I want to entertain our troops

[Stand up]

I am a CND stand up comic - I'd love to help our troops by putting on a
great show for the troops - the problem - DND only has its "show tours" and they want
singers - dancers - etc as part of the deal.  I submitted a reply to their RFP - but they
want "variety".  I just do comedy shows - 90 mins of stand up.

I want to bring a 3 act 90 min stand up only show & can't find the
right folks to pitch it to.  The Yanks do "all comedy" shows all the
time & they are well apprecitated by the troops.  www.tinyurl.com/dm4md for details.

Anyone know who to contact? off list at '[email protected]'

R

Edited to correct typo in topic title: Vern

 

[George Wallace]

Re: I want to entertain out troops

Are you IN or OUT?   ;D

Perhaps you should be talking to your Agent.

Talking to your potential audience isn't much good other than getting the feel of what they find funny......they don't usually have any insight as to how to book you into a club or tour.

 

[Gunner98]

Why don't you have your people contact Rick Mercer's people or Julian Austin's, arrange for you two to do lunch, pitch your idea, see where it goes.

Before you ask; No, I am not one of Mr. Mercer's or Mr. Austin's people.

 

[the 48th regulator]

How about Podcasting?


That way troops can listen or watch you at any time?

dileas

tess

 

[GO!!!]

... I submitted a reply to their RFP - but they
want "variety".  I just do comedy shows - 90 mins of stand up.

This is probably because they already have a comedian.

Also, you must take into account that the CF "CanCon" show is quite possibly the most heavily socially engineered and politically correct show going. There are a few good acts, like Julian Austin and Rick Mercer, but for the most part it is 50% francophone acts, folk music (fiddles and accordions) and very clean humour from not-all-that-funny comedians. It is also the same people, all the time - most of the acts seem to sign on for years at a time.

Comparing this to the USO shows, which hire football cheerleaders, top 40 rappers, rockers and huge comedians like Robin Williams is a non - issue, as the USO shows show what the troops in theatre want to see, while the Can Con show features what is PC, cheap and has "good optics".

You would not be happy with your act after the DND civvies vetted it anyway, they would take out all swearing, and reference to race, language, politics, sex, the sexes and make you do half of it in french.

If you want to entertain some soldiers, my reccomendation would be to get some free tickets to a club or event you perform at and distribute it through the Chain of Command of the local unit. This way, you could do your actual act, unedited, with people who really made an effort to be there.

 

[2 Cdo]

This is probably because they already have a comedian.

Also, you must take into account that the CF "CanCon" show is quite possibly the most heavily socially engineered and politically correct show going. There are a few good acts, like Julian Austin and Rick Mercer, but for the most part it is 50% francophone acts, folk music (fiddles and accordions) and very clean humour from not-all-that-funny comedians. It is also the same people, all the time - most of the acts seem to sign on for years at a time.

Comparing this to the USO shows, which hire football cheerleaders, top 40 rappers, rockers and huge comedians like Robin Williams is a non - issue, as the USO shows show what the troops in theatre want to see, while the Can Con show features what is PC, cheap and has "good optics".

You would not be happy with your act after the DND civvies vetted it anyway, they would take out all swearing, and reference to race, language, politics, sex, the sexes and make you do half of it in french.

If you want to entertain some soldiers, my reccomendation would be to get some free tickets to a club or event you perform at and distribute it through the Chain of Command of the local unit. This way, you could do your actual act, unedited, with people who really made an effort to be there.

Go, that pretty much nailed it. Probably the reason I don't go see Cancon shows while deployed, just not remotely entertaining to me. :boring:

 

[vonGarvin]

My two cents worth: there are troops in Canada that may enjoy your entertaining.  Yes, those deployed get the filtered and engineered show, but their families here, their comrades here, they could use a laugh from time to time too.  Perhaps a tour of the "home front" for the families of the deployed would also be appreciated?

 

[George Wallace]

My two cents worth: there are troops in Canada that may enjoy your entertaining.  Yes, those deployed get the filtered and engineered show, but their families here, their comrades here, they could use a laugh from time to time too.  Perhaps a tour of the "home front" for the families of the deployed would also be appreciated?

On that note, try contacting some of the Messes on a Base near you.  They would probably be happy not to have to go looking for an Entertainment option for one of their weekly/monthly functions.

 

[reccecrewman]

I can say for myself, I would be far more interested in going to a TGIF at the Junior Ranks if the feature of the night was a stand up comedian rather than some local band....................

My .02

 

[simysmom99]

An at home tour would be fantastic!  Call up all the bases and get their mess managers (not sure if that is available on line, never looked really).  I know here in Edmonton there have also been events held at the LTF, which may be a good option as well.  That way you can capture all the ranks at the same time.  Contact Yuk Yuks, or the like as well.  You can always offer free tickets through the different units or the MFRC. 
PM me if you want any help in the Edmonton and area, as that is what I do for a living.  Not associated particularly with the Military, but my husband is a member and I love working on Military events.
Cheers.

 

[Gunner98]

CFPSA website: http://www.cfpsa.com/en/psp/showtours/index.asp

This Request for Proposal (RFP) requests bids from producers for the Northern Show Tour that will take place in Goose Bay and Alert between the dates of 11-24 March 2007. Producers are to submit bids in accordance with this SOW.

As well, National Hospitality Manager @ http://www.cfpsa.com/en/psp/messes/Contact_e.asp