COMEDIANS
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JIMMY KRENN-Comedian/Radio Host |
| Jimmy
Krenn rose from the ranks of stand-up comedians to become Pittsburgh’s
premier comedian and broadcast personality. Voted five times as
one of the Top Entertainers in the City by Pittsburgh Magazine,
Jimmy is recognized throughout Western Pennsylvania as the host
of Pittsburgh’s top-rated morning show on 102.5 WDVE-FM.
He also makes frequent television appearances and does several
Standing Room only concert performances every year.
[read more about
Comedian/Radio Host Jimmy Krenn] |
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FRANK NICOTERO-Comedian/TV Host |
Many people know Frank from his five-year stint as the host of the wildly popular syndicated comedy game show, "Street Smarts". Frank can be seen doing "man-on-the-street" segments for TBS Weekend Extra every Saturday night. Frank Nicotero is also hosting a daily show on Yahoo TV called "Primetime in No Time" which features a comical three-minute roundup of the previous night's prime time TV shows. The show is drawing over 3.5 million views per day on TV.Yahoo.com. Frank has been playing sold out shows in Indianapolis, Columbia, his hometown of Pittsburgh, and in his current home of Los Angeles at the world famous Laugh Factory, The Comedy/Magic Club in Hermosa Beach, and the legendary Icehouse in Pasadena.
[read more about
Comedian/TV Host Frank Nicotero] |
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MARK EDDIE-Comedian/Musician |
With
a guitar, a signature singing voice and an infectious spirit,
comic Mark Eddie fires out musical observations,
songs, guitar riffs and musical impressions of artists such as
Bob Dylan, Eddie Vedder, Al Green and John Mayer, to name just a
few. From a musician‘s point-of-view, he explores the funny
little things in the music we love... like the similarities
between Heavy Metal and Polka music -- envisioning Neil Diamond as a third-grade
teacher -- and slowing down Dave Matthews on a turntable. "It's
either brilliant observations or way too much time on my hands",
says Eddie. Mark Eddie and talent network, inc have been a successful team for over 15 years.
[read more about
Comedian/Musician Mark Eddie] |
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ROCKY LaPORTE-Comedian/Actor |
With
his unmistakable accent and his hilarious yet endearing delivery,
Comedian Rocky LaPorte is becoming more well-known by the day.
His performance on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno"
brought him a standing ovation, and he's been featured on his
own "Comedy Central Presents" special, which is currently
running on Comedy Central.
[read more about
Comedian/Actor Rocky LaPorte] |
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JOHN KNIGHT-Comedian/Actor |
An everyman storyteller with a signature mocking cynicism and a deadpan cutting edge, John is a great person to spend a fun filled evening with. His act shines with a brilliance and insightfulness that's bound to entertain your crowd, and his routine culls laughs from the classic comic format of everyday distractions, stretched to their exaggerated limits. Because of his wide appeal to diverse audiences, John has been invited to tour with the USO beginning with a visit to Okinawa in August 2009. Knight has become one of the favorite comedy acts on the East Coast and has opened for Leon Redbone, Steven Wright and Howie Mandel. He has also appeared on Star Search, Showtime Comedy Club Network and A&E's Comedy on the Road.
[read more about
Comedian/Actor John Knight] |
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MIKE WYSOCKI-WDVE Comedian |
Mike Wysocki has been winning audiences over all across the East Coast with his strong writing skills and sardonic look at American life. After winning the prestigious 2001 Virginia Laugh Off, Mike left Virginia in hopes of completing his college degree at the University of Pittsburgh. Shortly thereafter, Mike won the 2003 Funniest Person in Pittsburgh. While working as a short order cook during the days and the comedy clubs at night, Mike was discovered by Jimmy Krenn, co-host of the WDVE morning show. Krenn immediately hired Mike to be a regular comic force on the highest rated morning show in the country. His quick wit and smooth delivery have earned him a loyal following among listeners. Mike is currently the most downloaded podcast on www.dve.com. In addition to headlining sold-out shows in the tri-state area, Mike regularly appears at the Improv with some of the nation's biggest comedy stars.
