Hey guys,

I'm thinking about performing magic in a children's Hospital, and I was wondering who I should be trying to contact about it. I can easily see some receptionist telling me "Thanks, but we're not looking for an entertainer right now" or else getting forwarded to the wrong person etc.

Does anyone know who would be in charge of this sort of thing? Is there someone I should ask for when I call?

Thanks,
- Redstreak

Very nice! Talk to the public relations office or the volunteer office. DO find out their restrictions because they have increased over the years.

Yes it does sounds nice.

There's info elsewhere on the Café about volunteering at hospitals. "The tricks are on me" section.

There is usually a department that handles activities for the kids, and this would be the dept. to contact. In the case of the hospital where I volunteer, the department is "Child Care Specialists." There is usually some paperwork with rules, regs etc., that you must to go through.

Be very aware that there are many things you cannot bring into a hospital that you would ordinarily never think twice about...some are obvious (open flames, animals) some less so (balloons, puppets made with latex, etc.).

I have performed several magic shows for Dallas and Fort Worth Childrens Hospitals.

I went through the volunteer department. If it is a one time event you can simply fill out a form for a special appearance and I performed in one of the main playrooms for the kids.

If you are wanting to donate your time on a recurring basis, then at least in DFW you have to fill out a volunteer application, then go through a formal training process that is usually 2 days in length. Once you have completed that, then they can schedule you for a show every month depending upon your schedule.

I can tell you that performing in Childrens Hospitals is very rewarding.

Good Luck

Here in th Uk we have several charities, including POD and Clowns International, who specialise in providing entertainers for hospitals. In many ways these can be the most challenging gigs, as you never know what your audience will be. POD enlists only those entertainers who can entertain children and young adults, as often the "Children" are 15 or 16 years old.
Recently I was required to entertain a 2-year old, and a 16 year-old simultaneously. And on other occasions, I've had a larger group ranging from 1 year old up to 17 or even 18.
I'm not allowed to use hats, or otherwise touch children's heads - but we don't have a ban on latex, thank goodness!
As Scott said, this is a very rewarding job, and it will also make you a more rounded entertainer.

What I do is make a cold call into the hospital and ask who is incharge of volunteersim. IO do that from the start becuase the person simply hearing the word volunteer will get them opening up a lot more towards you. they become friendly and usualyl that will ask you for more information. This then becomes your open door to ask and explain further what it is you would like to offer for them and you would like to know who you should contatc to make it happen.

Hope this helps.

Kyle

Thanks a lot for all the help, guys!

- Redstreak