Welcome! Today’s guest is John Allgaier, the owner of BC Characters, an entertainment company that started as a strolling fair act. If you think “slow and relaxed” defines a strolling act, then you’ve got the wrong idea here. John and his performers use body puppetry in costumes at a frenzied and energetic pace. Let’s find out more from John!
What you’ll hear in this episode:
- To get an idea of John’s characters, think Fraggle Rock meets Captain Caveman, in full-size body costumes.
- Each costume is made of foam and metal, weighing 30-50 lbs.
- The fair industry IS John’s source of income.
- A physically demanding test of endurance
- Why your performance must be STRONG
- John’s business started in 1990, with only one costume. (The 12th one is in process now!)
- Why John has NO regrets
- “You will always learn more from your mistakes than from your successes.”
- John looks forward to stepping aside and seeing his “guys” carry on the business.
- What’s important to be successful in the fair industry? Be flexible to change, adaptable, and understand your customer.
- The patrons are your #1 boss!
- There is a power in the costume.
- Why families trust a character in costume
- Be aware of interaction and contact with patrons.
- John’s biggest fear? Keeping his image and his quality of service
- Balancing family life, marriage, and life on the road
- John’s biggest mistake? Trying to push and grow too fast and losing quality in the process
- People have to know about your act and you have to be good enough to be invited back.
- John’s advice: Listen more than you speak, be flexible, and keep your demands low.
- Find out more about John: www.bigmouthe.com.