User:Cyee56/Unique Lives and Experiences

A Brief Background
Unique Lives & Experiences was founded in 1992 in Toronto, Canada. This ground-breaking concept of "Talk Theater" was a direct entrepreneurial response to the rapid growth in popularity of talk radio and to the revitalization of live theater. The concept of live lecture entertainment was brought to full fruition by the Unique Lives production team when it specifically targeted women's demands for intelligent entertainment and meaningful, issues-driven discussions.

"Women are inclined to share, to ask questions whereas men tend to make statements," says executive producer Howard Szigeti. "Test groups showed that women wanted interactive, inspirational entertainment, something that could both move and educate them. We're providing them with a forum for discussion with some of the most influential women of our times.”

In addition to enhancing the cultural make-up of its host cities, Unique Lives & Experiences also contributes directly to the communities that welcome the series by directing a portion of the proceeds to local charitable organizations. Since its inception, Unique Lives & Experiences has spearheaded donations in excess of $2,000,000 for its charitable affiliates.

A Typical Unique Lives Evening
The Unique Lives evenings have evolved into complete and inclusive entertainment events. Patrons are often welcomed into the auditorium lobby before the show begins with a variety of activities ranging from music and fashion shows to light dinners. In many cities, doors to the venues actually open as early as 5:30 PM for a 7:30 PM start time. This pre-show environment has worked very well for a growing number of our patrons who come to relax, visit with friends, even conduct a bit of business with associates. Our sponsors have also benefited from the pre-show activities by displaying their corporate message and/or products in a low key and accessible fashion.

Integral to every Unique Lives event is the set design. This is the critical point when Unique Lives goes beyond the traditional lecture experience of a podium and microphone at center stage and enters the realm of live theatre. The proscenium, that space in front of the stage curtain which is usually defined by an arch, is the traditional delineation between performer and audience. It takes deliberate planning to turn that archway into a threshold through which stories pass and people interact. The mandate given to Unique Lives set designers is to turn each formal venue into a home with an atmosphere as comfortable and encouraging for the speakers as it is inviting and intimate for the audience. Each set is designed as much as possible to suggest the distinctive spirit of each individual speaker. When the chemistry is right between the designers and artist, the stage transforms into a meaningful subtext to the evening's presentation.

Following brief introductory remarks from the series host, the evening opens with a prepared address by the speaker. At the conclusion of the formal remarks, a moderated yet open question and answer period begins. During the Q&A, audience members can fill out question cards which are passed to the ushers, screened backstage and passed to the moderator on stage.

Moderators are carefully chosen for their ability to welcome the patrons and the speaker on stage, and to manage the interactive question and answer periods. High profile members of the community, particularly those who are involved in the media, are often the most effective moderators. They are able to maintain a steady flow, easily handle renegade questions, gently encourage speakers and graciously thank sponsors, patrons and guest artists.

The evening's lecture is usually followed by a private reception held on behalf of the sponsoring charity. The artist, producers, invited guests of the charity and selected patrons attend the post-show gathering. In certain venues, the remaining patrons are welcome to linger over coffee and desserts. The entire evening is without intermission so our patrons can be on their way home after ninety minutes of high quality programming, if they so choose.

Past Speakers
Unique Lives & Experiences has had the distinct honor of hosting the following world-class speakers: