Why should I hire you?

Good question! David brings to your event over 25 years of experience as a full-time family entertainer. He’s created, performed and produced events nationwide at venues ranging from performing arts centers and festivals before crowds of 500 to 4000 people, to libraries, schools, fundraisers, corporate events, country clubs and community shows. David cut his eyeteeth doing street theatre on the cobbles of Europe, and in the crucible of the most challenging of audiences: children’s’ birthday parties. Truly a master-class for any performer!

Add to this knowledge-base David’s years as a professional actor on stage and screen, and you have the special alchemy that only this depth of experience can bring to your audience. David is punctual, professional, adaptable and conscientious. And he still loves his job. That’s why.

Do you have insurance?

Yes. $3M Liability and Workers Comp. A copy of the policy and Additional Insured Certificates are available upon request.

What are your Covid-19 safety protocols for a live show?

Even during the Recovery Phase, we at David Engel Entertainment take the health and safety of our clients, audiences and our performers very seriously. David is fully vaccinated with both Pfizer doses and up-to-date boosters. As we tour into regions with lower vaccinated numbers and higher case, we will work together to put into place safety protocols that make for the safest, most memorable outing for all. Before and after each show David sanitizes props that audience members come into contact with. David shakes a lot of kids’ sticky fingers so hand-washing protocols are second-nature to him!

What age group are your shows appropriate for?

Our Family shows are crafted to appeal specifically to children ages 4 to 10, but we want adults to be entertained too so they’ll come back to the theatre again and again! To this end, we pepper our acts with suitable material for moms, dads and grandparents and even fun material to make the most challenging ‘tweens and sullen teens crack smile.

Our Arts in Education shows are designed to be appropriate for Pre-K to 5th grade. With such a wide age range, we have developed material that scales well, with different content and even playlists to customize a show. For school performance we like to break up the kids into pre-k-2nd and 3rd-5th grades. Some of our shows work best for younger audiences, and some for older audiences. CONTACT us to discuss which show(s) are best for your needs.

Do you have teacher study guides for your Arts in Education shows?

Yes, we do. We know a teachers job is already hard, so supporting educators is foremost to a successful assembly. We have comprehensive study guides for each show with follow-up activities, discussion-starters and pre-show check-lists to get students prepared for their enrichment experience. Please go to the CONTACT page and request the support materials and we will deliver them in a PDF format. 

How can I obtain marketing photos, blurbs, and press releases?

Easy. Just go to CONTACT page or send us an email, and request what you need. Though as a rule, when we go to contract, I send over all corresponding marketing materials to help make your job easier.

What are your technical requirements?

Go to our CONTACT page and send us a note to ask about tech riders. Or read on for more simple solutions.

What kind of space do you need for a show?

David loves to fill a space with the vibrant imagery of exciting props, backdrops and waves of fun sound effects, and he tends to chew the scenery too, but he’s designed all his productions to fit anywhere (and he has done shows in the craziest venues- ask him!). We prefer a stage of 20’ x 20’ but a minimum of 10’ x 10’ works too. Art Centers & Festivals: please request our Tech Rider.

Do you need a dressing room? Electricity? Only blue M & M’s?

We are pretty easy-going and are adaptable, and we’ve seen it all (though changing in a ship’s forward hold with real chickens was pushing it). Generally, we prefer a clear room adjacent to performance space, with direct access to a bathroom, electric outlet and fresh water. No outdoor shows unless specifically requested and logistics confirmed with David Engel Entertainment. For Art Centers & Festival shows: Hospitality is on the Rider.

Any load-in logistics we need to consider?

For libraries, schools, camps, community events and other smaller venues: Pre-show logistics can make or break the experience for all and it’s vital for us to be able to park, move our equipment and set up as efficiently as possible. 

Having a clear understanding of what to expect from parking to stage is critical to a great event (and it allows David to conserve energy and do the best show!). Please communicate to us any challenges like staircases, distant (or non-existent) parking and power outlets, etc. School performance spaces must be totally clear of all orchestra or classroom set up at least one hour prior to showtime, and plan to schedule no children in the area, if possible. 

Art Centers & Festivals: Please request those pesky Tech Riders to cover the bases. 

How long are the shows?

Our shows are all one hour. However, the length may be modified for schools, venues and festivals with time constraints.

Do you do Meet and Greets after the show?

Yes, we do! We know the power of seeing the performer in person after the action and can block out time to meet with our audiences, answer questions and take pictures. Currently, however, in-person Meet and Greets must be suspended during the Pandemic. Let’s talk about a ‘Virtual Q & A’ options!

Do you do workshops, outreach and residencies?

We do! We have companion workshops from Pirate School! offering a deeper dive for school-age kids--“Not just Knots” knot tying, rope magic and more and “What’s Behind the Swash & Buckle!?” a behind the scenes, motivational stage-combat and comedy stunt workshop for tweens and teens.

We are also proud to offer Pediatric Hospital visits. David worked as a Clown Doctor for 15 years with the world renown “Big Apple Circus’ Clown Care Program” bringing stress reducing mirth to pediatric hospitals in across Chicago and New York metro areas. With rigorous training in health & safety protocols as well as performing in sensitive environments, David offers bedside, ER and clinic visits or ‘clown rounds’ as his character Dr. Dork to hospitals in your town. David also offers an active workshop and lecture/demos to hospital staff, nursing and social work students of these important therapeutic clowning techniques.

How far will you travel for a show?

Most anywhere. We are based in New York but travel nationwide for shows. Usually we require block bookings or a routed tour to travel outside our home radius, but exceptions can be made. CONTACT us! We also travel internationally and have performed in China, across Europe and in the Caribbean.

Do you send out a newsletter?

Not yet! But we are working on it (we can only expand our Empire one step at a time)! Please sign up here to receive them hot off the presses.

Is David married?

Yes! He’s married to his very patient wife and a daddy to his incredible young piratical daughter.

Did we miss a question? Looking for an answer?

Pop over to our CONTACT page and send us a note. We LOVE answering questions! Or if you need to know right away: email him at davidengelshows@gmail.com or call (347) 262-7350