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GREG HAHN-Comedian/Actor |
Outrageous, Fun, and Ridiculous! He has appeared on Late Night with Conan Obrien, Comedy Central, CBS, ABC, FOX, MTV and CMT. Greg Hahn has parlayed his absurdly energetic, all out style of physical humor, one liners and crowd work, into an act with no waiting for the funny, just immediate pandemonium and panic. His massive likeable and wild stylings have led to numerous television, club, corporate and now theater appearances throughout the country. Greg has enjoyed hit television appearances on Late Night with Conan O'Brien, Premium Blend, Louis CK's Pulp Comics, 30 Seconds to Fame, Cedric the Entertainer Presents and Star Search.
[read more about Comedian/Actor Greg
Hahn] |
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LEE TERBOSIC-Comedy/Magician |
From CEO’s to celebrities, colleges and corporations, Lee Terbosic has performed for them all, and many in between. From Pittsburgh, PA, Lee started in the art of magic at the young age, honing his craft through his high school years (where he became known as the guy in the lunch room that could freak you out.), and through college while attending Robert Morris University. Lee graduating in 2007 and hit the ground running with a flourishing performance career, performing stand-up, strolling magic at clubs and trade shows to corporate show at a multitude of diverse venues for clients such as PUMA, the Pittsburgh Steelers, Dave & Busters, NevGov, Inc. Bill Frew & Associate, Inc., WesBanco and Heeter Direct, along with colleges, private events and area restaurants. His comical delivery, laid back style and ability to connect with a crowd make him a favorite with audiences of all types. His sleight of hand magic skills make miracles happen right under your nose. Whether strolling at an event and mingling with guests to performing an intimate show for a hand full of people, Lee’s close-up performances pack a punch.
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AUGGIE COOK-Comic/Musician |
Auggie
Cook is a nationally touring stand-up comedian who has appeared
on ABC-TV and A&E. He has worked with many well-known comedians,
including Howie Mandel, Drew Carey, Robert Klein, Chris Rock,
George Wallace and Rick Rockwell.
[read more about
Comedian/Musician Auggie Cook]
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SHAUN BLACKHAM-Comedian |
Energetic
observational comedy that pushes the limits on just about every
subject. Shaun has a unique style and vigorous outlook on life
and the world. His performances paint a picture in your mind that
leaves you wanting more!
[read more about
Comedian Shaun Blackham]
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TAMMY PESCATELLI-Comedian/Actress |
Tammy’s
show brings brassy sexiness with a female voice of witty sarcasm
to her audiences. She holds her own on the topics of sports, television,
dating, and family life using tongue-in-cheek humor. Moving from
her hometown of Cleveland to LA to further hone her talents, Tammy
has graced the stage with some of the best-known comics in the
business. Becoming one of the top finalists on NBC’s Hit
Reality Show “Last Comic Standing 2” has catapulted
Tammy’s career and won her a slew of new fans, solidifying
her as one of the sharpest women in comedy today.
[read more
about Comedian/Actress Tammy Pescatelli] |
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BILLY ELMER-Comedian/Actor |
Hilarious
comic and veteran comedy club act, Billy can be seen on numerous
national TV comedy shows such as Comic Strip Live, Night At The
Improv, MTV, Showtime Comedy Club Network, Showtime All-Stars,
HBO, A&E, etc..
