| Interview with Magician Bryan Dean | |
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I recently had the opportunity to interview Magician Bryan Dean, who is also our very own About Guide to Magic and Illusion. Bryan has performed at over 8,000 parties and was willing to share with us his tips on hiring and working with a professional entertainer for your event. Here is the edited transcript of our recent chat.
Donna: Hi Bryan! You've told me that you've had lots of experience as a party entertainer. Can you tell me how many parties you've done to date, and how many years you've been in the business?
Bryan: I've been entertaining as a professional magician since 1974...that's for adult shows, kid shows, ESP shows and now hypnosis shows...I've calculated that I've done over 8,000 parties in my career so far.
Donna: So you also do hypnosis shows now?
Bryan: Yes. I just took some training a while back and it's quite amazing.
Donna: Which audience is most receptive to your type of show?
Bryan: All, really. Kids are hard to entertain, and that's why one must hire an EXPERIENCED performer and not a beginner...as the kids will eat him alive. Adult shows are fun and you don't have people screaming, "I know how you do that!", etc. They also pay more. Right now I am trying to get away from doing the kid shows and going into more corporate parties and events.
Donna: So, what's the best way to find an experienced entertainer besides word of mouth?
Bryan: Good question! There are a few ways to find an entertainer. First, the phone book: It's just a start, but I find that the good entertainers (at least in my area) shy away from the Yellow Pages. Then there's the free "Parents" -type papers. They are found at day care centers, Barnes & Noble and quality toy stores. For adult parties the BEST source is a "city" magazine like "Philadelphia" or "Chicago" in the classified section. And then there's the Net.:-)
Donna: Of course!
Bryan: Yes...! I've gotten quite a few good shows from my website www.bryandean.com over the years, but that's because it's been up so long. (Sneaky plug.) I do get email from all over the world for parties, but I can't imagine that they are serious.
Funny story...I got a telephone call from someone in Phoenix, Arizona who read my bryandean.com website and wanted to hire me. I told her that I live on the East Coast and unless she was rich and could fly me there, I couldn't make it. WELL, it was for a party near me...in my own neighborhood! I walked to the show!
Also, to finish up your question, many people do refer entertainers so it's a very good idea to ask around.
Donna: What should you ask someone before you hire the?
Bryan: Well, the first thing the person hiring should do is to have a list. They need the date, time, number of attendees, and the situation (kid show, buffet, banquet, restaurant setting, etc.) This is important for the performer to make an accurate fee quote. So, the first thing is to ask if the date is available. Many times I did a 15-minute phone presentation, only to be booked at the desired time! Secondly, ask how long they've been doing their talent. Ask for references, if possible. If it's an expensive gig for me, I will even go there, if it's local, to audition!
Donna: I guess you might also want to know if they specialize in certain audiences?
Bryan:
Yes! That, too. Some people can't entertain kids! And, if it's kids, ask what
ages they do entertain.
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