Please find here answers to some of the Frequently Asked Qestions, as well as others you may not have even thought of.
1. Why should I hire Magic Percy to entertain at our party?
Parents are always looking for special things to do for a childs birthday celebration. Chuck-E-Cheese, McDonalds PlayPlace, and other places are great, but how many parties will a child go to before they have played all the games, or slid down all the slides. Bringing in Magic Percy is a breath of fresh air for parents. Instead of constantly running after the children, why not have someone, Magic Percy, entertain them. Children enjoy magic, and Magic Percy enjoys sharing his world of Magic with the children.
2. How much will I pay to hire Magic Percy?
Please call, email, or use the contact form to get current pricing.
3. How long is the show?
There are several show options. The most common would be a 45 minute show. If you would like to have Magic Percy create balloon sculptures and animals please add about a 2 minutes per child to make the balloons.
4. Is this an interactive show where children can participate?
The Magic Percy show is very interactive. Be prepared as the children will laugh and scream with joy. There is plenty of opportunity for children to be an assistant, this level of participation will depend on the child as some can be shy.
5. What ages are approriate for a Magic Percy show.
Children between the ages of 4-11 will love a Magic Percy Birthday Show. For children that are more mature from 11 years old and older, ask about a Magic Percy Birthday Class, where your child and guests will learn to do magic.
6. How many young guests should I invite?
There's no "magical" number of children to invite to a party. You want to invite enough guests to make it a party atmosphere - just 5 or 6 children might seem more like a get-together than a party. If you are going to invite a couple of classroom friends, some will feel slighted if not invited, so it may be best to invite them all, if it is a reasonable number. Most likely, half of the classmates will decline. Twelve kids is a nice party number. With 12 to 17 kids it can seem like a much more special event. It also depends on the length of a party; the more kids the more hectic it becomes for the organizer. For older children (10 and up) you may also want to just invite their close friends.
7. All boys, all girls, or both?
Here's a great subject to talk to your child about. They'll most likely have a preference. It really doesn't make a difference because the Magical Birthday Party is successful in all cases. For the younger age groups especially, more girls added to a boys party may cut down on some of the wildness that occurs when you get a bunch of boys in the room together.
8. Should I invite some other parents?
Absolutely. Grandparents and Aunts and Uncles can be a great help too. They'll be able to help you with any discipline problems that might arise, and can help with other tasks such as cutting the cake, pouring drinks, taking kids to the bathroom, etc. This will give you more time to enjoy yourself, and keep everything running in order. They too, will get a kick out of the Magical Birthday Party show.
9. How long should the party be?
An important rule is to "leave them wanting more". For 4-7 year olds, 1.5 - 2.5 hours is usually a good rule of thumb. This could be slightly longer if you have live entertainment such as the Magical Birthday Party with Jim Percy! The longer the party, the more games and activities will need to be planned. A 45-60-minute magic show followed by the eating of the cake and ice cream, and the opening of the presents will be over 1-3/4 hours.
10. What time of day is ideal?
Time of day hinges on several factors. If you're hiring live entertainment you might want to book that entertainment first. The best performers are usually booked at least a month in avance and they usually have more than one show a day! Afternoon parties between 1:00 and 3:00 on the weekends are most common. Consider other times such as the 10:00-12:00, or 4:00 - 6:00. Talk to your entertainer about his available times.
11. What type of food to serve?
If you do want to serve the kids food, pizza works best. And, just about everyone likes cheese pizza (and you won't spend your time picking toppings off the pizza for the picky kids.) Most kids like hotdogs also, but remember the risk of the mustard and ketchup spilling or squirting on your rugs. (You may want to have peanut butter and jelly on hand if you think there are going to be some really picky eaters among the bunch.) Sprite and Coke for the drinks. Don't pour the drinks before hand - delegate a fellow parent to pour the drinks as the kids are seated with their pizza. Be prepared for spills. Chocolate Covered Pretzel which look like magic wand, will disappear real quick. Make extras because the parents love these too!
12. Since this is a Magical Birthday Theme Party, how about trick candles on the cake?
It works well if you have a small number of guest and each get a cup cake with a candle on it. Use regular candles if you want the child to make a wish when they blow out the candles on the bunny cake or sheet cake that was ordered.
13. Magical Party Hats?
Cone Shape Party hats are not necessary, and the kids really don't want to wear them, however, party supply stores have inexpensive black "magic" hats or you can order them by clicking here. After the magic show they will like to pretend they are all magicians.
14. Off-limit rooms?
One way to insure that the kids don't scatter around your house is to only turn on the lights in the rooms you want to contain the party in. You can increase the contrast by adding higher-wattage light bulbs, or putting in an extra lamp or two into the rooms you are keeping this kids in.
15. What kind of Ice Cream should we serve?
Neapolitan (chocolate/vanilla/strawberry ice cream) is quick and easy, and is alway well received. Vanilla and Chocolate are favorites if you want carton ice cream. With Carton IceCream, Make "Magic Rabbit Ice Cream Balls" Make a large ice cream ball for each of your guests. Roll each ball in coconut flakes and set it on a flattened cupcake wrapper. Use black jelly beans for the rabbit’s eyes, and a red jelly bean for its nose. Cut out "ears" from pink construction paper, or use halved sugar cookies instead. Store them in the freezer until ready to serve. These treats are sure to disappear fast!
16. Throw-Away Cameras
Many times parents wish they brought their cameras, especially watching their children interact with the Magician. Have a few spare "throw-away" cameras available and offer them to the parents. This has always been well received by the parents for your thoughtfulness. These cameras can alway be used at another time, and the pictures are so nice to get.