Magic Entertainment Questions… Informative Guide For Event Planners

(Click on the text to expand and view magic entertainment questions and answers)
How much does a magic show cost?
This is one of the most common magic entertainment questions we get asked. Because we have different packages for various types of functions, we need to find out more about your event so we can suggest the most appropriate entertainment format and rate best suited for your celebration. (Our programs vary in price depending on your needs.)
That being said, for children's birthday parties, we can provide an instant price quote. For detailed info about party packages and rates, please click this link.
Is it OK to Serve Food and Beverage at the show?
If food is being served or a snack table is available, it is best to offer this Before or After the Entertainer. Providing Food and/or Drinks during the show creates recurring distractions that hinder the ability of the Performer to capture and hold the attention of the Guests.
At key moments, many children will be looking down at their food instead of being engaged in the show. Spilling of beverages creates chaotic moments that require clean-up, excessive movement and ultimately more distractions.
No matter how good the Performer is, it will be very difficult to hold the audience’s attention.
So the bottom line is - it is best to limit Food/Beverage offerings for before or after the performance and give your entertainer the best opportunity to put on a rocking show!
Do you need time to set up and how much room is necessary for the act?
Typically, Bonaparté arrives approximately ½ Hour prior to the performance to Load-In and Set-Up the show. It is difficult to gauge exactly how much space that he needs for the show because it depends on the layout of the room, the number of guests, etc. However, with a bit of creativity—we can make almost any space work—even if we have to move a plant or a coffee table to create the extra room.
Children don’t take up much space when seated on the floor, so don’t set-up chairs unless you want the adults to stay in the room to see the show. If there are chairs set-up they should be toward the back of the area so that the kids can be seated closest to Bonaparté on the floor.
Generally, 6’ x 8’ is an estimate of the space that we need for a show. Let’s say approximately 8 feet across and 6 feet behind Bonaparté where his equipment will be placed would be a good estimate.
The important thing to remember is that once Bonaparté has an opportunity to assess the space, he will be able to make it work—even if some furniture rearranging is required. So—don’t worry too much about this as long as your furniture is not nailed down.
Do you need a sound system?
Bonaparté would bring his own system, (MiPro MA-707)—it is one speaker with a headset mike and receiver.
It has an internal battery--so once charged, it won’t even need to be near an outlet to be amplified. If you know that Bonaparté will be in close proximity to a power source, while not required, would provide 'insurance' as a option for the ‘Just in Case’ situations.
However, if the venue has their own 'in-house' system, he can certainly communicate with a tech person and plug into your system.
We are having an outdoor party. Can the show be done outside?
Even though the preference is always an indoor show, weather permitting, having the show outside is fine. However, with outdoor parties, Bonaparté cannot do the appearing bird trick as it might fly away and become the disappearing bird trick! If you want the show outdoors, then Bonaparté would substitute another awesome magic trick for the bird trick.
Note: we do highly recommend that you have an indoor back-up plan in place in case of inclement or cold weather.
If there a cancellation policy?
Cancellation Policy: We understand that due to circumstances beyond your control that sometimes engagements may need to be cancelled or postponed. However, the Deposit (In most cases approximately 50% of the Agreed Upon Fee) is NOT refundable. Since Bonaparté is fully committed, his Team will not be able to book him for any engagements that would conflict with your booking. Therefore, the Deposit for your selected Date and Time cannot be transferred to another future Date and Time.*
If you--the Client--cancels the engagement prior to 24 Hours in advance of the Performance Date and Time, then your Deposit is forfeited and we forfeit the remaining unpaid balance.
If you--the Client cancels the engagement within 24 Hours of the Performance Date and Time, the Artist is entitled to the Full Agreed Upon Fee.
If we--the Artist--cancels the engagement at any time--then your Deposit will be Fully Refunded unless you opt for us to make arrangements for an Alternate Performer--in which case your Deposit will be applied to that Performer’s Services.
*In some cases, we may be able to reschedule to a mutually agreeable Date and Time in the immediate future (Less than a week) and may be able to apply the original Deposit to that Date and Time. There is NO Guarantee that this option will be available. Contact us to discuss this possibility.
My event is outdoors. Can I secure another date in case it rains or snows?
50% of the performance fee (per date) is required as a deposit to secure the extra dates.
The main thing is having rain date fees not only protects us from losing potentially high income gigs, it also guarantees your rain date slots are reserved for you.
The deposit secures the booking on both ends. Once the date is secured for the client, we cannot reserve that date/time for anyone else.
The Tons of Fun package comes with Balloon Animals. Do you make these after the show?
The Balloon Animals are pre-made before Bonaparte leaves his home. He makes one Balloon Animal for the Guest of Honor during the show so that the guests can enjoy seeing one Balloon Creation in action.
Then, Bonaparte announces that all of the children will receive a Balloon Animal before they go home. At the end of the show, Bonaparte presents the Balloons in a comedic way and the kids will be able to pick their Balloons from a bag of Balloon Animals that Bonaparte will have given to you, a Babysitter, etc. to distribute—typically after he has left the party.
If Bonaparte remained to actually create the balloons on site, the cost would increase significantly because we would need to charge for his extra time there. Instead, the kids are getting balloons that were created during ‘Non-Performance’ Hours.
All Bonaparté Programs are Backed by
100% Satisfaction Guarantee!
About Bonaparte | Program Descriptions | Testimonials | In the News | Pricing
Seasonal | Performer Registration| Magic & More Workshop | SiteMap | Contact Us
Bonaparte Enterprises • 52A West Eagle St • Boston, MA 02128 • 617-561-9152