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Be a Full Entertainment Company

Randy Chapman opened Chapman's Magic Shop in 1995 with a "whopping" $7,500 loan, which was paid back in only sixteen months.  Chapman's Magic Shop has supplied entertainment to Colonial Williamsburg and managed their children's tours, as well as their summer recreational facilities with as many as 30 employees on the payroll.  We provide our services and rental equipment for everything from city events, school carnivals and company picnics, to backyard birthday parties and family reunions.  Chapman's Magic Shop is not only an entertainment company, but also is a full retail store for clowns, balloonists, magicians, face painters, and jugglers.

Q: Why train your own entertainers?
A: This aspect of the business will provide you with a year-round source of income.  When you know who is working for you, you can guarantee the quality of your entertainment and be assured that your business is represented in a positive and professional manner.

Q: Why buy from us?
A: We have literally "been there, done that".  Our experience will save you time and money.  We know what works and we can sell you the complete packages needed to make your investment work, too.

Balloonists
Clowning
Magic
Costume Characters
Carnival Equipment Rentals


Balloonists
You will need nimble fingers and little money to start.  This is more than a step above a clown making a balloon dog.  You are balloon sculpting.  Mermaids and a parrot in a birdcage are the simplest examples of a balloonist.  This is a learned talent.

As an accomplished balloonist, you have the potential to make as much as a clown, without putting on the full costume of a clown.  However, since you are a working artist, it is important that you dress the part.

We can provide you with everything you need to become a balloonist so that you can be working next week.  Once you make your initial investment, the only recurring cost will be replacement bags of balloons.

REMEMBER: You want to start where you want to be.


Clowning
This is one of the toughest jobs in the entertainment industry, but because of its versatility, it is also one of the most marketable.  In addition to being funny, you also have to be able to perform magic, sculpt balloons and paint faces.

The clown's repertoire is expected to be extensive, which is why this is one of the most expensive avenues for an individual entertainer to pursue.  To become a successful clown, you will need a costume, face-painting supplies, magic props, balloon supplies, and more.

The bright side of this investment is the amount of fun you will have bringing smiles and improving the quality of life around you.

REMEMBER: Improve the quality of your life and those around you.  A man is never so tall as when he stoops down to help a child.


Magic
This is one of the most expensive and profitable lines of entertainment.
  Do you want to perform a simple show for birthday parties?

The "canned" show is easy to perform and you can expand from there.  A "canned" show provides you with all the props necessary, including a carrying case and a performance table, to be a successful magician.  With self-working tricks, a little patter and a little practice, you will be performing next week with confidence.

You can expand your abilities as a magician by mastering sleight of hand magic.  This branch of magic is less expensive, but harder to achieve, requiring hours of practice and dedication.

REMEMBER: Show-biz is 20% talent, 80% business.


Costume Characters
Do you claim you have no talent?  Shy?  Who cares?!  You are in costume.  No one knows who you are.

When you are a costumed character, the possibilities, AND the clientele seem endless.  Not only can you surprise a birthday child, but you can sell your services to any local flower shop for "costumed deliveries", or you can make your own costumed balloon bouquet deliveries.

The initial investment for this aspect of the business depends on which costumes you want and how many you want.  You can expect to pay at least $400 for a high-quality costume.  We recommend you start your costume character assortment with the basics, like Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny.  Just remember to be selective with the costumes you purchase and get in on a trend from the start, if possible.  Not only does the costume have to pay for itself, but also for the transportation, and any incidental costs (like goody bags for birthdays) and two employees (one in costume and one as an escort for safety reasons).

REMEMBER: You get what you pay for!

Chapman's Magic
(757) 595-5917
chapmanmagic@verizon.net

Mailing Address:
227 Whitewater Dr.
Newport News, VA 23608