[read more about
Comedian/Actor Billy Elmer]
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GENE COLLIER-Comedian |
Well known feature columnist for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Gene is legendary for his dry, humorous views on sports and living life. His stand-up comedy ponders about and pokes fun at his town, it's inhabitants and his own family life. Gene writes sports columns three or four times a week at the pleasure of Assistant Managing Editor/Sports Jerry Micco, who rescued him from the self-imposed wilderness of political commentary and feature writing in the spring of 2004. Prior to that, Collier had been a sports columnist for the Pittsburgh Press, and the long-dead Philadelphia Journal, where he began as a beat writer covering Major League Baseball. He has a journalism degree from Penn State. Gene has been a popular guest on area radio stations including the WDVE Radio's Morning Show, delivering his comical views on Pittsburgh and its sports teams
[read
more about Comedian Gene Collier] |
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JOHN DiCROSTA-Comedian/Actor/Ventriloquist |
In his stage appearances, John DiCrosta is anything but boring. Dozens of voices, off-beat impressions, topical humor, sight gags, a few props, and sometimes even ventriloquism are among the tricks this comedian has up his sleeve. John's sharp wit and knack for playfully causing trouble with practical jokes has helped to spread his name across the United States and Canada.
[read more about
Comedian/Actor/Ventriloquist John DiCrosta]
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MARYELLEN HOOPER-Comedian/Actress |
America is falling in love with Maryellen Hooper... and it is easy to see why. With her unique brand of storytelling and quirky physical humor, she is one of the brightest stars in comedy. Known for providing non-stop laughter, Maryellen describes her material as "...just plain silly, fun stuff everybody can appreciate." She deftly comments on the travails of being a woman as she takes the audience on a delightfully loopy ride. Her persona has been described as "...if Lucille Ball and Dick Van Dyke had a baby girl," which Maryellen jokingly explains is "because I have red hair and trip over ottomans." A true original, Maryellen is a favorite at venues across the country. Whether you see her headlining at a Las Vegas showroom or your local comedy club, her patented style of silliness will have you falling out of your chair.
[read more about
Comedian/Actress Maryellen Hooper]
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BILL SCOTT-Comedian |
Bill
has shared the stage with top comedy acts like Chris Rock, Norm
MacDonald, Bill Maher, Jimmy Fallon, Lewis Black, and Anthony
Clark, and performs at comedy clubs across the country including
THE IMPROV, THE FUNNY BONE, THE PUNCHLINE, HILARITIES and CATCH
A RISING STAR.
[read more about
Comedian Bill Scott]
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DAVID MICHAEL-Comedian/Author |
David Michael started his comedy career at the age of twenty and his philosophy of comedy is simple — keep the jokes clean and funny. This has enabled him to appeal to audiences young and old, performing on radio, television, in the premier clubs, and at colleges and corporate events across the country. David is a regular at Funny Bone Comedy Clubs nationwide and the Improv Comedy Club, America's most prestigious chain.
[read more about
Comedian/Author David Michael]
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BILL CRAWFORD-Comedian/Actor |
Bill’s
comedic nature is all about perspective and sarcasm. He mixes
a blend of intelligence and the ridiculous, taking on a variety
of characters and voices and the physicality of both. His sharp
wit and comedic style create obscure and humorous observations
from the everyday life of a young guy.
[read more about
Comedian/Actor Bill Crawford]
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DENNIS BOWMAN-Ventriloquist/Comedian/Meteorologist |
Best recognized in Pittsburgh as WPXI and currently as the KDKA weatherman, Dennis has been a versatile television personality in the tri-state are for 3 decades. Dennis also enjoys a dual career as an accomplished ventriloquist, performing for the corporate, club and the private sector. For younger audiences and school assemblies, Dennis has a humorous educational program on weather for K-12 graders that includes fun facts, audience participation and scientific demonstrations including creation of a tornado for K-12 graders.
[read more about
Ventriloquist/Comedian Dennis Bowman]
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MARK REEDY-Comedian |
Reedy’s
popularity with club and corporate audiences did not go unnoticed
in TV land, helping to land him spots on ShowTime, MTV, NBC, A&E,
BET, and HBO, among others, as well as performing opening performances
for an array of national stars.
