New Year...New Website!

I'm starting off the new year with a new website!! It's at:

WWW.GEOFFREYSHORT.COM

I'd love your feedback! Check out the pages for "Gypsy" my next directing project coming up in the Spring at Brecksville Theatre on the Square.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Video: Planning Music Entertainment from Geoff Short and DJ Scott Jones

Check out this cool video courtesy of Mystic Image Video. Me and DJ Scott Jones hosting an information video about planning music entertainment from Jerry Bruno Productions.

Jerry Bruno Productions Preview Video from Mystic Image Video on Vimeo.

Check Out "STAGES" Part 8!

Enjoy Pt. 8 - A behind the scenes look at the Junior Class Songwriter's Showcase of new music called "First Takes" both at Baldwin-Wallace and as the class takes the show on the road to Night Town in Cleveland Heights.

This documentary series follows the stories of the students and teachers of the acclaimed Baldwin-Wallace College Music Theatre Program led by Victoria Bussert. Produced by theater artist and documentarian Geoffrey Short, STAGES gives viewers unprecedented access to this exclusive program that draws the very best talent from around the country to this small private college in Berea, Ohio (just southwest of Cleveland). Graduates of this program often go on to careers on Broadway. Learn more about Baldwin-Wallace College at www.bw.edu. See other theater video documentary series from Geoff Short at www.youtube.com/CallBackCleveland.

Cool AVENUE Pic from Genevieve Nisly!

Thanks Genevieve Nisly for the great Avenue pic!


The singers of The Avenue at the Hillbrook Club, 2009 (l. to r.) Leigh Peterson, Geoff Short, Tiffany Marchak).

CHECK OUT "STAGES: Stories from the BW Music Theater Program" - PART 7!!

Enjoy Pt. 7 - The big day for nervous high school seniors auditioning to get into the exclusive BW Music Theater program plus a look at the audition day master class with Broadway Casting Director Bob Cline including performances from a few BW seniors.

This documentary series follows the stories of the students and teachers of the acclaimed Baldwin-Wallace College Music Theatre Program led by Victoria Bussert. Produced by theater artist and documentarian Geoffrey Short, STAGES gives viewers unprecedented access to this exclusive program that draws the very best talent from around the country to this small private college in Berea, Ohio (just southwest of Cleveland). Graduates of this program often go on to careers on Broadway. Learn more about Baldwin-Wallace College at www.bw.edu. See other theater video documentary series from Geoff Short at www.youtube.com/CallBackCleveland.

BOOK AND WIN AN IPOD NANO!

Book and win an iPod Nano!

Need holiday entertainment? Planning to book your 2010 wedding or event entertainment soon? Don’t wait! Request a contract, sign and return with your deposit by Dec. 31st and you’ll be entered to win a brand new iPod Nano!

The iPod Nano 8 GB holds 2,000 songs and takes 8 hours of video! Find out more about the iPod from Apple.

Pass the word! Anyone who books with a signed contract between today and Dec. 31st is entered to win! Visit JerryBruno.com for entertainment options from bands and DJs, jazz and ceremony musicians, to specialty acts like tribute bands, magicians and dancers.

A View from the Stage: Night of the Living Speech

The beast was among them...dressed as one of them..and it was hungry.

The newlyweds were flushed with excitement. They had painstakingly planned every detail of the reception....the perfect flowers...the perfect band...gourmet dinner...special dances...the......toasts...

It wouldn't be long now. It had been too long since the thing had fed. The unsuspecting victims were just now enjoying the salad course. Soon the thing would eat too. Only one thing would satisfy its insatiable appetite...time. And lots of it. It was just waiting for its cue...

..."and now ladies and gentlemen...a special toast from the Best Man..."

SUPPER TIME!!

The timeline was dead.

Fiction? Unfortunately in too many cases, no. I always remember a "toast" being something along the lines of "over the teeth and through the gums, look out tummy, here it comes!"..but too often a well-wishing Best Man or Maid of Honor sees this custom as their 15 minutes of fame - literally...15 minutes.

