5 Ways to Be a Better Director
Jim once directed a play that still lives in infamy: he made Spock cry. Not Leonard Nimoy (though that would be a much better story) but...
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Claire Wilson
- Feb 26
- 3 min
Five Tips for Comedy Success
The key to comedy is . . . . . . . . . . Timing. Those who know comedy know it’s a terribly tricky beast. So, if you are performing one...
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Claire Wilson
- Jan 19
- 2 min
Merchandise for Your Jazz Dinner
At a Renaissance Faire, the ticket to get in is secondary. Patrons are coming for what they can buy inside the faire, be it a turkey leg...
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Claire Wilson
- Jan 4
- 3 min
Sponsorship Level Ideas for Corporate Sponsors
“Why do you want me to be a sponsor?” That was a question posed to me on one of my follow-up calls for corporate sponsorships. I could...
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Claire Wilson
- Dec 7, 2023
- 3 min
Don't Hate It. Cater It!
I (Jim) directed a local high school's first Madrigal Dinner. Now, directing the event would have been just fine. But this is a public...
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Jim Jeffries
- Nov 23, 2023
- 3 min
5 Keys to Comedy Acting
When director George Seaton was visiting his dying friend, actor Edmund Gwenn, Seaton said, “This must be terribly difficult for you.”...
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Claire Wilson
- Nov 9, 2023
- 3 min
Jazz Dinner Sets
From basements to attics, illegally operated speakeasies worked to stay hidden. Owners bribed officials to avoid raids or employed secret...
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Claire Wilson
- Oct 26, 2023
- 4 min
Cast Party Ideas: 5 Ways to Celebrate Your Cast
Cast parties are an important opportunity to celebrate your actors and production team. It’s a time to express gratitude, highlight...
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Claire Wilson
- Oct 12, 2023
- 3 min
Jazz Dinner Glassware Ideas
From stage sets to silverware, every aspect of your Jazz Dinner serves to transport your guests to the 1920s. Having authentic or unique...
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Claire Wilson
- Sep 28, 2023
- 2 min
Cloth vs. Paper Napkins for Your Madrigal Dinner
When hosting a Madrigal or Jazz Dinner, you want to save on costs anywhere you can. This could include affordable desserts or...
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Claire Wilson
- Sep 14, 2023
- 3 min
Iconic Garnishes of 1920s Drinks
Just as it is with food, it’s all about the presentation of beverages at your Jazz Dinner. Garnishes give drinks flair and help...
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Claire Wilson
- Aug 31, 2023
- 3 min
Illegally Simple 1920s Appetizers
Famished people don’t find much funny. That is why an appetizer is essential for your Jazz Dinner. It satisfies your audience so that...
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Claire Wilson
- Aug 17, 2023
- 2 min
Making 1920s Armbands for Your Jazz Dinner
A lovely accessory to add to your Jazz Dinner costumes is armbands. Men wore armbands (aka sleeve garters) to customize their shirts....
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Claire Wilson
- Aug 3, 2023
- 2 min
Speakeasy Passwords for Your Jazz Dinner
From 1920 to 1933, it was illegal to produce, sell, or transport alcohol. Ironically, it wasn’t illegal to drink alcohol! During this dry...
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Claire Wilson
- Jul 6, 2023
- 2 min
Classy Centerpieces For Your Jazz Dinner
Decorating for a Jazz Dinner has limitless possibilities to make your event pop. And one of the more essential pieces for the table is...
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Claire Wilson
- Jun 22, 2023
- 3 min
Magnificent Mocktail Names for Your Jazz Dinner
Hosting a Jazz Dinner for your school or band fundraiser is a lot like parties during prohibition. You’ve got the music, the food, and...
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Claire Wilson
- Jun 8, 2023
- 2 min
Gangster Names for Your Guests
If you want to engage your guests in the 1920s mood for your Jazz Dinner, there are a few ways to set the tone. One idea is to have a...
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Claire Wilson
- May 25, 2023
- 2 min
Public Domain Jazz Music
Do you know what’s great about hosting a Jazz Dinner set in the 1920s? As opposed to, say, a Justin Bieber Dinner, you can get a TON of...
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Claire Wilson
- Mar 30, 2023
- 2 min
A Script so Simple, You'll Cry (with Joy)
We have a soft spot for all you choir, band, and theater directors, and we are always looking for ways to make your lives easier because...
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Claire Wilson
- Mar 16, 2023
- 2 min
How to Keep Track of Projects (Without Losing Your Mind)
Building stages, 200 desserts, choir rehearsals, printing tickets, ay-yai-yai! How do you keep all this straight? If you’re like me and...
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Tips & Ideas Blog
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