Questions
and answers about the "Arends the Amazing" Magic
Show
About the Show
Should I hire a clown or a magician?
Clowns can be highly entertaining, but they can also be a
bit disappointing. Your child may expect a clown like they
see on television, which usually isn’t possible in a high
volume business like the birthday party business.
Furthermore, very young children may be afraid of a clown,
while older children may think a clown is “too babyish.”
Will my child be in the show?
Absolutely! Your child will be made the star of the show!
See the main page for a description of how your child helps
the magician!
My child is shy! Can she still help?
Yes. I will take plenty of time to warm up the kids in the
show before the big featured trick where your child helps
out. I will not use as a helper anyone who does not want to
participate. There is no pressure for any child to be
involved if he or she doesn’t want to. Your child will have
plenty of other ways to help in the show, such is calling
out the magic words and so on. At the end of the show your
birthday child will get an extra special gift!
Does your magic really fool people?
Yes! My magic is VERY magical! Of course, anyone of
reasonable intelligence can make pretty good guesses as to
how tricks are done, but that would be missing the point of
the magic, wouldn’t it?
If you choose to enjoy the magic, you’ll be enchanted by
the stories, charmed by the children, and maybe even
fooled! If you decide to play "catch the magician,” you'll
"win"…but you'll miss the real fun.
How long is your show?
My show runs about half an hour, which I find is the ideal
length of time for the audiences’ attention span (notice
how all children's TV shows are a half hour in length)
Each performance is a live, one-of-a-kind event. The time
listed is the average time to complete the set of features.
You will get every feature promised!. Sometimes it takes
longer, and sometimes when there’s "good energy" all
around, it goes more quickly.
Do you need time to set up?
I only need a few minutes to set up. I know when I arrive
your kids will be eager to see the show, and when my show
is over they will be eager to get on with the cake and ice
cream and other activities. I need only about two trips to
the car and I’m ready to go!
What do you need from me to set up the show?
If you can hold the door open for me as I bring in my
equipment, then I’m ready to go right away! To help me and
others find your home, please tie some balloons to your
mailbox or porch.
How much room do you need for your show?
Not a whole lot. Just room for me, my table and the
audience. Any room of the house will do; family room, rec
room, living room, den, basement, even a garage, provided
the temperature and ventilation are adequate for everyone.
Can you work outdoors?
Gladly (weather permitting)! All I need is enough shade for
both me and the children watching the show (under nice
shade tree in the backyard is good). However, if it’s 90
degrees out, I can't keep up my energy level and the kids
get fussy and tired. We'd all be better off indoors.
How should I arrange the party room?
Remove all breakables to another room and arrange any
furniture to the side to give plenty of room for the magic
show. Remember that the children will be hopping around the
room as well as the performer. Pets should be locked in
another room of the house or kept with a relative or
neighbor (for the good of the children as well as the
pets)! Just before the show, have the children help out by
picking up any blocks or other toys from the floor and
placing them in the toy chest. This is a good thing for the
children to do while the performer is setting up. For
indoor shows I avoid tricks that use water, confetti, or
other things that can make a mess.
May I video record your show?
Yes! Usually however, I recommend that you save the video
for the very special routine that involves your child in
the show! A video usually ends up shaky and noisy and fails
to capture the true spirit of the show, and the
videographer can get in the way of those trying to watch. I
guarantee that I will have a good sequence of magic
involving your birthday child for including in your video
scrapbook ! You may also take still photos, and after the
show I will pose with the kids for extra pictures if
desired.
What do you charge?
I offer something wonderful for every budget.
I offer several different
party packages, ranging, depending on distance and package
desired, from $75 to $195 — making sure there's an option
friendly to every family's needs and budget.
All my shows are complete party entertainment. In
fact, my show probably costs less than entertaining the
kids yourself! Do the math. I work hard to make your day
easy.
You save the money you would have spent on:
Goodie bags ($1-$3 each X 20 kids = $20-$60),
A piñata with several bags of candy ($20-$30),
A moon bounce ($125+),
Four or five pizzas ($30-$60)
… add it up and see for yourself!
But it's just an hours' work!
Remember that the hour that you see is only the tip of the
iceberg of preparation that goes into a birthday party
show. I must prepare the giveaways, the party bags, must
dress for the show, and of course I must drive to and from
the show place. Then there are the many hours of promotion
and office work, and the money that must be spent
advertising. Also don’t forget the many years of training
that goes into being a skillful magician.
Do you require a deposit? How do I pay?
Payment may be made by cash or check made out
to Timothy Arends on the day of the show unless (as I may
in certain periods of high demand) I ask for a deposit
and/or cash payment.
How do I know your show is really good? Do you have
references?
Yes! And I don't have a "canned" reference
list like some performers. I’ll gladly give you the names
and numbers of my two or three most recent hosts whose
parties were similar to yours. They’ll give you up-to-date
and unbiased information.
How do you know people really enjoy your show?
Because I hear their children telling them so,
because families and schools often have me back again, and
because some of them even say a special "thank you" with a
tip after the show.
I called a performer who charges a little less. Why do you
charge more?
They charge what they're worth, I charge what I'm worth. I
give you much more.
I also talked to a performer who charges twice what you
do.
I said I charge what I'm worth, but I'm not going to get
ridiculous.
What areas do you serve?
I serve Hobart, Lake Station, Glen Park,
Merrillville, Miller, Portage, Gary, Ogden Dunes, Black
Oak, Lakes of the Four Seasons, Griffith, Crown Point,
Chesterton, Highland, St. John, Dune Acres, Munster, East
Chicago, Burns Harbor, Cedar Lake, Porter, Valparaiso,
Hammond, Hebron, Chesterton, Schererville, Whiting, Lowell,
Beverly Shores, Kouts, Chicago and environs. Fees may be
determined by distance.
My background
Timothy Arends has amassed
considerable reputation and experience throughout the
Northwest Indiana and Chicago area over the past several
years, performing for such clients as the City of Highland,
Hebron Summerfest, and Hammond's Augustfest (seven years),
to name a few.
Mr. Arends is a long-time member of the prestigious Society
of American Magicians. His polished professionalism is the
result of over twenty years of study and dedication to the
Art of Magic.
Timothy Arends is also a member of the North American
Association of Ventriloquists, and is one of the few
performers to have mastered the Arts of both Magic and
Ventriloquism. He has also been “throwing his voice” for
over twenty years.
Quotes
“It was great! Your
show appeals equally to all age groups.” — Shirley Christy,
American Diabetic Association
“Your performance at Holy Name School was truly the
highlight of the year.” — Tamra Bottomlee, Head Start
Director
“Everyone was excited about your show and especially the
way in which you involved them.” — Faye N. Urello,
Methodist Hospitals Educational
Services
“You have a wonderful rapport with your audience...we
enjoyed ourselves immensely.” — Laurie Custer, Respite Care
of Porter County
Mr. Tim Arends...AMAZING!!! — Carol Shaver, Director,
Little Saints Preschool