School Shows

[Magic Mickey]

Hi all,
I am a 17 year old magician and juggler. I lived in Omaha for a while and used to do a lot of school shows which I got from word of mouth. I moved to Seattle, WA and haven't been able to get many school assemblie shows here. I tried both sending brochers to principles of local schools and emailing PTA presidents informing them of my services. Any ways, here's the question. How do you get booked for school shows?
Thanks alot,
Mickey

[Frisbee]

I would say secretly sneak in to the school you want to perform, as you are only 17, people will assume that you are a student there and will ask if you are the new kid...say yes.
Go thru the day as a student of this school

During lunch time, break out some props do a mini show and then advertise yourself as The Magic Mickey Show and you are available for a full length show to come to their school.

Or maybe it would be best to just try and go in a meet with one of the schools in your immediate area to get your foot in the door.

Perhaps, find when a PTA meeting is coming up and show up to advertise your services.

Maybe, you can get some references from past school shows you did in Omaha and use those to present to your prospects in Seattle.

You may also just be in at the wrong time...they may have their budgets thru Spring 2006 used and will only consider you for fall 2006 adn spring 2007.

good luck.

[Rachel Peters]

Hi, Mikey.
I like the PTA idea. It's often about timing. It's also good for people to see your face and hear you talk, rather then just getting mail.
I'm an animator, not a performer, but I've had to do a whole butt-load of creative self-marketing over the past few years.
I know from experience that, although brochures and business cards are essential and great to have, they're also quick to be lost or thrown out, or used as hamster cage lining. It's easy to not read a brochure.
A good strategy (along with meeting people face-to-face) is to give them something memorable, that they'll want to keep.
Tip: Food is not a good idea. I used to have a great one, back before terrorists were so common place. I would take a jar, glue fun crazy crap all over it, put my business info on it, and "Rachel Kisses up to [company name]", then I'd fill it full of chocolate Kisses. Each kiss had a tag tied to it saying, "Hire me?? [more business info]". So, after giving it to whomever I was sucking up to, by the end of the day, my business info would be spread throughout the entire office/studio, and everyone would know my name. ...it worked very well, as people like getting free stuff.
But the last time I tried it, I got a hesitant and suspicious response from the receptionist. I'll only use that one now on people who already know me a little bit.
But there are so many possibilities. People love those little, colourful cocktail umbrellas you get in drinks. ...well, not YOU, personally -YOU don't get them in drinks - because you're only 17, but you know what I mean. You can get a bag full of them at dollar stores. Add some Magic Mikey touch to it - a sticker with info, maybe- and voila. Some principal will be playing with it for hours, in his office, or sticking it in a potted plant, or something. That's just one random idea. Then when they see and think of the fun thing they didn't toss, they'll be able to turn to the brochure for more info. ...good to have contact info ON the cool promo toy thing too. just in case.
Something fun and memorable, that says something about you. That's all I can say. Something they'd feel bad about throwing out. ...something cheap to make/buy/both. cuz nobody's made of money. ...unless you are. ...in which case, I'd like to meet you. ...and tear off a limb.

OOO! Maybe a big, gawdy valentine, given the upcoming occassion! ...with lace doilies and glitter and crayons...
...maybe I'll use that one.

[pablo]

How I did it ...

1. Find a local or national agent who knows the school market and will promote you.

2. Find a local or national School Showcase or directory that you can appear or advertise in.

3. Spend all your money on advertising, travel, hotels & expenses.

That's how I did it, and I do plenty of school shows. I don't know what your options are in Seattle, but if you relocate (or are willing to travel) to the midwest or east, you'll find a very wide & deep market.

Also keep in mind that most markets are already glutted with magicians & jugglers. Do something that makes you unique, or else you'll just be more of the same.

[Magic Mickey]

Thanks sooo much. I'll have to think of somthing fun and creative to send them that they will keep for a long time and remember to hire me. I also agree about the timing thing. I bet that the very end of the school year or summer vacation is the best time to send that stuff out.
Okay thanks alot you guys,
Magic Mickey

https://www.magicmickey.com

[worldwidese]

Spellcheck!

Maybe you need to check your brochure for spelling mistakes! Teachers are funny that way.
Do you know you have four misspellings in your post?

[Rachel Peters]

Pablo has a very good point. Skill alone does not a good performer make. Be something distinctly Mikey, that no one else can be. Figure out why they'll call you instead of the other guy.

[Magic Mickey]

Ya,
Sorry about the spelling errors. Spelling is not my strong point, I know that, and I always spell check any thing like a brossure and have a few other people read over it as well and make sure its okay.