KIDabra International News

March 2009 E-Newsletter 

In this issue:

Greetings and News

KIDabra 2009 Conference Updates - Huge Announcement

KIDabra Journal News

KIDabra International Chapter Interest All Call

Optional Liability Insurance

Congratulations and A Remembrance

KIDabra International Member News

March Greetings!

It's interesting, while things are not great economically around the globe, children's performers are busy as I talk to them. Some busier than ever, some business as usual and a few are down a bit. The best and most resourceful are out performing, marketing, inventing, creating and writing.

KIDabra Conference this year is designed for the times, to give you access to the tools, resources and networking to get you through the tougher climate, and make sure you're ready for the times ahead, good and challenging. The best performers are traveling from all over the world this summer to KIDabra Conference, however we're not complete until you are there. (By the way airlines have announced great summer discounts, so now is the time to book your flights and register!) This is an important year for you to be at KIDabra Conference. We know it and won't let you down! As you read ahead, the things we have planned are amazing even to us! Huge announcements are ahead in the newsletter so forge on. We do love having you as part of the KIDabra family!

Thanks, Mark and Tami

KIDabra Conference 2009 News

The 18th Year – The Incredible Year of the Performer

Pigeon Forge, TN • Music Road Hotel Complex

August 12 - 15, 2009

(with Optional Seminars starting the evening of August 11th)

Featuring:

Max Howard, Mark Wade, Duane Laflin, Magic Al, Barry Mitchell, Tim Sonefelt, Julie Varholdt, Tom McDonnell, Jeff Jones, Bruce Amato and more coming!

The KIDabra Senior Staff: Trixie Bond, Ken Scott, Jozo Bozo, Mike Bent, Terry Evanswood, Dave Risley, Joe Lefler The KIDabra Executive Staff: Dennis Michael, Tate Elliott, Gary Shelton, Nathan J. Roberts, Bruce Bray, Chris Weed, Tim Sonefelt, Arnie Kolodner, Dave Hill, Glenn Strange, David Kaye, Tess Andrews

Huge Announcement for The Year of the Performer!

The First Ever KIDabra International Family Performer of the Year Pro/AM Invitational Competition

Friday, August 14, at 7:00PM!

We are looking for the best from around the world! Show the KIDshow world your stuff! The KI Family and KIDshow Performer of The Year award will go to one winning performer. Along with a prize package for First Place which includes a 2010 Free Registration to KIDabra Conference, and a spot on the 2010 Gala show, Magazine Cover and feature article in an upcoming KIDabra Journal, and more. It could be YOU!

Ken Scott will host the Friday evening competition. Imagine the prestige of being able to proclaim yourself The KIDabra International Performer of the Year 2009! Who will win? A children's magician? A Ventriloquist? Puppeteer? Children's Composer? Come see for yourself and witness some incredible talent. Learn where the bar is set and root for your favorite! The competition is open to members in good standing of KIDabra International who are registered for the conference. No contest entry fee will be charged. We do expect high quality entrants be they pro or amateur. We are looking for the whole package – entertainment value, originality, creativity, likability.

Prospective contestants will submit video via DVD or Youtube for review. Submissions should have original content or clear permission for use of existing material, public domain works are naturally permissible. Please include complete routines of your performance from at least 3 minutes up to 15 minutes of your best. (Promo videos not acceptable.) Contest Chair Chris Weed and his team of reviewers will make the decision to issue an invitation to compete. This submission along with current member status and conference registration must be accomplished before July 1, 2009. If an invitation is issued you will compete as a part of up to 12 semi finalists on Thursday at KIDabra Conference. Contestants will face a Judge's panel for Preliminary judging and from that event will emerge 6 finalists to compete before the assembled members and invited public guests. The finals will result in a winner through 50 percent judges vote and a 50 percent popular vote from the entire group assembled. All decisions from prescreening and preliminaries through to the finals are final. Appropriate material suitable for entertaining children and families are required. Any blue or vulgar material will result in a non invitation or disqualification. If in doubt, please ask for clarification on this. The competition is not open to KIDabra staff who are speaking, performing or lecturing at KIDabra Conference 2009. Full details and contest registration form will be posted shortly to the website. Make your plans and prepare today to put the spit and polish on. Good Luck and bring your best! Game On!

