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. |
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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. |
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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.
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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!
