So I've been performing magic now for 16 years maybe longer. But I also have a career as a software quality senior engineer and architect. That is cut into my magic quite a bit. 

Considering that I wanted to do magic part-time so I could entertain occasionally at friend's houses or something, my desire to do magic is like with everything, I'm going to take it fully and seriously.

Darn it, however this is something I certainly don't regret because I love entertainment.Over the course of all of these years I collected tricks and collected tricks collected illusions and I've gone through everyone perform them and at the end of all I probably have well over 400 tricks maybe closer to 600.

Eugene Berger had once said he only has nine tricks when he goes to parties and that's it.I could see that for his type of entertainment and who entertains but for myself I also entertain children and while do they remember the tricks that you performed and I see them a lot the same kids. So I do pick up more tricks.

When it comes down to it though I have a lot of tricks. And I've heard a lot of magicians say things like oh my gosh I have so many tricks I've wasted so much money I have some I haven't even opened yet.Ensure you're going to have some you haven't opened yet or gotten to yet and actually that's okay.

Because the trip inspired something inside of you even the packaging. And if you take a trick and you don't like it you still learn something about you which is this trick is not for me or I really don't like performing this trick. So it's always been a good thing to have all of this stuff.

But right now for me I have to start isolating down to the tricks that I'm going to use. So I'm getting some big boxes and I'm going to start closing up some of my tricks and my DVDs that I won't use any more and bid them a fond farewell asI continue with my magic adventure

A life of Magic: Here I come

 Good day to all of you who have ever seen this post or happen to be reading this now.

I'm Stephanie Beach a part-time magician and doing very well at it.

I perform all sorts of cool things like birthday parties and parlor shows and outdoor events and on-line magic workshops. I do it part-time.

At least for a little while because quite soon and I'm going to do this full-time.

I'm going to leave my job which is really really well-paid and start doing magic full-time.

I'm 65 years old so retirement was coming up soon anyways. And to tell you the truth I am scared as all heck.

My wife Pat and I have enough money and income so that we can easily survive.

But losing a lot of money and the career you've built up for 40 years is tough. The tough part is that once I leave I won't be able to go back.

But I thought about this a lot and truthfully I'd love to perform. It's my heart's passion and I enjoy performing through magic.


So I'll keep you posted as things start coming up and please keep an eye on my website. StephanieBeachMagic.com.

A life of Magic: Here I come :D

Tips for a great Child's Magic Birthday Party

You want a great party for your child. 

So what should you keep in mind when planning the party.

Space for the Magic

The space for magic should be about 10′ wide x 8′ deep.

This will allow the magician an area to bring the kids up with the magician.

If you want a professional backdrop the allow for a 18' x 10' space.

Have plenty of space for the kids to sit.

They should be about 5’ in front of the magician to give the magician and the participants space to perform.

Avoid having the kids to the side. Kids will see some secrets and will be very pleased to shout them out. But that takes away from the entertainment.

Inside is best but it is sooooo nice out. 

Magicians usually prefer inside.

Truthfully, I like to be outdoors. 

The kids are getting plenty fresh air and can have space to run around before and after the show.

When I’m performing a magic show in Boston, sometimes the parents have a hard to find a good place outside.

You could talk to the local parks department or private estates to see if you could rent some outdoor space if you don’t have your own yard.

If you are having your party outside, here are some things to keep in mind.

• Pick a level spot near trees with the sun to the Magician's front so the kids won’t be looking directly into it

• Use a few old bed sheets for the kids to sit on. Just throw them in the laundry after the show.

• Have some chairs setup behind the kids for adults

• If you have a Bouncy House, turn it off 5 minutes prior to the show

• If it is windy at all, or a chance of rain, prepare to have the party inside.

Adults want to talk

For the adults, sometimes there are things to talk about rather than watch your kid watching the magic show. I can’t imagine what but apparently there is. :)

So I just suggest a place for them to enjoy each other’s company during the show. Usually there is not a problem so don’t put any extra further effort into it.

Remind them before the party that this is the place for them to interact with their kids.

They are more than welcome to join in and sit with their kids

Cameras

Have cameras ready.

Take Videos.

This is the time to make those Memories!

When taking pictures, stand behind the magician.

Ask the Magician first.

However, it’s your show and you want to get good pictures of your kid’s reactions.

I have no problem if you are standing behind me or to my right or left.

The Magician should help you find the places where you can take some great photos when your child is on stage and in the audience

Cake and Presents

Have the Cake and Presents in another room if possible so the kids are not distracted from the magic show.

How many kids?

You want to please your child, but too many kids is not always a good thing.

For a private party in a large hall, then 30 to 50 kids can work.

But in your home, think about the space you have. Imagine 40 kids in your living room or play room. I bet you just cut the number down to 15 didn’t you?

