We would like to clarify our approach to the world of entertainment and events.
Below, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions we receive, from concept creation to production, from logistics to administration.
We are a structured reality, and we take care of the complete management of each individual performance (artists, structures, suppliers, etc.). We directly oversee every production and artistic direction for weddings, corporate and private events, including international projects.
Entertainment
Do you only deal with musical entertainment?
No, we are an entertainment agency, but we do not exclusively deal with musical entertainment.
We manage artists (singers, musicians, acrobats, actors, and much more) from the creation of the act to costumes and contracting. We also take care of all logistics related to the transportation of personnel, scenography and props.
We can offer a “turnkey” package, from the concept creation and design through to the realization of the entertainment experience, working closely with the suppliers chosen by you, or supporting you in selecting them. We are always open to creating new synergies and establishing new collaborations.
What musical genres do your artists perform?
From soul to funk, jazz to blues, pop to R&B, from classical music to African rhythms, and much more. Our musicians are highly trained, with years of study behind them as well as experience on international stages. Our role is to understand the client’s needs and propose the artists who best fit the event.
What kind of performances do you create?
From caricaturists to acrobats, from dance crews with more than 20 performers to immersive performances with dedicated equipment.
Our roster includes several artists throughout Italy and beyond. There are no limits to imagination or geographical boundaries that we cannot overcome. Depending on the event, we propose the artists who best match the underlying concept, whose art can bring spectacle, emotion and wonder.
Is it possible to customize the different moments of the event?
Of course! Whether it is a wedding, corporate event or gala dinner, we make sure that the entertainment accompanies every moment and follows the natural flow of the event. From the exchange of wedding vows to the cake cutting, from the launch of a new product to the welcome aperitif, from the entrance of an important guest to the party. We follow every moment with discretion when needed, and with energy and involvement when requested.
Can we see and hear the artists in advance?
Depending on the type of event and the moments requiring entertainment, our proposals always include photos and videos of the artists (musicians, acrobats, magicians, actors, etc.) to help you imagine their performance.
Will the artists interact with the audience?
Our roaming bands are the perfect balance between musical performance and audience interaction. No backing tracks, cables or stage required: they move among the guests, bringing the music directly to them, singing and dancing together.
Professional actors, stilt walkers, caricaturists and themed magicians/illusionists entertain guests with sketches, art and magic, accompanying them throughout the different moments of the event.
We can create the concept and develop the format together for an original and unique production!
Do you have fixed formats?
Yes, we have original formats, but we never propose the exact same project twice. The musical setlist, some artists or costumes can be changed to better adapt to the context and location, creating a new narrative in line with the desired vision.
We aim to make every entertainment experience unique, just as every client and every event are unique, creating tailor-made performances.
Do you have an artist catalogue to choose from?
We do not have a traditional catalogue to offer. We collaborate with different artists throughout Italy and abroad, proposing them according to the client’s request and the type of event, the atmosphere to be created, the desired level of engagement and the message to be conveyed, while respecting the budget, preferences and vision.
The goal is to provide the client with a detailed and customized artistic proposal: number of artists, type of performance, musical genre, costume options, and more. We often bring together artists who have never worked together before, creating new collaborations and original shows. A true form of personalization.
We want to avoid the client having to browse through a catalogue of hundreds of pages and, instead of finding inspiration, getting lost among countless descriptions, videos and photos – from bands to acrobats, magicians, dance companies, fire performers and gospel choirs. This is why we take care of an initial selection based on the shared requirements.
How long does a performance last?
It depends on how the event is structured. Usually, our artists perform for a maximum of 2 hours, which can be divided into several sets with breaks in between to rest, prepare the next artistic intervention and, when required, change costumes. For example, if a dinner lasts 4 hours in total, our artists can be present for 4 hours but perform for 2 hours. The duration of the sets can be structured, such as 20 minutes of performance and 10 minutes of break, or 40 minutes of performance and 10 minutes of break (depending on the type of entertainment chosen).
Some shows have a fixed duration due to the nature of the performance itself, the autonomy of certain props, the technical difficulty, etc.
We are always available to listen and work together with the client to design the best entertainment solution.
How far in advance should artists be confirmed?
As soon as possible.
In our proposals we always specify that “artist availability must be reconfirmed at the moment of actual interest”. This is because the events industry is constantly evolving, especially the entertainment sector, as some artists book dates even two years in advance, or unexpected circumstances may require a replacement, or other adjustments.
It is always better to ask and clarify any doubts immediately regarding a show, an artist or any related aspect, to avoid missing an opportunity and enjoy the performance you desire.
Technical aspects
What are your working hours?
For us, it is essential to know in advance the schedules and timing of the different moments of an event in order to understand when to arrive, set up, carry out soundchecks / rehearsals, prepare outfits and make-up, eat, and more.
