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Make 2016 a year to remember

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2015 has seen Red Masque entertainment directory – bringing party entertainment to events all over London and beyond. We’ve also seen some of our former acts go on to big things.

As an agency bursting at the seams with talent, here we look at just a couple of our recently added acts to look out for in 2016.

Male and Female singers stormed onto the Red Masque Entertainment directory in late 2014 and are picking up great feedback wherever they go! The boys and girls have put everything in their set lists to make sure that everyone’s musical tastes are pampered to.

Many people believe that Rock’n’Roll will never die and here at Red Masque, we tend to agree. So when our 60’s bands are hired out, it makes us Rock ‘n’ Roll too. With a completely authentic feel and sound, these bands deliver a full sound which is bound to keep the Dance floor full at many different types of event

There’s no denying that when Dynamo and Derren Brown came onto the scene, magic got very cool again. Our illusionists work along the same ethos – sharply dressed and delivering amazing tricks using any number of items including phones, cash and other belongings and also engages with a persona that sees guests always trying to lure him back to their table to do “one more trick”!

London based Musicians with Guitars and along with silky vocals to put well known songs in a different light. Thanks to a set list that can go from Beyoncé, Farrell Williams, The Beatles and Louis Armstrong. Guitar soloists are to feature very heavily in 2016.

You can be confident that whatever event you’re planning, we offer one of the biggest and most diverse choices of corporate event entertainment to hire to make sure you get the perfect act for your event in 2016 and beyond!

SAMBA!!

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Rio 2016 just a few months away, we thought it might be prudent to go a little more in-depth on exactly what you can look into for Brazilian party hire this year. From music to dancers, we have some great ideas for your corporate event or private party!

Brazilian Samba Dancers

Perhaps the first thing that people think about when they picture a Brazilian party, the Brazilian dance troupe actually specialise in a whole lot more than just samba, also able to dance Baile Funk and Brazilian Axé to get the party started! Their high energy routine can be presented as a stage performance or in a wandering Brazilian carnival style. Oh and to put you at ease, hiring Brazilian carnival dancers for your event doesn’t mean you have to dress like them, though we think you’ll agree that they look fabulous!

Bateria Drums

You could just have your colourfully costumed dancers jiving, but to really ramp up the Brazilian energy in the room, we recommend bringing in a few Bateria drummers or a Latin band to enhance the flavour of your party. With a multitude of instruments to choose from, the percussion will wow the crowd. Do you want a Surdo? A Repinique? How about an Agogô? There’s so much choice that the Rio 2016 opening ceremony will feel like it’s happening right in front of you!

Although it’s Rio 2016 we are celebrating this year, the sport most associated with Brazil and a number of countries in South America is undoubtedly football (or soccer if we want to use the local lingo.) Having a ‘freestyle footballer for hire’ – is sure to be a match winner!

To end your evening, why not indulge in a little Capoeira dancing? An Afro-Brazilian art form that combines elements of martial arts, music and dance is technical and graceful in equal measure. Incredible performed to live drums, the act can also perform to any music style desired. Though if you’re going for a Brazilian party evening, we recommend you steer away from the slow Classical numbers!

Make everyone happy!

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Imagine you are onstage performing and looking out at your audience. You want to connect with these people. If they are seated too far away, directly to your right or left, behind the stage or behind an obstruction; you—the performer—can’t reach the audience, and they—the audience—are likely to get frustrated and not enjoy the show. No one likes to stare at the back of someone’s head.

1. Set them up to see the show.

Seat your audience in FRONT of your stage and LIGHT your performers.

Avoid seating any audience members directly to the right or left, around a corner or especially behind the stage. It’s nearly impossible for the performers to connect with these people and they will likely stare at the side or back of the party performers for the whole performance or worse yet—miss the show completely.

If necessary, use the space directly to the sides of the stage for the buffet or bars, a photo booth, displays, etc. Leaving it open is even better.

If your space is narrow, seat the audience deep (vertically) versus spread side to side (horizontally). This will at least make the stage visible to most, if not all of your audience, even if they are a bit further away. And the event performers won’t feel like they’re turning their backs on some folks.

