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10 Questions to Ask Before Booking a Corporate Entertainer
10 Questions to Ask Before Booking a Corporate Entertainer
10 Questions to Ask Before Booking a Corporate Entertainer Because your event shouldn't be remembered for all the wrong reasons.
Booking a corporate entertainer can feel a bit like juggling flaming torches – one wrong move and someone gets burned (figuratively, of course). Whether you’re organising a corporate event in Sydney, a national conference, an end-of-year party, or a team-building day, the right entertainer can turn an ordinary night into an unforgettable experience.
But how do you know if they’re the right fit?
If you’re hunting for event entertainment ideas or looking to hire a comedy juggler who knows how to handle a corporate crowd – this checklist is your best friend.
Here are 10 questions every event planner, HR manager, or executive assistant should ask before locking someone in – because no one wants to be stuck with a magician who makes your CEO disappear (and not come back).
1. What kind of events do you usually perform at?
You want someone who gets your vibe. A juggler who crushes it at kids’ parties might not translate well to a room full of lawyers on their third glass of shiraz. Ask what types of events they specialise in – corporate gigs, gala dinners, conferences, etc. The more aligned, the better.
2. Can you tailor the show to fit our audience?
Your CEO and your interns probably don’t laugh at the same jokes… or maybe they do, but it’s safer to check. A great entertainer can adapt to your demographic, theme, or company culture – even work in some cheeky inside jokes if you give them the green light.
3. What's your experience with corporate crowds?
Corporate audiences can be tricky – sometimes they haven’t laughed since Q2. An experienced performer knows how to break the ice, keep the energy up, and make even the most awkward table feel like part of the fun.
4. Can we see a showreel or client testimonials?
If they don’t have a video, do they even exist? You should be able to watch past performances and hear from happy clients. Bonus points if the video doesn’t look like it was filmed on a potato in 2009.
5. Are you self-contained or do we need to provide gear?
You don’t want to find out last minute that your “easy-going entertainer” needs 4 projectors, a fog machine and someone named Kevin to hold a disco ball. Ask about tech needs – sound, lights, stage size – so you’re not caught juggling logistics.
6. How do you handle tough crowds or awkward moments?
Let’s be real: not every audience is instantly rolling in the aisles. A pro knows how to read the room, reset the energy, and steer through weird vibes without skipping a beat.
7. Are you insured and safe?
Especially if there are fire tricks, knives, or just the general chaos of someone like me. A proper entertainer will have public liability insurance and know how to perform safely – even while balancing on a unicycle juggling rubber chickens.
8. Can you stick to our event schedule?
There’s nothing worse than an entertainer showing up halfway through desert when the CFO’s already halfway to the car park. Punctuality, professionalism, and clear communication matter.
9. Do you offer audience involvement or interactive elements?
Let’s face it: people love seeing their boss called up on stage to juggle or dance (especially if they’re bad at it). Find out how interactive the show is and if that fits your crowd.
10. What sets you apart from other entertainers?
This is the big one. Why them? The answer should be memorable, passionate, and maybe a little ridiculous. If they can’t tell you what makes them unique – they probably aren’t.
Final Thoughts
Hiring the right corporate event entertainer can lift your function from forgettable to legendary. Whether it’s laughs, energy, audience engagement, or just a break from PowerPoint presentations – asking the right questions helps you find the performer who fits like a sequin – covered glove.
Ready to tick all the boxes (and juggle a few more)?
Click here to hire James Bustar – a comedy juggler based in Sydney performing across Australia and on cruise ships worldwide. From stage shows to roving acts, corporate gigs to chaos-filled conferences, I’ll bring the fun – you bring the crowd. Check out the showreel to see what he can do!
