Jackbox Productions

BOOKING INFORMATION

UPDATE: We have been working to raise funds to open a new venue in our area. Because of this we are restricting the number of touring acts and will be unable to pay out much even in the way of gas money. If you are touring and want to be a part of this... Great! Just let us know. We generally are only booking weekends. However, we will consider larger acts for other dates... if you are unknown you can overcome this by finding a few local acts that will agree to play with you.
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NEED A DATE?
Unless you are a national act or have proven yourself, here are the cold facts. No one around here knows who you are and few probably cares at this point. However, If you are good people will like you if they just get a chance to see you. If you have your act together and are serious about what you are doing then we are here to help. We want to help you secure a show and build a following.

If you see (opening) on any current show and are interested in that date please email us with that show in the Subject line.

FILMS, THEATER TROUPE'S, COMEDY ACTS
All information below applies to your act, film or group when trying to secure a date. We can often create events around your film or incorporate your troupe or act into in existing show. We can also help to secure a date and create an event that is unique.

PHOTOGRAPHERS, ILLUSTRATORS, PAINTERS
We network with a variety of organizations and venues and would be happy to help you get your art placed in a local show or viewing.

LOCAL/REGIONAL BANDS: We get tons of requests from local bands asking to set up shows or keep them in mind. This usually isn't a problem if you have played a show with us before and we saw you draw a good amount of people. If you haven't drawn well in the past this could be due to a few reasons. (1) You are new and are still building a following. (2) You are not promoting your shows. (3) You simply aren't that good. Number 1 is about all we can help you with. But if you prove that you are out there making flyers, telling people to come see you, posting on your myspace, sending out emails, and working your butt off like we are then we most certainly want to help you get more shows. If you would like to set up a show with some other local bands or see a show with openings that you think you would work well on then let us know. If it is the first time you have contacted us please make sure to include all your websites, some brief info about yourself and where you are from in Iowa. This all applies for regional bans as well.

TOURING BANDS & ARTISTS: Just the fact that you are taking the next step and being aggressive you have already demonstrated that this is more than a hobby to you. You are putting yourself on the line and chances are you're loosing money on a daily basis by traveling and working to build a following. If you are in need of a date please e-mail us your date requests along with all your websites. Often we will ask that you to contact 2-3 locals if you don't already have a substantial group tour planned. The reason for this is we find that when artists network, everyone gets more excited and the shows go much better. You don't need to write multiple paragraphs trying to impress us with all the stuff you have done. We will be able to tell how hard you are working buy listening to your music and seeing what is on your website. You don't need to convince us to help you out. This is what we are hear to do. Please refrain from telling us how popular you are getting and that you have along the greatest acts ever or won many awards. That will probably mean nothing to the fan base you have in this market currently. However, if you do know you have a significant fan base within Iowa. That wouldn't hurt to know.

NATIONAL ACTS: Chances are we have a contract with you and you know exactly what you are doing.

BOOKING MULTIPLE DATES: If you wish to book multiple dates we may be able to help you secure other dates in Iowa and other states. Primarily IA, KS, MO, OH, WI and UT. Just let us know your additional routing needs.

GETTING PAID: Payout is usually based on a cut of the door which is based on the amount of people you draw. You will get at least $2 for every person you get to the show. So if you draw 25 you'll get payed $50. Cover is usually $6 and split 3 ways. 1/3 bands, 1/3 venue expenses, 1/3 promotion expenses. We do try to get a little extra to bands that are traveling from out of state but again this amount of gas money is relative to the turnout and your draw for the night. And to be honest. Sometimes gas money does not always mean you'll be able to fill your entire tank, so make sure you have cd's and merch to sell.

MERCHANDISE: You keep 100% of merch sales if you are playing for gas money or a modified rate. If we have a contract with of of over $200 we reserve the right to take 15% of merchandise sales.

ADVANCE INFORMATION: Once you have secured a date please read on...

ONCE YOU ARE BOOKED, Then What?.....

Once you have a date booked please to the following to make sure your show is as successful as it can be. This may seem like common sense to those of you who are touring and have been around for a while.. but you would be amazed at how many bands do not do these things and then wonder why their show didnt go very well...

SEND US INFO ON SPECIAL NEEDS: While we will provide a proper sound system we need to know in advance of anything unique you may need such as DI's or that you will need 5 vocal mics or need to mic 4 trumpets, violin, or harpsicord... you get the idea. Stage plots are nice too if you have them.

SUND US PROMOTIONAL ITEMS: If you have general posters, postcards, demo cds, stickers... we can get that all out for you to build awareness for your show. If you are local.. you should be doing this yourself.

PROMOTE PROMOTE PROMOTE: No one can promote your band as well as you. So do it. Facebook, Myspace, emails, flyers, posters... get at it.

UPON ARIVAL: Load in starts 2 hours prior to door. Arrive 2 hours prior to your sets and check in with JUSTIN or JASON for details. We backline gear. When your set is over PLEASE REMOVE GEAR at least from the main stage area before packing... so the next band can start setting up.

Thanks for working with us to make a great show for everyone!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is our set time?
Set times for bands are usually set at 30-45min.

How many bands will be playing?
Usually 3-4. On occassion 5.

Can our merch guy, family, girlfriends, etc get in free?
Yes, but only if you are traveling from out of state or the edge of Iowa.

Is the show all ages?
Yes, at this time every show we do will be all ages.

Can we set up merch?
Yes, there will be tables available that you can use.

Is beer allowed in the venue?
No. The venue we are currently using does not permit it.

Can we bring our own lighting system?
Yes, just let us know in advance.