10 Questions to Ask Any Entertainer Before You Book

Booking entertainment is one of the few event decisions guests remember afterward. The food gets eaten, the decorations come down, and the schedule blurs — but people talk about the show. That makes choosing the right performer worth a short, structured conversation rather than a quick phone call and a hopeful deposit.

The good news is that you do not need to be an entertainment expert. You only need to ask ten straightforward questions and pay attention to how clearly they are answered. Below is the checklist I would use if I were the one hiring.

1. How often do you perform for this exact type of event?

A performer who works corporate receptions every month is not automatically prepared for a room full of six-year-olds, and the reverse is just as true. Ask about the audience, not just the résumé. Recent, repeated experience with your event type means the performer already knows how to handle the pacing, the noise, and the surprises that come with it.

2. What exactly is included in the show?

Two quotes that look similar can describe very different events. Confirm the format, the show length, whether audience participation is part of the performance, whether strolling time is included or extra, and whether anything commonly assumed — a sound system, a birthday-child moment, a second set — costs more.

3. What is the total price, including travel?

Ask for the complete number. Travel outside a normal service area, extended performance time, additional formats, and holiday scheduling can all affect the total. A professional will explain the pricing structure without hesitation and put it in writing.

4. How much space and setup time do you need?

This is the question most planners forget, and it causes the most day-of stress. Ask about the performance area, whether a table or power outlet is required, how much room the audience needs for clear sightlines, and how early the performer arrives. Then share your actual room, including ceiling height, seating, and any outdoor conditions.

5. Is the material clean and appropriate for my guests?

Never assume. Ask directly whether the content is family-friendly, inclusive, and free of humor that could embarrass a guest or a volunteer. Schools, libraries, churches, and corporate events often have additional expectations, and a professional will welcome that conversation instead of treating it as a limitation.

6. Can I see video and recent references?

Video shows tone, humor, and audience interaction in a way that a description cannot. Live footage with real guests is more revealing than a tightly edited promo reel. Recent references or reviews from events similar to yours add useful confirmation that the experience holds up outside the highlight clips.

7. What is your cancellation and reschedule policy?

Ask before the deposit, not after. Find out how deposits are handled, what happens if you need to move the date, how outdoor events are handled in bad weather, and what the performer does if illness or an emergency arises. Clear answers here separate hobbyists from professionals.

8. Can you personalize the show for my event or guest of honor?

Ask whether the performer can tailor material to your event—a birthday child's name, a company message, a school theme, or a specific audience. A good entertainer will explain how they adapt the show without losing pacing or quality. Some venues, schools, city facilities, and corporate campuses may also require a certificate of liability insurance; if yours does, ask early so documentation can be provided in time.

9. Who will I be talking to on event day?

Confirm that the person you booked is the person who performs, and get a phone number for the day itself. Establish arrival time, load-in details, parking, and who greets the performer. Small logistics create most of the day-of friction, and they are easy to solve in advance.

10. Will we have a written agreement?

A simple contract protects both sides. It should record the date, start time, location, show length, fee, deposit, and what happens if plans change. If a performer resists putting basic details in writing, treat that as useful information.

Quick Comparison Sheet

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Booking on price alone. The lowest quote often reflects less preparation, shorter experience, or fewer included elements.
• Skipping the space conversation. A great show in the wrong room still disappoints guests who cannot see it.
• Assuming content is appropriate. Ask, especially for schools, libraries, and mixed-age audiences.
• Leaving the agreement verbal. Memory is not a contract, and details drift over weeks of planning.
• Waiting too long. Popular dates fill early, which limits your options rather than your budget.

Tres the Great performs clean, interactive comedy magic for Utah birthday parties, schools, libraries, corporate events, and community celebrations. Explore show options, review pricing, watch the video guide to these questions or more performance video, read testimonials, learn how to choose a magician, or check availability.