One question I always like to ask clients is "what is your goal for this reception"? Most people say that they want their guests to have a great time, to stay and dance and make the event one people have great memories of. In short, they want to throw a great party.

So why do so many people seem to forget what makes a great party?

True, a wedding reception is not an ordinary party...but there are some ingredients for successful parties that are universal, no matter what the occasion. One of those ingredients is the ability for the hosts to take the focus off themselves and put it onto their guests. This may seem contradictory to the very reason this event is happening in the first place- to celebrate the new union of the two most important people in the room. But the happy couple is THE reason everyone is there in the first place and the big white, fluffy dress is a big clue as to who the center of attention is. Making 200 guests - who have already dedicated an entire day to celebrating the rookie-weds - continue to sit through long speeches and toasts to further drive the point home can be the very definition of overkill.

And it can kill your timeline.

The bride and groom are most likely not going to be aware of what time it is - or rather, how much time they're losing - at any given point of the reception. Nor should they. But the band the bar and the bus boys definitely know what time it is. That's our job as planners and bandleaders and DJ's - to keep things moving and on schedule. And ready or not at the end of the night, the party is going to come to a close. Hopefully by this point it's your guest's feet that are tired from dancing and not their rear ends from sitting all night. You've probably paid good money for the band or DJ. You should get the most out of your investment and let them do what they do best..fill the dance floor. I've seen more than a few brides with that surprised look as though the dancing just started, and it seems we're "already" thanking the audience and going into our last dance.

Besides, wedding toasts are kind of like inside jokes - filled with memories that approximately 2% (according to statistics I just made up for this blog post) of the entire crowd were involved in and thus, care about. Making guests endure long winded speeches about things they weren't involved in is kind of like inviting friends over to sit through a slide show of your last trip to the Grand Canyon.

Don't forget the show business aspect of throwing a party. Appeal to the larger audience. More elements that everyone can enjoy - like dancing, eating and drinking - can help ensure a fun reception.

None of this is to suggest toasts should be done away with. But if brides and grooms make it clear to their respective Best Men and Maids of Honor from the very beginning of the planning process that their timeline is limited, things can move more swiftly to the true business of partying. A brief toast can still be funny, congratulatory and heartfelt.

And the time-eating beast will have to eat elsewhere.

Geoff Short

Geoff is the Sales and Promotions Manager at Jerry Bruno Productions and is the bandleader of JBP’s band The Avenue. Contact him at geoff@jerrybruno.com.

THE AVENUE – from Jerry Bruno Productions

Seated: (l. to r.) Tiffany Marchak (Vocals), Geoffrey Short (Vocals), Leigh Peterson (Vocals
Back Row: (l.to r.) Ray Porello (Drums), L.R. Smith (Keyboards), Ian Indorf (Trumpet), Joe Blues (Guitar), Bob Kessler (Bass), Chris Vollstadt (Saxophone), B.J. Bishop (Trombone).

STAGES: Stories from the BW Music Theater Program - Pt. 6

Hope you enjoy the latest episode of "STAGES: Stories from the BW Music Theater Program"! Pt. 6 - "The Wild Party" finally opens!

My Wife the Hero

My wife is a hero. Her name is Lisa Dwyer-Short. We call her Dubba. She works with children with multiple handicaps in the school district where we live. Like most teachers, Dubba doesn't make a fraction of what her most important work is worth, but I have seen her create miracles for kids who never would have dreamed of some of the opportunities she has created for them. She constantly is thinking of ways to expose her developmentally disabled, autistic and physically handicapped students to new experiences. My heart bursts with pride when I think of the school talent shows that ended with acts she put together featuring her students dancing on feet and in wheel chairs and the look of pure joy on their faces as their able-bodied classmates stood and roared in support. No one claps for these children, but Dubba creates opportunities for them to feel love and support where they never could have imagined it before. Even things that seem so simple to most people are unimaginable to these children and Dubba makes them real. Creating a birthday party for a disabled teenager who only wants the things every teen girl wants. A party with gifts and cards and cake, but most importantly one attended by so many "regular" students who just came to give the birthday girl a hug. All of which probably would never have happened without Dubba. She fought for permission to take the girl to see "New Moon"- something the girl never could have imagined and something she never will forget. But more importantly, it's the every day, hard, thankless work of loving, teaching and advocating for these kids that Dubba and so many people like her do that is really miraculous.

