As I have done these parties, I have seen all the types of audiences you could imagine, even those you wouldn’t want to imagine. It used to amaze how different groups would react to the same material. In some cases the group can be blamed. Sometimes it’s an entertainer. BUT!! atmosphere is usually the culprit in more than 90% of cases. It’s unlikely that the atmosphere will improve on its own if the wrong atmosphere is not created from the start.
Works if you want to entertain guests at your house party. Make a list of these tips before you host your next party.
1. Hide your remotes and turn off the TV!
There is no reason to have a television present unless this is a viewing event. It’s important to mix and mingle at a party, but that can’t be done with a few people glued to the TV. While performing at a private home party, I noticed a man sitting in the rear, who was laughing and enjoying the performance as much or more than anyone else. He turned the TV on for a very brief time… behind me to check the scores of a football match. I’ll never know why. It took 10 minutes for everyone to get back on track. Most people were angry that he did it. Do not give the people an option.
2. Crank up the music
It is great to have upbeat music at parties. It adds extra noise to the background, which can break awkward silences and seem to give the party more life. The music doesn’t have to be loud. Just loud enough so that you can hear it. Music should only be turned off when entertainment begins. After the entertainment has ended, the music should be turned back on.
3. Children and adults sitting together
This is the one thing you should take away from this article. Many people think that adults should stand/sit in the back while the children should sit or stand on the floor at the front. This is totally wrong! Children behave much better when they sit with their parents. It’s a completely different show…and much better. Even if it’s a birthday party for a child, inviting the parents will be a great favor.
4. Before guests arrive, chairs for the show are set up.
It does more than you think. It prevents you having to put up chairs at the party with people standing around, judging. It creates an atmosphere for guests to walk into that makes them feel like they are about to be entertained. Thirdly, it can control where people sit. This stops someone from picking up a chair, putting it where they want but not in the place of people behind them who are staring at giant heads.
5. Food not available during the show
Food is a big distraction. When I am hungry, and have a plate full of food in front of me, I don’t really care what’s going on at the front. In many parties the food is displayed in “buffet-style” so that guests are aware it’s available at all times. Do this…about 10 mins before the show begins, announce that food will be put away until show time. It gives the audience time to adjust. When children are in attendance, dessert is always served after the show. Also, the DESSERT is always served after! Give a group children some cake and Ice Cream and make them sit for half an hour. It is easiest to just serve the food right after the show.
6. Alcohol: Be careful
It’s not that I don’t recommend alcohol. But you should take into account a few factors. How long will the party last? Do you have any heavy drinkers in your party? Will there be children? One person swinging off the kitchen chandelier can ruin a party and ruin the entire show. Unfortunately, I have seen this happen. The host allowed the wrong person to drink too much. This caused a lot of embarrassment to everyone in attendance. Do not make this mistake when you host a party.
7. Set the friendly Atmosphere from the beginning
Keep your door close. Welcome people when they enter and introduce anyone new to the group. It will get them involved, without them having a ton of work. You want them to feel comfortable from the beginning.
Quick Bonus Tip
I love cats and dogs. Please keep them away from the room while the show is going on. It was only when I did magic at his house that it didn’t become a distraction. He had a large dog who sat in the middle of the floor doing nothing. It looked…and behaved…like a rug made of bearskin.
Conclusion
Just because you’ve hired for your house party, doesn’t mean that it will be a good party. They have an app with the items you see on it. My clients come back to me year after year. This list will make your party a success.