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Either through the contact section on the bottom of my home
page on this website or directly at
magic@donstevenson.ca or at (306) 789-8753 or 539-2184.
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As with as elastic band, I
can comfortably stretch to accommodate from two minutes to 200 minutes!
Usually, up to 60 minutes is the ideal time for most groups. Beyond this, I
would recommend booking a second show with different comedic content.
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My fee is dependent on the type and duration of the event,
the venue, the date and location. My fee does reflect my experience and
reputation along with the time and resources I’ve spent to keep my
presentations fresh and current. Most clients find I am within their budget
so feel free to contact me for a no-obligation quote.
At times you receive
more than you’ve paid for – this is one of those times.
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If I happen to be on voice mail, kindly leave a message and I
will return your call… unless of course, this is intended as a surprise for
someone or is of a confidential nature, then please advise when a better
time would be to return your call or e-mail.
In our conversation, I would introduce myself, listen
carefully to what you are planning, inquire as to when and where this would
happen, the nature of the event and the number of people you might expect.
Sometimes, just the sound of one’s voice can engender confidence. Based on
this, I would indicate my availability, quote a fee or make other
suggestions. All calls are retained in confidence.
I will be forthcoming if I feel
someone else or another activity could better meet your needs. I know my
strengths and my limitations and have no need to exaggerate my abilities or
my promotional material. As we know, open and honest
communication is important for both of us.
Once we decide to proceed, we can discuss the
details further. I will contact you again a few days prior to your event to
make certain there will be no surprises for either of us.
If I am unavailable for a
particular date, I may be able to suggest an option or alternative for your
event.
By all means, inquire around and compare. Good entertainment
is as important as a good quality meal – a mediocre performance can be
embarrassing and leave a ‘bad taste’ in one’s mouth. Yes, comedy can be a
serious business!
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It is true that, in general, the more people gathered
in a room, the more the energy builds. At the same time, I’ve entertained
from one person in a hospital bed to several hundred conference attendees
(by the way, when I said to the chap in the hospital bed… ”I hope you get
better.”… he rolled his eyes, turned over in bed and said, “ I hope you do
too”).
From adults to seniors, audiences large and small, in
casual and formal gatherings and everything in between – I adapt my
entertainment to these groups and situations.
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Yes – strolling, mingling or walk-around magic for groups
that are either seated or standing, entails the use of
what’s called ‘close-up’ magic. This form of very visual small miracle
entertainment happens mere inches (or centimeters!) from the faces and hands
of your guests.
I have been contracted by provincial and national organizations such as Sasktel and the Financial Management Institute of Canada (references are available) to provide this kind of entertainment to province wide and national conventions.
This entertainment is ideal for wedding receptions, cocktail
events, prior to a dinner stage show, promotions, hospitality rooms and the
like.
I work from my pockets without the need for a table –
unobtrusively ‘mingling’ with your guests, discerning if the timing is
appropriate for introducing myself and, if so, showing people sleight of
hand entertainment. As I move about your guests, small groups tend to form
to enjoy these displays of sleight of hand magic.
In sum, close–up magic is not disruptive – it’s an
icebreaker kind of entertainment that can easily fit into your venue as no
special area or preparation is required, making this style of magic, a
flexible and informal kind of entertainment. At the same time, I perform
with the same versatile comedy and pleasant demeanor as I do in my stage
performances.
A final thought, have you considered a combination of
strolling magic with an after-dinner stage show?
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I’m pretty self-sufficient – I provide my own sound,
music, wireless microphone for up to 250 people. Beyond that, the event sponsor
will need to arrange for the appropriate sound and lighting. While I’ve
stood on everything from milk cartons to my tiptoes , for stage
presentations, while not mandatory, the show is enhanced by a stage or platform – at least 8’ x 8’ x1’ so
people can see easier (and that’s not 8’ high and a foot square!).
On the
plus side, I provide my own bottle of water!
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Yes… audio and video recordings of my shows are not permitted. A number of
routines require secured rights to perform publically and some presentations are unique to me.
Flash photography is permitted as long as you respect the privacy right of others.
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Never – my shows are always family-friendly – I pretend my
mother, my grade 2 teacher (Ms. Gillies) and my parish priest are in the
room.
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For ethical reasons, I do not.
I once had two rabbits, two fish, some baby pigeons, three dogs and a
hamster but this combination never really got along and the transportation
problems eventually got to me.
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Generally, I prefer to stay here.
However, I have performed in Ireland, in the Dominican
Republic and in Italy. I have considered going to Bosnia-Hertzogovenia but
changed my mind.
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Yes – for the past two years I have entertained guests at suppertime on
Sundays at Boston Pizza, south Albert St. in Regina.
Here are just a few of the many positive comments I’ve
received from that location (I suspect the great food and the wonderful staff were responsible
for most of these!)…
"I was out for supper with my daughter at Boston Pizza south
a while back and both of us really enjoyed your table magic. It was funny
and for all ages. I was at a kids’ birthday party a few weeks ago and they
had a magic show and well I can honestly say that after about four minutes,
the kids’ attention was lost and it got me thinking about you and I wanted
to thank you for sharing what you did with us." Michelle S., patron
"I think you made a hit!" television personality, patron
"Our group came because we knew you were going to be here!"
Dr. S., patron
"The kids love it here on Sundays – it’s always so much
fun!" Phil and family, patrons
"I want YOU – at my birthday party!" Dillon, age 12, patron
"Thanks again for all of your help in making my restaurant the best in the city!"
John Fraser, operating franchisee
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I have
performed for a number of elementary school assemblies and post-secondary
student orientations and have taught magic at some community schools in
Regina.
Here’s a
recent comment from the staff at St. Augustine’s Community School…
“Our
staff found that Don was able to ’magically’ capture the attention of all
our students and keep them well entertained with comedy and engaging acts of
magic. It was a great afternoon for our students.”
As far as children’s birthday parties go, other entertainers may better meet your needs.
Seniors can be a wonderful
appreciative group. I have put together a special comedic program that appeals particularly to them.
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I
have performed on the Riverhurst ferry. And I once performed for
my fellow passengers on an airline flight…they all got up and left!”
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Our
daughters used to help me out, but now they think I’m an idiot… so now, I mostly work alone.
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Once I won a barbeque.
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Yes! Here you go...
Ingredients:
3 &1/4 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1/4 cup of sugar
1/4 teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon of baking soda
1 teaspoon of baking powder
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1 & 1/3 cups of buttermilk
Method:
pre-heat oven to 350f
combine all of the dry ingredients
cut in butter until mixture resembles course breadcrumbs
add buttermilk, mixing gradually,
then shape into a ball
knead lightly on a floured surface ten times
place on a well-greased baking sheet
cut an ‘x’ on the top, half an inch deep
bake at 350f for one hour (slightly longer in Newfoundland)
Enjoy!
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