Mentalism Show Rider

When clients want to book my show, one of the first things I send is a copy of my mentalism show rider. This helps them understand my basic requirements for the room where their event will be hosted. The rider acts as a check list so that everything runs smoothly once it’s show time.

Historically, artists have been known for including crazy things in their riders. For example, Van Halen used to demand a bowl of M&M’S with all of the brown M&M’S removed. According to the Smoking Gun, “If brown M&M’s were in the backstage candy bowl, Van Halen surmised that more important aspects of a performance — lighting, staging, security, ticketing — may have been botched by an inattentive promoter.”

Now, you won’t find anything out of the ordinary in my rider. Instead, you’ll find my basic needs to perform a successful mentalism show. This includes instructions for the stage, lighting, sound, access, and how I am to be billed. Keep in mind that most of these requests are what I need to perform the “perfect” show, but often the rider is flexible since every venue is different. Click here to download the rider.

The Mentalism Show Rider

PURCHASER SHALL PROVIDE, AT PURCHASER’S EXPENSE, THE FOLLOWING:

STAGE: The venue must be suitably heated/cooled and ventilated. The performance area must measure a minimum of 16 feet wide by 12 feet deep. It must be clear of obstructions such as lecterns, cables, speakers, band or DJ equipment. The surface must be smooth, clean and level. IMPORTANT: If other performers will be using the performance space, please notify Rader prior to show day.

SOUND SYSTEM: The sound system is a very important element in the show. It must be a QUALITY system in perfect working condition, suitable for both speaking and music. It should include the following:

One wireless lavaliere with a new battery.
One wireless microphone with a new battery on a stand.

IMPORTANT: Most professional performance venues have proper PA systems. Hotels and banquet halls often have systems with speakers mounted in the ceiling – these speakers cannot handle the requirements for this show and will NOT be used. DJ or band PA systems are usually not suitable. If there is any doubt, please contact Rader or his representative prior to show day. If these requirements are unavailable, other arrangements will need to be made with a PA system supplier or rental company.

LIGHTING: The show takes place on stage and in the audience, so both areas must be lit. The existing room lighting is usually sufficient. If the venue has theatrical lighting, please give a basic full stage wash and use the adjustable house lights. If stage lighting is unavailable, other arrangements will need to be made with a supplier or rental company. A lighting technician will be required the night of the show.

STAIRS: If a stage is being used, easy and direct access from the stage into the audience is necessary. If the stage is over 12 inches high, provide stairs that lead directly into the audience from the FRONT of the stage.

SEATING: If the house does not contain fixed seating, the first audience row should be placed approximately six feet away from the front of the stage. If a dance floor is located in front of the stage, please fill it with portable chairs. It is necessary to have a clear path from the stage to seats and a center aisle running from the stage through the audience seating to the back of the house.

PROPS: Please provide on stage: one table (about the size of a card table) and a chair.

ACCESS: A minimum of ninety (90) minutes for setup and sound checks prior to the audience arrival in venue.

DRESSING ROOM: If the venue is at a hotel where Rader will be staying, no additional dressing room is required. Otherwise, an exclusive, clean, lighted, suitably heated/cooled, ventilated, non-smoking, private, secure and lockable dressing room located near the performance area. The dressing room should contain a mirror, electrical outlet, a rack for hanging clothes, a table and a chair, and if possible a sink and full restroom facilities.

BILLING: William Rader shall be billed as a “Mind Reader” or “Mentalist”.

COLLATERAL USE: It is strictly prohibited to film, videotape or make an audio recording of the performance(s). There can be no photography taken during the performance(s) without approval.