I am used to applause. OK...I am kind of addicted to it. But it's work like Dubba's that is some of the most important work I can think of because it's work that gives back to the world, that contributes and makes the world a better place -makes someone ELSE'S life better...and she hardly ever gets applause at all. Yet she deserves a standing ovation. I just wanted her and so many like her to know I notice, I appreciate it, I am in awe of it and I proudly stand and applaud.

We creative types are always looking for inspiration. For me I only have to look at the work Dubba does every day. A true hero.

Remembering some of my "Cheap Dates"!

I kind of Forgot about this fun video series I co-hosted a couple years ago for WKYC TV 3 here in Cleveland. Cheap Date was a weekly segment that aired every Friday on WKYC TV-3 in Cleveland. Hosted by Geoffrey Short and Dave Tarbert , the segment aired in Channel 3's "Good Company" program and focused on out of the way places and out of the box events in and around Cleveland that make perfect alternatives to the same old dinner and a movie!



These are three of my faves from the two-season stretch:

"Cheap Date on the Rocks": Geoff and Dave get precariously perched on a peak at the Cleveland Rock Gym!

"Cheap Date at the Chocolate Factory" : Geoff tries to conquer his chocolate addiction while visitng Olympia Choclate Company!

"Cheap Date at the Crawford Auto Museum": You won't believe the trouble Geoff and Dave get into when they visit the Crawford Auto and Aviation Museum in Cleveland!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

One of the most breathtaking performances of one of my fave holiday songs I've ever seen.

Meet the Jerry Bruno Productions Team!

It's great to be a part of the Jerry Bruno Productions Staff! Meet the crew here and give us a shout if you're looking for spectacular music entertainment for your next event.

PART 5 OF MY DOCUMENTARY SERIES "STAGES- STORIES FROM THE BW MUSIC THEATER PROGRAM"

Enjoy Part 5 - In this episode we go to Music Theater Workshop class with the program's newest students as freshman tell their life stories through special exercises. Also we peek into the rehearsal process of "The Wild Party".

Click here to see all the "STAGES" episodes!

This documentary series follows the stories of the students and teachers of the acclaimed Baldwin-Wallace College Music Theatre Program led by Victoria Bussert. Produced by theater artist and documentarian Geoffrey Short, STAGES gives viewers unprecedented access to this exclusive program that draws the very best talent from around the country to this small private college in Berea, Ohio (just southwest of Cleveland). Graduates of this program often go on to careers on Broadway. Learn more about Baldwin-Wallace College at www.bw.edu. See other theater video documentary series from Geoff Short at www.youtube.com/CallBackCleveland.

STAGES: Stories from the BW Music Theater Program - Pt. 4

STAGES: Stories from the BW Music Theater Program - Pt. 4: "The Wild Party" auditions are over and casting deliberations begin. Be there among the students to share their reactions from the customary midnight posting of the casting results. Plus a special presidential reception for the MT students with BW President Richard Durst and his view of why the music theater program at Baldwin-Wallace is so special.

This documentary series follows the stories of the students and teachers of the acclaimed Baldwin-Wallace College Music Theatre Program led by Victoria Bussert. Produced by theater artist and documentarian Geoffrey Short, STAGES gives viewers unprecedented access to this exclusive program that draws the very best talent from around the country to this small private college in Berea, Ohio (just southwest of Cleveland). Graduates of this program often go on to careers on Broadway. Learn more about Baldwin-Wallace College at www.bw.edu. See other theater video documentary series from Geoff Short at www.youtube.com/CallBackCleveland.

