FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions for Magic Barry

How much space do you need?

Not much at all. For my equipment and props I need about a 6′ by 5′ area. Usually, your living room is a perfect place for this. Other than that, an empty area right in front of my performing area for the children to sit and enjoy the show is all that is needed. There should be about 4′ between my table and the first row of children.

Do you need a table?

No…I bring my own table–and the kids help me set it up. This gets the show off to a great start. The kids LOVE the way my show begins!

Can you perform the show outdoors?

Before the Covid-19 pandemic became part of our lives I used to always advise parents that an indoor magic show was best. However, this is not the case now.

Although I am double-vaccinated I still have a responsibility to all the children I see every week. Since a vaccinated person can still catch the Covid-19 Delta Variant—and pass it along to other people—I do not feel it is the right thing to do to be performing in close quarters.

Therefore, at this time, I am declining Magic Shows that have to be performed in living rooms. I have done some indoor shows where I was able to maintain a distance of 12-15 feet from the children, but most of my shows for the past 18 months have been outdoors.

If you feel that you must have a magic show in your living room I might be able to find a magician who does not have as much concern as I do for the safety of the children.

I hope to be able to be of service to you at a time in the future when safe social-distancing can be practiced.

Can we serve the kids food, snacks, and beverages during your show?

Well, it’s your home so you can do whatever you’d like…however, I do recommend serving treats & drinks before or after the show. It’s a HUGE distraction for the kids. Not only eating the snack but then the serving of it and the cleaning up that takes place. At this age, they need the least amount of distractions as possible. So I HIGHLY recommend NOT serving goodies during the performance (also because it’s a show based on audience interaction and participation… I need their hands to be free.) Besides, it could become messy.

When should I serve food and cake?

The best time to serve food is before the magic show, and the best time to serve the birthday cake is after the magic show. If cake is served before the magic show, it can make it more difficult for kids to stay focused on the show.

Do you require a deposit?

Because we receive many calls, a 50% retainer is required to secure a date and specific time. We accept cash, checks, PayPal, and all major credit cards via PayPal.

Is the show clean and age appropriate?

Yes! I take pride in that my show is specifically geared towards children ages 4-12. Most magicians don’t have an age specific show. I specialize in entertaining children with clean and fun magic…and I can adjust the content depending upon the ages of the children.

When’s a good time to have you begin your show?

A good general rule of thumb is to have my show begin about a half hour after the party starts. This prevents distractions from late arriving guests. Depending on which package you go with, my performance lasts anywhere from 60 minutes to 2 hours–if you choose one of my my Deluxe Packages.

I’m celebrating more than one child’s birthday, can you still entertain at our party?

Yes! I then have all of the birthday children be the stars of the show. Everything else is the same except we have a few more lucky participants!

Do you know of any sources for birthday party goodies like plates, napkins, hats, etc.?

Yes! There is a great place called Birthday Express that gets nothing but rave revues from other moms. Check it out now!

*Important: Can we hire you to entertain our children in one room while all of the adults hang out in another room?

Due to liability issues, I do require that all of the children be supervised at all times by at least one responsible adult (besides me). I simply can’t be held responsible for supervising them. This is to protect you, the children and myself.

Can we invite young infants and babies to the party?

If there are going to be any children under the age of 3, I politely request that one of their parents holds the child in their lap during the entire show. (The 2-year-olds tend to want to come up to my very colorful table during the show…and this will interrupt the flow of the show.)
Same thing goes with your pets. Please keep your pets in a separate area (sorry Tinker Bell).

Do you have Goodie Bags?

At the request of many parents–especially mothers–I have recently started to offer the option of a “Magic Barry Magic Booklet” that is a great Goodie Bag insert. This is a very nice booklet–with a colorful cover and back page– that has 10 easy-to-learn magic tricks. It offers you an option to avoid the “usual” Goodie Bag stuff that most kids do not have an interest in.
The children love these Magic Booklets, and it gives their parents an additional opportunity to bond with them at home when they learn the tricks together. Please be sure to ask me about the Magic Barry Magic Booklets if you are considering giving Goodie Bags to all the children. The booklets can save you a lot of time trying to decide what to put into your Goodie Bags.