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!