A View from the Stage: CHECK PLEASE!

Such is the nature of our world in the music business that much of the payment for our services rendered happens in a face to face exchange at the end of any given gig. Of course, in most cases the "gig" in question has probably been one in which some pretty heavy drinking by the clients has been involved. This can make for some pretty interesting if not downright challenging situations during that final transaction. And so I write this open letter to our beloved customers:

Dear (insert special event name) Client,

We musicians realize that much like Dickens' ghost of Marley we carry the chains forged from decades of bad reputations for not showing up or showing up late and then raping and pillaging your entire shindig. We also realize that this negative stereotype makes your parting with your balance check BEFORE the gig about as likely as head table place settings for the rhythm section. But could YOU realize that at midnight after an entire day of revelry and all the Jack and Coke that goes with it, you're probably not in any frame of mind to deal with important financial transactions like making sure the band actually gets paid for services rendered?

Let me explain. In many cases where musical entertainment is contracted, a NON-REFUNDABLE deposit (don't even get me started on this oft-ignored policy) is required ahead of time to reserve the act for your event. Most of the time this deposit is 50% of the total due, with the other half due the night of the event. Fine. This first half of the transaction usually occurs on a weekday when everyone is sober. Don't get me wrong. All of us in the industry are grateful you've contracted our services. But here's hoping that more fathers of the bride and other special event benefactors realize that after a gig, we're sweaty, tired and just want to get paid, pack up our gear and head to bed. The challenge for many beleaguered band leaders and DJ's is actually collecting that balance check in a timely fashion once the lights come up at the end of the night. It's hard enough finding you among the remaining guests, probably interrupting whatever slurry conversation you might be in and holding our hand out like Oliver Twist asking for "more". Here are a few classic examples that can make it even harder (you know who you are!):

The Scribbler - Once you actually locate him after 20 minutes, this is the completely snockered dad who can barely hold his checkbook and a pen at the same time. Often the bandleader will politely stand before The Scribbler for an extended period of time while he goes through an inordinate amount of checks, screwing each one up worse than the other. The upside down check....the check where he accidentally writes the same profanity he is speaking...the check he fell asleep in the middle of writing. In the end you usually get a crumpled, damp piece of paper made out to: "Je78XXX7s Prkdd#@# F**CK!"

The Socialite - This is the mother of the bride or similar player who gets that classic look of "What? We owe you money?" look in her eyes upon your approach. She then proceeds to tell you to "follow her", and like a compensation-starved puppy you are on her tail throughout the entire reception. Of course, making a bee line to the source of the money would be too much to ask, so naturally she stops at every group of relatives for another extended conversation-the bandleader at her side like a personal valet. By the third or fourth stop to chat, she has completely forgotten who you are and where she was going in the first place and finally asks you to go get her another drink.

The Concierge - This is the would-be payer who left his checkbook up in the hotel room. This is easily a half-hour wait and you know once he finally gets up there, he forgot to get the keycard to the room from his wife.

The Hot Potato - This tactic is usually committed by a group of relatives who must be a joy to dine out with once the check comes because their paying-avoidance skills are honed to perfection. These are the folks who deflect you like running backs and refer you to another player like the best man who they think was in charge of disbursing checks...of course Best Man looks at you like you have three heads and you get passed off to Cousin Vinnie....Vinnie to Aunt Fannie..Fannie to...well, you get the picture. By the time this merry-go-round stops it's 3 am and you're looking at the busboy wondering if the tips in his pocket would be enough to cover the balance.

