To earn a good client’s business, sometimes—or oftentimes—it’s not about the fee we charge, but the quality of customer service we provide. And for Matt Fore, this has proven to be true throughout the 25 years he has been in the kids entertainment business. A full-time comedy magician and a lecturer, Matt offers a load of helpful and actionable tips that you can do straight away to offer your clients a refreshing dose of excellent customer service and make an indelible, fantastic impression in t...
Sep 15, 2017•31 min
Legal gibberish turns off many of us, and that may be why you’ve put off having your own contract in place. Drafting one also seems like a painstakingly meticulous business as you need to cover a lot of bases. But in this podcast episode, Michelle Uulf shows that making your own contract does not need to complicated. Here she shares how you can create this legal document simply but effectively, and even how you can automate the process of having it signed. In this episode we discuss: Why are con...
Aug 31, 2017•28 min
As entertainers, we want our audience to have their eyes glued to us, hanging on our every word and applauding with delight. And more often than not, the key to achieving this lies not so much on the tricks or routines we have prepared (although of course they are an integral part of how to get that reaction), but on our presence . In this interview, comedy genius Robert Baxt talks all about improving our presence and he gives anecdotes and specific examples along the way to illustrate his point...
Aug 17, 2017•33 min
Whatever type of children’s entertainer you are, you’ll find having easy-to-do but extremely fun kids party games in your arsenal useful. They not only help you give the children a delightful time; they also make you stand out in the adults’ eyes as you’re able to show how you can maintain control of excited kids and keep chaos at bay. And in this podcast episode, Simon Sparkles gives you some go-to games to add to your show. Be sure to download the extended notes to get more details about these...
Aug 04, 2017•38 min
As entertainers, we usually worry if we are funny enough. And it’s understandable. Laughter is a good indication (though it is by no means the only indication) that our audience is indeed being entertained. If comedy is something you wish you’re better at, or if you simply want more tips and inspiration on how to be funny, David DeVito, who has been voted “Best Stand-Up” in the Los Angeles Comedy Festival, shares a good number of solid tips in this interview. (We’ve listed them all in the extend...
Jul 21, 2017•42 min
Roger Blakiston’s career in professional entertainment spans over 50 years, and it also spans both sides of the Atlantic. Theatrically trained and having run his own children’s entertainment agency in the UK before moving to the US—where he is still an active kids comedy magician—Roger is filled with stories and insights about all these fun and games we call work. Listen to our interview with him and see a life in children’s entertainment through his eyes. In this episode we discuss: Roger’s com...
Jun 22, 2017•39 min
Zivi Kivi is back on the Kids Entertainer Podcast and in this episode he offers smart, easy-to-do marketing strategies that will help you get better—and more—shows while keeping the kids quiet and cooperative. Zivi has road-tested these techniques in his own shows, so you know they truly and effectively work. In this episode we discuss: Why it is important to remember names How Zivi helps his customers remind the guests to attend the event: 4 different ways A great tip on how to get your brand i...
Jun 08, 2017•57 min
Eric Knaus, aka the Great Zucchini, is one of those people who have an intuitive marketing sense. Instead of spending dollars to promote his brand, he relies on something that’s low-cost but astoundingly effective: relationship marketing. Listen to our interview with him and learn how he does this type of marketing, as well as how to gain easy name recall, maintain controlled chaos, and build rapport with your clients from the first phone call. In this episode we discuss: Eric’s market and typic...
May 30, 2017•42 min
Struggling to stand out from other kids entertainers and snag the attention—and business—of more clients? For James Munton, the key is in creating a unique, strong, memorable character. But how to do it and where to start? Hit play and get the answers. In this episode we discuss: James’ market and the edge of those who do kids shows How to build and market your image to gain the business of today’s bookers How his websites sell his services How to create a strong performing character that fits a...
May 15, 2017•43 min
This podcast episode is all about building strong routines and creating kids shows that thrive on audience interaction and keep the kids bursting with laughter. And who better to talk about comedy, entertainment, and captivating audiences than the wacky and creative Christopher T. Magician? Hit play and pick up techniques and insights that would help you come up with shows that are hilarious and highly engaging. In this episode we discuss: Christopher’s market and the camaraderie of magicians in...
