Today we’d like to introduce you to Anne Rohr.
Hi Anne, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
As a theater major at Ohio University, I knew that my only life choice was to be involved in performance. I didn’t want to go to LA or NYC as I felt overwhelmed by both of those places, so I chose what I thought to be the third best hub for performance – Atlanta GA. Being a natural salesman as well, I got a job at the Academy Theatre back in 1987 as the telemarker manager selling Season Tickets. I auditioned for their entry level of studies and got a scholarship to take classes there. There was a job board posted in the office one day asking for fake Paparazzis for an event. It paid $ 50 for an hour. So, I grabbed a friend and off we went. It was a blast. We met a Marilyn Monroe look-a-like at the event, and we befriended her. She sent me to a murder mystery company and I was hooked. I bounced around from various events companies doing everything from costuming, event set up, balloon decor, catering and rentals. At Ohio University, I had taken summer courses in Clowning and pantomime. One event company would have me go out and entertain in costumes and pantomime. My life exploded. I would be out at events and people wanted to know how to get a hold of me and if I have others like myself. I knew how to juggle and could ride a unicycle and would bring those elements to events. Soon enough, I was managing other performers such as stilt walkers, face painters, balloon twisters, themed costume characters. Then shortly before the 1996 Olympics, living statues became the next “big thing”. With my pantomime experience, I was the go to for living statues. This kept me very busy during the Olympics. Through networking with other event companies in Atlanta, I kept busy as a performer and a booking agent. Annamime Entertainment was established in 1992
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The event business is like having a huge family. Even though there are many different facets of the event business, we all know, help, compete, advise, fight and love each other. There are so many moving parts, and it takes all of us working together to make it happen. I only provide entertainers. I am known for face painters, balloonists, jugglers, stilt walkers, living statues, caricaturists, greeters, costumed characters, crafts, gymnasts and aerialists. So focusing on this part of the industry, we help provide each other with performers, costumes, training, leads, advice and warn each other of sneaky clients or talent. We have an unspoken agreement in which you don’t pursue each others clients or performers. Mistakes happen, but for the most part we are friends working together. Of course, there are issues and conflicts when selling people as things happen. There is lateness, miscommunication, traffic, illness etc in which have to be dealt with immediately. There is a high stress level especially during the busy seasons such as Easter, July 4th, October and the Holidays as clients make up their mind and change things around all at the last minute. I would say, the last minute “I want everything now” client is the most stressful part of the job.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Being surrounded by creative people, is such a blessing. We see life differently. Creating costumes is probably the best part of it. It provides the opportunity to get out of the office and use my artistic talents on textiles. There is nothing off limits for a costume – fake food, pool noodles, duct tape, furniture, crochet, feathers, flowers, balloons, vintage clothing, plastic bags, bubble wrap, LED lights and more to make costumes.
This passion carries onto my personal life as well. Going into my sewing/craft room just to goof around gives me peace, fun and relieves stress. I then have fun clothing to wear!!!
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
To be patient and kind is the most important lesson I’ve learned. I have always loved my job, and people are not only my product but they are also my customers. Entertainment and parties are a joy, a relief from the day to day struggles of life. It takes you away for a moment and provides fun and camaraderie with friends, business associates and neighbors.
I don’t get mad (at least not to anyone’s knowledge). I tell myself, “it’s just entertainment”.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annamimeentertainment/
- Facebook: Annamime Entertainment
- Other: Tic Tok – Annamime Vintage @annerohr1
