Al Getler - Comedian/Ventriloquist

Preparing for the show

Providing information about members of your audience is a sure-fire way for a successful performance. See the attached sheet for details on providing this information.

Tips for meeting and banquets: As you set your agenda consider when the show will work best in the schedule. Will there be awards? The show can work before or after depending on the length of the awards ceremony. Will there be a roast of a guest of honor? The show works best as an introduction to this portion of the evening. The artist will provide an introduction before showtime.
This is an option that I strongly suggest.

Having information about the audience members allows for optimum fun! A few key points to consider:
• The people should be well-known. Don’t be afraid to include company or organization leaders. The comedy used is not hurtful or offensive. *
• Include ‘insider’ stuff. Be sure to explain any jargon used in the details.
• Include funny stories of traits about things people commonly know.
• Be sure the people included will attend the performance.
• Enlist a little help. Find one or two people to brainstorm with. You don’t want to ruin the surprise.
• Below are a few questions to get you started:
*Al Getler's day job has been as a corporate executive for two decades. He understands where the line exists.

• Who are your leaders or management?
• What fun stories or traits do you know about the people in your group?
• What are their passions outside of your organization? Are they avid golfers? Do they fish? Have they been involved in a comical situation?
• Does someone have an annoying habit or a key phrase they repeat?
• Who is the boss’s pet -or- wants to be?
• Who has an interesting background?
• Who is the clown of the group?
• How about the person in charge of finances? Are they penny-pinching or creative accountants?
• Do the computers work around the office? Who is in charge?
• Do any members of your group look like a famous person?
• Have members of your group met celebrities?
• Who is winning an award? Why? What fun stuff surrounds this award?
• Is a member of the group a regular traffic violator?
• Who always has a scheme to get quick results?
• Who is the eldest member?

This is only a partial list. Have fun with this preparation. The more names and details the better, although I might not be able to use everything you submit. Be sure to indicate people that must be included to make the performance successful.

Ventriloquist and Comedian
Al Getler is a world-class ventriloquist and hysterical comedian. Combining his sharp wit and skills, Al’s shows are filled with laughs for audiences of all sizes, age groups, and performance venues.

Al has appeared on the A&E Networks hundreds of times. In addition, he has been featured on Good Morning America, the Wall Street Journal, and the USA Today newspapers.

Al has performed in Las Vegas and Atlantic City showrooms, in theaters throughout the USA, corporate events, trade events, and hundreds of other venues.

Being held over for months at a time in resorts is not unusual for Al. His audiences love his performances, and his bookers find him to be the consummate businessperson and cooperative guest.

Al is complicated
There are many layers to Al Getler beyond his comedy stage performer background. Let’s touch on a few.

Leader and Executive
Al has led award-winning media companies throughout the northeast. His teams have won Pulitzer Prizes, website and publication awards from many press associations, and Edward r. Murrow Awards for excellence in broadcast and digital journalism.

One of these team members recently stated Al has been, “…the leader people followed because you were a great cheerleader, pioneer, director, visionary and above all a good person that just happened to be the publisher and inspiration for lots of media people young and old.

Speaker
Al is a sought-after speaker about leadership, innovation, and customer service. Imagine the audience's surprise when, in the middle of a first-class business presentation, Al weaves in his comedy and ventriloquism. AT&T, Verizon, the Better Business Bureau, and Fortune 500 company employees have benefitted from Al’s knowledge and experience.

Al has shared the stage with John C. Maxwell, Michael Hyatt, Hubspot Founder and Chairman, Brian Halligan, and BNI founder, Ivan Misner.

Sound

Sound is the most important detail. Be sure a quality sound system is available and that the person in charge of the equipment is available for the performance. Contact me immediately if a quality sound system is not available.

Staging

A riser or stage is required. The stage must be a minimum of 12’ wide by 8’ deep.

The stage should be well lit. Stage lighting can be provided by many facilities upon request.

If in a banquet hall or meeting room: Think “Comedy Club”. Seating should begin 6’ from the front of the stage allowing for an intimate setting with stage access. If you must have a dance floor in front of the stage, please put chairs on it and then remove the chairs after the performance.

Theaters: A technician must be available for a light and sound check one hour before the audience is due to arrive.