FAQs
Admin
- Start here. These FAQs should address all of your questions/concerns.
- Go to blue ‘About’ button (middle of Home page) for performance details.
- Next, go to ‘Tours’ page (main menu) and see when a tour is available in your city and state.
- Finally, scan ‘Quick View Calendar’ (bottom of Home page) for compatible dates and/or go directly to any green BOOK NOW button and reserve your show.
Password is required for any green BOOK NOW button. You should be given the password within an email and/or other communication. Please only share this password with authorized individuals.
(Price-point fluctuates based on inter-city, inter-state, and other travel dynamics)
- Senior Living (65-minutes):
- $175.00 – $250.00
- Resorts/55+ neighborhoods)/RV communities (70-mins):
- $325.00
- VA Hospitals/Centers (70-minutes):
- FREE
- Apartment communities (non-senior) [70-mins]:
- $350.00
- Military venues and affiliations (up to 90-minutes):
- see contract
- Church organizations (up to 75-mins):
- see contract
- Corporate events/functions (up to 90-mins):
- see contract
Run times are tailored to your venue. Most shows run for about 70-mins.
Not for land-based venues.
Note: Thirty-minute and 45-minute performances are better suited for cruise ships and dinner cruises.
Currently, there is enough material to showcase three distinct 65-minute performances.
Life is all about negotiation — let’s talk.
Yes. I can provide any number of references.
Go to the ‘Demo’ page on the website.
Practically any type of get-together works because the show contains a diverse set of themes.
I have showcased for birthday parties, cocktail hours, holiday celebrations, family nights, “activity hours,” dinners, and as part of other broader events.
Everyday except the three major holidays: Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
Earliest and latest performance start times are 12:30 PM and 7:00 PM, respectively. Start times can begin on the quarter- or half-hour as well; for example, 2:45 pm or 5:30 pm.
NOTE: The booking calendar form will reflect available times
Senior living communities, RV resorts, 55+ neighborhoods, VA hospitals, nursing facilities, rehab centers, apartment complexes, military-affiliated organizations, and various business establishments.
No. I leave that up to the puppet-making experts.
The majority are from Axtell Expressions in Ventura, CA.
Some of my puppet characters are custom designed. Axtell does fantastic work!
Every cast member (including myself) plays a character. Therefore, the inclusion of the word ‘character’ is appropriate.
Examples of a few characters: Cowboy, Diva, and Frank Sinatra tribute singer.
I periodically search the internet and never find anything comparable. My audience members, who tend to skew older, often tell me they have never seen another similar performance.
I began performing as an actor for over 25 years within a variety of arts, e.g., plays, ballets, clowning, shorts.
Have been showcasing The Musical Puppeteer for 10 years now..
I take pride in being honest and having integrity. I ask for permission first and use my common sense. In today’s fast-changing environment, I keep my eyes and ears open and stay mindful of cultures, social diversity, organizational dynamics, and general context clues.
Before the show
Within a few days, we will confirm your booking by email (from musicalpuppeteer@gmail.com) that includes an invoice, W-9, and any other required documents.
If your booking is “not approved” it’s most likely because you booked a date during a time the performance is not in your location. In this case, you will receive an auto-generated email that your booking is “declined,” and we will ask you to renegotiate your booking.
NOTE: After clicking on your desired performance date within the booking calendar, please ensure your city/state, email, and performance time are filled and/or chosen properly.
Please provide and advise as necessary on any contract, corporate documentation, insurance form, etc.
My email confirmation to you serves as our digital ‘contract to perform.’
NOTE: I can provide a standard contract if necessary.
Yes. I carry general liability insurance.
NOTE: Certificate available upon request.
In my experience, one has never been necessary. Should something unforeseen take place, I would notify you in order to cancel or reschedule, and I would expect the same. Though please try to do so up to at least five hours before your show start time.
NOTE: Obviously, a prevailing contract will take precedence.
Due to puppet character materials, I prefer to perform in fully enclosed spaces, but I can make rare exceptions for covered areas on non-inclement weather days.
About a 12ft x 12ft area — I can adjust to reasonably smaller spaces.
The largest utility cart, concierge trolley, or hand truck you have available.
Two and one half hours and the same for strike.
So long as I don’t bother anyone, I don’t mind if others are around while I set up.
I use a portable sound system: Rockville 15″ speaker with up to 600 watts of continuous power.
One standard outlet.
Note: I have extension cords
I use my own microphone for a short introduction.
Generally, do as you wish. For best results, the audience should sit as close to the performance table as feasible. Ensure to stagger the seating especially when the performance space is not elevated. Sitting on the extreme sides should be discouraged.
During the show
Depending on the specific show; polka, big band, folk, military marches, opera, and a good dose of the 70s; hits from Sinatra, Elvis, Peggy Lee, Bobby Darin et al.
No. As the show’s name suggests, I’m a puppeteer. However, ventriloquism is an element of the show.
As an actor, I like to project honesty and believability. Please read my BIO for more.
You bet. Here is my pledge to you as a professional entertainer:
The show is geared toward adult audiences and is neither childish nor condescending; nor is there any content that could be construed as disrespectful or indecent. Free of any explicit political, religious, and sexual themes—and more important, no foul language—the performance is appropriate for inter-generational audiences. I can adjust depending on the venue.
Adults appreciate the music selection, the storylines, and the acting more so than children. Please see ABOUT page on why the show can resonate with children.
I use warning cones.
For the best possible experience, no one should enter into the performance area nor move any item from it’s place.
I will refrain from using lighters and candles –again, I can adjust accordingly.
Yes. The visual and melodic nature of the show and the multiple elements used allow even non-native English speakers to appreciate the performance.
Unless I give explicit permission, videography is prohibited.
I do give automatic consent to your authorized staff member(s) or agent(s) to take still photos only.
If possible, I suggest that staff or a “member-in-charge” be present in order to monitor the audience.
I only perform one show per day. It is the very rare occasion when I perform two shows at the same venue, on the same day because of the time involved in (re)setting up and breaking down the stage area.
See Elements section at the bottom of the ABOUT page.
After the show
Absolutely. Just ask and I’ll accommodate.
About 2 1/2 hours.
I prefer to pack myself. Once everything is packed, and your staff or authorized agent wishes to assist transporting items to my vehicle, that’s always appreciated.
NOTE: I ask that NO ONE handle my portable sound system.
Check either mailed to invoice address or given on performance day. Cash, Zelle, and your Direct Deposit process are also accepted.
I understand that some locations have external payment systems. I’m flexible on reasonable payment timeframes.