The Curious Performer: Recent Episodes

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Darren Casteel is the CEO of DoDad's Lab in Clermont Florida. Darren is a professional entertainer using science, story-telling, puppets, music, and much more. Doing over 200+ shows a year in libraries, schools, museums, and churches world wide. His passion for children and families makes his shows enjoyable for all ages. Darren also runs a printing business called DRC Print. Printing banners, backdrops, table covers, and more. ​​

In this Episode:

• Origin Story
• Transition to Science
• Meeting Stan Lee while being Protested against
• Newbie Advice
• It's a Process
• Branding - First Impressions
• Libraries
• Social Media
• People You Should Know
• Client Retention
• Top 3 Things Needed to be Successful

Explore these resources:

• DRC Print
• Dodad's Lab

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Steve Petra trained at the National Theatre of Puppet Arts and at Jim Henson Productions in Manhattan. He is a full-time professional ventriloquist and puppeteer performing his own scripts, songs and music. Previously, he worked as a professional musician. He now specializes in curriculum-based assembly programs for elementary schools.

Steve also performs for family audiences at libraries and some other venues. These shows are like being at a Comedy Club for families. With zany illusions, props, music, audience participation and a cast of outrageous puppet characters.

When he isn't out doing live shows, Steve is working on audio and video projects, and as a video editor. His instructional series, Let's Get Visual, is selling to performers all over the world. He is now in demand as a lecturer at conferences for professional performers and has taught workshops on show building, puppet manipulation, character voices and ventriloquism.

PetraPuppets is Steve and his wife Jeanie. Steve performs the shows. Jeanie does the website, database, booking, scheduling, contracts, fliers, teacher's guides, and collaborates on the shows.

Steve has performed at The Vent Haven ConVENTion, The KIDabra Conference, KAX, Puppeteers of America festivals and at Puppet Guild events. He's a member of The International Ventriloquist Society and The Puppeteers of America.

Steve Petra was named 2019 Northeast Ventriloquist of the year by the International Ventriloquist Society

In this Episode we discuss:

• Origin Story
• Transition from Musician to Puppeteer
• Jim Henson Studio
• School Shows
• Pricing
• Becoming a Vent
• Libraries
• Audience Control & Pre-show
• Early Struggles
• Nikon School
• Newbie Advice
• Interest vs Obsession
• Branding
• World of Puppetry
• Social Media
• Continuing Education
• Top 3 Things to be Successful

Explore these Resources:

• "Making Puppets Come Alive"
• The Jim Henson Company
• Carol Fijan
• Barry Mitchell
• Lee Andrews
• KAX
• Ken Scott
• Mark Wade
• David Ginn
• Tim Sonefelt
• Sammy Smith

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Louie Foxx is the consummate kid that never grew up and it’s evident as you watch him interact with audiences of all age. He is living his childhood dream of being a magician.

As a kid he realized that he excelled at all of the things that adults told him were a waste of time. Instead of playing baseball in high school, Louie built himself a rickety table and rode the bus into downtown to perform magic tricks on the street corner and got paid by “passing the hat”. He’s come a long way since then.

The Society of American Magicians voted Louie The Best Stage Magician and Best Close-Up Magician in Minnesota in 1996. He has also been featured four times in the prestigious Linking Ring Magazine which is a magazine for the 13,000 members of the International Brotherhood of Magicians! Louie has also written several books about magic tricks for professional magicians, one of which has sold over 2,300 copies!

Louie is also a Two Time Guinness World Record Holder and has been on NBC’s America’s Got Talent, the nationally syndicated television show How ‘Bout That, Evening Magazine, New Day Northwest, Otra Movida TV in Spain, and in London’s Guardian Newspaper!

Louie is enjoying life as the rockstar dad. He now has a valid excuse to go to the zoo once a week and build forts out of the sofa cushions.

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Doug Scheer is a Michigan magician who has been performing since he was only 9 years old. During the second 10 years, he actually started to get good.

He then spent 15 years performing as the lead magician for Chevrolet on their national auto show tours.

Between show, he now travels all over the world lecturing to his peers at some of the most respected magic conventions on the planet: Magic Live, The society of Magician's Convention, KGB (not that KGB, a different one) and to some of the most respected children's entertainers at their annual Kidabra Conference.

He is the owner of Assemblyshows.com Michigan's premier school show company, He has created12 educational and highly entertaining shows that are seen in elementary schools throughout the Midwest.

