In “THE IMMIGRANT EXPERIENCE, ELLIS ISLAND: circa 1915” guests will have the unique opportunity to mingle with a sampling of representative immigrant actors from the fabled steerage section of Ellis Island, as they bring their stories, hopes and dreams to life, in the accents and period clothing of their distant homeland. Guests will become part of the live interactive show as immigrant actors interact with you and your guests as if they were fellow shipmates just making dock.

From your ferry ride in Battery Park, to docking at Ellis Island and during your cocktail hour, you will be entertained as well as enriched, as the “immigrants” engage you with from questions like “Where are you from?” or “Why did you leave?” an improvised volume of history and life experience will pour out of each immigrant, creating entertaining and intriguing stories.

Bounce has a diverse selection of immigrants from most background and offers stock and custom scripts. Immigrants can improvise pre-written interactive scripts.

Custom script can also will work closely with you to tailor stories, specific immigrants, and experiences to your specific foreign country or region and take photos and research your lineage as prepare a custom script for your family or group. The actors will share your stories of your own history. And you never know, you may even be able to speak to your own great grandfather.

When you meet these lowly yet so determined souls, it will send you to that place in time that was a rich part of our American heritage so exciting, enlightening, and rich with history.

Ethnic Ensembles
Bounce provides ethnic Music ensembles that will enhance the docking and cocktail experience. Choices vary from an Italian accordion player to an accapella Irish Tenor. Ask your Bounce representative for details

Americana Singers
After you’ve experienced the immigrants, Bounce suggests you spend dinner and dessert transitioning into America’s early 1900’s with the “Americana Singers” This a cappella quartet sports Gibson Girl hairdo’s and dress, and straw hats and handlebar mustaches as they croon Old-Time favorites such as Swanee River, Give My Regards to Broadway, George M. Cohan selections and many other nostalgic mood setters.

“Ronan“ – Brought up as a farmer, he’s been a closeted singer his entire life. The Irish Revolution took his brother’s life, but he is not a fighter, and wants to escape and start a family in a less-volatile land. An Irish tenor, he will be more than happy to give you a sampling of his beautiful voice.

“Sarah“ – Ronan’s wife, she is a headstrong Irish woman. Yet she is quietly broken hearted that her family, from North Ireland, and her husband’s, from “Free Ireland” can’t get along. She thinks it’s best that they didn’t choose sides, an instead come to America. She is ready to hire out as a maid or washerwoman to help her husband realize his dream of making it as an American Irish Tenor.

“Adrianna“ – A woman from Italy, she is beautiful and outspoken. She leaves her life in Italy to become a movie star. She is brazen in everything she does, except when eluding her husband to seduce other men.

“Salvatore“ – Oafish and naive, he is Adrianna’s husband. He loves his wife dearly and has paid for their trip to America. He knows nothing of his wife’s adulterous desire, and speaks mostly of his profession as a butcher back in Genoa, and his desire to find a butcher job here in America somewhere across the river.

“Sofia“ – Escaping the reign of Czar Nicholas II, she and her daughter flee to America. With her husband’s passing 6 month ago, she has trouble keeping track of her child in such a large crowded place, and spends most of her time combing the island looking for her. Meek and flustered at times, she is strong willed in her desire to make a better life for her daughter. Perhaps you have an extra room? Or even better, can you suggest a good school for Anna?

“Anna“ – Sofia’s daughter, she is shy to speak, but always getting into mischief. If you happen to corner her she will eagerly sing her native Russian songs for you, but make sure to watch your pockets, her adorable voice comes along with a pair of sticky fingers!

“Bjorn“ – A cobbler from Denmark, Bjorn is strapped to find work to send money home to his family. The oldest of thirteen he cares dearly for his mother, father, brothers, sisters, grandfather, grandmother, and four cousins…all of which live under the same roof!

“Birgitta“ – Bjorn’s wife, she refuses to leave Bjorn’s side, and followed him all the way to America. Bjorn does most of the speaking for her, since she speaks very little, to no English. The two are madly in love with one another but may be separated. Make sure to let them know if you see the health inspector looming.

“Bronislovas“ – Bronislovas hails from Lithuania. An aspiring real estate mogul, part-time magician, he spends most of his time trying to sell you something in-between crackpot card tricks. Truth be told, he’s been waiting for his cousin Jouzapas to pick him up…for the last three days! So be careful, because before you know it, you might be missing a wallet.

“Anatole“ – A young French man, he comes to America alone, looking for love. After painting everything he thought to be beautiful in France, he has come to America to continue his search for beauty. Be careful ladies, Anatole will be sure to ask to paint a portrait of your face, and because you are most likely the most beautiful thing he’s ever seen. If your boyfriend won’t give him a dime for the portrait, he’ll ask for nickel…no nickel, it’s yours for just one kiss.