Felicia Events sat down with Karen Burns of Karen Burns Productions to chat about production show, costumes, and more.

Felicia Events: Tell us a little bit about Karen Burns Productions.

Karen Burns: I have been a Reno Nevada resident for over 55 years and the producer/director/owner of Karen Burns Productions for 35 years with 1,000s of corporate, casino, convention, stage show, and private events either produced or participated in. One of my biggest claims-to-fame: purchasing a piece of history when I acquired over 1,200 of the original costumes from the world-famous MGM stage production show Hello, Hollywood, Hello. Costumes tell stories and we want to assist in “telling the story of the bride and groom.” With this belief, along with the premise that we currently live in an entertainment economy and an experience economy, our focus is on how we make people/guests feel: valued, thanked, noticed, recognized and appreciated.

FE: What sort of production can you do for a wedding?

KB: Whatever the bride and groom can imagine! Since we have done 1,000s of events, from one costumed themed meet and greet character to full stage productions shows with 25+ performers (singers, dancers, specialty acts, etc.), we have the experience and the creativity to “make it happen.” Just a few ideas: live event artists, themed meet and greet characters assisting with giving directions to seating, restrooms, bars, food stations, etc., dance instructors, cultural dancers, living statues, strolling tables, impersonators, magicians, tarot card readers, caricature artists, photo booth characters and props, plus themed production numbers or full shows and fun and interactive glamorous bridal showers. Karen Burns Productions can create almost any theme.   Just to name a few: Great Gatsby, victorian garden party, on Broadway, wild west, all American, fabulous 50s, disco, time travel, masquerade, Moulin Rouge, under the sea/pirates, Arabian nights, jungle/safari, down to the nightclub, futuristic space sci-fi, and hollywood glamour.

FE: What can couples expect when they hire you to work on their wedding with them?

KB: Entertainment services include spectacular MGM costumes, creative themes and entertainment options, talented performers, dynamic production music, exciting choreography,  on-site directors, creative consulting, specialty performers, plus partnering with booking agents, catering, décor, and technical services. Karen Burns Productions is fully insured and licensed.

FE: What’s the coolest experience you've had during your career?

KB: I am a big space and Star Wars fan, especially since my birthday is May 4th - May the Fourth Be With You! Neil Armstrong was the guest speaker at an event, so we did a space/futuristic opening production number to grab attention and then to “present” Mr. Armstrong.  Right after the production number was performed, I was assisting in microphone wiring Mr. Armstrong and he said to me, while smiling: “Ya know, I have been all over space and even walked on the moon – but I have never seen the likes of that before!” One of the most awesome moments ever to have the man who walked on the moon like his introduction!

FE: You’ve worked with a lot of major corporations. How does that differ from a wedding that's on a much smaller scale?

KB: Whether it’s one meet and greet character or Beaulieu Vineyard’s 100 Year Celebration with Jay Leno, it’s always about how we’re making people feel. Again, we want them to feel  appreciated, thanked, recognized, entertained, happy, excited, etc. Naturally, at a wedding, the bride and groom are always #1, but you also have all the families and friends and guests. It’s important to make them happy and excited to be at your wedding.

FE: Is there anything else you'd like to share?

KB: Every bride and groom is unique with their own personal histories. Getting married means they are creating their new history together. We always feel it is a privilege and an honor to be a part of creating this new history and memories.

Thank you, Karen for sharing!