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Rates, FAQs & Options Get StartedAvailable in Chester County PA, Delaware County PA, & parts of Main Line & Wilmington DE.All Inquiries Welcomed
Rates and options will vary depending on the type of event or party, location, performing conditions, and are subject to change. I don’t offer discounts, I charge the same for everyone.
A deposit may be required to hold the date, but due to Covid policy changes or weather issues I’m OK with rescheduling or canceling and can refund a deposit. I accept Venmo, credit cards, cash, checks and Paypal.
On weekends I don’t travel more than 35 minutes outside West Chester (zip 19382). I’m not available in Philadelphia or New Jersey.
Birthday Parties
45 Minute Show: $280.
Caricature drawing added to the show: $30 per 15 minutes. I don’t set a specific amount of time for this in advance, I draw for as long as needed and charge for that amount of time.
Caricature drawing only (without a show) $150hr with a 2hr minimum.
No deposit required. Cancellations due to Corona and weather issues are OK.
I can do a 45 minute magic & puppet show customized for the age group and/or quick caricature drawings of all the kids or adults (more info here). Payment at show via check, cash, Venmo or Zelle.
More info on Caricatures: I’m fast – I draw roughly 15-20 people an hour (1 person every 3 to 4 minutes). Caricatures make a great permanent party gift and people have fun watching while I draw. Don’t worry, I’m used to kids not sitting still, and I can work from photos on a phone as needed. Caricatures of kids can be done while the kids eat, play or do other activities. Compared to face painting, the drawings are permanent, faster, more unique, and much more entertaining. If you’ve considered a balloon twister, keep in mind balloon twisting is fun and the kids like it, but they do pop and fall apart constantly, especially at outdoor events, so I no longer do balloons.
You can find more information and samples here.
Schools, Libraries, Preschools, Summer Camps
45 minute Puppet & Magic show perfect for the age group $280-$350. Bigger elementary schools or camp shows are usually $300 – $350.
Corporate Events, Company Parties, Festivals, Open Houses, Weddings, etc
I usually have a $300 minimum. I can mix and match activities or just do 1 thing. It’s easy for me to switch around between activities as needed. What I get time for depends on how long you have me and how many people are there, every special occasion is different.
45 minute magic & puppet show – $280-$375, depending on performing conditions and location, etc. I can do shorter shows or multiple shows on request. The show is either geared to kids or the whole family.
Caricature Drawings – $150hr. I draw roughly 15-20 people an hour in B&W on 11 by 14″ paper. I can draw families, couples, or groups of any size all on 1 sheet. Compared to face painting, this is permanent, more unique, faster and more entertaining. I put each drawing into a clear plastic bag.
Strolling Close-Up Magic: $150hr. This is a lot of fun for the kids and adults. I walk around while doing quick fun interactive magic tricks for small groups at a time for 3-6 minutes per group. This is not a regular show, this is similar to what you would see a table hopping magician do at a restaurant. It can be done at festivals, open houses, company parties, etc. I use coins, cards, sponge balls, rope, etc. Another nice thing about it is that people don’t wait in line like they do with face painting or balloons.
Frequently Asked Questions
I arrive early enough before the scheduled time for parking and set-up. Children must be supervised at all times by you or another adult in the same room/area. I’ve done thousands of shows, so I know if conditions aren’t right things won’t go well.
A non-refundable deposit may be required to hold the day and time, though cancellations due to weather or Corona issues are OK, and in that case deposits will be refunded. Payment is due at the event unless we make other arrangements in advance. I accept Venmo, cash, checks, credit cards, Zelle and PayPal.
Magic & Puppet Shows: Set-up for a 45 minute show takes around 10 minutes for a birthday and 15-20 minutes for bigger shows. Please let me know the parking situation in advance – I bring 3 heavy boxes with me so parking nearby is very helpful. I can perform outdoors, but I need to be in FULL SHADE in a level area, and the entire audience should also be in full shade. I can bring an EZ tent for shade for myself, but let me know in advance if you don’t have a shady area so I make sure to bring it. If the performing conditions aren’t suitable when I arrive,
I reserve the right to cancel or switch to different activities. If the children aren’t properly supervised by you or other adults, or if the children are misbehaving too much, I reserve the right to cancel the show or end it early or do other activities. If the performing conditions are not good, the show will not go well, trust me! I can’t perform in noisy conditions (music, noisy moonbounces or generators, etc.), high winds, weather below 60 or above 90 degrees. Moonbounces and other loud distracting things will need to be turned off. I promise, I’m not that fussy, I just want the show to go well! I need around an 8 feet wide by 3 feet deep area for my set-up, and the front row should be at least 3 feet away. Ideally, people, including adults, will not be seated behind me or to my sides. I won’t need electricity or a microphone, I bring what I need, but for bigger shows if there is a suitable sound system, I may use it.
Caricatures: I’ll need to be in full shade if outdoors. I’ll need you to provide at least 3 chairs, 4 or 5 chairs is better if there are families and groups posing together. I won’t need a table, but if you have one handy (any size), that is helpful.
Close-up magic: I won’t need you to provide anything, but for close-up magic, please let me know if there will be loud music because I need to talk and interact with people without losing my voice! Thank you.
PUPPET SHOWS
A mix of silly comedy magic, cool magic (for older kids & adults), talking puppets (ventriloquism), gags & more.
STROLLING MAGICIAN
Strolling close-up magic (kids love it) before or after a show, or often I combine it with caricature drawing.
MAGIC SHOWS
Non-stop laughter & amazement! The show can be combined with quick caricature drawing and/or strolling close-up magic.
CARICATURE ARTIST
Party caricatures are a lot of fun! A great customized permanent gift for all your guests - Kids & Adults.
Let's get started!
Available in Chester County PA, Delaware County PA, and parts of Main Line, Northern Wilmington DE, and nearby areas. Not available in Philadelphia or New Jersey.
☎️ Telephone: (610) 717-2986
📧 Email: danfreed@comcast.net
Let's get your party started!