And be sure the performers will be lit with flattering stage lighting if the performance space will be dark.

2. Get cosy.

Seat your audience CLOSE to the stage and CLOSE to one another.

Great performers like to engage with their audience and make them feel included. If the first row of tables or chairs is too far away, that feels like dead space to the audience and the performers.

Seat the first row of the audience as close as five feet away from the front edge of the stage if possible and don’t spread the audience out too much. Keeping it all contained keeps the performance energy locked together.

If you have a lot of space, set up the extras (like the buffet, bars, etc.) behind the seating area, or just keep that space open. But get the audience close to the show!

3. A pillar is not your friend.

Don’t BLOCK your audience’s view of the stage.

Whenever possible, seat people to the right or left of any sort of obstruction. Unless, of course, you’re hosting superheroes and they all have X-ray vision. Most people will feel miffed if they are seated behind a pillar.

Keep this in mind when choosing a venue. If there are a lot of obstructions, look elsewhere if you’re hoping for full capacity!

4. Distraction ruins a show.

Set up ACTION spots away from the line of view of the stage.

As a performer, one of the worst things in the world is to have a constant visual or audio distraction anywhere near the stage during a show.

5. Allow plenty of time to set up and communicate.

Check in with your performers beforehand and build in ample set-up time on the day.

Make sure you have a conversation with the agent or performers before the event date. Send a mock-up drawing of your audience setup if you are unsure and get their input.

Then, on the day, be sure to give the performers plenty of time to get their sound equipment loaded in, set up, sound checked and get out of view before the audience starts coming in.

A little forethought and event planning is sure to make your event go off without a hitch. If you have a hard time envisioning a stage or an audience in your event space, enlist the help of a friend, a professional event planner or ask a performer or stage technician for help! Happy Planning!

Plan a more successful event

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1. Reserve a Venue Early On

Having a venue reserved allows organizers to begin marketing efforts in advance, which would lead to more early bird sales. It also has a budgetary advantage as other venues with similar capacities and layouts could have significantly lower prices when reserved a few months before the event. Contacting potential venues early on also provides more leeway regarding the dates as the venues are more likely to negotiate and provide a discount. Adequate organisation prior to choosing a date ensures that other competing events aren’t scheduled around the same time or that your event doesn’t coincide with certain holidays that would impact attendance.

2. Stick to a Theme

Creating and sticking to a theme establishes an atmosphere that attendees can easily understand and enjoy. An event theme can be as simple as constantly using a logo or more involved with communicating a brand identity. In either case, the theme should be consistent from the messaging to the materials. Invitations, photo backdrops, signage, tableware, apparel, takeaway gifts, hashtags, etc. should all adhere to the theme.

3. Hire Experts

Hiring an expert event planner is a safe way to minimize potential hitches at an event. Make sure the planner has worked on similar events in the past as many types of events have their own special event organizers like ones who arrange a wedding, a charity function, a party at a nightclub, or a conference.

4. Use the Right Event Software

Finding applicable event management software can be a time-consuming and meticulous process since different types of events need different solutions. Many organizers avoid event software altogether, but doing so often leads to complications when checking-in attendees, collecting analytics, communicating with attendees, and so on.

5. Collect Feedback and Iterate

Amassing feedback before, during, and after an event allows planners to learn from their successes and failures. Timing is key to getting good participation, so we recommend asking for feedback during the event’s coffee breaks and/or within 24 hours after the event ends. Formatting questions with yes/no answers or on a scale from 1 to 5 is the easiest way for the guests to respond — you can always leave a section for additional comments at the end. Another technique is to simply to delegate event ambassadors to walk around the event and ask attendees for their feedback, since in-person conversations are more convenient. A great way to encourage this feedback is to offer potential prizes.

These event tips will help you obtain the best venue available at the right price, and it will lead to great branding throughout the entire event lifecycle. More importantly, you’ll create a more personal relationship with your attendees, which will keep your event company in the know.

Plan ahead for your New Year party

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A Roast of the Past Year​

Everybody loves a good laugh! Instead of roasting the guest of honour, hire a Comedian to roast the past year. In this day and age, pop culture is inescapable, so your guests will be roaring with laughter as they look back at the year they’re leaving behind.

