Info &  Media

Backdrop: DO set up a curtain (pipe and drape), video wall, or screen with rear projection. DON’T leave the stage with a window or just a blank wall.

Professional lighting: DO provide a standard stage wash with follow spot if the option is available.

House lights: DO set the house lights at half. Bright enough so the average person with reading glasses can read large newsprint.

Video: DO have a camera man tightly follow the action in the show, if available. DO project to a screen center stage and above the performer so audience focus stays center stage. DON’T set screens to the side that draw focus.

Program: DO include a photo of Paul Draper as well as his name, and some of his television credits in the program if one is given out.

Meals: DO, if meals will be provided it is best for Paul Draper to have Vegetarian or Poultry. DON’T provide other meats.

Hotel: DO If a hotel will be provided, Paul Draper would like a hotel with parking, internet access, and within walking distance of a 24 hour restaurant.

A small raised stage is recommended for all audiences over 50 people. The stage can be the smallest rectangular shape possible. A standard 8.5′ x 11′ and 10″ high is fine. The higher it is, the better people can see.

One small, round, “cocktail” table and 1 chair on stage. The cocktail table should be draped and skirted to match the room.

A set of stage steps. A single set of steps leading off the center of the stage into the audience is ideal. Steps on the ends of the stage can slow the program down unnecessarily.

Stage Positioning. If the room is rectangular, position the stage in the middle of the long side of the rectangle. In that position, as opposed to one end of the room, almost all of the tables in the room are much closer to the stage.

When presenting a 2 hour theatrical show, the following set is desirable:

Large Stage

Small Stage

Stage Rendering

Photo Example

When introducing Paul Draper, the following may be used:

It is my honor to introduce our performer.
He has appeared on the History Channel, A&E, HBO, Hallmark, Travel Channel, and HGTV.

Recent shows include: Hell’s Kitchen, Pawn Stars, Ghost Adventures, Mindfreak, and House Hunters.

And he has performed at Yale University, Apple Cupertino Headquarters, The World Famous Magic Castle in Hollywood and The Magic Circle in London.  As well as regular appearances in Las Vegas headlining the Orleans Showroom, appearing in variety shows at Planet Hollywood and Sam’s Town Casino, And 7 years work as the House Magician for the Venetian Hotel and Casino.

Ladies and gentlemen please welcome to the stage Mind Reader and Anthropologist

Paul Draper

Keynote Speaker Introduction: 

Anthropologist and organizational expert Paul Draper has taught at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas and served as a master lecturer at Yale University. For seven years, he represented the Casino Floor and Marketing Department for Sands Corporation at the Venetian Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. He has recently consulted for Apple headquarters in Cupertino, California, and in Florida, he has acted as a consultant for Martin Memorial Health Systems, for Orlando Healthcare Systems, for Tallahassee Healthcare Systems, and for Lee Health in Fort Myers. In addition to his multiple TEDx talks, Paul has been featured as an expert on the History Channel, A&E, and the Hallmark Channel. 
Please welcome Paul Draper!

One “Lavalier” (clip on the tie) wireless microphone. This cannot be a handheld mic, I need both hands available at all times during the program. I do have one that I can bring along, but it is better to use the “house” equipment. Unless you let me know, I will assume you are providing a wireless lavalier mic. This cannot be a headset or countryman mic as it will make the audience think I am receiving information from it. Must have new batteries.

A second “Hand Held” style wireless microphone on a microphone stand. This microphone is for the person who you elect to introduce my program or anyone else speaking. Exchanging a single lavaliere style microphone, and properly positioning it after being introduced, is almost impossible to achieve professionally. Must have new batteries.

Minimum of two main speakers (placed at each side of the stage). Please provide high quality speakers appropriate for the size of  audience and venue. Please do not use in the built in speakers in the ceiling as they are built for low level background music and will be muddy. Most professional performance venues have proper PA systems.  Also, DJ or band systems are often not suitable.

Please light the stage. Do not leave Paul Draper in the dark. The stage needs to be the brightest area in the room to create the proper focus of attention.

Ability to raise the house lights. The room must be able to be well lit enough that any audience member would be able to see and read a magazine at their table.

Optional professional lighting. If the option is available, a standard stage wash, spotlighting the center of the stage, and a well-lit room are the absolute ideal.

Optional follow spot. An operator controlled follow spot or two can be employed for large theatrical productions.

Lighting Designer Timothy A. Reed

The best time to start the show is after dessert has been served and all service has concluded. Service staff can easily block the view of the program and make it difficult for your audience members to enjoy the opening moments.

Close the bar during the show. If people get up during the program to get a drink, it sends a psychological message to everyone in the room that they are no longer interested in the show.

Avoid obstructions to viewing the program. Columns, walls, large table decorations, or a large buffet table between the audience and the stage, blocks the view of the program. If they can’t see, they will talk, and be unable to enjoy the program.

Avoid a dance floor. A small dance floor which does not divide the room into two separate halves can work, but special care must be taken to position the audience as close to the stage as possible. There must be an audience in front of the stage.