Birthday Party Tips

How many children should I invite?  How long?  All Boys?  All Girls?  Both Boys and Girls?

If you’re handling the party alone, I suggest one guest for each year of your child’s age. If you can get some of the other children’s parents to stay and help, you could easily handle twice as many children. Of course, "help" doesn’t mean the grownups all go to another room and leave the children (and me) to fend for ourselves, or we’ll have more confusion than entertainment. But if you all watch (my show has something for all ages) you’ll be charmed and the children will be happier, too! Unless you’re having an all-day event for families, I find that 2 hours is the most you can "stretch" most children. I find that children get along better when there are both boys and girls at the party.

SHOULD I PLAN GAMES AND ACTIVITIES?

I think my show is all you need. I have them pretty well occupied for the full length of my visit, and after that, they’ve usually had all the structured activity they care for — they’d rather just run and play for a while.

HOW DO I KEEP FROM GOING CRAZY?

Just stop fussing, relax and have some fun! My job is to make it possible for you to enjoy your child’s special day! Your child will never be this age again, and this day will be full of special moments you can share if you're not too busy to join in the fun.

WILL MY CHILD BE IN THE SHOW?

I will ask your child (if 3 or over) to be our "special guest star magician" just as the most exciting magic is happening! If he’s shy, I try to help him feel at ease "on stage." And if he really doesn’t want to be "in the spotlight", we’ll let him enjoy the show in the way he’s happiest.

DOES YOUR MAGIC REALLY FOOL PEOPLE?

My magic is VERY magical! Of course, anyone of reasonable intelligence can make pretty good guesses as to how tricks are done. But if you choose to believe in magic, you’ill be enchanted by the stories, charmed by the children, and maybe even fooled a bit! If you decide to play "catch the magician", you'll win, and you'll miss all the real fun.

MAGICIANS MAKE EVERYBODY HAPPY, RIGHT?

Only in fairy tales and movies. One-year-olds will pay no attention at all. Twos and threes are usually afraid of strangers in very loud, bold makeup (that’s why I keep mine very low-key and simple). I have to create excitement and keep order at the same time. I depend on having you there to reassure the more timid little ones, and to let them have fun in the comfort of your familiar presence.

IS YOUR SHOW EXACTLY 30, 45 OR 60 MINUTES LONG?

Each performance is a one-of-a-kind event. The time given is the average time it takes to complete the set of features. Sometimes it takes longer, and sometimes when there’s "good energy" all around, it goes more quickly. A ½-hour show can run 25 to 40 minutes, 45 minute shows can run from 40 to 50 minutes and a 1-hour show 50 to 70 minutes.

CAN YOU PERFORM OUTDOORS?

Weather and conditions permitting ... BUT that means LEVEL, DRY ground, comfortable temperatures, and GOOD SOLID SHADE both for me and the children. I can’t keep up my energy in the direct sunlight and the kids get fussy and tired. If temperatures are in the 90’s or more, I think we’d all be better off indoors, and occasionally I find that I must be (pleasantly) firm and insist on it.

DO YOU NEED TIME TO SET UP? HOW SHOULD I ARRANGE THINGS BEFOREHAND?

I prefer to have about 15 minutes or so to get things set up without the children around.  I need a little time to make a few "secret" last-minute preparations. All I need is enough room for the children to sit on the floor, and a place to stand far enough back that I couldn't kick anybody. They should sit in front, not behind me or too far around the sides.

MAY I PHOTOGRAPH OR VIDEOTAPE THE SHOW?

Yes! And, by the way, tape is cheap ... keep the camera running or you'll miss some precious moments. At the end of your child's star turn, he'll take a big bow ... don't miss it! If you're taking still photos, I’ll be glad to pose with your child for some special pictures after the show if you wish.

HOW DO I KNOW THE SHOW IS REALLY THIS GOOD?

I know people enjoy my visits because most of them say a special "thank you" with a gratuity after the show.  Don't forget my guarantee, you'll be satisfied, or you don't pay.  What's more fair than that?