​From the year’s most famous celebrities to the moments that will go down in the history books, looking back (and making fun of) the year you’re leaving behind is a great way to commemorate the year and prepare for the next! You and your guests will laugh your way into the new year!

Red Carpet Party ​

​With a long red carpet, some velvet rope, a photographer, and your closest friends dressed to the nines—it’s amazing how a space can turn into a black tie affair! Get ready to ring in the New Year in style—and don’t forget the bubbly!

​For all of us who have practiced our Oscar’s acceptance speech into a shampoo bottle, here’s a chance to make it feel real. You and your guests can arrive in style in a limousine, walk down the red carpet and have photos taken by the “press and paparazzi,” and party like rock stars straight into the new year.

Casino Party​

​They say that the house always wins, so why not bring the casino to your house?

​Renting Casino is easy at Red Masque! Invite your best friends, hire a Barman to keep the drinks flowing, and test your luck for the new year! With slot machines, Blackjack, Roulette and everything in between, your guests will never forget the New Year’s Eve when Vegas came to them!

Disco Party ​

​With a 70’s Disco theme, your party will be “Staying’ Alive” with funk and retro dance steps! Put on an afro wig and your tallest pair of platforms, and you’ll be grooving’ all night to some Disco hits.

​Folks in the 70’s really knew how to party. It’s time to bring back the dance fever! Hire a DJ for some classic Disco hits and hang up a disco ball for the full effect. Break out those old lava lamps, some glow bracelets, and if you’re feeling brave, strap on those old roller skates! A Makeup Artist can match your glitter jumpsuit, and a professional Hair Stylist can really pull your look together with some Farrah Fawcett feathering. Now, let’s boogie!

Cirque du New Year​

​What better way to say goodbye to one year and hello to another than throwing your very own Cirque du Soleil—New Year’s Eve style! A circus-themed party is a feast for the eyes, perfect for corporate event entertainment and is sure to leave your guests raving about their start to the new year!

​From Aerialists to Fire Performers to Stilt Walkers and everything in between, you will find exactly what you need on Red Masque entertainment directory to make your Cirque party a hit.

Times Square Party ​

​So, you couldn’t make it to actual Times Square to watch the ball drop. That’s okay! We can bring the feel of New York City to you.

​Recreating the ball drop isn’t the easiest thing to do. But, here’s the next best thing… make a homemade confetti drop to line the ceiling. This can be a net, drop cloth, or other large cloth with ropes attached to release the confetti when the time is right! Invite all of your friends; it won’t feel like Times Square unless your party is packed. Party all night with your favourite 2016 tunes by hiring a DJ or Cover Band to perform. When the clock strikes midnight, have your noisemakers ready and pull the ropes to release the confetti! For a true Times Square experience, have your loved ones write down their wishes for the New Year on pieces of confetti and create a Wishing Wall!

A Vintage Circus Party

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Ever since “Water for Elephants” hit the theatres, we’ve been in love with the Vintage Circus party theme. The idea has been around for a while, but it’s still one of the most visually exciting party themes out there! Plus, you can add all kinds of amazing live entertainment to take things up a notch. We have a few ideas to bring your Vintage Circus party to life.

Decorations

Stripes are an easy way to incorporate that circus feel into your party. If you can’t have the actual big top tent, bringing the red and white stripes into your decor will do the trick. Hanging a backdrop of alternating white and red scarves or sheets can mimic the tent, as well. Try and find faded red to add to the vintage theme. Banners with alternating flags are another simple yet effective decoration. Luckily, balloons are inexpensive and fit beautifully into a Circus theme. Hang balloons from the ceiling and pair with white lights or scarves for a simple, yet gorgeous setting.

If your budget is a little higher, you could have marquee letters with lights spell out “CIRCUS” (or maybe the name of the guest/guests of honour).

Invitations are really fun for this theme. Create and print postcards announcing “The Circus is Coming to Town” with all of your event details.

Refreshments

What foods do you love at the circus? hot dogs, or candy floss? All great ideas for your Vintage Circus party! Set up a self-serve table with all of your favourites and let your guests take their pick. Or if you’d rather have someone else take care of the details and add an element of authenticity, try bringing in a company to provide candy floss hot dogs, and more.

