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stevegreene New user 97 Posts |
So I had a show last night a 9 year old birthday party. They wanted a show from 7-9, 45 min magic show, a training session of a few tricks easy stuff for the kids and balloons. This is my gold package, they said they would have around 35 kids to me that seemed like to many to make balloons at the show. So I I pre made 40 and went on my way. I get there at 6:30 to set up, but they already had the party going 50 plus kids not the 35 they quoted.. all running around bein kids getting in all my stuff making it impossible to set up. Parents seemed to just let the kids go crazy. I finally got it all set up I had to police everything so they wouldn't get into my tricks, did the show it went fine after the show passed out balloons, then everyone got in line again demanding more balloons. I did this untill 9 which was what was agreed upon but, making balloons for that many kids is nuts... Finally got to take down, took me untill 9:45 to be packed and headed out. Kids kept messing with things while I was packing everything up...
All this for $200, did I under charge? Seems to me that should have been a little more money to deal with all that. Any suggestions how to handle this? |
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SteveFromSpokane Regular user 199 Posts |
Sometimes it seems the magician for a child's party becomes a glorified baby sitter. You got kids digging into your stuff and peeking into your props while the parent are all in the kitchen eating and socializing. When the show is going on the parents can go to another room if they like but I think not taking care of your kids while the magician is trying to set up is just rude. At least give us a chance to get set up.
Perhaps a magician needs one of those air horns to blast when the kids start rifling through his props. It would definitely get the kid's attention and bring out the parents.... |
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The Great Zucchini Inner circle 1347 Posts |
I'm my opinion, you undercharged by 300
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Robin4Kids Veteran user Lower Alabama 396 Posts |
I agree with TGZ. It may seem like you are making decent money making $200 for 2 hours, but in fact you probably have over 4 hours with preparation, travel, set-up and load out, not to mention the expense of balloons and other possible purchased items used in your act. I would look at keeping your packages limited to 1 hour and offer additional services for additional cost. That way the client can decide if they are willing to pay more for 2 hours of performance time.
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The Great Zucchini Inner circle 1347 Posts |
Quote: If the kids are going through stuff, it's the magicians fault for allowing it, not the parents. We are the diector and conductor when we are there. "Absolutely not". Let them, if they don't, which they will if you're firm, direct parents to get them. Its important, maybe its the former teacher in me, to state what you expect, follow through and don't be a woos
On 2013-05-05 09:32, SteveFromSpokane wrote: |
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The Great Zucchini Inner circle 1347 Posts |
I meant let them know it's not OK to go through stuff, be firm
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SteveFromSpokane Regular user 199 Posts |
Quote:
On 2013-05-05 12:46, The Great Zucchini wrote: I wondered what you meant. I agree that you have to be firm. Indeed in my case once I turned and saw a young girl opening a box I had her come and take a seat in front of me. It wasn't as if the kids were running around and tauting me tossing my silks everywhere. But the parents should have prevented her from wandering behind me in the first place. I think in their minds it was more "Oh the magician is here lets go hang out in the kitchen." Once the show starts I can handle a large number of kids and they behave quite well. It is just the initial setup period you wish some parents had a little common sense. |
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KC Cameron Inner circle Raleigh, North Carolina 1944 Posts |
The best way to keep from being a babysitter (IMO) is to entertain the adults as well as the kids. If the adults are entertained, they tend to keep their kids in line. I have a much bigger problem with parents policing their children too much, or teachers at schools intervening when it is unnecessary.
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Gerry Walkowski Inner circle 1450 Posts |
Steve,
If you haven't watched Danny Orleans DVD, The Art of Presenting Magic to Children, you might want to get that and really study Danny's audience management techniques. Another thing to point out is that children age 9, especially a group of boys, can be troublesome if not handled correctly. From what I've seen on your website, you seem to cater to a much younger crowd. I don't know if you have different shows, but kids age 9 don't want basic kid show effects. I found this out the hard way many years ago. The good part is that David Kaye talks about this particular age group in detail in his wonderful book Seriously Silly. If it makes you feel any better, many years ago I had the same experience you had. The good part is that I learned something from this so I was better prepared the next time. Wishing you all the best, Gerry |
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Michael Baker Eternal Order Near a river in the Midwest 11172 Posts |
Quote:
On 2013-05-05 12:44, The Great Zucchini wrote: I tried to Google that word and it asked if I meant "dictator"! Quote:
On 2013-05-05 16:16, KC Cameron wrote: KC, you just won the Michael Baker "Post of the Day" award. Although, like the award itself, the advice is only worth what someone is going to make of it.
