I am currently working on booking Halloween shows for this upcoming season. I was wondering what markets performers have had success marketing in. Two groups I am specifically targeting are schools and fire halls. I would greatly appreciate to know if anyone has had success in these markets, and any other markets that provide Halloween gigs. Any input would be great.

Danny

I have found that an "entertainment" show (versus a "program" type show) becomes VERY date specific ie. Halloween is on Monday this year, so most folks will want you on that date. They may go for the Friday before, but not much further ahead. Now I am talking about elementary schools here in this case. Also, they seem to want to book at the last minute ie. that week! I still do a little marketing to that group for Christmas, and Halloween, but it is amongst the other programs/activities that I offer to schools. I no longer do seperate campaigns for Halloween and Christmas to the elementary schools.

In the case of firehalls (which I don't do)they would probably prefer to stay away from the Halloween weekend, too much other stuff going on. And that is the suggestion I would even make to them, families are busy decorating where they live, getting the costumes ready etc. but the weekend or two before, and some of the evenings would seem good. I am assuming that these shows are not strictly limited to the firehall folks and their families, but are more open to the community events.

Best of luck.

Blair

Charlie,

Many churches do Fall Festivals, Trunk or Treat, or similar events.

Often these will be on the weekend before when Halloween falls on a Monday like this year.

You might be able to book Friday-Monday with several different churches.

Shopping malls. I have a very lucrative Halloween thanks to them...

David

Glad to hear the malls are still booking out West David. It's a hard sell here now, at least at reasonable fees. I have done up to 6 week runs at some, working with 2-3 assistants, and the illusions.

Danny, the Fall festival route, may open you up to more potential customeers and subsequent bookings, many towns and cities do these now versus a Halloween event.

B