BRO GILBERT'S SHOWTIME PLAYBOOK & TECHNICAL RIDER
A practical guide to creating the perfect conditions for astonishment.
THE SHOWTIME PLAYBOOK
A Quick Guide to Setting the Stage
The show doesn't begin when Bro walks onstage - it begins about 10 minutes before. Here's how to turn a room of guests into an audience ready for something extraordinary.
10 minutes to showtime:
Make a quick announcement: "Just a heads-up, everyone - the magic begins in 10 minutes!" Point out the restrooms and let guests know the bar will pause during the performance. Now's the time for that last drink and pit stop.
2 minutes to showtime:
Find Bro and check in: "Ready?" A smile, a nod, or a mysteriously confident look means we're good to go.
Showtime:
Step up confidently, get the room's attention, welcome everyone, and ask guests to turn their chairs and bodies toward the performance area. Give them a moment to settle. Then don't rush - a little silence before the show starts is where the magic really begins.
Introducing Bro Gilbert:
"Our next performer has spent more than 30 years creating impossible moments for audiences around the world. He's performed at more than 1,500 corporate events and has worked behind the scenes as a creative consultant alongside some of the biggest names in modern magic. Most recently, he was selected by FIFA to perform inside the exclusive VVIP lounges at the 2026 World Cup. Tonight, however, he's here for you. So get ready to laugh, participate, and experience a few things that may be very difficult to explain tomorrow. Please welcome... BRO GILBERT!"
After the show:
"One more huge round of applause for Bro Gilbert!" Your guests return safely to reality. Probably.
SETTING THE STAGE
A little preparation goes a long way toward a great show. These guidelines help every guest see, hear, and fully experience the magic.
Seating & Sight lines
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Theatre / auditorium seating: leave at least one centre aisle for audience access and participation.
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Banquet / ballroom seating: arrange guest tables in front of the stage, not beside or behind it. The closer the room feels to an intimate theatre, the better the experience - even with a large audience. Keep sight lines clear of pillars, oversized centrepieces, or décor.
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On stage: one standard chair, please.
Avoid the "dance floor of death" - a large empty gap between stage and audience creates distance and weakens the connection.
Avoid - large empty gap between stage and audience]
The Backdrop
Simple is magical. A clean, neutral backdrop is ideal - black preferred. Avoid positioning the performance area in front of doors, windows, or mirrors, so attention stays on the astonishment, not the scenery.
Lighting
Good-quality stage lighting with Bro clearly and evenly lit throughout. Being mysterious is good. Performing mysteriously in the dark is less good.
Audio
Please provide access to the venue's sound system with:
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One audio input for Bro's iPad (a standard connection near the stage or podium)
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One XLR input for Bro's wireless headset mic (he travels with his own professional Sennheiser system)
For Larger Audiences
For roughly 250+ guests (banquet) or 500+ (theatre-style), a live video feed is strongly recommended: two screens flanking the stage, live camera coverage, and a camera operator plus AV support. It keeps the magic feeling close-up, even from the back of the room.
Questions? Every venue's different - happy to work directly with your planner, venue, or AV team. Reach out ahead of time; it's always easier to solve a staging question before showtime than five minutes out.
A FEW FINAL DETAILS
During the show: please schedule the performance between courses or after meal service. Food, beverage, buffet, bar, photo booths, and other activities should pause for the performance - because when 200 people are watching something impossible happen and someone starts collecting dinner plates, the dinner plates usually win. For a few minutes, we turn the event into a shared theatre experience.
Green room: a private room or secure area near the performance space to prepare and store belongings. Nothing fancy required.
Artist guests: with advance notice, Bro may bring up to two guests at no additional cost.
Photography & recording: we'd love copies of any photos or video captured of the event. Bro may also photograph or record portions of the performance for promotional use, unless otherwise arranged. Client privacy always comes first - let us know in advance of any confidentiality or media restrictions and we'll respect them.
CONFIRM YOU'VE READ IT
By checking the box below, you confirm that you've read, understood, and agree to the setup outlined in this Technical Rider.
A confirmation copy will be sent to you and to Bro Gilbert once submitted.
Thank you for helping create the right conditions for something extraordinary. These details may seem small, but together they turn an ordinary event space into a room where anything feels possible.