to expect a local celeb to narrate a story for free?

[screamingsiblings]

I'll have to be careful how much info I give away here, so sorry if I'm a bit vague.

Basically, I run a not for profit children's saturday morning thing. We do not take a wage, and just cover our outgoings.
I was wondering if IBU to ask a local celeb to narrate a story at a performance we're giving to parents?

What do you think?

Please go via their agent. This persons home is their sanctuary and they may feel stalked or obliged to do it if you put it through their door. Don’t make them uncomfortable in their own home. If they feel like they cannot say no it will create awkwardness. It just feels wrong.

That.. Being a celeb means having no privacy. I'd find it incredibly jarring to have a begging letter shoved through the door of my home if I was him.

Go through his agent. That's what they're for. Also they'll sift through the dozen or more similar requests he'll get every week.

Please do not pester them. Being a celebrity does not oblige them to be available at the whim of any rando they live near.

Have the decency to leave them alone. If they want to do local philosophy, no doubt they can figure out how and where.

Expect is the wrong word to use for me, sure ask

@NoSquirrels approach is excellent.

You have no idea the number of approaches they’ve received; they are often inundated. Expect nothing, be classy, be respectful.

Ask politely, and through their agent.

You never know.

Yes there can be all sorts of issues with things like copywrite, royalties etc.

I seem to remember, others will probably know for sure, that the 2012 Olympic opening games couldn't use volunteers, so everyone was paid 50p.

What would you say if they asked you to pop round & do a job for them for free?

You need to go through their agent. They may not be able to ‘perform’ for free, so don’t be offended if they turn this down.

People get inundated with requests.
I did some pioneering volunteering work for a while. I started to get asked to talk to people about it. Initially the odd one was ok but eventually I stopped as everyone was expecting my free time for free to help them & I was getting weekly requests.

I wouldn’t ask.

It sounds as if you want them to simply add a bit of ‘celeb’ to the performance as a one off.

Usually people would be more prepared to give their time, profile and reputation to something that is a fundraiser for something that will make a difference and is something they are interested in or passionate about.

Is there any history of communication with this person? Have they ever been invited to one of the events in the past with a no strings invite? Is the activity or event related to them?

Yeah, you can ask, they can say no, but just think about what it might take to involve someone in community efforts on a more mutual footing.

God please go through their agent

How would you like it if you got personalised begging letters through your door?

I work with actors and presenters etc. They are asked constantly. And under enormous pressure to accept otherwise there'll be some daily Mail sad face. Local celeb snubs poor little charity. Evil celebrity!

They can't even go to the shops without being scrutinised. At least let them be in peace in their own sodding home

"Local celeb" here....not giving any details, but you need to go through their agent. I've had things pushed through my letter box and I don't like it. My agent is there to filter anything needed. Also, I get A LOT of requests for things, most I don't have time to do anything with, I sadly can't just create time because it's a charity, I'm so busy. But some I am able to do. If its not a charity they've previously had dealings with and it's just a request out of the blue, then it's probably slim chances. But definitely go through their agent. (Your title was off putting, to expect anyone to do anything for free is not ideal).

Have they reached out to you to say they want to be involved with your charity?

The father of a friend of mine is a famously lovely celeb, often mentioned in “nicest celeb” threads on here who does lots for charity. People often ask my friend if her dad would do X or Y and she always says the same thing- go through his agent. He gets constant requests. Imagine that coming through your door.

By all means mention the local connection to the agent.

Another thing - I'd keep your idea as confidential as possible before you get a yes or no.

Otherwise twatty people - who as you say know where this person lives - will hold it against them if they don't say yes.

It seems like a bizarre thing to ask them to do, narrate a kids' performance. Don't be surprised if they say no.

I wouldn't.
I think it puts them in an awkward situation . They may not want to or be able to yet everyone locally will know , maybe mention it if they see them out and about .

Not unreasonable to ask through the proper channels (their agent).

Very unreasonable to expect!

OK. Great feedback. Thank you everyone.
So I will take a chance and write a lovely note via their agent. Nothing ventured nothing gained and all that.
You're right, of course putting a note through the letterbox is not a good idea.

Anyone want to come and narrate a kids performance??? 😂

Certainly ask

but no negative judgement if they do ask for remuneration, just politely explain not possible

What about one of the kids is a narrator?

I've spent years in amateur dramatics and would happily do this for charity if you need someone!