In the episode we discuss:

• Origin Story
• 1970's Magic Shows
• Behavior in Schools Today
• Early Struggles???
• Today's Issues Getting into the School Market
• Just say "Yes"
• School Show Business
• Antagonist in Your Show
• Customize Your Show
• Branding
• Social Media
• People You Should Know
• Client Retention
• Continuing Education
• Top 3 Things to be Successful

Explore these Resources:

• Jeff McBride
• "Don't Touch Me" by Howie Mandel"
• "Leading with my Chin" by Jay Leno
• "I Killed: True Stories of the Road from America's Top Comics"
• When I Stop Talking" by Jerry Weintraub
• Atlanta Harvest of Magic - Ken Scott
• Kidabra - Mark Daniels
• Karrell Fox
• "Tribe of Mentors" by Timothy Ferriss
• Doug Scheer.com

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Colin Dymond is both a Magician and a Ventriloquist. Colin has lectured and performed at The Magic Circle, The International Ventriloquist Convention in Cincinnati and The Children’s Entertainer Convention in L.A.

He was the 2018 Cotswold Stage Magician of the year and the UK Children’s entertainer of the year 2014. He is also a four time winner of the Cotswold Close Up Magician of The Year.

Colin is proud to be a part of the POD Children’s Charity team bringing smiles to poorly children into hospital in the UK. Colin works in Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bath, Newport, Gloucester Royal and Hereford hospitals. He is also the entertainer for the Cotswold Downs Group.

In this Episode:

• Origin Story
• Magic to Puppets
• Covid Lockdown
• Show from the Shed
• Custom Puppets
• Advice for Newbies
• Performers Pay
• Branding
• Social Media
• People You Should Know
• Top 3 Things to be Successful
• Resources

Explore these resources:

• The Magic Circle - London
• Kids Entertainer Academy
• Practical Magic
• Axtell Puppets
• HK Audio
• Max Fulham
• Colin Dymond

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Ken Scott has over 20 years of experience performing over 350 shows a year. He has entertained over a million people with his unique cutting edge programs. He is four time winner of the Greater Atlanta Magician of the year awards.

In addition, he was featured on CNN Headline News, where he headlined their segment on A Day of Magic. He performs annually in Holy wood California at The World Famous Magic Castle. He has also performed five times at the White House and appeared on ABC's America's Funniest Home Videos.

Along with performing he travel around the world teaching other entertainers his original ideas and routines that he has invented and developed.

In this Episode we discuss:

• Origin Story
• Early Struggles
• Mentors
• Newbie Advice
• Virtual Studio
• Social Media
• Branding
• People You Should Know
• Schools & Libraries
• Client Retention
• Continuing Education
• The Future of Conventions
• Discover Magic
• Top 3 Things to be Successful

Explore these Resources

• Mario the Maker
• Justin Willman
• International Brotherhood of Magicians
• Atlanta Harvest of Magic
• Discover Magic
• Ken Scott Products

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**Children's book author Annie Banannie, Balloon Storyteller, brings reading assemblies and creative writing assemblies to elementary schools in Southern California. You can also find her hilarious “Balloon Theater” shows at libraries and community events all over Southern California.

In this Episode we discuss:**

• What is a Balloon Storyteller
• Website vs Social Media
• Musical Theatre
• Acting to Balloons
• Advice to Newbies
• Mentors
• Value of a Photo Shoot
• Social Media
• Marketing
• People You Should Know
• Top 3 Things to be Successful

Explore these Resources

• Michael Messing Photography
• Tamar Kimmons
• Buster Balloon
• Christopher T. Barnes
• Balloon HQ
• T. Myers
• Kidabra - Mark & Tammy Daniels
• Lee Andrews
• American Clown Academy
• Twist & Shout Balloon Convention

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Max Fulham 's love of entertaining was sparked performing made up shows to anyone who would stand still for long enough - family, friends and even neighbors! Since then he has been hooked on all things Comedy and Ventriloquism!

His bright, fresh approach and passion for what he does has endeared him to many Pantomime audiences in the UK.