[read more about
Comedian Mark Reedy]
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MIKE VENEMAN-Comedian/Actor |
A
writer and 16-year comedy veteran, Mike has headlined at every
major comedy club across the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean. He
can be seen on TV comedy shows such as A&E’s "At
The Improv" and "Comedy On The Road", VH-1’s
"Stand-up Spotlight", and HBO’s "Comic Relief".
Mike has performed at over 200 colleges and hundreds of corporate
functions for such companies as Gateway 2000, General Motors,
The NFL, and Frito Lay. He has been a writer for many television
projects and wrote for the Cleveland Brown's Insider program.
Mike has also written the routines for other popular comedian’s
appearances on Late Night with David Letterman and the Tonight
Show.
[read more about
Comedian/Actor Mike Veneman] |
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PROFESSIONAL SOUND & LIGHTS |
A vital part of the show is to see and
hear your speaker or comedian clearly. At a minimum expense,
we can provide the complete sound system with a technician for
your show. The package includes a top quality freestanding professional
sound system, wireless handheld microphone, black drape backdrop
for the stage area, stage lighting and if needed, spotlight
with operator. The technician will complete a sound check prior
to the start of the show and will remain onsite to operate the
equipment and play background music prior to show.
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SPEAKERS
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ROCKY BLEIER |
Rocky Bleier was
not very big and not very fast, but he was an incredibly determined
athlete when the Steelers picked him late in the 1968 draft. Before
he could prove himself as a rookie, he was drafted again –
this time, for combat duty in Vietnam. Nowadays, Rocky is in demand as a speaker, motivating his audiences by drawing the parallels between the challenges he faced in the past and the challenges all business people face in today's crowded, competitive marketplace.
[read more about Speaker Rocky Bleier] |
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TIMMY BEGGY |
Tim Beggy was born and brewed in Pittsburgh. As the youngest of four, he acquired quite an ability to entertain. These skills and more helped him to graduate from Duquesne University. There he played wide receiver for the football team but realized his true talents were on the sidelines, which propelled him towards a brief stint as the mascot for the Pittsburgh Pirates. After walking that plank, Tim was snatched up by MTV's Road Rules, where you'd find him riding bulls, jumping out of airplanes and performing amazing stunts. This adventure led him to LA to pursue his real dream... getting on the Price is Right. After successfully making it to "contestant's row", Tim decided to shoot his goals a bit higher.
[read
more about Speaker Timmy Beggy] |
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DAVID MICHAEL |
If you want to stand up and deliver a creative, humorous, message that makes sense, motivates, teaches and inspires then David Michael is your man. David Michael is a professional standup comedian with 23 years of experience in clubs, television, radio and the movie industry. In addition to his entertainment experience, he has worked 12 years as a corporate financial officer. He received a BA Degree in Communications from the University of Pittsburgh. Utilizing his unique background in entertainment and business, he has created a program entitled "Standing Up in Business" which entails the "Five Inside Secrets" he has developed as a successful comedian. These can be applied to many business presentations providing for an entertaining, dynamic, more effective program. David will actually work one on one or in small groups to help clients apply these techniques to their own presentations. He is currently writing a book that is soon to be published.
[read
more about Speaker David Michael] |
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GENE COLLIER |
Gene
Collier has written sports, politics, and media criticism in Pittsburgh
and Philadelphia for more than 30 years and has twice been nominated
for the Pulitzer Prize, losing spectacularly both times. He is
co-author, with Rob Zellers, of the one-man play "The Chief"
starring Tom Atkins and based on the life of Arthur J. Rooney.
"The Chief" is the most successful production in the
distinguished history of the Pittsburgh Public Theatre. Gene’s
writing popularity has led into a secondary career as a stand-up
comic and corporate speaker. A native of Coaldale, Pa, a small
collapsed minor town between the 'I' and the 'A' in Pennsylvania,
Collier earned a B.A. in Journalism from Penn State and lives
in Pittsburgh's North Hills with his wife, Gerry, also a Penn
State grad.
