The Logistics of how Family Talent Night Works?

[Impromark]

Hi, my wife is asking about how the family talent show actually works. I understand that it's all in fun and there's no real prize aside from a participation certificate, but at the same time we'd like to understand the mechanics of how it works. I'm a professional comedian and my wife has sung professionally (never in the same act - we'd like to remain a happily married couple, thank you very much!) and our DD8 plays the piano too, so as performers we naturally jump at any chance for some stage time.

Hopefully we can find the answers to our questions:

- A sample Navigator for a similar Halloween cruise to the one we'll be taking this fall on the Fantasy shows signups to be on Day 2 (at sea) from 10:30-11:15am down at Guest Services. I take it they just take your information and what sort of entry is being submitted? Is it basically first-come, first served? Can one still sign up afterwards? What happens if supply exceeds demand? At any point are the submissions pre-selected or otherwise filtered?

- The same sample shows the talent show rehearsal and performance as happening on Day 5 of the cruise, i.e. after everyone has tendered back on board from Georgetown. "Rehearsal" is from 4:45-5:45pm in the Tube (on the Fantasy), the location of the show. I'm guessing this time allows everyone to be briefed on how the show works, what order each entry will be in, have a quick go at their number, etc. For those people singing, I'll assume they'll bring their own music or pick something from the Disney bubble or karaoke list? Anyone know if a tech will be there or if it's just the host with a mike and a finger on the playlist?

- Finally, the show is from 7:30-8:15pm. It's right after a Family Dance Party, so I'm guessing people are encouraged to dance prior and hang out for the show, etc.? Also, we're currently set for the early dinner seating. Is there enough time to eat first and then head over, or will we have to forego the MDRs to do this in time?

I know it sounds a little weird to want to know all the details for what seems, from various YouTube videos, to be a quick & dirty little show that exists mostly for the families of the talented people, plus any curious onlookers. I've never seen evidence of a full room nor a particularly vocal crowd. Still, coming from our background we're the types who like to be fully ready when it's our turn to do our thing... So any helpful advice or experience would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much in advance!

Mark

 

[MomOTwins]

I have no insights to offer, but just wanted to say thanks for letting me know this exists, and I would also just say your family's acts all sound like things that I would really enjoy! I wouldn't be surprised if it is a bit quiet given the timing, since for folks in the main dining it might be hard for them to get out in time to find a seat at the main theater for the night's show, and for late dining I expect those people are getting ready for dinner around that time. But this does sound so fun I think I will try to catch it after our dinner next time!

I would definitely vote for disney themed songs as I expect that would be a big hit with the crowd, but wouldn't be afraid to go for some of the lesser known songs (e.g., Hercules, "I won't say I'm in love"), all depending on your wife's singing style of course, and don't forget the live action movies as well (I've always thought "Feed the birds" was one of the prettiest Disney songs).

 

[princessmommyx3]

My daughter has participated in the talent show (she sang) on 3 different cruises. All 3 times, people could sign up at any point during the cruise - there was a sign up sheet sitting out on the counter of the port adventures desk. There are 10 spots on the sign up sheet, so I think that it the maximum number of acts allowed, but we have never experienced more than 3 people sign up. According to the CMs, this is typical. The rehearsal is very informal and just a chance for each act to perform once or twice. You can use a song from the karaoke list or bring a song on your phone. I can't remember if a tech person was at the rehearsals or not - I kind of don't think so, but possibly. We have always had early dining and made it on time, but we did let our servers know to keep up the pace and keep our eye on the clock. As far as the audience, we have never had more than a dozen or so people show up (2 dozen max), really just the families of the performers. It is a very low-key event so don't expect anything great.

 

[Impromark]

Thanks! This falls in line with what we were expecting - it's done because pretty much every cruise does it, but more as a passtime than anything played up or overly serious. We're a competitive family though, and we like a challenge.

Mark

 

[ImprovGal]

I don't think a single event happens in a DCL venue without at least one tech present. But there is definitely one for the talent show.
Please note that the signup sheet may have the rule "no standup comedy". I've gotten around that with a song parody. But I've specifically been told not to just tell jokes, even when I offered to submit my routine beforehand. I admittedly haven't looked at the signup sheet in a couple of years, though, so perhaps that's now changed.

 

[Impromark]

Yes indeed, I've discovered additional details in a related thread:

https://www.disboards.com/threads/talent-show-on-board.2129966/

I'm also a Canadian Improv Guy (sic), and your handle makes me want to ask if there's a way for those of our ilk to get together & jam, short of informally taking over one of the pubs for a barprov show...

Mark

 

[ImprovGal]

Yes indeed, I've discovered additional details in a related thread:

https://www.disboards.com/threads/talent-show-on-board.2129966/

I'm also a Canadian Improv Guy (sic), and your handle makes me want to ask if there's a way for those of our ilk to get together & jam, short of informally taking over one of the pubs for a barprov show...

Mark

On the longer cruises (transatlantic, panama canal, etc) we've had improv workshops scheduled in the navigator that were led by a former Comedy Warehouse performer or current Mainstage CMs. On this year's May EBTA, we had an adult exclusive open house in Vibe with the improv activity That's Hilarious.
I always welcome the opportunity to learn from my peers, but I'd prefer DCL to hire my group if a full performance is in the cards.

 

[Impromark]

You and me both... And it's something that my own team has investigated over the years. I play, I teach, but I haven't performed on a cruise ship... Yet? Still, it's nice to know that there IS some improv stuff on some DCL entries, even if "visiting improvisors" aren't doing it.

Mark

 

[darnheather]

Is this only on the larger ships? I've never seen it offered on the Magic.

 

[Carrie in AZ]

Is this only on the larger ships? I've never seen it offered on the Magic.

I have been wondering the same thing, Heather!

 

[princessmommyx3]

My daughter has done it 3 times on the Wonder. Not sure about the Magic.

 

[darnheather]

My daughter has done it 3 times on the Wonder. Not sure about the Magic.

That's good to know. I'd like to do a dance with my daughter.