RESOURCES & ASSETS

Stage: Please provide an elevated stage at least 12′ x 16 (Rectangle is better than square).

Stage position: Please place stage in the center of the longest wall in the room so everyone is as close as possible. Please do not place the stage at the far end of a room. Please do not place a dance floor between the stage and the audience.

Stairs: Please have a set of steps off of the side or center of the stage into the audience.

Set: Please provide 2-4 chairs.

Audience: Please have the audience seated as close to the stage as possible. Please do not schedule performance simultaneously with dessert service, meals, appetizers, open bar or wait staff clearing the room. Please do not have obstructions, or distractions between the audience and the stage.

Backstage: Please give Michael Griffin access to a restroom and bottled water. Please provide a room where he can change his clothes, set props, and store his property safely during the show. Preferably a room with a lock.

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Backdrop: DO set up a curtain (pipe and drape), video wall, or screen with rear projection. DON’T leave the stage with a window or just a blank wall.

Professional lighting: DO provide a standard stage wash with follow spot if the option is available.

House lights: DO set the house lights at half. Bright enough so the average person with reading glasses can read large newsprint.

Video: DO have a camera man tightly follow the action in the show, if available. DO project to a screen center stage and above the performer so audience focus stays center stage. DON’T set screens to the side that draw focus.

Program: DO include a photo of Michael Griffin as well as his name, and some of his television credits in the program if one is given out.

Meals: DO, if meals will be provided it is best for Michael Griffin to have Vegetarian or Poultry. DON’T provide other meats.

Hotel: DO If a hotel will be provided, Michael Griffin would like a hotel with parking, internet access, and within walking distance of a 24 hour restaurant.

The best time to start the show is after dessert has been served and all service has concluded. Service staff can easily block the view of the program and make it difficult for your audience members to enjoy the opening moments.

Close the bar during the show. If people get up during the program to get a drink, it sends a psychological message to everyone in the room that they are no longer interested in the show.

Avoid obstructions to viewing the program. Columns, walls, large table decorations, or a large buffet table between the audience and the stage, blocks the view of the program. If they can’t see, they will talk, and be unable to enjoy the program.

Avoid a dance floor. A small dance floor which does not divide the room into two separate halves can work, but special care must be taken to position the audience as close to the stage as possible. There must be an audience in front of the stage.

One wireless handheld microphone with a stand. Must have fresh batteries!

I do have a mic with a sound system that I can bring along at extra cost, but it is better to use the “house” equipment. Unless you let me know, I will assume you are providing a wireless handheld mic, stand and sound system.

Minimum of two main speakers (placed at each side of the stage). Please provide high quality speakers appropriate for the size of  audience and venue. Please do not use in the built in speakers in the ceiling as they are built for low level background music and will be muddy. Most professional performance venues have proper PA systems.  Also, DJ or band systems are often not suitable.