Shopping Tips

As a professional entertainer, I receive dozens of phone calls every day from Valley residents who are in search of entertainment for their special event. The experience of performing thousands of shows has brought to light some areas that I strongly recommend you consider when making your decision. No matter who you hire to entertain at your party, I want your party to be a success, and would like to share a few thoughts with you on successfully choosing quality entertainment for your special day.

Here are a few factors to consider when choosing an entertainer:

• Don’t shop on the basis of price alone. Prices of entertainers range from under $100 to over $1000. My experience has shown that there is typically a direct relationship between the quality of the show and the price paid. Professionals charge a little more because their show reflects years of experience and a large investment in props and training. A professional’s livelihood is based on their reputation for delivering a quality show each and every time. Don’t just take the performer’s word for it--any amateur hobbyist can label themselves a professional. Be a smart consumer and spend a few minutes asking questions to learn more about the performer’s experience, reputation, and training. Sometimes the investment of an extra $25-$50 to hire a professional is the best money you can spendto ensure that your child's big day is a big success.
• Deal directly with the performer, not an agency. Most entertainment agencies in the metro Phoenix area offer everything from magicians to moon bounces to costumed characters. In many cases, the employees they provide to parties are paid minimum wage, have little or no training in dealing with children or entertainment, and have little motivation to provide a professional level of service. Make sure you speak directly to the individual who will be coming to your party. I take great pride in providing one service and only one service--professional magic for children. This specialization allows me to offer a consistently better performance.
• Make sure the show is age-appropriate. The majority of entertainers use the “one size fits all” approach to performing. They do the same exact show for a group of three year olds as they would for a group of twelve year olds (or even an adult audience--boring card tricks and all!). This is NOT what you want! There are subtle (and not-so-subtle) differences between age groups, the performing environment, and the individuals in the audience that an experienced professional will take into account, and adjust their show accordingly to build rapport with the crowd. This is crucial to maintaining the audience’s interest. Factors such as the length of the show, the types of props used, and the overall pacing of the presentation are important. As you shop around, ask the entertainers how they tailor their performance to fit the age group. If the performer uses fire or any inappropriate material in the show, they are not an appropriate choice for entertaining at a children’s party. For health, safety, and insurance reasons, I also would recommend against anyone who distributes food or candy during the show.
• The performer should anticipate your needs. An experienced performer should be a resource to help you maximize the success of your child's special day. How skilled was the entertainer’s description of their performance on the telephone? The performer’s ability to anticipate your questions and deliver a complete, well-thought-out description of their background and performance during your initial inquiry call is a sign of how professional you can expect their show to be. Does their website reflect the same professionalism as the show, or is it amateurish? The performer’s skill in creating a visual image of their show in advance is certainly a big reflection on the overall quality of what you will receive on the day of your party.
• The bottom line is value. Your event comes only once a year. The savings from hiring an amateur rapidly disappears if that amateur arrives late, has shabby props and costuming, or embarrasses you with an underwhelming show. A professional entertainer is your assurance of a fun and memorable experience that you’ll remember with pride for years to come. Fond memories are priceless!