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Fife, Bruce: The Birthday Party Business Also available in Kindle eBook format |
 Image courtesy eBay seller Hypcat |
Comments: "How to make a living as a Children's
entertainer." With contributions from Hal Diamond, Steve Kissel,
Robin Vodel, Mary Lostak, Bob Conrad, and Marcela Murad.
Contents (from 2010 book ToC, page numbers for Chapter Headings only):
7 Introduction
9 The Birthday Party Entertainer
Creating A Unique Character
Character Development
Choosing A Memorable Stage Name
Wardrobe Selection
Developing An Act
The Magic of Entertainment
Elements of A Good Children's Show
Creating Your Own Show
24 Working The Party
Preparing A Winning Show
Booking the Party
Telephone Sales Techniques
Making the Sale
Contracts and Agreements
Party Specifications
Personalizing the Show
Party Favors and Promotional Gifts
40 Working With Kids
What Kids Like
Comedy is King
Active Involvement
How to Control the Audience
Problem Prevention
Setting Boundaries
Warm-Ups
Audience Participation
Using Volunteers
Lead or Be Led
Honor the Guest of Honor
How to Handle Troublemakers
Parties for Preschoolers
Parties for Older Children
Teenage and Adult Parties
60 Storytelling
Traveling Storyteller
Ad-vice
The First Gig
The Business of Storytelling
How to Be A Storyteller
Story Topics
Personalized Stories
Improvisation
Tips and Techniques
How to Tell A Story
Vocal Skills
Visual Aids
Activities
Sound Effects
77 Birthday Party Magic
Making An Impression
Being Prepared
Choosing the Best Tricks
Setting the Stage
Entertaining Kids With Magic
Visibility
Making it Short and Snappy
How to Avoid Embarrassment
Danger and Excitement
Building Tricks into Routines
Time-Tested Tricks and Gags
Making Your Own Magic
Favorite Birthday Party Tricks and Routines
87 Puppetry
Puppets and Parties
Hand Puppets
Mouth Puppets
Rod Puppets
Spring Animals
Novelty Puppets
Puppet Characterization
How to Talk With A Puppet
Magic of Motion
Body Language
Ventriloquism
Designing a Puppet Show for Birthday Parties
Finding the Right Puppet
Putting Life into Your Puppet
Ideas for Puppet Routines
97 Clowning
The Art of Clowning
Clown Character Development
White Face
Auguste
Tramp
Designing Your Own Clown Face
Makeup Techniques
Clown Clothes
Character Aids
Clown Movement
Physical Comedy
Speaking With the Body
Clowning Around
108 Entertaining With Balloons
Balloon Basics
Balloon Sculpting Techniques
Balloon Pouch
Basic Figures
NoveltyVFigures
Balloon Hats
Balloon Funnies
Tricks and Routines
Games and Activities*
Precautions
129 Entertaining With Face Painting
Face Painting Materials
Makeup Techniques
Tattoos
Sanitation
Cleanup and Removal
Painting Faces at Birthday Parties
Wardrobe Selection
Crowd Control
Handling Kids
Making it Fun
Face Painting Stories and Humor
Silly Talk
On the Spot
139 Food, Fun, And Frolic
Catering
Birthday Cake and Food
Decorations and Party Favors
Party Packages
Keeping it Legal
Theme Parties
Balloon Party
Magic Party
Circus Party
Animal Party
Mystery Party
Intergalactic Space Party
Pirate Party
Goblins and Ghosts Party
Dungeons and Dragons Party
Dinosaur Party
Backwards Party
Undersea Party
Music Party
Pig Out Party
Special Party Games and Activities
152 Party Games
Success With Party Games
The Games Leader
Winning and Losing
Cooperation and Involvement
Game Selection
Games for Preschoolers
Musical Games
Fun Games for Children of All Ages
169 Making Your Business A Success
Business Basics
What's in A Name
Location
Record Keeping and Taxes
Licenses and Permits
Insurance
Operating A Successful Home-Based Business
Special Skills and Training
179 Marketing Magic
Money Matters
Publicity and Promotion
Effective Advertising Methods and Techniques
Publicity Photos
Business Cards
Media Coverage
Entertainment Agencies
199 Direct Marketing
Tracking Customers
Mailers
Contests
Party Planners
Market Dominance
Mailing Lists
Bulk Mail
Perseverance
Determination of Profitability
Sales Package
215 Resources
218 Index