[read
more about Speaker Gene Collier] |
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CRAIG KARGES |
Craig Karges is truly extraordinary! The "extraordinist" is an award winning entertainer, a nationally recognized speaker and an author. He has made over four thousand appearances on four continents and in all fifty states. Craig Karges' performance is an extraordinary blend of mystery, humor, psychology and intuition. Karges dazzles the mind as he challenges his audiences to question what is real and what is unreal, what is possible and what is impossible. Dennis Miller, comedian and talk show host, put it this way after seeing Karges perform, "this weirds me out." He has made over four thousand appearances on four continents and in all fifty states. A table "walks" on stage and then flies into the air! Borrowed finger rings from audience members are linked together in a chain! Thoughts are read and predictions are made and verified. Craig Karges risks his fee in a special demonstration. If he fails, the money is returned to the sponsor! You don't just watch this performance, you experience it, through total audience participation. Audiences may be mystified when it comes to understanding how Craig Karges accomplishes what he does on stage but his popularity is no mystery at all
[read more about Speaker Craig Karges]
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CRAIG WOLFLEY |
Craig Wolfley
is a 12-year veteran of the NFL who played 10 years with the Pittsburgh
Steelers and 2 years with the Minnesota Vikings. Craig was recently
selected as a member of the Steeler's All-Century Team (voted by
Pittsburgh fans as a “team” of the best players to ever
wear a Steeler uniform) and chosen to be part of the Syracuse University
20th Century All-Star Team. Wolfley successfully competed in the
World's Strongest Man and the NFL Strongest Man competitions, and
placed 2nd in the first professional Sumo contest held on the North
American continent. He holds a black belt in Freestyle Jiu Jitsu
and has over 19 years of martial arts training - including being
[read more about Speaker Craig Wolfley] |
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BILL FLANAGAN |
Bill Flanagan is Executive Vice President-Corporate Relations for the Allegheny Conference on Community Development and its affiliated regional development organizations. In this role‚ he also hosts “Our Region's Business” on WPXI-TV, WJAC-TV, WTOV-TV and the Pittsburgh Cable News Channel (PCNC)‚ a program the Conference produces in partnership with Cox Television. Bill supervises Investor Relations activities for the Conference and Affiliates‚ including fundraising‚ membership services and educational programming. He oversees organizational communications and serves as Executive Director of Pittsburgh 250‚ the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Pittsburgh region in 2008. Bill's conversation can highlight the ways the city is using its 250th birthday to promote its designation as “America's Most Livable City” (Places Rated Almanac, 2007) and change outdated perceptions. He also can center his discussion on business and personal finance, as well as serve as Moderator for a panel style engagement.
[read more about Speaker Bill Flanagan] |
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KEITH MATHENY |
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Mentalist and motivational entertainer Keith Matheny can read your mind! Or can he? YOU be the judge!
For more than a decade, Keith has crisscrossed the country, making believers out of skeptics as he helps unlock the power and mysteries of the mind. Regarded as one of the worlds most entertaining and captivating mentalists, Keith Mathenys “Mind Over Magic” presentation is the perfect entertainment choice for banquets, luncheons, business meetings and stage performances. During the show, Keith will:
[read
more about Speaker Keith Matheny]
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MEGAN WOLFLEY |
| Growing up as the only daughter of Pittsburgh Steeler Craig Wolfley, Megan was surrounded by football her entire life. Though she did not follow in his giant footsteps in sports, she was approached by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2003 to broadcast with her father. The funny and opposing dynamics between them caught the attention of the Steelers audience and have made them an uncommon duo in sports broadcasting. She continues to be featured on Steelers TV and Steelers 24/7. Megan also works in production as well. She is the floor director for the McDonald's Steelers KidZONE show and one of the graphic designers for in-game productions for all Steeler home games. During the 2007 football season, Megan was an intern at FSN Pittsburgh. There, she learned all the in's and out's of network broadcasting from behind to in front of the camera. In spring 2008, Megan was cast in her first feature film, She's Out of My League (Spring 2010) as a Scandinavian Model. Soon after, she was cast in her first SAG role as a principal in Sorority Row (release date: October 2, 2009) as Sorority Sister Megan.
