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wizardofsorts Special user Chicago, IL 935 Posts |
I have a reading themed show that I would like to do in schools. I sent 100 brochures and letters back and I'm starting to get some response.
The problem is, the Principals want to see the show before they book it. I can't show them a show unless I book one. See? I thought of making a video of the show. So, I called the libarary and tried to donate a show. Beside the fact that the libaries are already booked until January, they won't let me tape the children who help during the show because I don't have releases. Has anyone incountered these problems? What did you do? Edd Visit the Wizard of Sorts at http://www.wizardofsorts.com
Edd Fairman, Wizard of Sorts is a corporate magician available for your next trade show, hospitality suite, client luncheon, or company event. http://www.wizardofsorts.com
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Jon Gallagher Veteran user Elmwood, Illinois 395 Posts |
I don't have a tape of any of my school shows, but for principals who insist on one, I offer a guarantee. I'm honest with them upfront about not having a tape. I tell them that I could put one together, but that would cost money and I'd have to pass the cost along to them. So, instead, I offer a money back guarantee. If they're not completely happy with the show, they don't pay. It's that simple.
I did that my first year. Now I've got letters from everywhere I performed last year, so instead of a tape of the show, I offer them the phone number of a principal who's already seen the show and the impact it had on the kids. I may get blasted here for not being professional, but this has worked well for me... and I'm staying busy. |
paraguppie Elite user Forsyth Montana! 411 Posts |
I would love to get into the school systems but I figured that you would have to do a "role model" or "reading is fun" or similar type show. Is that what you guys are doing? I have been working on a 1 hour stage show that would be good for schools. Your thoughts?
Keith
Check me out at www.magickeith.com
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Donald Dunphy Inner circle Victoria, BC, Canada 7563 Posts |
Edd -
Have you done other school shows in the past? Or is the reading show your first attempt at schools? If you have reference letters, that should be enough for many Principals. Even letters that attest to your ability to entertain students with a fun show may be enough. If necessary, you may have to donate a show to a school to get the reference letter or video shot. Just make it clear that this is part of the arrangement. The Gr8 DonaldD. P.S. Just because one or two schools say no to a donated show in exchange, does not mean to give up. Persistence Pays!
Donald Dunphy is a Victoria Magician, British Columbia, Canada.
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magic4u02 Eternal Order Philadelphia, PA 15110 Posts |
I agree with Donald. I would first see if you have any reference leters that you can use to send to the prinicple at the school. I would then offer to do a 30 min show at a school for free in exchange that you can video tape the program as well as get your promotional materials out as well.
Kyle Peron
http://www.kylekellymagic.com Entertainers Product Site http://kpmagicproducts.com Join Our Facebook Fan Page at http://facebook.com/perondesign |
jlibby Inner circle 1044 Posts |
You know, I seem to recall someone else on this board having a similar problem with Chicago schools. I just find the attitude very peculiar.
I also don't understand what the library is worried about. Here's a thought if you want to make a video, though: forget the library's red tape. If you belong to a church with a Sunday School, why not offer to do the show as a treat for the kids? Be very upfront about why you're doing it. I'm guessing you'd have a lot less hassle. See ya! Joe L.
My new FREE ebook on the classic Mismade Bill trick is ready for you:
https://funnybirthdayshow.com/mismadebill/ |
magic4u02 Eternal Order Philadelphia, PA 15110 Posts |
There are many ways in which you can get a video tape of your performance. Just offer a free show and be very upfront with them about your intentions. Usually a group will not have any problems with you doing this.
Kyle Peron
http://www.kylekellymagic.com Entertainers Product Site http://kpmagicproducts.com Join Our Facebook Fan Page at http://facebook.com/perondesign |
wizardofsorts Special user Chicago, IL 935 Posts |
This is my first attempt into the school market. I will try the guarantee first if not, I'll try to donate a show. When I shot my last video I donated it to a girl scout troop. That worked out and I'll use it again if I have to.
Edd
Edd Fairman, Wizard of Sorts is a corporate magician available for your next trade show, hospitality suite, client luncheon, or company event. http://www.wizardofsorts.com
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magic4u02 Eternal Order Philadelphia, PA 15110 Posts |
Let us know how it goes for you.
Kyle Peron
http://www.kylekellymagic.com Entertainers Product Site http://kpmagicproducts.com Join Our Facebook Fan Page at http://facebook.com/perondesign |
cheesewrestler Inner circle Chicago 1157 Posts |
How about offering to go see the principals -- the ones who've expressed an interest-- in person?
Meet them, talk to them, show them one good solid effect of the type you use in the show. They don't really want to sit down and watch a video of your entire show -- they just want to see what kind of guy you are. After you've gotten written positive recommendations from the first half dozen schools you've performed for, you can just use those. |
Jon Gallagher Veteran user Elmwood, Illinois 395 Posts |
Don't overlook the private schools in the area as well. Sometimes it's easier to book a show there than in the public schools.
To answer a previous question in the thread, yes, the shows I do are based on "role models." It's an anti drug show. In most cases, schools don't book magicians (or any kind of assembly program) just for fun. There has to be educational value attached to the show in some way whether it's reading, safety, conflict resolution, anti-drug, motivation, or something along those lines. |
Steve Hart Veteran user Cocoa, FL 388 Posts |
You are asking the right questions.
We have a lot of good ideas here on the subject of school shows thanks to Jon, Edd, and Joe. Let me suggest a resource for information. On the website posted below, you will find a Free recording of a live tele-seminar done by three professional school show professionals. I was the host. Steve Taylor, BJ Hickman, Jim Snack, and myself, offer some great money making ideas for the school show market. We will be offering more valuable information about School Shows through our Free e-Newsletter. Steve Hart
www.SteveHartSpeaks.com
www.magic2motivate.com "Motivational Magicians are some of the highest paid magicians, find out why?" |
Tim Zager Loyal user Kansas City 222 Posts |
Steve
Will you be offering videos or audios of the school seminars you just finished? |
Steve Hart Veteran user Cocoa, FL 388 Posts |
Tim,
The answer is yes. Give us some time to properly get them edited and produced. When will they be ready, I am not sure yet. Meanwhile, make sure to enter your email address at our Webpage for inside information and future announcements Steve Hart
www.SteveHartSpeaks.com
www.magic2motivate.com "Motivational Magicians are some of the highest paid magicians, find out why?" |
yosef_dov Loyal user NYC area 242 Posts |
Greetings,
I marketed a holiday show exclusively to religious private schools-- I had two sources of info about these schools: 1) a "directory" of these schools in the USA and Canada published by a religious book publishing company, and 2) state dept. of education web sites offer downloadable files of all registered private schools. I was able to do a mailing to 400 schools from this info. Joe PS-- Schools want references for several reasons, among them: 1) cause they have limited funds, they want to make sure they don't pay for someone who is not very good, which all of them have done too often. 2) to make sure you aren't some fiend. |
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