He has appeared at the The Vent Haven Ventriloquist Conventions, Trix in the Stix, Camp Bestival, The New Alexandra Theatre, and the Museum of Comedy in London. Max is a rising superstar and he's sure to make you laugh!
In this Episode we discuss:

• Origin Story
• UK Pantomime
• From Talent Show to TV
• Children's Parties
• Puppets & Prop Comedy
• Branding
• Social Media
• Newbie Advice
• People You Should Know
• Success
• Continuing Education
• Top 3 Things Needed to be a Successful Performer

Explore these resources:

• Max Fulham
• Drivel Pedlar
• The Dummy Blog
• Ray Allen - Vent
• Christopher T. Magician
• Mario the Maker
• Spencer Jones - Comedian
• Mat Ricardo - Juggler
• Fred Roby - Vent

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Silly Sparkles aka Regina Martinez performed her first party at age 16, she fell in love with entertaining children and hearing them laugh with joy (or mischievous delight!). After taking a 4 year college detour to get her BA degree in graphic design, she soon realized after graduating that entertaining at kids parties is an infinitely more rewarding career – this was her passion in life!
Getting married to Mr. Sparkles and having Baby Sparkles #1, and #2 and #3 further cemented her love of entertaining and provided an unending source of inspiration. She loves kids!

In this Episode:

• Origin Story
• Mentors
• Setbacks or Stuggles
• Branding
• Targeted Clients
• Social Media
• Email Marketing
• Newbie Advice
• One Minute Booking
• Client Retention
• Childcare Centers
• Continuing Education

Explore these Resources:

• Silly Sparkles
• One Minute Booking
• KIdabra & KAX
• Christopher T. Magician's Facebook Group
• Kid Entertainer Academy

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Christopher wrote the book on performing magic for kids......... Literally!! In FACT - He has written TWO!! ​​His books BEYOND LOOK DON'T SEE: FURTHERING THE ART OF CHILDREN'S MAGIC, and JUST FOR FUN have taken the magic world by storm, receiving countless rave reviews, and taken him on lecture tours around the country, teaching other kid show magicians how to improve their craft! The Techniques and sillyness Christopher put forth in his books he honed over his fifteen years performing magic for children at parties and other special events!

In this episode we discuss:

• Origin Story
• Early Struggles
• Musical "The Legs"
• Advice for Newbies
• Running Gags
• Branding
• Social Media
• People You Should Know
• KAX
• Books You Should Own

Explore these Resources

• Beyond Look Don't See by Christopher Barnes
• Just for Fun by Christopher Barnes
• Seriously Silly by David Kaye
• Mario the Maker
• Max Fulham
• Conference Registration (kidabra.org)
• Axtell Puppets
• Let's Taco About It Facebook Group
• Vanish Magazine

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Corinne Sparkles Smith was blessed with tow artistic parents and has enjoyed arts and crafts her whole life. When she stumbled upon the art of face painting in 2004, she was instantly hooked! Corinne has always enjoyed children, making people smile, and the arts. This new endeavor was the perfect fit! Soon after, she began learning the art of clowning and balloon twisting. In 2006, she began her own business Fun with Sparkles.

In this episode we discuss:

• Origin Story
• Everything Sparkles Does
• Pivoting in 2020
• Transition to Pro
• Mentor
• Newbie Advice
• Branding
• Social Media
• Client Retention
• Continuing Edcuation
• Top 3 Things for Success

Explore these Resources

• Lori Hurley - Entertainment Business Magic
• David Kaye - Seriously Silly
• Marcela Murad - Mama Clown
• Silly Farm Supplies
• FABA TV
• Fun with Sparkles Balloon Twisting

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Specializing exclusively in entertaining children, Christopher Weed is a Serial Entrepreneur. He has become a friend and an incredible business resource for me personally. Yes, he's a magician but that is just the tip of the iceberg. Right now his over-arching brand Alakazam Events includes magic, bubbles, foam, mini golf and a fire truck. The ideas and information Christopher shares on today's show can change your business! Take notes and make more money!

In this episode we dicuss:

• Origin Story
• Fire Trucks
• Themed Entertainment Experiences
• Foam Parties
• Who are your Competitors
• How to keep your sanity
• Utilizing you Data Base
• Cross Marketing to Day Care Centers
• Book Summer Shows in January
• New Business' Launch Process
• How important are Photos and Videos
• Social Media
• 3 Words - Branding, Marketing & Advertising
• Leveraging Your Brand

Explore these Resources

• KAX & Kidabra
• Showtime Magic Products
• Chef Bananas
• Discover Magic
• IAAPA
• New York Toy Fair

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Bri Crabtree is part ringmaster, part clown, and all kinds of awesome! This daredevil darling will sweep you off your feet with her eccentric charm, amusing antics, and amazing circus tricks. The family-friendly comedy circus show features juggling, unicycling, & audience participation. Bri will keep the crowd engaged, smiling, and asking "How did she do that!?" Bri Crabtree offers a unique brand of comedy that combines physical comedy, word-play, silly antics, and imagination.

