A performer who advertises themself as a professional can and should be willing to provide you with a list of references if you so desire. If they cannot, you may want to reconsider hiring them. I speak with my clients after every show and personally ask them if I may use them as a reference.
If you've no wish to contact references, at least check the performer's testimonials. Any performer who is worth his salt should have a truck-load of great things his clients have said about him. Check into that prior to signing any contract for your own piece of mind.
You can take a look at what my clients have said by clicking here.
Is the show customized to meet your needs?
Not every show requires customization; however, my birthday parties and special personal events are customized in several different ways.
The guest of honor is made to feel special by using their name as the magic words for example. At other times certain portions of the show are altered to specifically fit any special needs of your audience or guest of honor.
Many performers create a single show which they perform for a year or more before making changes to it. I believe it is better to proceed one show at a time. I plan each event personally and try to specifically gear it for your audience, needs and desires.
Every show is different and unique. This has the added benefit that when you re-book my services, you are not going to see a re-run of a previous performance.
Does the performer specialize in entertaining children?
Believe it or not, entertaining children is not as easy as some may think. Performing for children is often more grueling than performing shows for adults.
I have been entertaining both big kids (grandmas & grandpas, moms & dads!) and little kids for quite some time now. Performing for kids week in and week out has allowed me to develop a special understanding for their needs, responses, fears and actions. Ensure the performer you intend to hire has the experience to mesh well with your age group.
Also, although my children's show are geared for the younger crowd, parents and teens alike often comment on how much they enjoyed the show. It's family-oriented, comedy magic!
What can the performer tell you about their show?
A true professional will not perform haphazardly, but will have structure and flow to their performance. They should be able to tell you about the different aspects of the show.
Knowing to look for this can help you to spot the performers who are just “hobbyists” or are not serious about their careers.
The best thing you can do is ask questions: remember, you are paying top dollar for your entertainment, you certainly have the right to make sure it is top notch.
Does the performer belong to professional organizations?
Although the fact that someone belongs to a professional organization does not mean they are a quality performer, it may definitely indicate a deep committment to their art and business.
There are a lot of national and international organizations entertainers may be a part of. Clowns may belong to Clowns of America International while jugglers may be a part of the International Juggler's Association.
I belong to the Magician's Alliance of Eastern States (MAES), the Society of American Magicians (SAM), whose membership includes notables like Lance Burton and David Copperfield, the International Brotherhood of Magicians (IBM), once headed-up by the incomparable Harry Houdini, the Fellowship of Christian Magicians (FCM), and KIDabra International.
I also keep abreast of what’s happening with the Vent Haven ConVENTion for ventriloquists and will be attending the 2008 conference in Kentucky; as well as having an active enrollment in BalloonHQ to keep on top of what’s twisting in the world of balloon sculpture!
Does the performer offer some sort of guarantee?
A guarantee can be a clear indicator of the performer's level of professionalism, dedication and confidence. A guarantee can also help you ease the anxieties you may have about hiring someone to entertain your children, friends, or colleagues.
I offer my 100%, Iron Clad, No-Questions-Asked, Like-It-Or-Lump-It Money Back Guarantee! You can read more about it by clicking here.
What about audience participation?
Perhaps the only thing better than seeing a great show is being part of that show! All my shows, whether they are for adults or children or both, use an intensive amount of audience participation.
With the adults, it is a lot of fun seeing, or being, someone in front acting like a kid again. It keeps us young!
With the children, audience involvement is the ancient secret to grabbing–and keeping–their attention. Irregardless of their age, being involved in the show keeps the kids motivated, excited and in the midst of having the blast they deserve!
Involvement for the birthday child goes one step further: it's the key to making them the center of attention. It's what makes their day, their party, very special and one that is unforgettable!
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