| Interview with Magician Bryan Dean | |
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Donna: Okay, so what do you look for in a kid entertainer?
Bryan: A clean police record. No seriously...definitely experience. Like I said before, an inexperienced performer will die before a bunch of screaming kids. And some talents lend themselves to certain ages. Magic is 4-10. Also, ask if they use fire, water, loud noises, animals, etc.
Donna: What should someone do if the performer dies at their party?
Bryan: Well, the performer will be mortified, but you may have to still pay him or her...it depends.
Donna: On...
Bryan: On who booked it. An agency may be tough. I have a money-back guarantee -- the only one in my area who does it.
Donna: So that might also be an interview question.
Bryan: Yes, but it may not come up. Most don't even think about a guarantee.
Another story...I was booked for a show at the "last minute" - those worry me, BTW, because if they are so disorganized to do all of this at the last minute, they may not follow through with the party. It's happened a lot. Anyway...I get to the party (a communion party) and the dad corners me, grabs me by the collar and says, "You'd BETTER be good!!" Yow! I never had that happen ... ever! Well what happened was that they booked a clown and he was upstairs. He was scary. Really scary. An old man with drippy make-up and all. They were trying to usher him out and all eyes were on me.
Donna: So you were the distraction?
Bryan: Fortunately, I did a great show (if I do say so myself -- I just did!) and they loved it. The parents STILL had to pay him. And, I was triple the price of this guy! Remember...in THIS business...you DO get what you PAY for!
Donna: I guess the moral is always Caveat Emptor!
Bryan: Yep... but ask for references.:-)
Donna: So, what should someone look for by way of a contract?
Bryan: For kids shows, I don't send a contract, just a postcard... BUT, I do ask for a deposit...and I think the parents should insist on one because it legally binds BOTH parties. For all other parties I send out a small easy-to-read agreement and get a 50% deposit. The agreement should have all pertinent information (time/ date/ place).
Donna: Is this pretty much standard industry practice?
Bryan: Yes, but some kid show performers use a contract. The thing most people are afraid of is that the performer won't show. It's their biggest fear.
Donna: Absolutely...
Bryan: They must have some recourse if he pulls a "no show". But in the contract I have a cancellation clause where if THEY cancel within 30 days of the show, I get 50%. If I cancel (due to illness and such) I have to get them a comparable replacement. So all is fair. What they must realize is that if they cancel, the performer can't just "get another show", as they sometimes say I can do.
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