What IS a Professional Magician?
Almost every magician you meet will tell you they are a professional.
High school & college students , plumbers, business executives and even retirees all claim to be professional magicians. So what exactly is a professional magician?
The truth is, there is no set of standards, no test, no accreditation to label any performer as a professional magician. Most so-called professional magicians believe they present a professional quality show (even if they do not) and so they feel they have the right to call themselves a professional magician.
A professional makes his or her LIVING by working in their field of expertise.
Are the high school & college students, the plumbers, doctors, lawyers, executives or retirees really professional magicians? No. A high school student lives with Mom & Dad, a college student is still a student (and I'd bet that is what is listed on their income taxes) and the others all have incomes or pensions. Their living is not dependent on income from performances. When you support yourself with your profession it raises the stakes - and the true professional magician puts forth added effort because they must succeed.
So that means professional magicians are better?
Not really. It depends on the performer and if they are right for the program. If you hired a prop comic to entertain the Federation of Blind People the act would probably bomb. Wrong entertainer for the program. A problem with many magicians, professional and "part time professional", is that they claim to do it all. You'll see acts that say they work for Fortune 500 clients and also do birthday parties for three year olds. You can't specialize in everything and one size does not fit all.
What does any of this have to do with Tom & the Magic Pig?
I AM a professional
magician.
Since 1984, I've been paying my bills by performing for audiences
throughout the United States and even on a couple of cruise ships.
That means I've got longevity - you don't stay in business unless you can
deliver what clients want.
What I do...
I perform comedy stage shows that involve your audience. Because
the shows feature your people, the comedy always fits your audience and
event.
I can't do everything - and I'll be the first to admit
it!
I will NEVER take a show just because someone offers me money. If
I am not right for the job - I don't want the job. You as a client
wouldn't be happy.
If I am not right for the job, I'd be
happy to put you in touch with someone who is. My years in the
business have allowed me to work with and see many acts. I'm not
just going to shuffle you off to a friend who is available. Plus - I
do not accept any commissions or fees for referrals! (From you or the
act I recommend!)
I don't play games.
Unfortunately, the entertainment business is loaded with people who
don't honor their word. I know acts who will schedule shows at reduced
rates just to have something on their calendar. If something "better" comes along, they will pawn the show off
on another act and take a "commission". The client ends up getting a
different show that is worth less than they paid, yet the act has
"fulfilled" the fine print of their contract by supplying them with a program.
When
you hire me, you get me. If I can not make the show (hasn't
happened yet - but to stay safe...) - I
will pay another act to provide the program and YOU will not pay a
dime!
I will NEVER promise you something I can't deliver.
My parents taught me a person is only as good as their word and although
I said it above, it is worth repeating.
My goal as a professional is to always meet or exceed the clients' needs.
Call today to discuss your entertainment needs:
(410)876-6771
Fair Entertainment / Festival Entertainment / Educational School Assembly Programs / Promotional Materials
Tom Crowl - P.O. Box 2131 - Westminster, Maryland 21158
(410)876-6771
All materials on this website are the copyright of Tom Crowl - 2005, 2006