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Heya.  I'm Mat.

I'm the manager of our Electrostatic Generator (EG) show here at COSI. 
We also have a recreation of an electrics workshop (EW) from the late
1800's.  There is a show in the workshop that teaches the history of
electricity.
 

How many days a week do you run your electricity show?

We perform four EG show at least four times a day every day that we are
open.
We perform our EW show at least once every day that we are open.

Sometimes we have more shows if a school group specifically reserves a
show for a time that's not for the general public.

Is the show part of general admission, or is it a separate ticket
price?

It's part of general admission.

What kind of attendance do you have?

I guess that depends greatly on the season.  Our EG show in in our
Atrium, a high traffic area.  It generates (tee hee) huge attendance. 
Our EW show is in a little, out of the way space.  Its numbers are
smaller.

What kind of space is dedicated to the show (demo area, or large
theater)?

We have an amazing, miraculous exhibits team that just finished
constructing a brand new stage for our EG show.  It's 15x15, with
multi-colored LED front panels, track lighting and a backdrop.  It's
beautiful.  The great thing about this stage is that, when our
facilities are rented out to outside groups, we can load the EG off the
stage and allow the group to use it for presentations.  

How long have you been doing the show?

Me personally?  Ten years.  We have been doing the show for at least 25
years.  I remember coming to COSI when I was a young boy and watching
the show.  And I'm (gasp) 30 years old.  It's one of our classics.  

Is there a corporate, or other funder for the show?

 I'm blessed in that I don't have to know much about the financial side
of things.  I don't believe that the EG show itself has a corporate
funder.  But I could be wrong about that.

I appreciate any and all advice.  

EG's are fun,  fun, fun!  They allow for some big 'memory moments.'  If
you would like copies of scripts or would want to talk about some
potential demonstrations, contact me, I'd love to help!

Thanks so much.

You're very welcome.
 


Mat Vandeneynden
Faculty Leader
COSI Columbus

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