Entertainment

Dance group Lightwire Theater combines art, technology, and puppetry in their performances. Glowing characters come to life as performers and puppets outfitted in electroluminescent wire move around a pitch-black stage. In addition to their classic shows Darwin the Dinosaur and The Ugly Duckling, Lightwire Theater can also create custom tailored performances for events. Prices vary depending on the number of performers and length of the piece, and the group requires that the performance space be dark.

Svet is a singer and classically trained violinist who became fascinated with the hip-hop scene after moving to the U.S. from Bulgaria. His performances blend the classical sound of the violin with rock, reggae, house, and electronic music.

Seventeen-year-old Lindsey Norton is an acrobatic dancer whose distinctive style includes tumbling and flexibility tricks. For special events, prices range from $1,500 to $2,500 in addition to traveling expenses for two.

Third-place runner-up William Close plays the Earth Harp, a large string instrument rigged to the surrounding architecture and environment with strings that can extend up to 1,000 feet in length. Close wears cotton gloves covered in violin resin, and plays the musical instrument-slash-installation by running his hands along the strings to create cello-like tones. Accompanied by percussion and other instruments, performances can range from ambient and trance-like to theatrical and energetic.

Fifth-place finalist Joe Castillo claims to be America’s first sand animation performer. His act, SandStory, involves Castillo using sand to illustrate stories on top of a light table. His performances are choreographed to music and projected onto a large screen. Performances can include selections from previous stories or can be customized for the event. His private event fees range from $15,000 to $25,000, plus travel expenses.

Semifinalist Eric Dittelman combines mind reading with improvisation comedy. From playing blindfolded Pictionary to predicting the future, Dittelman has performed at comedy clubs, colleges, and private events across the country.

AGT semifinalist Tim Hockenberry is a singer, pianist, and songwriter with a voice that has been likened to Ray Charles and Tom Waits. Hockenberry can be hired for private or corporate events for a fee ranging from $10,000 to $17,500 plus travel expenses; costs vary depending on whether he plays alone or with his band. Performances in the Midwest or the South require an additional $500 per band member; East Coast performances are an additional $1,000 per band member.

Orlando-based comic magician Malcolm Puckering's act, The Magic of Puck, combines classic magic tricks with contemporary humor. With more than 40 years of experience, Puckering customizes his shows for events and can also hypnotize audience members. Fees range from $1,350 to $3,500, plus travel expenses.

Married couple Donovan Jones and Rebecca Peache have received international recognition—including setting a Guinness World Record—for their acrobatic performances. Jones and Peache specialize in aerial acrobatics and acrobalance, a combination of partner lifts and hand balancing. The performance is suitable for a variety of event themes and types of music. The event space's ceiling must be at least 14 feet high to install a rigging point.

Singer-songwriter Bria Kelly has fronted several bands, including her current group Bria Kelly & Friends, which has a folksy sound reminiscent of music by Bonnie Raitt and John Mayer. For events, the 16-year-old can perform solo, as a duo, or in a larger group. Kelly, who lives in Virginia, is available to travel throughout the U.S.