Booking a Magician
The most important thing is to make sure you book a
professional. An amateur or part-time magician maybe able to
perform amazing magic but there is a lot more to it than that.
Will they turn up on time? Will they be smartly presented? Will
they work hard to make sure they see every guest? Will they have
the experience to cope with any last minute changes?
Remember that if you are hosting or organising an event, the
magician you choose will reflect on you. In the same way, a
professional magician who's livelihood depends on performing
regularly will look after all the small details because it
reflects on them and their prospects of getting more work.
How do you know someone is a professional? After all, anyone can
say they are but what can you do to check that it's true?
How to Spot a Professional Magician
Check that the magician has a good website and/ or printed
promotional materials. These days, magicians often rely on a
website to provide information to prospective clients because it
is so easy to keep a website up to date. Many also have videos
or DVDs and printed materials including photographs. Of course,
this doesn't make them a great magician but it does indicate
their professionalism. It can also give you an idea of what a
performer is like if you haven't met them.
Check that the magician is a member of magic societies such as
the Magic Circle and the International Brotherhood of Magicians.
These societies require magicians to be serious and accomplished
performers before they are allowed membership. Another good sign
is if they are a member of an organisation like Equity, the UK
performers union or similar professional body.
Check the magician's list of clients and engagements, and
testimonial/ recommendation letters. A professional magician
should be able to provide details of past clients and
engagements - if they can't something is wrong. The types of
events they have been involved with will indicate if they are
the right magician for your event. The letters and quotes can be
helpful, although it is unlikely that any bad quotes will find
their way into someone's promotional materials! However, the
number and quality of the quotes should give you an idea of how
well received a performer is. Don't be afraid to ask for copies
of the original letters or emails.
Check that the magician has public liability insurance. This is
very important! The magician may be closely interacting with
your guests, perhaps borrowing objects from them and a
professional will be covered for any accidents that may happen.
Is a Particular Professional Magician Right for You?
So, you've found a professional magician. How do you know they
are right for you and your event? Obviously, seeing them perform
is the best way. Often a magician will work regularly at a
restaurant or club, or even have a regular stage show and this
is a great opportunity to see them in action. However, some
magicians only perform at corporate and private functions and
you may not be able to see them in public.
Promotional materials and information about past clients and
engagement should give you a pretty good idea what they are
like, but a quick phone call is the best way. Have a chat with
them, ask them what their performance style is like and what
types of magical effects they perform. If you like what you hear
and can get on with them over the phone, it's a good sign.
Price and Negotiating a Fee
Often the main factor when deciding which magician to choose is
price. Fees for professional magicians vary a lot because they
depend on many factors such as the date and time of the event,
how well known the magician is, what type of magic you want them
to perform, how long you want them for, etc. But, as with most
other services and products, you get what you pay for. Good
magical entertainment is not something that you can get cheaply.
If you are shopping around and enquiring with many magicians,
going with the cheapest may not be the best option!
When negotiating the fee it can be a good idea to be up front
and state what the available budget is. This could save both you
and the magician a lot of time. If one magician is too expensive
or is not available, they may be able to suggest another
magician or entertainer for your event. Their opinion is
worthwhile, since they should be well aware how good other
magicians are and suggesting someone unprofessional would
reflect badly on them.
Finally, remember to check whether the fee you negotiate is
fully inclusive and that there are no hidden extras such as VAT
or travelling expenses.
Note: This article is written from a UK perspective, but many
of these tips will be relevant in other countries.