Getting Started – First Steps in Designing Your Event
For Community Organizations and Civic Groups

We’ve developed a set of questions to find out more about your needs so that we can work together to create a smooth event, workshop, or series of workshops.

About Your Venue
•    What’s the space like where you plan to host your event or workshop(s)? (like the size, stage, floor, acoustics, if it’s indoors/outdoors)
•    What is the date(s) and time(s) for the event or workshop(s)?

Tailoring Your Event to Your Goals
•    What’s the theme for your event?  Do you have specific goals for your event (and/or workshop(s))?
•    How might an artist help you achieve your goals for the event (and/or workshop(s))?
•    Tell us about the people who attend your event such as the age range and profession.  Is it a formal event with invited guests or is it informal with a range of possible attendees?  Will attendees know one another or be meeting for the first time?
•    Will the artist(s) primarily perform?  Is so, will the performance be interactive, or not?  Would the performer(s) mingle within the crowd and converse with audiences?  Will there be an education aspect?  Would you like audiences to learn about the performers’ art form and take part themselves?  Or, would it primarily be a performance that audiences sit and watch? 
•    How much time do you want an artist to perform at your event?  Would it be best to have three 20-minute sets or are you looking for an artist to do one longer performance?  What would the total duration of the sets be?
•    Are you looking primarily for a workshop with an artist?  How frequently would the workshop happen?  Do you envision it happening at your site/venue or at Joe’s facility?
•    If you’re providing workshops, what is the skill level and previous experience of attendees?

Joe’s Artists: Who They Are and How to Select One
You might consider looking at the range of artists Joe’s works with, and the styles these artists represent.  If you’re unsure of which artist might be right for you, don’t worry!  We can help you identify the right artist for your event and venue.
•    Is there a particular style of performance that you’re looking for?  Are you interested in music?  Dance?  Both?
•    Is there any particular characteristic you’re looking for in the artists you present?

Planning Your Event
•    Do you have equipment for the artist(s)?  Or, should we bring it for the event?  Artists might need microphones and stands, a PA, a CD player, or a projector.
•    Can Joe’s staff visit the site for the event in advance?
•    How early can the artist(s) arrive to set-up?  Do you have a secure dressing space for the artist(s)?

For the Event Itself
•    Can you provide specific driving directions to the venue for the artist(s)?
•    Can you provide parking for the artist(s)?  Is there a particular place where the artist(s) should park?
•    Can you provide water or juice for the artist(s)?  If the event is longer or, for a dinner event, can you provide the artist with the meal you’re serving as well?