Assembly News

Smile! You're Supposed To Be Having Fun #171 - Kyle Peron

As a family entertainer, it is safe to say that you probably know more about presenting a party or event than the person actually hiring you. If you have performed enough, you simply cannot ignore the amount of information you absorb and the understanding you achieve of what works and what does not. However, why not utilize this information to give the client a solution that exceeds their expectations? Every single client books you because they have a need or problem they are seeking a solution for. The more of those problems you can solve, the better your perception and value becomes. Over the years I have developed a "survival guide" of sorts that I send out to family clients before the gig. It really is geared at showing them 1) that I am a professional, 2) that I care about them and the experience and 3) I am there to help them in any way I can to have a successful event. Here are just some of the many points I try and bring up: The Venue: Choose your venue carefully if it is not at your own home. You don't want one that's far too big, has no parking, has too much of an echo, or a large slippery floor. You also want to make sure the location inside the building is easy to get to for your guests. It is also a good rule of thumb to find out what services the place will provide to you and get that in writing from them. Kyle and Kelly have a lot of different venues and can recommend one for you in your area. The Guests: A great idea is to post a sign or tie balloons outside of the location of your party. This will help your guests, and Kyle and Kelly, to easily find the party location. Do not invite any more children than you or the facility can handle. Be prepared to send out invites and request RSVPs. Make sure to do a follow up a week prior to the event to get last minute totals. The Presents: It is a good rule of thumb to have the presents taken and placed in a location that is separate from the magic show. Presents can cause a distraction for the children and prevent them from enjoying the show that Kyle and Kelly put on. It is also a good rule of thumb to have the gifts opened at the end of the party. If the child sees something he or she really likes, it is often hard for them to leave that toy in order to do the other birthday party activities. Who's Who: It is a great idea to get some "Hello My Name Is" stickers and use them as the children and adults come to the party. This way all the children and parents will know who each other is. It also makes it easier for Kyle and Kelly to address folks by their proper names. Food and Drink: It is not preferred for the children to have access to food and drink during the duration of the magic show as it can cause a big distraction. It also runs the risk of a child spilling something or kids getting up and down to get more food during the show experience. Food and snacks should be saved for before or after the show itself. Photography and Video: Kyle and Kelly welcome you to take as many photos and video as you would like during the show itself. However, please try to be courteous of the performers and the helpers so as to not block views during the show. Kyle and Kelly's show is filled with wonderful photo opportunities, including a big one at the end of the show. Make sure your camera is ready and your batteries are charged. Fun and Games: As children show up at your event, it is a great idea to keep them entertained by doing some games with them. This gives the kids a chance to let out their energy and also gives them a chance to know each other better. It also helps you to better control the environment and gives Kyle and Kelly a chance to set up while the game/s are played in another room or outside. A fun game to play is to get kids teamed up and do a simple scavenger hunt. You can keep it simple and as fun as you would like and give the kids a time limit and present prizes at the end of the party for everyone. Order of The Party: We have found that having an order for the party makes it easier for you to have a successful event and helps keep things running smoothly. A good order for an event might be like this: everyone gets a name badge, warm up games as magician sets up, magic show, opening of presents, cake and ice cream or food and end with party favors and prizes for the guests. This works out quite well as a simple schedule that keeps things running smoothly. I hope that you will find these tips of help to you. Please keep in mind that this is what works for us based on our show and how we like to work. You may have to adapt your own survival tips to best meet your needs and the needs of your client. As always, I encourage you the readers to let me know your thoughts. So if you have any thoughts on my articles or suggestions or comments, please feel free to e-mail me directly at magic4u02@aol.com. I would love to hear from you. - I would like to let everyone know that I just released a NEW book and E-Book to the magic Community. "Blue and Gold! The Complete Guide to Working The Scout Market!" is now available as a soft cover printed book as well as an ebook download. http://www.magicenhancer.com/Blue/Gold.html - "Encore! Creativity in the Art of Magic" Ebook. Order online now at: http://www.magicenhancer.com/Encore.html - "Tips and Techniques on the Chair Suspension" Ebook. Order online now at: http://www.magicenhancer.com/ChairSuspension.html