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Address Changes?
Contact the National Administrator,
Manon Rodriguez
PO Box 2900
Pahrump, NV 89041
to update your mailing address
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Veterans Entertainment Program Frequently Asked Questions
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- How do I sign-up?
- Go to the "How Do I Volunteer" page and follow the steps for setting up and reporting a show.
- Can I perform on my own or does it have to be an Assembly activity?
- Yes, you can perform on your own or with your Assembly. You can also perform more than once and return to the location on a regular basis. Performance scheduling is very open and we will work with you to meet the level of support you are willing to provide.
- What kind of magic can I perform?
- Any magic is good magic - you could perform Close-up to illusion (depending on the location and space available). There are a few Tips & Guidelines in regard to the hospital environment you should review. As an example, fire and loud noises would not work well in a hospital.
- Will I get paid for the show?
- No, this is a 100% volunteer program. Though your mileage and other show cost could be tax deductible (check with your accountant).
- What support will be at each location?
- Each Hospital or VA Center will have different requirements and performing areas. I would plan on little to no theatrical type support, such as a PA, stage, backdrops, etc...They will have public restrooms, a cafeteria and possibly a set-up area but I would be prepared to work with little to minimum performing comforts. You can always bring what they don't have (such as a PA) just remember to ask if it is okay.
- What will my Audience be like?
- These Veterans and Activity Duty personnel will have a wide range of interest. Some will be greatly interested while other may not.
Many individuals could be confined to their beds - it should also be noted that you will encounter a wide range of injury types and conditions.
It is important to tailor your performance to this environment. We strongly urge you to review our Tips and Guidelines section.
- What type of show should I do & how long should I plan on performing?
- In most cases you will want to make sure you will be able to do walk-a-round magic as well as your other material. Remember, when all else fails a deck of cards and sponge balls can go a long way.
I would say that the cornerstone of most shows will be platform/stand-up magic and close-up type acts. The basic rule of thumb is while one person is doing stand-up others could be doing walk-a-round to individuals or groups located in rooms.
If you choose to perform solo and on an individual level just working room to room will be fine. You could have a cart with wheels or simply work out of your pockets.
I should mention that in some VA locations they do have auditoriums though they are very rare.
- How many times will I need to do my Act?
- In most cases you should plan on repeating the show on multiple floors and working in and out of individual rooms or wards. So remember be mobile and be ready to repeat your act more then once.
- What should I expect when speaking to the VA contact?
- They will be overjoyed that you are coming to perform. One of the key question will be how much time can you spend at the location. We have provided some show formats that will give you a baseline to work on planning to answer this question clearly.
- What can I ask them to provide?
- We think it would be fine to ask any questions you may have have or anything within reason you may need. Remember their support will be very limited in most cases. You may want to ask if there are any birthdays or special occasions. You may also want to consider asking if they have any special needs.
As far as support for the show, you may want to ask for a table to be there, what the seating arrangements will be, will the show be room to room or in a collected location.
- What do we do after the show?
- You will want to send us an after action report with some pictures. These will be displayed on the website and possibly be used in M.U.M. We will also send out lapel pins and certificates to all S.A.M. members that volunteer. You will just click on AFTER ACTION REPORT and that will take you to the form.
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