So...how to avoid this frustration? Take care of all the business transactions before the reception starts. Organize and write your vendor checks ahead of time and pass them out. Get it out of the way. We totally understand that paying before the party starts makes you nervous. But rest assured, we didn't spend the last three hours to set up a full ten-piece band and complete sound system only to dine and dash. We're there, we're staying and you will get the great entertainment you imagined. The artists at companies with reputations like Jerry Bruno Productions are consummate professionals who only want the best for you and for you to continue referring us to your friends and families. We've grown up from our wanna-be rock star days of raping and pillaging your gentile events. So pay up...early. You'll have a happy and content band and you can party 'til you puke! You'll be safe and we won't have to incur the wrath of a drunken Aunt Fannie. Check please.

Sincerely,

Geoff Short (aka Oliver Twist)

Geoff is the Sales and Promotions Manager at Jerry Bruno Productions and is the bandleader of JBP's band The Avenue. Contact him at geoff@jerrybruno.com.

THE AVENUE - from Jerry Bruno Productions

Seated: (l. to r.) Tiffany Marchak (Vocals), Geoffrey Short (Vocals), Leigh Peterson (Vocals
Back Row: (l.to r.) Ray Porello (Drums), L.R. Smith (Keyboards), Ian Indorf (Trumpet), Joe Blues (Guitar), Bob Kessler (Bass), Chris Vollstadt (Saxophone), B.J. Bishop (Trombone).

PART 3!! "STAGES" - Check it Out!

STAGES: Stories from the BW Music Theater Program!

In this episode, auditions and call-backs wrap up for the Baldwin-Wallace College production of Andrew Lippa's "The Wild Party"

She Ate My Tapes!!!

This is the face that ate 3 of my "Wild Party" production video tapes forcing me to re-record yet again! She literally ate my homework! Bad dog Violet!!

A History of Rubbing Elbows

Found these gems hidden under a pile on my desk from my days working in radio and television.


Me and Jerry Springer from my years
working at FOX 8 in Cleveland. Jerry
put many dinners on my table. Oooh
TRASHY!!


Me and Marie Osmond at my first radio gig ever at
WGAR Cleveland's Country Music Station...still love
country music!



Me and Randy Travis. Sweet guy...enormous forehead.
Love his song "Forever and Ever, Amen". What is with
my gargantuan glasses? Thank God for lasik!


Me and Drew Carey right after the Browns left town for
Baltimore- I was Promotions Director for Sportsradio WKNR
and we were doing a bunch of Browns Hater Promotions!

PART 2 OF "STAGES"!

Here is part 2 of "STAGES: Stories from the BW Music Theater Program"

In this episode, go behind the scenes of auditions for BW's Fall musical Andrew Lippa's "The Wild Party". In the BW Music Theater program, where every opportunity is a teaching opportunity, an audition can be so much more than just a tryout.

Welcome to my new video documentary series "STAGES: Stories from the BW Music Theater Program"!

I'm always so grateful when anyone takes the time to watch my "Call-Back" videos documenting the process of producing live theater. I'm even more grateful when someone notices and hires me to do more of it! That was the case earlier this year when Vicky Bussert, the head of the Baldwin-Wallace College Music Theater program asked me to produce a brand new series for them that we call "STAGES:Stories from the BW Music Theater Program ".

The "STAGES" series follows the stories of the students and teachers of the acclaimed Baldwin-Wallace College Music Theatre Program led by Victoria Bussert. Produced by theater artist and documentarian Geoffrey Short, STAGES gives viewers unprecedented access to this exclusive program that draws the very best talent from around the country to this small private college in Berea, Ohio (just southwest of Cleveland). Graduates of this program often go on to careers on Broadway. Learn more about Baldwin-Wallace College at www.bw.edu. See other theater video documentary series from Geoff Short at www.youtube.com/CallBackCleveland.

A new episode will be posted to YouTube every Friday. I will post them here as well.

Here's episode 1. In this first episode, the MT students from freshman to seniors meet for the first time as a complete group. They learn some about some of the philosophies of the program from its teachers and they learn some interesting things about each other as well.