THE PROGRAM

-  What message does Alvin present to student audiences?
-  What grade levels does Alvin speak to?
-  Is there a religious tone to Alvin’s program?
-  How long is Alvin’s presentation?
-  Does Alvin do more than one program a day?
-  Does Alvin have any restrictions on audience size?
-  Will any piano work?
-  Does Alvin answer questions after his program?
-  How does one thank Alvin following a program?
-  Does Alvin have products for sale?

TRAVEL LOGISTICS

Q:  What are Alvin’s travel requirements?  
A:  Alvin tries to be as flexible as possible, especially regarding budgets. He does not insist on First Class or Business Class airfare. Flights are booked at the best available fare, must be a changeable ticket but not necessarily fully refundable. Also, Alvin prefers to drive himself and must rent a full-size automobile in order to accommodate his needs. Finally, Alvin requests a hotel room at or near the event location. His preference is for a king size bed in a smoking room (Darlene doesn’t even try to talk him into quitting anymore) if it is available.

We prefer to book Alvin’s travel in-house. Clients may handle travel arrangements but only with Alvin’s approval and input. Important note: Alvin does not make airline policy or pricing…they do.

Q:  Does he require any special travel assistance?  
A:  No. Alvin has adapted to carry his own luggage and care for himself all through the flight process. All people have a seating preference, but Alvin does require an aisle seat, preferably on the right side (facing forward). It allows him extra space to use his feet, but it’s also important if he requires any assistance from flight attendants, especially in case of emergency.

Q:  Does Alvin need an accessible hotel room?  
A:  No. In fact, rooms designed for the handicapped are less convenient, although if it’s the only room available, he can make due.

Q:  Is there any paperwork involved in bringing Alvin to the United States?  
A:  Alvin has an E-1 visa which allows him to enter the U.S. without any paperwork on the client’s part. Other countries like Australia have brought Alvin in with a minimum of paperwork.

Many U.S. organizations require a tax exemption form such as a W-8ECI. If such a form is required please advise Alvin’s office. Darlene has copies of this particular form available and would be happy to provide it, and any other necessary paperwork you require.

THE PROGRAM

Q:  What message does Alvin present to student audiences?  
A:  Alvin’s presentation focuses on self-image, challenges, bullying – pretty well any issue facing young people today. Alvin first started speaking to children as a project of the International Year for the Disabled in 1981. His focus was very much on disability issues and awareness. Since he began, students, especially teenagers, have benefited from a message related to self-image and challenge.

Q:  What grade levels does Alvin speak to?  
A:  Alvin can and does speak to all grade levels from kindergarten to high school students.

Q:  Is there a religious tone to his program?  
A:  No. However, Alvin is a very spiritual person and that just shows, it’s not stated. In fact, it’s his ability to inspire people no matter what faith they do or don’t practice that makes him such powerful presenter. “No one person is better than another because we’re all just people who need to be more tolerant of each other’s beliefs”, is a quote of Alvin’s that may answer the question.

Q:  How long is Alvin’s presentation?  
A:  Alvin’s school presentation, There’s No Such Word As Can’t, should never be less than one hour. Presentations to younger audiences, K to Grade 4, can be shortened to 45 minutes. If you require the presentation to be shorter than one hour please advise our office as soon as possible.

Q:  Does Alvin do more than one program a day?  
A:  Alvin will visit a maximum of two schools in one day and will visit an area for a maximum of three days. Not all that long ago it was quite common for Alvin to visit three schools in one day, coming into an area for five consecutive days. That was then, now he’s over forty!

Q:  Does Alvin have any restrictions on audience size?  
A:  No. Some schools require two presentations due to the size of the school but that is the decision of the school, not a requirement for Alvin. Alvin has spoken to as small a group as 50 and as large as 3,000.

Q:  Will any piano work?  
A:  The piano is an important tool in Alvin’s program. He uses his toes, so a standard keyboard with weighted keys is his important. Many people own the portable, battery operated “Casio” brand keyboards and wonder if they will work – the answer is no! Key size and volume is vital. The keys on a small, portable, Casion keyboard are often too small for his toes and the entire audience needs to hear him. Visibility means the piano or keyboard should be on the stage but if that’s not practical (grand pianos are kinda heavy), please advise.

Q:  Does Alvin answer questions after his program?  
A:  He normally does not allow for Q & A during his sessions due to time constraints, but he will answer questions privately following his program. If time can be allowed and questions are a desired part of the whole session, that’s no problem. Alvin often says, “I’ve spoken to a lot of Kindergarteners, I’ve heard and answered any question you might imagine.

Q:  How does one thank Alvin following a program?  
A:  As Alvin discusses in his program, one of his most awkward moments is meeting people as the custom is to shake hands. Alvin can shake a person’s hand with his right foot but he also realizes not everyone is comfortable with that so whether it’s a pat on the back, a hug, or a kiss on the cheek, whatever is most comfortable for the thanker. By the way, Alvin never expects a gift but when one is presented, he can either take it under his chin or in his teeth. If it’s an awkward size or weight, Alvin will offer instruction. These moments can be very special, so prepping a thanker too much can take away from the spontaneity.

Q:  Does Alvin have products for sale?  
A:  Alvin’s first book, Alvin’s Laws of Life, 5 Steps to Successfully Overcome Anything is now available and a video/dvd is in the works. Arrangements to make bulk purchases of the book can be made by contacting Alvin’s office. We are also currently working on a video with a class room guide for teachers to talk to their students following his presentation.