Although we continually strive to provide all the information you need, we understand that every event has it's own challenges. We also know we haven't thought of every question you may have. If after reviewing our frequently asked questions, you find that you still have an infrequently asked question or concern, please do not hesitate to contact us directly. Thank you!
Contents:
1. About the Keith and Company Keynote Experience
a. Questions & Concerns before we book Keith and Company [click here]
b. We've booked Keith and Company, now what? [click here]
c. What other shows, seminars or services do you offer?
[click here]
2. About All Other Topics
a. About Keith and Company web sites [click here]
b. What other Keith and Company projects are in the works? [click here]
Disclaimer
1. About Keynotes, Shows, Presentations, Speeches and Talks
a. Questions & concerns before we book Keith and Company:
Why book Keith and Company instead of a "regular" keynote speaker?
The Keith and Company Keynote Show will most likely be very different and far more memorable than any speaker or performance your attendees have seen before. After all, there aren't very many world-class ventriloquists running around.
But the primary difference is this: when a loveable, laughable puppet character is brought to believeable life by Keith, your attendees will very quickly start to drop their guards and open their hearts. When delivering a message to your organization, a humorist can "get away" with more than you can, but a puppet humorist can get away with a hundred times more.
Even when a puppet character is a part of the human race, like "Grampa", he, she or it still transcends the usual barriers of race, gender, age or creed. Attendees forget they are giving their undivided attention to a person who's not really alive, but yet they will still see the character as completely "non-threatening". They will listen without bias.
Learn more about Keynotes by Keith and Company.
Can Keith do a speech without the puppets?
Of course! And he does an exceptional job! (Video clips coming soon) However, if you would like to create the most memorable event, book the puppets too. Keith still does all the work. The puppets take all the credit!
How do we book a Keith and Company Experience?
Simply contact our office to determine availability and go over details.
How long can we hold a date before remitting a deposit?
We are happy to hold a date for 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the season. If no other event planners request your date (plus or minus travel dates), we may be able to hold it longer.
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How much of a deposit do you require to confirm a booked date?
A 33% deposit confirms your date until your date.
What is the fee for a Keith and Company keynote presentation?
The fee for keynote by Keith and Company typically ranges from $7,500 to $10,000, plus hotel room.*
Our fee INCLUDES all travel and incidental costs with the exception of one or two night's accomodations at or near the venue of the performance.
Why is there a fee range?
We want to make our fees as fair as possible for all of our customers. However, no two events are alike, and there are many variables to consider in determining a comparitively fair fee.
For example, a presentation in Manhatten (a very difficult and costly city in which to function) for an audience of 1,500 demands a higher fee than a presentation in Chicago (an easier city in which to function) for an audience of 100.
Does Keith and Company ever negotiate fees?
Since every event is unique and the needs of our customers vary greatly, we are always open to working out show packages that better fit the needs of organizations with limited budgets while still being fair to the rest of our customers.
Is your fee commissionable for bureaus and agencies?
Yes. We only work with bureaus and agencies that charge the same fee we would charge and take their commission as a reasonable percentage of that fee. We don't work with "brokers" who add mark-ups to our fee and keep the difference. The exception to this would be when we work with "producers" who put together event packages for which we are one of several vendors.
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Are there other costs involved once we book a presentation?
No! We make your job as simple as possible. Since hotel rooms are group rated, we request that you provide the hotel room. All other travel expenses are included in the fee.
What contract riders or other tasks would Keith and Company require from us?
One of our top priorities is to make your job easier. Therefore, we do not currently have contract riders or service demands. We do ask in our performance agreement that - if you are genuinely satisfied with your Keith and Company experience - you provide us with a testimonial (letter of recommendation), and we have methods in place to make doing that as easy as possible for you.
How far in advance does Keith and Company book?
We book up to two years in advance.
How much lead time does Keith and Company need?
We do not require a minimum lead time. If you need us a week from now, and we are not already booked elsewhere, we'll be there. However, our schedule does fill up quickly, so the longer you wait, the fewer your choices of available dates & times.
Does Keith and Company ever do fundraisers?
Yes, to request a fundraiser performance, contact our office.
Would our guests think they are watching a children's puppet show?
No. They will know immediately (if not before the performance) that the Keith and Company Experience is loaded with material and content intended for adults without being "adult" material and content. In other words, sophisticated yet corporate clean.
One of the most common raves we hear after shows is that they forgot they're watching a puppet.
Also, "The Muppet Show" had an enormous adult fan base.
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Aren't some people "creeped out" by ventriloquist dummies?
Hollywood has done a very good job of making the traditional wooden "dummy" look like a creepy little "come to life" monster, so there are a few people who are uneasy around wooden figures.
However, Keith and Company characters are all "soft" puppets resembling "Muppet" style characters.
In 17 years of performing and speaking, there has only been one instance where an adult was mildly scared of "Grampa". She was an interviewer for a television show and had to sit right next to him. She did the interview just fine and laughed at herself afterwards for her initial reaction. Apparently, she watched the "Chucky" movies too many times.
