Ten Tips for a Great Birthday Party Magic Show - by Brian Richards

You finally booked the magician for your child's birthday party and the invitations have been sent. The calls begin to come in and you realize that more kids are coming then you expected. You sure are glad that you booked the magician.

But you want the show to not only keep the kids busy, you want the show to be a success! You want your child's party to be the talk-of-the-playground!

Here are a few tips to help make your magic show a huge success:

Tip #1: Choose A Place With Less Distractions
Choose a place in your home that has less distractions. Inside is always a little better than outside, which tends to compete with birds, planes, and barking dogs. It is generally best not to have the magician with his/her back against the front door, as late-comers can take away from the performance. If you think that your adult guests will not watch the show, it is usually best to have the show in a different location from the talking adults. If the show is in a playroom, it is a great idea to hide or cover the toys before and during the show.

Tip #2: Avoid Food During The Show
Food is a major distraction and can take away from the show. Try to avoid placing a bowl of chips, popcorn, candy, and other foods in front of the kids during the show. If you can, save the food for after the show. Not only will it minimize the distractions, but you will have less to clean up in the long run.

Tip #3: Allow The Magician To Set Up Privately
It is usually best to keep the kids in a separate room while the magician sets up. Magic is a secret and allowing the kids to view the set-up will only take away from the fun. Keep the show a mystery until the magician is ready to begin.

Tip #4: Sit The Kids In Auditorium Style (Rows)
It is best to sit the children on the floor, grass, or blanket. This allows them all to see better than chairs. Try to sit them in rows (birthday child in front), facing the magician. Remember that this is magic. This means that no one can be behind the magician, including the adults.

Tip #5: Avoid Placing Siblings That Are Too Young With The Birthday Child
So often, parents place a toddler with the birthday child in the front row. This not only takes away from the quality of the show, but it also minimizes the amount of fun that the birthday child will have. It is his or her special day, so don't make the birthday child babysit.

Tip #6: Avoid Flash Photography & Videography Of The Show
Be sure to take any flash pictures before and after the show. Flash photography is extremely distracting and it harms the magician's capability to maximize show success. Be sure to also check with your magician if you wish to video tape the show. Videography of the show may not be allowed, even if it is for personal use.

Tip #7: Avoid Noise Makers
Noise makers are great for New Years parties, but try to avoid having them for a birthday party. If you absolutely must, try to hold off giving them out until after the show.

Tip #8: Keep The Children Moving From Event To Event
The best way to keep your party running smoothly is to keep the kids busy. Plan out the party on a time table, from the moment the first guest arrives to clean up. When an activity is finished, move immediately to the next activity. If the kids are sitting too long, the party could get out of hand.

Tip #9: Keep Pets In A Separate Room
Try to keep your pets in a separate room during the magic show, as they can be distracting.

Tip #10: Enjoy The Party
Remember...this is a party for your special child. If you are too stressed, your child won't enjoy it as much. Have fun and your kids will have fun as well!