Goodie Bags.

It is not always a good deal to ask the Magician to supply goodie bags.

The magician will usually charge a premium for the goodies.

It's an 'add-on' that you can solve yourself.

There are so many online shops to buy just the right toys and nick-knacks for your party. You can purchase just the right items at a very good price.

Theme parties.

Many magicians will do Theme Magic parties. I do.

Keep in mind that a full theme party could almost double the price.

This is due to purchasing special props, costumes, backdrops and music.

A good magician purchases all their music and each piece, 30 seconds of it, could cost upwards of $39. And it might only be used one more time during the year so it is expensive.

When I do a theme party, I will perform tailor the show to fit the theme.

I’ll update some magic to reflect the party’s image.

And I will find cool music for the party.

Also I’ll setup a nice backdrop (space available) and props appropriate for the theme.

You should give an extra 2 weeks’ notice if you want a full themed Magic Party.

When to Book
It is best to book the party at least 8 weeks in advance to get the date you want.
Good Birthday Magicians having bookings that are a month or more in the future.

That’s about it.

I hope this helps and that I will see you at your child’s next party

Stephanie

How to hire a magician for you Child's birthday party

The first thing to do is to find a magician.

That isn't too hard.

You can go to the internet and simply 'Google' "Magician" in your area.

Or use a service like GigMaster.

But from there, what is next to assure that you have the best magician for your child's party?

•Check their Facebook page.

Each magician should have a Facebook page.

The magician should be updating their page with events and information.

Search their reviews.

See how many stars they have. check that they are active with children's shows and events.

•GigMaster

You can search GigMaster.com for Magicians.

The magician should 'pay the fee' for you so you don't have to.

Check their reviews and view their pictures, video and promotional material.

It should show that the magician does lots of children's shows.

•Call

Don't be afraid that a call is going to result in a pressure sale.

If the Magician does try to pressure you, you have an easy out: "I need to get back to you, Thank you very much". Then hang up.

Here are the biggest things to ask are;

•How long is your show

•How many years have you been performing magic for children

•What special things await the birthday child

•What time do you arrive

•Does the party have to start 'on time'

•Is there a problem with recording the show and taking pictures

•When taking pictures ask if it is OK to stand behind the magician.

•You want pictures of the kids

•How much space do you need

•Can we perform outside

Now that you know what to ask, you are all set to call that Magician.

Age is usually not a factor

There are many qualified magicians who are teenagers or even younger.

However, you should ask for a referral when taking with these magicians.

They can be very good but still inexperienced at handling young children.

Regardless of the age, I look for is "Energy".

Is the magician very animated?

Does she or he give off 'a good vide' and show enthusiasm?

If you have a good feeling about this person, you are probably ok.

•Price

This is the tough part.

A magician with not too many years under their belt should not be charging $500.

But don't be discouraged because they could be worth it.

You need to look at your budget and what you can afford.

My shows run from $175 to $400 depending on the length of the show, theme, extras and travel.

If you live 200 miles from the entertainer, you should expect a higher performance fee.

One thing I do not do is "Nickel and Dime you".

If you want a themed show I won't 'up sell'. (Salesfolks are now cringing)

I will tell you my price and everything that is included.

If there are some extras you want and they are reasonable then I will simply add them.

•Tips

Thank you. These mean more than money to me. They mean you really appreciated the effort and my performance. Tips can range from $5 to 20% or more of the price of the show.

And I really am a very happy Magician when you give that little extra. Thank You!

•Animals

Magicians with animals will charge more. They have to care for their animals.

You should ask how many they have.

I mean that if they are bringing in a bunny, do they have the same bunny for all their shows?

I feel that is cruel if the Magician is doing a lot of shows.

The animal needs rest.

Also ask about 'clean up' that the Magician will do.

Animals are not always 'trained'...so to speak. So just ask what you should expect in ways of 'a mess'.

•Pictures

If they say "No pictures" then go find another Magician.

YOU are paying for the show and the memories.

Some magicians are worried that their material will be 'stolen' or used in a manner that they might not want.

And I do believe that the client should respect the Magician.

But for sure, you should charge up those cameras and place a few camcorders around.

This IS your show.

Some magicians will record the show for you.

But that is expensive. I use Interlocking Applications, Odd Jobs division.

I do not get a commission on this because the cost to record, edit and deliver is quite a few hundred

dollars. It's there is a client really wants it.

•When do they arrive?

The magician should arrive at least an hour prior to show time.

This allows them to setup and get familiar with the kids.

I love to setup, do some magic with the kids and adults prior to the show.

I hope this helps you out.

There is a lot here but I find it important when you want to have a quality show for your kids.

This IS a once in a lifetime event because next year, your kid(s) is a year older.

And this does bring the excitement of live theater right to your home.

Stephanie