Are ventriloquists maniacally insane like in the movies?
No! And you can be sure of this because maniacally insane people never lie!
Seriously, ventriloquism is simply a very effective medium Keith skillfully employs to entertain and enlighten "normal" people. Over the span of Keith's lifelong career, he has done juggling, magic, singing, improv, and even balloon animals to delight audiences. When he's between shows, the puppets stay in their cases so he doesn't have to deal with their demanding personalities. Keith knows that the puppets are props and that he has real friends and family to interact with (on the rare occasions when he is home).
Keith is actually quite knowledgeable in the field of behavioral health, and he feels it's a safe bet that there are more cases of maniacally paranoid schizophrenia in the psychiatric profession than there are in the ventriloquism profession.
Would J.J. be coming to the event too?
J.J. most often assists Keith at performances. However, for an extra fee, we can make her stay home. ;-)
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b. We've booked Keith and Company, now what?
Please see our "EZ Event Prep" section (coming soon).
Until our "EZ Event Prep" section is completed, please contact our office.
c. What other shows, seminars, products or services do you offer?
Can Keith and Company serve as Master(s) of Ceremony (emcee)?
Keith and Company serves very well as Master(s) of Ceremony! Keith's ability to create comedy at lightening speed enables him to highlight moments and key points from prior sessions in a fun and memorable way. He (they) can then bridge key points or moments from one session to another and reiterate the key points of your overall conference.
Your attendees will find they start paying closer attention to sessions just to make sure they get all the humor Keith and Company interjects afterwards.
Can Keith and Company introduce and present our product(s)?
Keith and Company has done many product introductions. Keith is a guest presenter for The Home Shopping Network and has appeared on Bob Circosta's "What a Great Idea!"
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Does Keith and Company offer other shows, seminars or keynotes?
Yes! Keith and Company offers the following shows, seminars & services:
A Family Matinee Show for spouses and children of attendees.
Master(s) of Ceremony. Keith's ability to create comedy at lightening speed enables him to highlight moments and key points from prior sessions in a fun and memorable way. He (they) can then bridge key points or moments from one session to another and reiterate the key points of your overall conference. Your attendees will find they start paying closer attention to sessions just to make sure they get all the humor Keith and Company interjects afterwards.
Coffee Chat. The morning after your Keith and Company Keynote Experience, invite your attendees (and / or their guests) to meet Keith and a cast member or two in an informal setting. Guests can ask questions, take pictures, hear hilarious stories of the road, and walk away with an inspirational lesson that broadens their horizons of what is possible for their own lives and careers.
The "I Love to Read" Program for area schools and libraries (packages available for sponsorship that include media releases and interviews)
Sand Sculpting Workshops. One of Keith's other talents is sand sculpting. (When you spend as much time at resort convention centers, you either learn beach skills, water skills or lanyard tying.) Sand Sculpting Workshops can focus on any of these areas:
- General Team building
- Creativity
- Goal setting / Crafting your life and career
Presentation Skills Workshop. Whether you speak to customers or your own human resources, let the master showman Keith dramatically increase the impact of your presentations. Capture and hold their attention, win their respect and get them to provide the results you desire!
For more information on all of these great add-on services, see our "Event Power-Ups" section!
Does Keith and Company offer "walk-around" interaction with guests?
Unfortunately, no. Performing professional quality ventriloquism amongst the din of a hospitality suite or similar venue is hazardous to the vocal chords. Although other ventriloquists offer walk-around, Keith and Company prefers to focus on creating the most compelling illusions of life from the stage.
However, Keith is always happy to meet and greet your staff and guests before and after performances.
Where can I get information on the free Keith and Company email magazine?
Click here!
Does Keith and Company have a podcast?
Plans for a weekly or bi-monthly podcast are in the works; however, no release date has been set. If you subscribe to our free e-zine, you will be notified when the podcast debuts (and you will be kept informed on all other exciting announcements we have in the future). Keep me informed!
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2. About All Other Topics
a. About Keith and Company Web sites
Who builds and maintains your web sites?
All websites for Keith and Company are built and maintained in house. However, we use several key external resources for key components of our web sites. Please read about some of them below. Check back often, because whenever we find a new resource that meets our quality standards, we are happy to share it with others!
How do you get those cool little videos on your web site?
You will be amazed by how easy and inexpensive it is!
Learn about the Instant Video Generator
How do you get those cool audio notes on your web site?
You will be amazed by how easy and inexpensive it is!
Learn about the Instant Audio Generator
How does the "testimonial hotline" with the 800 number work?
We use the same Instant Audio Generator mentioned above!
Click here for more information.
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b. What other Keith and Company projects are in the works?
(This section coming soon!)
*Disclaimer:
All prices, fees, policies and practices are subject to change without notice. Although we make every effort to keep the information on our website current, we make no guarantee to the validity of information provided by our automated systems.
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