I'm really excited to share what's been happening lately and also ask for any advice you all can share.

I got back into magic fairly recently, but am doing well at it and am starting to grow my hobby into a small business.

I posted on here a while back that I have a coffee shop gig coming up this fall. Since then, I'm doing a children's show at a school classroom in a couple of weeks, I have a birthday party for adults coming up in October and-

AND- this is really cool! I just took a job working at a fitness club where I've become the "resident magician." Kind of tongue in cheek, but it seems to be catching on. This opportunity is so cool! They have lots of kids activities there and are already talking about booking me into next years' daytime activity camp. They also do lots of parties there. I just got a gig for a kids birthday party today thanks to a great guy on the staff that coordinates club parties and has my card- he is already selling me. I happened to walk in on the conversation and speak with the lady and she is very excited to have me come to the party. I even got to "print" her a business card.

I guess I could use advice for preparing a simple contract- just something that gives both parties piece of mind and looks professional. And anything else really. I've looked into writing contracts here on the Café and haven't really found too much.

Any advice on what to charge would be great as well. Thank you in advance!

First off congrats on your progress. I would also like to know of someone else's contract. I usually have one that says my name, the clients name, price, then I have check boxes one for type of show like a walk around or one large show. Then a check box for the duration 15 min, 30min, 45min. The next check off box is paid or not paid and if paid how they paid it. Then I leave a comments space for anything like type of audience, if they want a certain type of magic (cards, coins, rope) and any other things such as if a table is provided or tight space that I may be working in (such as a living room). Note that mine is novice, but I did type it up nicely on word and it looks good.Hopefully that helps.

That's great. Regarding contracts you need to talk to a lawyer, I guess?

MUM rana series of excerpts from Josha Jay's book called Over Under recently. MUM is the monthly from SAM (there is a section at The Café for SAM). I recall there was guidance there on contracts There are also a number of books on the business side of magic that would provide guidance. Ask at your local magic shop or club

Hudson

Check out the Tricky Business section for contract stuff. Be prepared for conflicting opinions! :8>)

Ed