Yes, I do perform for adult audiences, such as corporate holiday parties, dinner events and trade organizations. This month, I performed at an awards dinner for the local chapter of the American Society of Highway Engineers. While guests arrived, I performed some walk-around, close-up magic before they enjoyed a buffet dinner. After, I performed a 45-minute fun show, with participation from the audience. I generally select my “volunteers” before the show, so that only those who wish to be on stage are invited. This takes away a potentially awkward moment of “please don’t pick me” for those who don’t feel comfortable being in front of people.
I modify the content of my show to be a bit more sophisticated for an adult audience. However, consistent with my brand, there is never any foul language, crude content or adult innuendo of any kind. Just because it’s an adult audience does not mean that it’s acceptable to perform “adults only” material.
Performing clean content is who I am. But, for my clients, it is very important that they hire someone who will not perform offensive content. Doing so can cause embarrassment for their guests or even get them in the HR office on Monday morning for creating a hostile work environment for their colleagues.
My wife worked at a company where they brought in a crude comedian for their Christmas luncheon. The next day, the general manager went to all the ladies on his staff to apologize – he didn’t know the comedian was going be inappropriate. Another story that went around the magic community was about a performer at a college campus during Welcome Week. He brought a young lady on stage and stood back-to-back with her in such a way that she felt uncomfortable. Some of the students walked out of the show and expressed their concerns to the organizer.
If you find yourself in a position of hiring entertainment for your company event, please ensure the entertainer understands the company’s proper conduct standards. You don’t want to go into the office, on Monday morning, having to apologize nor to explain to your HR department what happened.
