I would be interested to hear what advice any entertainers who've crossed the 10 year barrier would give to others. We've crossed over double this and I would say - stick at it, - it get's easier with age and kids entertainment is a lifetime of endless cashflow; and (for the full time pro's) - utilise all that spare time and energy you have with other business ventures!

1.Something I have learned the hard way is to make sure you keep family above the magic.

You can't hug a deck of cards.

2. Keep accurate records of expenses and
income

3. Have fun and put yourself into your program. Don't just do stock lines.

Nearly Normal since the 1980's and Magic by Harris, Mime over Matter and other Magical "handles" since 1976.

Harris

Harris, you make such a valid point about family (and also not getting into trouble with the taxman). We were never going to let 'the business' get in our way of having a family, and it's nice to hear about another contributor having another child. As one Jewish customer of mine put it so well: "a home without children is like a garden without flowers"

Either you've been doing it 10 or less. Always go to The Magic Café. They will help you with everything.

After 50 years, the best advice I can give is:
Have fun yourself, and your audience will, too.

After 22 years, all I can do is agree with Peter and Harris

After almost 30 years Of performing for children my only advice is the 3 L's. Listen, Learn, Laugh. A child speaks volumes about what they like if you're careful enough to listen. If you stop learning you're dead. Without laghter there is no life.