTC 1995 |
Well, I'm certainly interested; it would be a lot of fun. I think
the biggest downside for Grex might be the amount of time needed to get
things ready? I've done stage work before, but enver handled the promo
side of things, or anything like that.
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