~michael baker
The Magic Company |
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arthur stead Inner circle When I played soccer, I hit 1773 Posts |
KC, I agree with you too. Hate it when teachers/principals/daycare directors tell the kids to be quiet before I start my show!
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Damian Veteran user 363 Posts |
Crazy kids, that just comes with the territory; sometimes it's easy, sometimes not, but that's never affected my pricing (although I feel you, I really do).
The balloon issue is a little different, although it's hard to give accurate feedback regarding your pricing, since it depends on your market. I live in a city, and charge an additional $50 for balloons for up to about 25 kids. If it's going to be 50 kids, I'd charge $100 (on top of the magic show price). It's tricky, though, if you don't make that clear, up front. If I quoted someone a price without mentioning a possibility of increase if more kids show up, I don't know if I would broach the client about an extra charge or not. Probably I wouldn't. Worst case scenario, I gratefully accept my remuneration, thank the gods that I have a job I love, remember that my presence may have inspired kids and chalk the whole thing up to experience. |
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The Great Zucchini Inner circle 1347 Posts |
Quote:
On 2013-05-05 17:16, Michael Baker wrote: |
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jay leslie V.I.P. Southern California 9498 Posts |
I keep a fresh roll of Duct Tape in my car, for such occasions.
Jay Leslie
www.TheHouseOfEnchantment.com |
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jakeg Inner circle 1741 Posts |
The more experience you get, the easier it gets to control the kids. Once you've handled a bunch of situations you learn what you have to do, and it comes without thinking. It wouldn't hurt to put a clause in your contract about parents being responsible for handling unruly kid before the show starts, or a clause about the magician needing 15 minutes of private time to set the show up without the children present. Once your tables are set, a sheet over your props to keep them out of sight until the show starts may also be a help.
Of course, you could always build a mote and throw a couple of crocks in or bring a couple of pit bulls with you. |
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Michael Baker Eternal Order Near a river in the Midwest 11172 Posts |
Quote:
On 2013-05-05 19:15, jay leslie wrote: As long as you keep it in your car! Just knowing it's there could give you reason to smile, though.
~michael baker
The Magic Company |
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plink Special user 661 Posts |
A long time ago I learned to put my "birthday" show in a case. Everything is set at home and ready to go when the case is opened. I have used this case concept/show for many venues when your not certain what you're getting into. This does not limit at all the size of your show. You can get 4 or 5 kids on stage with a minimum of props, and have a lot of fun. Check out Dan Harlans suitcase shows. After doing this stuff for many year my number one wish would be I'd like to know what I'm getting into. As proffesionals we need to be on top of any situation.
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The Mighty Fool Inner circle I feel like a big-top tent having 2140 Posts |
When I'm setting up amidst a throng of unruly kids at a birthday or the dreaded bar-mitzvah, I try to find 2 of the bigger / older looking kids and 'hire' them as security to keep the other kids from getting into stuff behind my back. Theyre paid in tricks, candy, or whatever, it really dosent matter...they are SOooooooo turned on to the idea of 'policing' the other kids!
Everybody wants to beleive.....we just help them along.
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The Great Zucchini Inner circle 1347 Posts |
Quote: This is brilliant-I've done this as well. If I have to step out of room, I've pulled an older kid to watch stuff-never PD though, terrific stuff, Fool
On 2013-05-06 02:57, The Mighty Fool wrote: |
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Dynamike Eternal Order FullTimer 24148 Posts |
Quote:
On 2013-05-06 02:57, The Mighty Fool wrote: I have done the same too. I never pay them either like TGZ. Set up a contract for the maximum amount of kids will get balloons. Additional balloons made after the max, is going to be higher per child. Or tell your client a certain amount of kids will make the extra hour. If more kids are there the cost will be more every 15 minutes. |
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