May 12, 2016

Over the last month or so I have done a number of Preschool/Daycare shows. I always enjoy them as I love entertaining younger children. It is my chance to entertain, be silly, to teach, and to just have fun with them.

There is nothing wrong with just doing a fun, entertaining show. This holds true whether it is Daycare, School Assemblies, Church entertainment, Birthday Parties, and more. But it is also true it is possible to educate in a show, even in a show at the Preschool level.

An Educational Show does not, and I repeat, does not, have to be boring. It can be as entertaining and fun as any show or program that you do.  The secret is incorporating the messages into the routines and the fun.

I use a standard magician's piece of equipment called the Joker's Tube.  In a secular presentation I teach the students the importance of rules and traffic safety.  In a church show I will also stress how God made rules for us to live by. But while "teaching" we are being silly, having fun, and just laughing and having a good time.

We are ENTERTAINERS!!!  Our job is not so much as to fool people, as it is to ENTERTAIN people. I know some magicians who have technical skills that far exceed my own, but they just don't understand how to engage people, to talk to them, to have fun and to entertain.

Here are just a few tips I have learned from entertaining at the Preschool and Nursery level:

• Have older children sit in front, not the back.  This runs contrary to what teachers are inclined to do but it will make for a better show.  The older ages, 4-5 will be much less likely to be scared. They will laugh and have a good time, and even if you do something the younger children don't understand, they will laugh and have a good time because they see the other children laughing.
• I always use at least one or two puppets.  While I am primarily a magician, puppets are a wonderful addition to any performer's arsenal. The children just love them and there is so much you do with your puppets and the children.
• Don't be afraid to act silly.  The children love this.  One of my routines that I love doing at Preschools is just something I call my "Silly Hat". It keeps turning into different types of hats, the kids laugh and it is just something really fun for both the children and myself.

Thank you for listening and reading.

Michael L Reist

The Amazing Magi

The Amazing Magi

May 8, 2016
This is the initial post of my blog.  I will use it to talk about the entertainment business, and specifically my Magical Entertainment Business as The Amazing Magi. I am a professional magician who specializes in family entertainment.  I have been performing professionally for 8 years and have performed all over the East Coast.  I have performed in Churches, Schools, Preschools, Nursing Homes, stadiums, arenas, homes, clubs and much more.  I also have performed on the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line.

One of the pressing questions parents might have about an entertainer, particularly when inviting an entertainer into their home, is how do I choose the correct performer.  There are many entertainers to choose from. The prices will vary. I caution any prospective parent or anyone else choosing a performer to focus on more than just the price.

I will not argue that cost is not important. It is, but it is only one factor in choosing the correct performer.  Does this performer have experience? Does he/she have references? Is there a website where you can find out more about this performer including video of the performer? Does this performer have appropriate background checks, particularly if he/she is working with children? Is the performer properly insured? Are you comfortable in hiring this performer?

There are many variables involved in choosing the performer you need for your function.  In further posts I will talk about magic, balloon sculptures, puppets and more. I will also talk about various shows I have done.  In the meantime, if you are interested check out my website at www.theamazingmagi.com, email me at themagi@theamazingmagi.com or call me at (610) 698-0311. 

Magically Yours,
Michael L Reist
The Amazing Magi