The most necessary issue is to form positive you book a professional. An amateur or half-time magician maybe in a position to perform amazing magic however there is a lot more to it than that. Will they flip up on time? Can they be well presented? Can they work onerous to create sure they see every guest? Will they need the experience to address any last minute changes?
Bear in mind that if you're hosting or organising an event, the magician you decide on will mirror on you. In the identical means, a professional magician who's livelihood depends on performing regularly can take care of all the small details because it reflects on them and their prospects of obtaining additional work.
How do you know somebody could be a skilled? When all, anyone will say they are but what will you are doing to check that it's true?
The way to Spot a Skilled Magician
Check that the magician includes a sensible web site and/ or printed promotional materials. Nowadays, magicians often depend on a website to supply information to prospective clients as a result of it is therefore simple to keep a web site up to date. Several conjointly have videos or DVDs and printed materials together with photographs. Of course, this does not create them a great magician however it does indicate their professionalism. It can additionally offer you an idea of what a performer is like if you haven't met them.
Check that the magician could be a member of magic societies like 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 sensible 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 skilled magician should be ready to produce details of past clients and engagements - if they cannot something is wrong. The sorts of events they have been involved with will indicate if they're the correct magician for your event. The letters and quotes will be useful, though it's unlikely that any dangerous quotes will find their way into somebody's promotional materials! However, the number and quality of the quotes should provide you an plan of how well received a performer is. Don't be afraid to raise for copies of the original letters or emails.
Check that the magician has public liability insurance. This is often terribly necessary! The magician could be closely interacting together with your guests, maybe borrowing objects from them and a professional will be lined for any accidents that will happen.
Could be a Particular Skilled Magician Right for You?
Thus, you have found a skilled magician. How do you know they are right for you and your event? Clearly, seeing them perform is the most effective way. Typically a magician will work regularly at a restaurant or club, or even have an everyday stage show and this can be a nice chance to work out them in action. However, some magicians only perform at company and private functions and you'll not be able to see them in public.
Promotional materials and data concerning past clients and engagement should give you a reasonably good idea what they are like, but a fast phone decision is the most effective way. Have a conversation with them, raise them what their performance style is like and what types of magical effects they perform. If you wish 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 issue when deciding that magician to settle on is price. Fees for skilled magicians vary a ton as a result of they rely on several 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 would like them for, etc. But, like most alternative services and products, you get what you pay for. Good magical entertainment is not something that you'll be able to get cheaply. If you're looking around and enquiring with many magicians, going with the cheapest could not be the best possibility!
When negotiating the fee it will be a sensible plan to be up front and state what the offered budget is. This might save each you and also the magician a lot of time. If one magician is too expensive or isn't out there, they'll be ready to counsel another magician or entertainer for your event. Their opinion is worth it, since they ought to be well aware how sensible alternative magicians are and suggesting someone unprofessional would replicate badly on them.
Finally, keep in mind to check whether the fee you negotiate is totally inclusive and that there are not any hidden extras like VAT or travelling expenses.
Note: This text is written from a UK perspective, however several of these tips will be relevant in other countries.