We are always available and open to collaborating with the different suppliers involved in the realization of the event, facilitating everyone’s work so that everything is ready within the agreed timelines.
We do not have a standard schedule; it depends on how many artists are involved and the type of entertainment chosen. It can range from one to three hours, including soundcheck, rehearsals, costume changes, hair and make-up, and, if we are also required to oversee the setup of the venue and the audio-video-lighting services, naturally more time will be needed.
What do artists need?
We provide a technical rider with everything required, including what the artist will bring (musical instrument, DJ console, structures for aerial performances, etc.) and what needs to be available on-site to ensure the success of the entertainment (speakers, platforms, lighting, etc.). We can collaborate directly with the audio-video-lighting service chosen for the occasion, integrating everything necessary, or we can take full responsibility for the technical aspects ourselves.
It is also essential to have a dressing room close to the event area where the performances will take place, to facilitate costume changes, artist movement and the storage of materials.
What happens if someone gets sick or an unexpected situation occurs?
You wont’t even notice. We will have a replacement available very quickly thanks to our extensive network of professional artists.
What is your cancellation policy?
We have a contractual policy covering every aspect.
Will the artists be independent or will someone from your team be present?
It depends on several factors: the complexity and structure of the event, the number of talents involved, etc. Once we understand the client’s needs regarding the desired type of entertainment, our proposals always indicate the number of staff involved in addition to the artists.
We do not only provide concepts and talents, but also manage the production on-site, from artistic direction to technical coordination.
What are the timelines for receiving a proposal?
As soon as we have all the necessary information (type of event, number of guests, desired entertainment concept, budget, etc.), we begin working on the best proposal. This includes both designing the best structure for the performance(s) and checking artist availability or, if necessary, evaluating alternative solutions.
If the event is not complex and the number of talents involved is limited, we can provide a proposal within one day, including the artist description and their art form, as well as photos and videos to help you immerse yourself in the performance and imagine the possible result. For more complex projects requiring greater customization (costumes, setups, structures, etc.), we usually need approximately one week or slightly more.
The proposal includes all aspects related to costs, organization, administration and civil liability insurance (we are fully covered for damages to ourselves, all personnel involved and third parties).
What is included in a proposal?
We prepare tailor-made proposals for every event, following the specific requirements. We require the client to provide a reference budget or price range and, based on this, together with the concept and requests, we work to find the best solution for the event.
Our proposals include artist and staff fees, applicable taxes according to current legislation, insurance and management of unexpected situations/replacements. Since our proposals are customized according to the client’s needs, the type of event and its complexity, the following may be excluded: outfits created specifically according to the event mood, on-site coordination and transportation costs.
Do you have a costume catalogue to choose from?
We have a catalogue of costumes, props, accessories and structures to choose from for every type of performance: singers and dancers, magicians, acrobats and all other artists. From floral-themed outfits to Barock, Dolce Vita and many other styles.
Having an internal costume archive helps reduce costs for the client, who is not charged additional fees for choosing outfits from our catalogue.
For customized costumes, accessories or structures, a dedicated quotation will be prepared.
Where do you work?
Anywhere in the world.
We receive many requests from Italy, but also from the rest of the world, from Spain to Georgia, Iceland to the United States, and many other destinations.
We bring our Made in Italy entertainment experiences worldwide, from artists to costumes and scenography, managing logistics wherever required.
Who we are
So, what exactly do you do?
We take care of everything. It may sound like a simple phrase, but it truly represents what we do.
We manage artists, the creation of costumes and scenography, artistic direction, technical direction and logistics.
We oversee every aspect involved to ensure that each element is in the right place and that everything follows a natural flow and a coherent narrative. Nothing is left to chance; every detail must be impeccable.
How long have you been working in the industry?
For more than 15 years now.
Abacadabra Productions was born a few years ago from a shared vision: every event is a story to be told, and every detail is an essential part of it.
In every project, we bring a dual soul: a practical and a creative one, born from a professional encounter that evolved into a true connection.
Our clients, artists and suppliers are part of a community that places human quality at the center of every project. We believe in clear and open communication, where every voice is listened to and respected.
What makes Abacadabra different from other entertainment agencies?
We create our content, concepts and formats internally.
We have a strong ethical approach not only towards our clients, but also towards the talents we collaborate with.
Continuous training and inspiration come from experiencing art firsthand (theatre, shows, concerts, trade fairs and industry events); from the production of costumes and setups; from live music, performing on stage and working behind the scenes.
A strong connection with clients, suppliers and artists. We are always looking for new collaborations and synergies, both with new partners and by renewing relationships with those we have already worked with.
We take care of every aspect of entertainment: concept, production, setup, technical coordination, logistics and more.
We create the magic: you enjoy the event, live the experience, and we take care of everything else.
What if I have other questions?
We will be happy to answer any further questions. You can send us an email at hello@abacadabra.productions or book a video call.