How to Hire a Magician : Hiring Tips from a Magician
Hi, my name is Tim Mannix, Professional Magician based here in Los Angeles, California. I would like to talk about is primarily to parents and birthday party of mom's what to look for when hiring a magician. First of all, how do they sound on the phone. Call the guy up or the girl. There are lady magicians too. We are not sexists. A good indicator is if they don't call you back in 24 to 48 hours they are probably not in it as a true professional, Professionals call people back. They are in business. Talk to the person on the phone and ask them do you specialize in children's shows. Do you do this all of the time? Absolutely. I am in front of this age group all of the time. Big Big. No. 2 in kids shows. Kids just want to watch. If you probably know by name that kids love to make noise so I have ways for them to participate, make noise so if you are a magician always have audience participation. Magic is entertainment. If you are someone looking to hire a magician, ask them does your show have audience participation. It is more fun when people you know are in the show. My show is kid tested and mother approved. Do they customize the show? I actually customize the show. I do a trick where the child's face appears on one of the cards. People love that because it is Billy's, Betty, Susie's party and it is a memento of the show. Tip no. 5 - So show some proof. That is what we call it in business. Other people call it quotes or testimonials. What are people saying? They should have it on their website. If they don't have a website why not. People in business today have websites. I belong to two professional associations. Most professional magician's do. It is not mandatory but just another indicator. Do they offer a money back guarantee? Ooh, which scares some people? But if you have a great show, oh I got a good show, I've been doing this a while now. That does not scare me. Do they use animals? Not mandatory. A lot of guys I know, a lot of professional magicians I know don't produce the rabbit out of the hat. They don't use doves. I produce a rabbit and I produce a live Beta Fish. The great thing about a rabbit is it is so unanimous with a magic show. Do they liability insurance? I have liability insurance. Not a big deal breaker. Most professional magicians do. If you are renting a space some time they will require it. Do they offer money saving packages? Would you like the super duper whatever. I've got a basic show, a middle show where I float the kid and a big honkin' show that is plenty expensive which some people buy. But I have something for all levels of folks and all budgets. So get somebody who is an entertainer because magic is entertaining.
