Yes, you are right@ special occasions,such as anniversaries (of the residence), 4th of July and other holiday times, of course. Up here in Canada (Montreal), it seems that hospitals and nursing homes have access to governmental subsidies to assuage the costs of entertainment. The point is to try for the price you know you would like (and are worth).... you may be surprised that they can somehow "find" the money if they really want you. You might suggest to the head administrator that they ask a board member (or members) to sponsor the entertainment as a donation (tax write-off here in Canada), or perhaps a company is associated with supporting the hospital thrilled to cover the costs of the entertainment --in exchange for branding recognition and a bi-line in the caption beneath the magician's photo (magical entertainment provided by _____________ ).

As a last resort,the rent could be raised to off-set the costs of having a yearly celebration with professional entertainment.

Jonathan

I do anual, and semi anual events at lots of senior centers.

I had not expected so many replies and so much advice. I am not a full time entertainer and what I have been doing has been mainly with children with the odd adult gig. I have been spending a lot of my Time actually organizing a Junior section to the Magic Society that I belong to. I have just been approached to perform in a care/nursing home and I am still thinking about it.

Most of you guys who have passed on very helpful information seem to be full time professionals with a very sound background. I must say that you are all really inspiring me to give it a go.

Don

Don
I have been performing for 22 years. The first 8 I was part time when I was just trying to figure it out. Take your time, and only take the plunge when you are ready.

Thanks Al

There is one little snag with the 'take your time advice', I am now 73 and do not have that much time to take. I am not going to rush madly into it and this is why I have posted my question to you guys. When I have got a wide spread of advice and views I will select what suits me and my style. This is the same advice I push all the time to my Junior group.

Don

Don
Although on my avatar I look like a very young handsome man I am semi retired, and only work when I feel like it. This way I have it all my way, and social security helps me out with my living expenses.

They are comfortable with people their own age.

Don-G


I have a book at home that suggested teaching a one time or recurring magic class for seniors marketed as physical therapy, as an additional source of income.

Walt

Al

You have surprised me with your age, I had you down for one of these brash 20 year old's who was trying to impress me. you must be on some kind of extremely strong anti ageing medication. Could you please let me know what it is?

Also thanks to Danny and Walt for their comments, they have realy set my mind at rest.

Don

My friend Danny jokes about my age, but he is right. I had a wealthy retirement community contact me about performing at their open house celebration. They wanted a magician that could communicate with people over 55 years of age. I had no trouble landing that job.

Al, sorry to let you down but it was no joke about you it was a valid point.

Much like college kids are a bit more comfortable with younger or familiar faces.

Not everything is about you Al sorry.

The down side is the down economy. I have come accross some clients in this field, i.e. activity directors that have either forgotten about the booking, even when confirmed two days prior, not communicated previous bookings to the new activity director, or have delayed payment even with a w-9, for months, or just didn't pay at all. If you can have a solid policy of payment, like pre pay deposits, that will save you a lot of grief. Further more outbreaks of illnesses can be a dampener on events. Seniors get sick and it spreads like a wild fire. Quarantines are necessary, but disapointing also. This is not just true of the nursing facilities but also of the assisted living.
Just a heads up.
Performing for seniors is still my favorite audience because they are so polite generally speaking. I use large stage/parlor props and music from their era from the 30s and 40s. I dress in the old vaudevillian dress and my patter is limited due to the hearing impairment of many of the audience members. I never call for volunteers because getting up is painful, sitting down is painful, holding things in the hands can be painful, following directions and being in front of people can be challenging also. Therefore, I have not called for volunteers from the audience and actually, it encourages me to be more creative in my magic. The little patter I do speak is spoken in limeric poetry style set to piano music to create an atomosphere of an afternoon with an improsorio (I hope I spelled it right)
most seniors like their shows at 2:30PM

good luck

I take your point about the payment Eric, I will bear it in mind. The music sounds a great idea, I will look into it. Also, not asking for volunteers unless I knew beforehand that anyone could and would want to come forward. All this info is a great help, thanks guys.

Don

I think this is an outstanding idea. I don't know why I didn't think of it myself. That "thwack" you heard is the sound of me hitting myself in the forehead with the palm of my hand.

Joe Libby
San Antonio, TX
http://www.joelibby.net

Jlibby,

"I think this is an outstanding idea. I don't know why I didn't think of it myself. That "thwack" you heard is the sound of me hitting myself in the forehead with the palm of my hand."

That was just one of many ideas in the book titled "How to Make Magic Work For You". I just remembered that a thread was created in 2003 about this book and the book's author is a member here. Call or send him an e-mail, he may have a few copies stashed away.

“How to make magic work for you” by Dan Bartlett
http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......forum=44


Walt

They are a delight to entertain. I have entertained seniors for years (until the economy soured) and they can be like little ones sometimes. They also can catch you like no others so beware:)

What kind of System would this be?

I know the money is low, surely there is potential for follow-up business from the residents' grandchildren etc?

Yes, there is potential for follow-up business, but unfortunately it is typically more low paying shows. You will get requests for your business card and every now and then a show comes from it, but it's typically for another senior show, but not for another retirement community, but rather a senior center or senior club that the resident belongs to. I've never gotten a request to do a kid show, but that could be because my act doesn't seem to be suited for kids - which it's not.

You are not going to get rich entertaining old folks, but it sure feels good to do a reduced price job for them on a weekday afternoon.