Date: 20 Aug 96 18:31:18 +0500
From: puppetco-AT-cais.cais.com (Christopher Piper)
Subject: Re: Expanding our puppetry business


>As I have recently lost my primary job, my wife and I are looking to expand
>our puppetry business.  Up to now we have relied on library shows for
>summer reading programs.  We have heard of two other venues (besides home
>birthdays) that interest us and would like to know if anyone has had any
>experience with/information about them (or any other bright ideas).

>Idea 1)  Perform on cruise ships.  Do we need an "adult" show?  Are there
>family cruises where they are looking for children's entertainment?  Do we
>need more than one show?

My guess is the more variety you can offer a ship, the better your
prospects.  I would also guess that such a venue would call for a lot
more polish than your average library show.

Contact Jean Ann Ryan Productions, 308 SE 14th Street, Ft. Lauderdale,
FL  33316 (954) 523-6414.  They are casting for musicals and revues for
Norwegian Cruise Lines, and may be able to give you some advice.

>Idea 2)  Collaboration with a local pizza parlor for birthday parties.
>They provide the food and space, we provide the show, the parents provide
>the crowd control.

No experience here, but consider Sunday morning children's brunches and
in home birthday parties as well.  I know nothing about your setup, so I
am shooting from the hip.  My little "Punch and Judy" kept the Puppet
Co. going in the early days with birthday parties and outdoor festivals.
I also did a midnight cabaret at a restaurant with Mr. Punch doing
political analysis.

Good luck.
  ________________________________________________________________________
  * Christopher Piper }P-{>   ||||||||||||   The Puppet Co. Playhouse    *
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