Birthday Magic & Puppets

Q. Describe the most common types of jobs you do for your clients.

A. I do more church programs than anything. I have actually helped missionaries in several countries. I also do non-religious shows like bully or health assemblies in schools and reading shows in libraries.

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. Wait at least 30 minutes after the party has begun to have the show start. This allows time for all the guests to arrive. Children like to sit on the floor, so make the temperature comfortable if inside, or find a shady spot for outside.

Q. If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets to share?

A. I want every child to have a good time. That is why I use variety. Younger children enjoy the constant visuals, older children enjoy the puppet humor and magic, and adults enjoy seeing the kids' looks of joy.

Q. What important information should buyers have thought through before seeking you out?

A. Know the date and time so you can lock that specific time in.

Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?

A. This is a variety show! Tony brings comedy, magic, and ventriloquism to your birthday party! He is a full-time professional doing school assemblies, libraries, and churches on other days, but on Saturdays you're likely to find him entertaining at a birthday party.

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. I love the thought that the children will remember this birthday for years to come. They will get to laugh at the puppet jokes, interact with the animals, and participate in the magic tricks. This makes it truly memorable.

Q. What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A. Most want to know the top age. As a former 5th grade teacher I actually know how to use humor to entertain even the 10 or 11 year olds. However, the best age for the puppet and magic combination I do is 8 years old and younger.

Q. Do you have a favorite story from your work?

A. My favorite story is when an autistic child focused on the puppet and talked to the puppet. His mother was teary eyed and said that rarely happened.

Q. What do you wish customers knew about you or your profession?

A. I used to let them know that I have done over 4,000 shows and have judged international competitions and spoken at multiple conventions for children's entertainers and workers. But now I just let them know they will have a great time.

Q. How did you decide to get in your line of work?

A. I saw a puppet show at the age of 12 and loved it! Four years later I helped the puppeteer and his wife at my home church. They gave me a puppet and I have used puppetry for education and entertaining ever since.

Q. Tell us about a recent job you did that you are particularly proud of.

A. What a summer! I did a showcase for librarians and wound up with 70 shows! October was time for Red Ribbon assemblies at schools and Harvest Festivals at two churches, along with an 8 month old baptism celebration at a pizza place and several birthdays. Quite a variety! December will be Frosty's Magic Hat at shopping malls, holiday parties, and birthdays.

Q. Do you do any sort of continuing education to stay up on the latest developments in your field?

A. I was president of the Elk Grove Magician's Circle and we meet twice each month to learn new magic. I also teach (and learn) at puppet conventions nearly every year and learn from a forum on my favorite puppet maker's website. (www.axtell.com)

Q. What are the latest developments in your field? Are there any exciting things coming in the next few years or decade that will change your line of business?

A. Animatronics is now available for performers. Robot puppets!

Q. Describe your most recent project, what it involved, how much it cost, and how long it took.

A. I wrote "puppet island" for this summer's library theme. It takes about 6 months to write and memorize scripts, find and practice magic tricks, and costume the puppets needed.

Q. If you have a complicated pricing system for your service, please give all the details here.

A. Very simple for private parties! $175 in Sacramento County or $200 in surrounding counties.

Q. If you were advising someone who wanted to get into your profession, what would you suggest?

A. Go deeper instead of wider. Write a lot of material for a few puppets instead of single skits for multiple puppets. I would also recommend as much audience participation as possible, such as in a game show.