MCing

[clapchap]

Hey, i've been assigned the role of MC for a variety show, and was wonder what people recomend with this type of experience. I was thinking to throw in a few tricks as well as announcing, and i heard balloon swallowing got a good reaction (has this already been posted?). I saw it once, done by the flaming idiots- long balloon for balloon modeling, used like a sword. Any other tricks? i was thinking eccentrick style things, more than juggling, but i do have that as a net...
Thanks, eric

[Thom]

Here's the standard M.C. formula. Feel free to ignore this and all other rules as you see fit. No one but you can tell you how to entertain.

Open with 5 minutes of strong, friendly material, move the show along with humor and praise for all the acts, do another 3 minutes in the back half of the show, then get everyone a hand for their work. DON'T expect applause for your mc work. It looks very tacky to ask an audience to clap for you. The mc doesn't get credit for the mc work. Live with it.

If the balloon act is your best bit, then do it. Don't create new material unless you don't have any. Tried and true is the rule here. The show could live or die by your performance. A good MC can save a bad show.

That's it. Got a specific question? Fire away.