Emcee Services and Festival Stage Managing

 
Emcee / Stage Managing


Valina has over 2 decades experience as emcee for German and International folk festivals.  She had her start on the microphone in the early 1990's filling in as announcer for De Texas Klompendansers.  In 1997, she  announced for her folk dancing act "Ludwig and Theresa" and between acts at Oktoberfest at the Garden In The Heights in Houston.  She also announced for the dance stage at the Houston St Patrick's Festivals 1999 - 2001.  Her abilities grew with each festival in which she participated.  2005 - 2008, she emceed for the Texas Folklife Festival in San Antonio.  In 2006, she began announcing for the the Tomball German Heritage Festivals, and she still announces for them today.  She' also emceed for the Houston International Festival Sister City stage, and the 2006 Oktoberfest in Penang, Malaysia.  She's worked for Brenham's Maifest, Muenster's Germanfest, Galveston's Oktoberfest, Addison's Oktoberfest, Fort Worth's Oktoberfest and several private events over the years.  

Valina couples her emcee work with stage managing.  Entertainment coordinating goes hand in hand with stage managing and serving as emcee, so oftentimes she holds all three positions.  She has worked in many situations, often with the best laid plans having to change at the last minute.  She easily rolls with the punches.  If a performer does not show up for their scheduled time, she either arranges others to fill the spot, or fills the spot herself with dance lessons, contests and interactive games, all while using the extra time to give additional attention to the event sponsors.   

Valina has hands on experience working at festivals of many types.  She is currently training a couple of young ladies to assist her in stage management and announcing for German festivals.  She speaks some Dutch, and a little German.  If you need a festival stage manager or emcee who is familiar with German, Dutch, Czech, or other European festivals, you can count on Valina to do the job for you. 

For price and availability, call or e-mail: (area code 713) 598-8317  or  valinapolka@yahoo.com

Tomball German Heritage Festival and Braun Recruiting Co re: Houston's International Festival have written letters of recommendation regarding Valina's services.