FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions for Magic Barry

How much space do you need?

Not much at all. For my equipment and props I need about a 6′ by 5′ area. Usually, your living room is a perfect place for this. Other than that, an empty area right in front of my performing area for the children to sit and enjoy the show is all that is needed. There should be about 6 feet between my table and the first row of children.

Do you need a table?

I bring my own table–and the kids help me set it up! This gets the show off to a great start. The kids LOVE the way my show begins! “Emotional connection” with the audience is the most important part of a magic show!

Can you perform the show outdoors?

I can perform the show outdoors…but not during the very hot and humid months of July and August! However, I do advise you that the best audience attention and focus is achieved when the Magic Show is indoors.

Can we serve the kids food, snacks, and beverages during your show?

Well, it’s your home so you can do whatever you’d like…however, I recommend serving treats & drinks before or after the show. Food and drink during the show is a HUGE distraction for the kids. Not only eating the snacks, but then the serving of it and the cleaning up that takes place after the eventual spill. LOL

At this age, the children need the least amount of distractions as possible.

Therefore, I HIGHLY recommend NOT serving goodies during the performance. A Magic Show is greatly diminished when there is food or drink present during the show!

When should I serve food and cake?

The best time to serve food is before the magic show, and the best time to serve the birthday cake is after the magic show. If cake is served before the magic show, it can make it more difficult for kids to stay focused on the show.

Do you require a deposit?

Because we receive many calls, a 50% retainer is required to secure a date and specific time. We accept payment via Zelle and all major credit cards via PayPal. Many people decide to simply pay the entire fee in advance, in order to avoid having to deal with the balance during the birthday party.

Is the show clean and age appropriate?

Yes! I take pride in that my show is specifically geared towards children ages 4-12. Most magicians don’t have an age-specific show. I specialize in entertaining children with clean and fun magic…and I can adjust the content depending upon the ages of the children.

When’s a good time to have you begin your show?

A good general guideline is to have my show begin about 45 minutes after the party starts. This prevents distractions from late-arriving guests. You should also plan on feeding the children before the show, but have the cake or cupcakes after the show.

I’m celebrating more than one child’s birthday, can you still entertain at our party?

Yes! I then have all of the birthday children be the stars of the show. Everything else is the same, except we have a few more lucky participants!

Do you know of any sources for birthday party goodies like plates, napkins, hats, etc.?

YES! There is a great place called “Factory Direct Party” that gets rave revues from other moms. Check it out now!

*Important: Can we hire you to entertain our children in one room while all of the adults hang out in another room?

Due to liability issues, I do require that all of the children be supervised at all times by at least one responsible adult (besides me). I simply can’t be held responsible for supervising them. This is to protect you, the children and myself. I have to concentrate on doing the Magic Show–not on being a baby-sitter! LOL

Can we invite young infants and babies to the party?

If there are going to be any children under the age of 3, I politely request that one of their parents holds the child in their lap during the entire show. (The 2-year-olds tend to want to come up to my very colorful table during the show…and this will interrupt the flow of the show.)
Same thing goes with your pets. Please keep your pets in a separate area. (Sorry, Tinker Bell)

Do you have Goodie Bags?

At the request of many parents–especially mothers–I have recently started to offer the option of a “Magic Barry Magic Booklet” that is a great Goodie Bag insert. This is a very nice booklet–with a colorful cover and back page– that has 10 easy-to-learn magic tricks. It offers you an option to avoid the “usual” Goodie Bag stuff that most kids do not have an interest in.
The children love these Magic Booklets, and it gives their parents an additional opportunity to bond with them at home when they learn the tricks together. Please be sure to ask me about the Magic Barry Magic Booklets if you are considering giving Goodie Bags to all the children. The booklets can save you a lot of time trying to decide what to put into your Goodie Bags.