CAN YOU PERFORM AROUND THE GROUNDS?
Yes! Wade is the expert at delivering the Strolling Grounds Show at Fairs and Festivals.
The skills necessary to perform this way are unique: effective audience interaction, crowd control, comedy & timing, highly developed performing skills, and an ability to lead an audience. With a training background suitable for this sort of act, Wade has mastered the craft.
The act is a real crowd pleaser and has a big "Wow!!" factor.
As a strolling attraction, Wade's act is extremely unique. Although it is a "strolling act", it is delivered as a "show". He sets the act up in open spaces around the grounds and allows the audience to crowd around. The act is then delivered as a full show that builds upon the participation of a growing audience and finishes with a spectacular finale.
The show adapts to your space.
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 Strolling Show and the intimacy of audience interaction creates a truly extraordinary Fair experience. For that reason, the Strolling Grounds Show is popular with Fairs.
CAN YOU PERFORM ON OUR STAGE?
Yes! The Wade Henry Show is often delivered as an exciting stage act. Wade travels with his own wireless microphone utilizing standard-sized 1/4" (or XLR) jacks to plug into your sound system. An iPod or CD with music tracks can be 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.
If you have a music stage, Wade's act can be delivered during band change-outs to hold the crowd there and even attract more people.
CAN YOU BRING A SELF-CONTAINED SET?
Yes! The Wade Henry Show can be delivered as a fully "self-contained", turn-key grounds attraction.
Because of the space utilized by large unicycles, chainsaw juggling and even slack rope walking, Wade works well directly on the ground.
We bring our own duel-speaker sound system and mixer (wireless micropone and music). We also provide lighting, if there are evening shows.
All you have to provide is a location with a flat surface (pavement or grass is OK) and a power source within 25' of the performing area. We suggest you also provide bleacher seating (folding chairs or hay bales will also do) for 100-600 people. This would equate to 2-6 five-tier bleachers.
Space requirements for the "Self Contained" is 30-60' wide by 20-40' deep. Optimum footprint is 50' x 25'. (This is for the stage and set only. Seating is in addition to this).
CAN YOU PERFORM ON GRASS?
Yes. As a Fair/Festival performing specialist, Wade has adapted
his show to work in some of the more challenging environments.
Wade does utilize his high unicycles on flat, mowed grass
areas. He is a well-trained "off road" unicyclist, and grassy areas
are very suitable for shows. Performing on Grass (1:35 min)
CAN YOU PERFORM ON OUR CHILDREN'S STAGE?
Yes, of course. For Children's shows, Wade utilizes
appropriate high-toned music and plenty of audience
participation. Kids love to get involved with the show
and interact. Wade can also deliver positive messages
(drug education, the benefits of literacy or anti-
bullying) for school programs if needed. Performing
on Stage for Kids Day (1:38 min)
CAN YOU PARTICIPATE IN OUR PARADE?
Yes! Some Fairs and Festivals also have a parade as part of the festivities. Wade is a favorite of parade audiences and has been featured in some of America's greatest and most prestigious parades. Wade rides his one of a kind 6-Foot-Tall "Uni-Horse" along the route while doing tricks and leading the audience to cheers and applause. Truly a one-of-a-kind attraction. For multi-day fairs, Wade will usually include parade participation FREE OF CHARGE.
HOW LONG IS THE SHOW?
Wade's standard show is 30 minutes long for Strolling Shows or Stage Performances. This can be lengthened or shortened to meet your needs.
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?
Although Wade has performed at a wide array of events, he primarily chooses to perform at Fairs and Festivals. Why? In Wade's words:
"The main 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 neighbors. 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 (Seafood Festival), or a harvest (Corn Festival), or the creative expression of Artists (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 20+ year professional performing career (over 10,000 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 release, 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 skilled at "delivering the goods", which you'll recognize when you see us at your Fair.
WHAT IF YOUR DATES AREN'T AVAILABLE?
We suggest that you contact us anyway - just to make sure. The posted schedule may not reflect recent changes. Also, we can perhaps discuss a future year. Or even refer you to another spectacular act.
DO YOU HAVE OTHER QUESTIONS?
CONTACT WADE HENRY:
EMAIL: wade.h@staff.flag.org
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