Apr 28, 2017•41 min
How is an educational show different from an educationally significant show? Professional kids entertainer and educator Tommy Johns discusses their difference in this podcast and also gives clever, useful tips on creating, offering, and selling magic workshops. There’s a wealth of information in this interview so be sure to download the extended notes to have a copy of the points Tommy enumerates and talks about in this episode. In this episode we discuss: Tommy’s market What is educational sign...
Apr 12, 2017•46 min
In this week’s Kids Entertainer Podcast episode, Guinness World Record holder and all-around entertainer Carisa Hendrix graces us with an interview that is positively brimming with insights and advice on how to create empowering children’s shows. Talking in detail about where to draw inspiration, to how to manage different characters and brands, to what is social currency and how to give this to our audience in both our kids and adult shows, Carisa gives us a piece of her brilliant mind in this ...
Mar 30, 2017•46 min
How do you turn different tricks and routines into a show that does not feel segmented but instead comes across as whole? The answer, according to long-time performing magician and musician (and dramatist) Nathan Roberts is in the use of openers, transitions, and closers. Join us in this interview with Nathan and learn not just about these three elements, but also tips from the field of drama that you can apply in your show to make it even more enthralling. In this episode we discuss: What Natha...
Mar 16, 2017•43 min
Sponge balls are simple, versatile, highly effective magic props that kids entertainers of any discipline can use in their act to bring about smiles and please audiences. And we discuss them in this interview with no less than the sponge magic expert, Barry Mitchell. Hit play and learn how sponge balls are manufactured; how you can insert them in your act whether you’re a magician, face painter, or vent; and even how you can add a touch of genius to your shows by tapping into your own creativity...
Feb 28, 2017•59 min
In this podcast episode, we take a fresh look at the main target market for many kids entertainers: modern young mothers who need modern children’s entertainment. Looking at this through the eyes and experience of Regina Martinez, a young mum, a graphic designer, and a fulltime professional children’s entertainer, we gain insight into how to attain a kid-friendly look that appeals to today’s bookers—and just how worthy it is of our time to build and market our brand with the perfect colors, capt...
Feb 09, 2017•45 min
Among the tried and tested ways to make any show outstanding is to add backing tracks. Music and sound effects do make performances livelier, funnier, and more professional, and they even allow you to insert a voice character in your program and prompt your audience to react. Listen to this interview and get a heap of tips from Mark Beckwith and Obediah Thomas on how to use—and create—your own backing tracks. In this episode we discuss: Why use backing tracks How to create or get backing tracks ...
Jan 20, 2017•51 min
Are you a magician, juggler, or musician who wants to go into the school assembly market? Or perhaps you’re a non-entertainer—maybe a teacher—who wants to try your hand at school show performing? If yes, then this episode is something you don’t want to miss. Together with Andrew Ready, experienced school show performer Obediah Thomas discusses how you can make and sell your own school assembly programs and shares why offering them might be the best step you take this year for your career. In thi...
Jan 12, 2017•47 min
Doug Scheer, this time with his wife Heidi, is back with an interview on a very relevant topic: working with special needs children during our shows. In this episode, Doug and Heidi share that kids on the spectrum do not need to be in the sidelines. They can be stars of the show with a little encouragement and understanding from us, and there’s no reason for us not to involve them and make others see they’re not much different from anybody else. Hit play and listen to this enlightening, beautifu...
Dec 14, 2016•49 min
Thinking of building your own themed library shows? This episode featuring library show expert and author of multiple magic books Jim Kleefeld covers all the basics you need to know: from how to weave a book into a magic routine, to how to approach a library to offer your show. In this episode we discuss: Why and how Jim got into library shows The appeal of themed library programs What makes a show particularly suited for libraries How Jim weaves a book into a standard magic routine and builds a...
Dec 06, 2016•43 min
We kick off Series 4 of the Kids Entertainer Podcast with no less than educational magic show master, Doug Scheer. In turns insightful and entertaining, this first part of his interview will inspire and encourage you not only to try your hand at school assembly performances and enter a brand-new market, but also to connect with your audiences in a deeper, richer way. In this episode we discuss: How and why Doug got into educational magic shows How he made his shows and connected with his audienc...