If your party includes a cake, there are tons of amazing designs out there. Professional cake decorators can help your vision come to life, or simplify things with a cupcake tower instead! Just frost them in your theme colours, add a printable toothpick flag, and you’re set.

To dress up your food table a bit, print labels in a fun “Circus” font.

Party Entertainment

While it would be amazing to have an elephant in your backyard, it’s not entirely probable. That doesn’t mean you can’t have awe-inspiring entertainment at your Vintage Circus party! In fact, some of our favourite types of corporate event entertainment live in this category. If you have the space, Aerialists put on some amazing shows in the air above the party. Jugglers, Fire eaters, and Acrobats can also take advantage of the area and keep your guests mesmerized.

If space is a little tight, try up-close and personal entertainment like Mind readers, Tarot Card Readers, or Street Magicians Have some kids at the party? Balloon Moddlers and Face Painters are always a great addition to Circus parties!

One hell of a roast

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A pig roast is a great addition to your next birthday party, bonfire, or garden bash! Here are a few suggestions to make your pig roast unforgettable…

If you’re having a pig roast at your outdoor party or event, draw some more attention to it! Consider making or buying pig-themed or -shaped invitations, or having a food station with a bunch of different types of BBQ sauce, hot sauce, and other condiments to “dress your pig.”

Serve with loads of salad and bread or wraps so your guests can stuff this delicious roast in-between and sink their teeth into. Don’t forget to include a lot of serviettes as it may get a bit messy; but well worth it!!

For some, a pig roast will be unforgettable in a bad way. A whole hog spinning over an open flame just isn’t for everyone. So, instead of having them look back in horror, have something available for your vegetarian friends! In fact, opt for vegetarian-friendly pig-themed foods, like vegetarian pigs-in-a-blanket or cupcakes decorated like pig snouts! You could ask a Cake Decorator to create an epic pig-shaped cake to celebrate.

Pig roasts are a great way to kick up your outdoor party a few notches and leave lasting memories. Now, just don’t burn the pig.

Black History Month Assembly

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Black History Month was established in 1976 by President Gerald Ford, declaring that U.S. citizens “seize the opportunity to honour the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavour throughout our history.”

Storytellers

Professional storytellers have the unique ability to take a subject and weave it into a tale that grabs the audience and doesn’t let go. Most children love hearing stories, and you can add an historical twist with the right storyteller. Bring your Black History assembly to life with a storyteller that can share about the inspirational lives of Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King, Jr., Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, and more.

African Music and Dance

If you’re looking for something that’s more captivating and engaging, try including an African Music or Dance group in your school assembly. Many traditional African musicians use drums and/or koras (a 21-stringed instrument made from a large gourd) to create beautiful and fascinating music. Some groups enhance the experience with griots, which are West Africans musicians, poets, and storytellers.

Poets.

Poets: take social, political, emotional, and historical issues and form them into powerful poetry. You can speak with them ahead of time to see if they have material that fits the message you’d like to convey, and some may even be able to create new material for your students. These speakers would probably work better with older students, such as junior high or high schoolers, since the performances can be intense or contain complex symbolism.

Tribute Artists

There’s no doubt that history is filled with amazing musicians and singers from the last several decades, so why not highlight them during your Black History Month assembly? Bring a tribute artist to your students and let them experience some “new” music! In the days where iTunes rule, a tribute performance can bring the past to life for them. Shake up the usual routine with a tribute to the “Velvet Voice of Our Time” Nat King Cole, the king of soul Ray Charles, or the power of Diana Ross. Your students will definitely find inspiration in the legacy that these artists have left behind.

Professional Speakers

Is your school in need of inspiration? No one does it better than Motivational Speakers. Using both personal narratives and historical examples, these speakers can help students understand the struggles that have been faced in America’s past, and motivate them to rise above adversity.

The world of sports has changed dramatically over the years, thanks to ground-breaking Black athletes such as Muhammed Ali, Michael Jordan, Mike Tyson to name a few. Whether you’re presenting an assembly for all students or motivating your school’s sports team, an Athletic Speaker can be the key. Most speakers can tailor their presentation around specific content (such as prominent black athletes in sports history) to reach your audience with your intended message.

