I read some good advice written by Lee Earle. I’m including it here on my blog to REMIND MYSELF, and also to pass it on to you.

An old-time vaudeville, burlesque and U.S.O. Camp Show entertainer named Don Seth told Lee:

“In every audience you entertain, there will be a little boy who had to save his nickles and dimes to be able to come to see your show. It may not be much money by your standards, but it is a lot to him. Give him his money’s worth.”

Don continued, “Every time you step on stage, there is a little boy in the front row who is seeing his first real, live magician. The image you create in his mind is the one which will stay with him for the rest of his life. Make it a good first impression.”

“And somewhere in every audience,” he continued, “is a little boy who could be playing in the park, or watching television, or doing his homework but instead has chosen to spend his one, precious, irreplaceable commodity – his time – with you and your show. You must reward his good faith with an equal effort of your own. You owe him the very best performance you can give.”

The next time you step on stage, look over your audience and, in each and every person present, be sure to see that little boy.

The Lee Earle quote comes from his book Pieces of My Mind (2001).