FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
CAN YOU PERFORM ON STAGE?
Yes! The Wade Henry Ability Show is designed as an exciting stage act. Wade travels with his own wireless microphone utilizing standard-sized 1/4" jacks to plug into your sound system. A CD with music tracks is given to your sound man. It takes less than 10 minutes to coordinate and set up a smoothly running show. The act is choreographed to music, and Wade interacts with the audience via pro standard wireless mic. The result is a professional show with minimal set-up and tear-down time.
CAN YOU PERFORM ON THE GROUNDS?
Yes! Wade is one of the most successful street performing acts in the world. The show is highly portable and is extremely effective on street closures, in parks or in any open space on the fairgrounds. Wade uses a unique battery-operated sound system that allows him to perform virtually anywhere. The spontaneous flavor of a great street show and the intimacy of audience interaction creates a truly extraordinary Fair experience. For that reason, the strolling street show is increasingly popular with Fairs.
Wade can also stroll the grounds as a "walk-around" entertainer. A favorite with Fairs is "Charlie the Uni-Horse" - a horse mounted on a six-foot high unicycle that Wade rides around the fairgrounds while doing tricks. "Charlie-Horse" is a one-of-a-kind attraction on the Fair and Festival circuit. This means of entertainment can be delivered IN ADDITION to the stage act/street show option. It is a great way to add extra value to your fairgoers.
HOW LONG IS THE SHOW?
Wade's standard show is 30 minutes long for stage or street performances. This can be lengthened or shortened to meet your needs.
Walk-around "sets" are usually 1 hour.
HOW MANY SHOWS DO YOU DO EACH DAY?
For Fairs and Festivals, Wade standardly delivers 4 shows per day. However, some fairs (particularly in the Southern states) are "evening only" (gates open at 5:00 p.m.) on weekdays. In such cases, Wade will perform 3 shows per day on weekdays and then 5 shows per day on the busier weekends.
WHAT IS THE COST?
The fee is calculated to cover the expenses of a performing act of professional standard. This includes props and equipment, costuming, travel, accommodations, insurance & legal, promotion, etc. The performing fee is highly standardized, which is to say that the price is the same no matter what type of event you are (Fair/Festival/Rodeo/Theme Park). The daily rate is the same whether you have Wade perform his act on Stage or on the Grounds (or combination).
Wade is the solution to your limited entertainment budget. As a multi-faceted grounds act, he can perform at a fraction of the cost of a live music band. He not only "Wow's" audiences on stage, but also spreads your entertainment dollars around the fairgrounds with his unique strolling sets. It's this optimum use of an experienced world-class grounds act that gives you the biggest "bang for the buck".
There are discounts for longer-running fairs (5 days or longer).
Wade provides his own meals. In most cases, he looks after his own transportation and accommodation costs as well.
Contact Wade for current rates.
WHY FAIRS?
A variety entertainer can perform shows for a multitude of audiences. There are Cruise Ships, Theme Parks, Theatres, TV, Film, Private Parties, Corporate Events, Casinos, Intermission (Sports) Acts and others. Although Wade has covered this gamut, he primarily chooses to perform at Fairs and Festivals. Why? In Wade's words:
"The United Stated was founded by a small group of intelligent men who were mainly farmers. Washington, Jefferson, Madison and Monroe were farmers by occupation. Madison indicated that a free and independent country must first and foremost be able to feed itself. His vision of the United States was an expanding and prosperous nation with an agrarian base. It would become as prosperous as its farmers and ranchers were free to flourish. He was right.
I think ranchers and farmers deserve admiration. They feed us. They founded us. That's one reason why I lend my talents to the Fair industry. Annual Fairs are where they meet to exchange ideas and celebrate."
The other reason has to do with community. In an age when many are addicted to TV and the internet, people need to get out more to meet their neighors. Fairs get people out of the house and into contact with each other. Fairs create community.
WHY FESTIVALS?
Most Festivals began as a means to celebrate the community's productive efforts. Whether it's the productive catch of fishermen (a Seafood Festival), or a harvest (an Onion Festival), or the creative expression of Artists (an Arts Festival), the Festival is an event that celebrates productivity.
We live in a hectic world of 2nd mortgages, pharmaceuticals and income taxes. It can be a frenzy. Festivals allow us to take a well-deserved break to celebrate each other....and the other things that are important to us.
DO YOU CARRY LIABIILITY INSURANCE?
Yes. Wade's rule is "safety at all times". He is extremely well-trained in every facet of his act. In his 14 year professional performing career (over 6,000 shows), Wade has never had an audience mishap. Nonetheless, his shows are fully insured, with at least 2 million dollars in policy limits.
WHAT IS THE BOOKING/CONTRACTING PROCEDURE?
All we need is a verbal commitment to put you on the calendar and hold the dates until we arrange the contract. You will then receive a packet with contract, press photos, a brief bio and other particulars as needed.
In most cases, there is a deposit required to secure entertainment services (25% of the contract total OR one day's performing rate - whichever is less), with the balance payable on the last day of the Fair. The deposit is due within 30 days of contract origination.
Our Fair/Festival contracts are not more than 3 pages long and are easy to understand. They do not contain "small print", "fine print" or "mouse print". There is not a single asterisk in the agreement. There is no unnecessary hard-to-read legal terminology. There are no supplementary attachments of endless riders with outrageous special requests on behalf of the performer.
We're not out to confuse anyone. We're just good at "delivering the goods", which you'll recognize when you see us at your Fair.
DO YOU HAVE OTHER QUESTIONS?
CONTACT WADE HENRY:
ABILITY ENTERTAINMENT
CLEARWATER, FL
(727) 443-0347
EMAIL: wadehenryshow@msn.com 