Star Wars themed evening

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Star Wars: For many young padawans and a fair few not-so-young padawans, this is the film event of the year and the only way to properly celebrate will be to hold your very own Star Wars party. Here’s a few ideas to get you started as you ponder whether you should go as Luke Skywalker, Han Solo or Obi-Wan Kenobi.

Naturally upon entering the party, you’ll be wanting to experience the delight of Star Wars from the get-go with a string quartet playing the Star Wars theme. This has worked at many previous film-themed events. It gets people in the mood to have fun and more importantly, puts them in the right mind-set for what is going to be a thrilling experience.

Upon entering the party, have a drink – a Star Wars cocktail perhaps? – at your Star Wars themed bar (or alternatively go with the style seen at the Force Awakens premier party) before venturing on and sampling the entertainment. Hopefully this won’t be in a galaxy far, far away but fairly close by.

As you meander through your event venue, you might begin to notice a few recognisable faces. Whether you’ve gone for lookalikes or costumed characters, a Star Wars party is only really complete when you feel as though you’re in amongst the action. Other Star Wars party ideas might include an area to duel with lightsabres.

We love a BB-8 inflatable balloon hirers, naturally you can always pick someone else from The Force Awakens, but BB-8 is quite clearly the cutest choice (sorry, R2D2 and C3PO). And once that’s done, you can savour the memory of the occasion by basking in the glory of a Star Wars Photo Booth.

And finally, as the party is fully under way, it might be an idea to ask your party band to turn up the music and play the ultimate song. Enjoy your evening and ‘May the Force be with you’!!!

Things to consider when organising an exhibition

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You’ve got your booth and your display, and you want everyone to stop and see what you have to offer. But how do you get them to stop? Make your exhibition booth unforgettable with some un-boring additions!

Food and Drink

Every human loves food. It’s just a fact. If there’s food at your booth, you’re practically guaranteed to have a swarm of people. So if you choose to have food or drinks, be prepared with large quantities! You can usually get an estimate of attendees from the convention’s website or the sales person who sold you the booth.

Also, check the restrictions of the exhibition, because sometimes food isn’t allowed unless it’s pre-packaged. If that’s the case, try attaching your business card to the packages so your prospects will know where it came from later.

If food is allowed, try something a little more fun than a tray of quiches. Bringing in Concessions like marshmallow machines or gourmet candy floss can add an adult twist on classic childhood favourites. If the exhibition allows alcohol, mini cocktails are another winner. Hire a Bartender to handle the mixing while you focus on networking!

Celebrity Impersonators

Want to create a buzz around your booth? Bring in a celebrity, of course. It starts with one person whispering to their friend, “Is that Lady Gaga?” and before you know it, everyone is checking out your booth. Celebrity Impersonators can pose with guests for pictures, sign autographs, and add an air of glamour to what can be a dry event. Whether you choose a blast from the past like Marilyn Monroe or Elvis or keep it newer with James Bond or Austin Powers, you won’t regret it. And neither will the attendees!

Live Party Entertainment

Another great way to draw attention is a live performance at your booth. Close-Up Magicians can snag passers-by and get them involved with card tricks or other quick sleights of hand. If sound restrictions allow, you could even have a musical performance like a One-Man Band or String quartet. Send a Stilt Walker into the crowd with your company to recruit attendees for your booth, or have a Juggler or Belly Dancer for a more compact performance.

Unique Merchandise

Lastly, give your attendees something cool to remember you by. Most importantly, give them something they’ll actually keep and use. High-quality sunglasses are usually a hit, or well-made soft t-shirts are another. Go big or go home! Pens are a cheaper option, and everyone loves them. Portable phone chargers are a trending item right now, too. Whatever you choose, just ask yourself what you would like to leave with. Check out sites to order items in bulk with your logo on them. You don’t want people to forget who gave them such awesome stuff!

With a little creativity, you can have the best booth at the exhibition. Give people an experience that they won’t soon forget, and drum up some great relationships and potential new business.