Nov 29, 2016•45 min
In this episode, we give you a treat: character building and show creation tips from one of the world’s best-known children’s entertainer and magic convention lecturer, David Kaye. Here he generously shares practical and effective tips on how to create a character that you can easily play and a show that’s unique in all the world. In this episode we discuss: How David Kaye earns from kids entertainment How David runs his one-hour birthday party show and how he creates a more lasting impression o...
Oct 19, 2016•48 min
Want to increase your rate but you’re not sure how you can attract clients and land bookings with a higher fee? In this interview, Andrew Smith shares his business insights to help fellow kids entertainers learn how they can finally charge what they are worth and build a better business. It’s an episode you don’t want to miss. In this episode we discuss: The wrong approach to determining your fees when starting out The better way to compete with other entertainers, get bookings, and earn more Ho...
Oct 13, 2016•46 min
Featured in this week’s podcast episode is the incredibly funny and award-winning entertainer John Kimmons. Here he shares how to win an audience’s attention, what his philosophy on entertaining is, and how he turned a race game into a brilliant routine that wins everybody over. Go click on that play button now and enjoy another awesome interview. In this episode we discuss: The story behind the successful kids entertainer convention Trix in the Stix John’s philosophy on kids entertaining How to...
Oct 04, 2016•42 min
In this podcast episode, Elliott Smith, co-author of Highway to Success: The Entertainer’s Roadmap to Business , shares practical principles and genius tips that can help you better understand and handle the business side of kids entertainment. If you’re ready to take your business to new heights, go hit that play button right now. In this episode we discuss: Why it is important to understand the business side of kids entertainment What led Elliott to collate his learning into a book Creating a ...
Sep 21, 2016•56 min
In this episode, Rob Ruthart shares not only the road that led him to where he is today, but also the lessons he learned along the way—from how to manage staff and the business side of kids entertainment, to how best to engage children, to how to be the greatest children’s entertainer you can be. In this episode we discuss: What Rob’s science and reptile shows are like and how he injects entertainment with education in these shows The road that led Rob to building Safari Science How word of mout...
Sep 12, 2016•41 min
In episode 2 of our From the Experts series, we tackle the school assembly entertainment market with seasoned pro Obediah Thomas. From the pros of offering school assembly shows, to tips on how to be successful at it, to instructions on how to create backdrops for it (or any show for that matter), we discuss them here. Go on and click play and enjoy this interview packed with a lot of useful tips that can get you started with your own school assembly show. In this episode we discuss: Why Obediah...
Sep 08, 2016•47 min
With this Make Marketing Fun episode, we start our From the Experts series with a bang. And for this series’ first interview, we have marketing master Silly Scott to share with you how to market yourself and your kids entertainment business in a fun, engaging, and memorable way so you can get more bookings and be miles ahead of your competitors. We advise you to hit that play button right now. In this episode we discuss: Subliminal marketing and its difference from traditional marketing Branding...
Sep 01, 2016•56 min
The 21st century affords kids entertainers thousands of opportunities for personal, professional, and financial growth. We just have to know where to look and be willing to commit time on these areas. If you’re the type who is yearning for change—good change—or just thinking about what to do to improve yourself and get further than where you are, this episode is for you. Here we point you to the direction, resources, and ideas that can help take your business, your finances, and your life to the...
Jul 12, 2016•33 min
Out from our Vault of Wisdom this week is a talk with the incredible and hilarious Michael Finney. In our chat, he generously shares a wealth of stories and knowledge on how to listen to audiences, where to find (and why find) mentors, and what routines he does for his kids and family acts. In this episode we discuss: The importance of listening to the audience when performing Michael’s routines for children and family audiences Engaging children The importance of having—and being—mentors (and w...
Jul 06, 2016•42 min
In this episode we discuss: Where Ken and his daughter Kristen got the idea for a magic tricks for kids book How they chose the tricks that are included in the book Features of the book: interactive - video demonstrations included; perfect not only for children, but for kids entertainers and people curious about magic as well; awesome presentation for each trick included How kids entertainers like face painters, balloon twisters, costume characters, and storytellers who haven’t tried magic can u...
Jun 29, 2016•34 min
