Entertainer Score Cards, Agree or Not?

So this is something that Ents Capital UK Ltd feels quite passionate about, doesn't fully agree with yet understands why it is sometimes in place. It seems that more and more Social clubs and working mens clubs seem to be introducing these score cards. Have you seen them or been rated? These cards seem to be designed to allow certain venues and their regulars decide if they want an entertainer to return or not? However many entertainers may strongly disagree with such a practice and feel that these venues simply don't pay the money to warrant such a pressurised environment for any entertainer. It would be understandable if the decision was being made by a major cruise liner company?

The feeling being that the venue and it's customers concerned, should support and enjoy every entertainer who has sometimes travelled a long way to entertain them. Travelled a long way to entertain a sometimes half full or near empty venue and be paid peanuts at the end of the night for every effort made. That's peanuts before the petrol and agency fees have been paid?

More worryingly it seems that these decisions and score cards may be completed by whom ever the duty manager or Steward is and whom, with respect;  sometimes doesn't really have any entertainment knowledge what so ever? In some cases it seems that these score cards are completed by the punters or club members who an entertainer is never going to please in the first place. You always will get the mix of tables who absolutely love what an entertainer does, will dance and join in, against the table in the corner who are determined to just sit there and only came out for a game of bingo in the first place!
Those hard to please people who decide to sit at the table nearest the speakers and then scowl at you because the music is too loud! What happens if the score card is handed to them at the start of the night? Most entertainers will tell you the same. You can go to one venue one week and have an absolutely brilliant time. Everyone joining in, bouncing off you and the entertainer can drive the long distance home feeling really good about a performance well done. But then go to another venue the following week or maybe even night after, do the exact same set, and have not one single response from anyone. No matter what they do or try, the public are detemined to just sit there and stare longing for the half time game of bingo or open the box!  A big stage and an unappreciative crowd can be a lonely place for any entertainer. No matter how lovely the venue may be, sometimes the saying "You are only as good as your audience" really comes into effect. Hopefully the Steward of that specific venue understands and has previous Entertainment knowlege. Maybe they have managed for a major Holiday Park Company and are on the entertainers side.

Are these score cards ever going to be a true reflection of any entertainer? If they are going to be common practice maybe more formal and correct questions should be asked, similar to the entertainer cards the well known holiday parks and hotels use. Unlike the photo example above maybe they should be outlined as follows?
Did the entertaner arrive on time?, Did the entertainer set up and sound check on time?, Did the entertainer have appropriate stage attire, even a change? Did the entertainer provide a wide range of entertainment well suited to the venue's customer? Did the entertainer engage with everybody?
Nine times out of ten an entertainer has a passion for what they do and really enjoys using their talent to make people smile. The answer would be yes to all of the questions above. The smile and passion continuing on stage no matter what suprising area was provided to get ready in! These too can be a massive variation for eny entertainer. The image below will be a familiar sight to many entertainers!

Would it be good if the actual entertainers had a score card about the venue they have just performed at?
Was the Steward welcoming? Was there help offered to carry any equipment to and from your vehicle? Was there a clean, warm and private changing area provided for the entertainer? Did the Steward introduce you by pronouncing your name correctly?............ How many venues would want to have an entertainer score card in place then?

But on the other hand are these score cards a good thing? Would the make any seasoned entertainer up their game? For example an agent may have many many acts on their books although never have actually seen them perform. Does the score card allow the Clubs and venues identify a really good new act, or well known act who's reputation and name is well deserved. Many of these social clubs are used by local people who enjoy a cheaper night out, their finances not great and Saturday night out at the local club is their big night out that week. However in comes the leggy blonde who has won a few Karaoke competiions banging out Mariah Carey ballads and now thinks she is a pro; even performing in the same clothes she arrived in and can be found drinking heavily at the bar during the half time interval. OK extreme example I know, but you know there are, or may have seen poor entertainers who paint a bad picture.
Remember many agents will not have seen all of the acts they send out recently. Maybe for years, maybe at all! Does the public of that venue deserve to be entertained or not, by a poor act or do they deserve to see that quality act who makes every effort for them again and again?  Any score card would show and identify to an agent the better acts they have and maybe stop sending venues the bad ones?

Some entertainers won't worry if these score cards are in place or not as they will pride themselves on never having a bad report anyway and enjoy many many repeat bookings at the same venues. I guess the fact of the matter for most is this. Score card or not any entertainer has to be professional in this game. Being your best regardless of the venue is vital. For the case of singers, presentation, song choice to suit the audience supercedes voice as long as it's in pitch. The 1000s of entertainers across the UK are not global super stars and the venue's punters haven't paid to see their concert.
These are Social clubs and working mens clubs where the people have come to primarily meet friends. have a drink, maybe a bit of bingo and generaly be entertained with something they are familiar with. Love or hate these audiences and maybe these score cards. Without these venues there would be no work for entertainers?
Daniel Kacey,
Ents Capital UK Ltd

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