Tips and Tricks for the Entertainment Buyer
Since I was sixteen years old, I have been a professional magician and mind reader. I’m based in Boston and I travel to Singapore once a year. There are many other cities and countries. One thing that is common across all borders is the inability of clients to book live entertainment. This holds true for all types of entertainment. (e.g magicians and jugglers or clowns, etc. ?
This can be forgiven, but only to a certain extent. Most people have never booked live entertainment and don’t know much about the process. They can be forgiven, and the entertainer can give them helpful instructions on how to make the process smoother. There is no excuse for poor bookings when the entertainer works with a professional booker, such as someone who plans large events for multiple companies.
We have compiled a list of guidelines that any potential client should know before they hire professional entertainment after speaking with many performers from different areas.
When to Book Live Entertainment
You are looking for entertainment to entertain your event, graduation, or anniversary? No matter what the occasion, you want it to be lively and entertaining. First, you need to know that all performers, whether they are fire eaters, magicians, or live bands, take time to prepare. We will design your performance around your event. This can add time to the cost of the performance. Before booking a performer, you should give at least three to four weeks notice. This is the timeframe I recommend. Other performers may need more notice. Some can accept an event with a few days notice. It all depends on the performers’ schedules, availability, flexibility, and current bookings. We have very unusual and non-traditional schedules. We can perform gigs at any hour of the day or night. You should note that if you call a performer less than 24 hours before the event, they may charge more. You need to take the time to make your event memorable. This includes creating custom routines like I do, setting up music sets, and obtaining licenses or permits for dangerous acts such as fire eating or sideshow stunts.
What are you looking for?
Your guests will be more satisfied if they have entertainment. Live entertainment can be provided by a DJ, magician, caricaturist or band. This will create an unforgettable experience that your guests will remember and share with their families. It is important to decide what type of entertainment will work best for your event. You might get married at a golf course. You have 200 guests and you want a traditional setting (cocktail hour with plated dinner, speeches, dancing etc. The next step is to decide where entertainment makes sense. You can place your mind-reading or magic equipment in the cocktail reception to do “strolling” or “walk around.” The performer will walk through the cocktail hour, performing small, intimate effects or routines for small groups. It is a more intimate experience than a full-length show. This breaks up repetitive parts of events. A little magic, mind reading, or light music can make a big difference. You should have an idea of the event you are looking for. Then, plan it and find the best place to put it. Perhaps a full-length comedy mind reading show following a three-day corporate retreat. Perhaps you are celebrating your child’s special day and need entertainment to keep them entertained. This is where a children’s magician and balloon show would be a great fit. For more information, see my article Magic & Mind Reading for Children vs. Magic for Adults.