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MIKE SCHULTZ |
| Mike turned his passion for cycling and the outdoors into a life changing experience. Mike took to his bike and turned his life around to forge a path to success. Through a lifestyle of cycling and training, Mike has carved a successful career as a Coach and as a professional ultra endurance mountain bike racer, including ten Top 3 finishes in 24 hour solo mountain bike events. Mike also continues to train and compete on the national ultra endurance elite level to further his study of sports specific training and physiology. “Pursuing a higher level of fitness begins with finding physical activities that you are passionate about, whether hiking, kickboxing or running marathons, then finding ways to become stronger at it.” Currently a professional endurance cyclist, trainer and coach, Mike Schultz practices what he teaches. “It is all about training smart and working within your limits.” Using your feedback from your breath, heart, and mental focus can help you work within your limits – not beyond your limits – and allow you to make great gains in fitness. Mike speaks to share his motivation, experience and knowledge of the human body to help others gain more awareness and motivation towards better fitness and health. Mike is the founder of Highland Training and is certified with the NSCA as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist.
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CLAUDIO REILSONO |
Claudio Reilsono's story is one of determination, persistence, and having the heart to have a dream and go after it with all he had and then achieving that dream! From the time Claudio went to his first Pittsburgh Pirates game at Three Rivers Stadium as an 8 year old he had one goal in mind, and that was to work in professional baseball.
[read more about Speaker Claudio Reilsono] |
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LYNN CULLEN |
Lynn Cullen has been a fixture on Pittsburgh television and radio since 1981. She currently hosts a daily talk radio show on WPTT 1360-AM from noon to three. Lynn verbally holds forth in the mornings in a more visible capacity as host of “Cullen on Cable” which airs at noon and again at 6 pm on PCNC-TV. Her reporting for WTAE-TV from 1981 to 1992 garnered her numerous awards, including a 1991 Emmy award, four Golden Quills for Journalistic Excellence from the Pittsburgh Press Club, and three Pennsylvania Associated Press Broadcaster Awards for feature reporting. Lynn also received the Printers Devil Award from Women in Communications for her “ability to see humor in the world and to puncture the pompous among us.” In addition, the YWCA honored her for her “rigorous work against racism and bigotry.&rdquo'
[read more
about Speaker Lynn Cullen] |
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MYSTERY'S MOST WANTED |
The professional cast of 4-5 actors weaves
a web of intrigue and suspense as they perform an interactive
whodunit mystery for your guests. The story begins during cocktails
or at the start of dinner and unfolds through courses in two
to three scenes. Guests are immersed in the show and have the
opportunity to ask questions about the murder throughout the
event, then, at the conclusion of the affair, choose who they
think committed the crime.
[read more
about Speaker Mystery's Most Wanted]
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MICHELLE DRESBOLD |
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Author of “Sex, Lies and Handwriting”, television personality, and expert witness Michelle Dresbold will demonstrate how to read people - - their behavior, thoughts, motivations and secrets - - through handwriting. In her highly entertaining and interactive presentations, Michelle Dresbold-the only civilian to be invited to the United States Secret Service’s Advanced Document Examination training program-draws on her extensive experience helping law enforcement agencies around the country on cases involving kidnapping, arson, forgery, murder, embezzlement, and stalking as she takes you inside the mysterious world of crossed t’s and dotted i’s.
[read
more about Speaker Michelle Dresbold] |
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talent network,
inc. ~ P.O. Box 15729 ~ Pittsburgh, PA 15244 ~ (412) 264-4727
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