In this episode we discuss:

• Origin Story 1: 20
• European Arts 6:19
• Bubbles 7:15
• Newbie Advice 12:09
• Branding 14:23
• Social Media 15:31
• Critical Elements of Success 19:19
• People You Should Know 20:34
• Client Retention 23:36
• Continuing Education 23:17
• Top 3 Things to be Successful 25:47

Explore these Resources

• Bubble U
• Avner the Eccentric
• Circus of Smiles
• Unique Derique
• Figmentally
• Playful Parenting Lawrence J. Cohen
• How to be a Compleat Clown by Toby Sanders

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What does Chef Bananas do?

Simply put, as the entertainer, Chef Bananas will cook up the recipe that guarantees everyone is having the time of their lives. With a focus on comedy, chef's family magic show recipe is unlike anything you and your guest have seen before. He will have your guests rolling on the floor laughing one minute, and on their feet clapping the next. His typical show includes hot dogs, fire carrots, frogs, cupcakes, balloons and a load of BANANAS!

In this episode we discuss:

• Origin Story 1:17
• Puppets 6:38
• Early Struggles 9:10
• Social Media 12:06
• Marketing vs Sales 15:33
• Branding 19:00
• Websites 21:25
• Coaching 0 - 100 Shows 23:30
• Client Retention 28:30
• Continuing Education 36:05
• 3 Things Critical to Success 39:29

Explore these Resources

• Colin Diamond Vent Course
• Kidabra
• Chef Bananas
• Kids Entertainer Hub

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Lori Hurley is an author, performer and business owner. She along with her husband, Mark, are the owners of "A Touch of Magic Entertainment" in St Paul, Minnesota. She brings a skill set to entertaining that is invaluable to all of us. She has taught at a number of conventions and in this episode we have the opportunity to hear about Lori's secret sauce.

In this Episode we discuss:

• Origin Story
• Description of Services Offered
• Scarcity vs Abundance
• Branding
• Social Media
• Client Retention
• Success Advice

Explore these Resources 

• A Touch of Magic Entertainment
• Boost Your Business with Lori Hurley
• Silly Farm
• Paintertainment

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Barry Mitchell is the Entertaining Encourager.  That’s a humorist using illusions, storytelling, and audience interaction to deliver entertaining encouragement and education. He presents lectures regularly on marketing and showmanship to professional family entertainers. Barry creates and markets original magic effects and stories sold around the world.

In this Episode we discuss:

• Origin Story
• Using Puppets
• Advice to Newbies
• Branding
• Client Retention
• Conventions
• 3 Things for Success

Explore these Resources

• Fans and Friends of Barry Mitchell
• Find the Stuff That's You
• Kidabra - Mark Daniel
• Kapital Kidvention - Louis Meyer
• Smile Maker Studio

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Heather Green also know as Silly Heather is the owner of Silly Farm Supplies and the co producer of the Face & Body Art International Convention. Heather started her face painting career when she was only 14. Heather turned her passion for art into a full time career as the head of Silly Farm Supplies. Due to Heather’s incredible dedication and business sense, today Silly Farm is the world’s largest face and body art supplier. Heather also travels the world teaching and sharing her love of face and body art.

In this episode we discuss:

• Origin Story
• Changes in Tech
• Branding
• Social Media
• FABA TV
• Success
• People You Should Know
• Client Retention
• Top 3 Things to be Successful

Explore these Resources

• Silly Heather's Youtube Channel
• FABA TV
• FABIC 2021
• How to Win Friends & Influence People

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Washington DC area magician, Louis Meyer, has become the “celebrity” entertainer when it comes to children’s entertainment. Not only does Louis perform magic shows but created the country’s largest convention for children’s entertainers called Kapital Kidvention. Kidvention has been running for 10 years and now has a convention on the East and West Coast.

In this episode we discuss:

• Origin Story
• Branding
• Social Media
• Critical to Success
• Business Skills
• Books You Need to Read
• Break Out of the Crowd
• People You Should Know
• Future of Kapital Kidvention

Explore These Resources

• Kapital Kidvention
• The Success Principals by Jack Canfield
• No Excuses by Brian Tracy
• Little Gold Book by Jeffery Gitomer
• Discover Magic

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