Contest Questions to Chris Weed at chrisweed@aol.com

Max Howard speaks at KIDabra Conference

David Kaye and Max Howard just spoke at the prestigious Art and Theory of Magic Conference held at Muhlenburg College in Allentown, PA. Both were well received and David told me he got to watch all of Max's presentations and not only were there many standing ovations, but David himself was knocked out and loved Max. So do I! And so will you!

Coming and spending time with Emmy Award Winning Actor/Magician Max Howard this summer at KIDabra Conference may be one of the single most important things you do for yourself as a performer, artist and person this year. Max will make you think and reach for a higher bar for yourself. He's like that tough teacher you had in school who wanted the best for you and made you work at it. And then one day you realize the love, passion and attention to detail he had for your education and you were speechless and forever indebted, that's Max! Join him as he shares the birth, staging and performance of his signature piece "The Story of How Checkers Were Invented." I've seen him perform this many times, and it's a favorite of mine. It makes me feel like a kid again, everytime! More importantly learn his thought process of the construction of the routine, from an actors point of view, in a way you can apply to your own work. This is a Feature KIDabra Conference Event and is worth the price of your attendance. Prepare to learn, be motivated and leave thinking!

Jeff Jones: Making An Impression

Jeff Jones is a genius! You know it if you've seen his incredible backdrops at magicbackdrops.com or own one. However there is more to Jeff than just fabulous backdrops. He's a thinker, set designer, performer and more! I'm always impressed after a conversation with him and he comes quietly from show business royalty that would blow your mind if he talked about it. What he will talk about though for the first time ever at KIDabra Conference is:  The 5 Minute Show Performance Set - This includes lights, backdrop, and many special effects; Set Design – Taking simple themes and running with them. For an entire show or more importantly for each individual effect; Kiss - Jeff teaches a concept that you can organize yourself and your show to the point that nothing is too challenging; Pandora’s Box – Very Cool... Jeff shares the workings of his invaluable travel case; Super Size Me with Glitz – How to make something from nothing, super size, then “glittify” it. Working with LED’s/optics/ Lighting wire and more; The Value of FREE – Give a little to get a lot. Every performance of Jeff's includes a free magic trick giveaway. The truth and facts are that if you get even one child interested in magic at every performance, you will be in business past the end of time. • Layering: How everything comes together –audience interaction, comedy, costuming, animals, lights, sound, and special effects to create a great show. Jeff will definitely make an impression on you, and you'll go away inspired! Another KIDabra Feature Event! Friday Late Night at KIDabra Conference

KIDshow Vent Event

For the very first time KIDshow vents (or would-be ventriloquists) will have a place to have a "living room" type get together. Mark Wade will host this event and be present to share ideas, techniques, and even some "on the road" stories with his brother and sister ventriloquists. If you are doing vent, or have a desire to add vent to your act at some point, this is a gathering you don't want to miss. Hopefully "The KIDshow Vent Event" will develop into an annual gathering at KIDabra Conference. Come, bring your puppet friends, and enjoy the world of KIDshow ventriloquism with Mark Wade, Late Night at KIDabra Conference!

The 2009 Schedule is up and constantly being updated as events are revealed. Plus at KIDabra Conference 2009 don't miss Mark Wade's Character Education School Show before a live audience of kids, Duane Laflin with performance of A Very Special Family Show Evening, Magic Al entertains a lucky birthday child and their friends with his hilarious Birthday Party Show, Tim Sonefelt with a Super Summer Reading Library Show, Tom McDonnell and his Halloween Monster Mansion Preschool Show, the KIDshow Auction with Gary Shelton, the hands-on KIDabra Breakouts, a first time lecture with the brilliant Jeff Jones, the Saturday Night Gala Show, Ken Scott's Midnight Jam and more surprises to come!

Optional KIDabra Business Building Seminars (formerly Marketing Day)

Tuesday Evening August 12th, starting at 7:00PM and Wednesday, Aug 13th, 2007, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM

Tuesday Evening Kick-off 7:00 PM — 3 Hour workshop with Barry Mitchell, Bruce Amato, Tim Sonefelt “The Six Most Powerful Words in the World and How They Will Improve Your Shows” The world is always looking for another secret that will make us rich, healthy, and beautiful. However, most people already know the secrets of success, they just don’t apply them. But there is a little known secret in the entertainment and speaking world that many performers don’t use. Bruce Amato, Barry Mitchell, and Tim Sonefelt have been applying this time honored tradition in their shows for years and they want to share it with you. They have put their heads together to give you three times the information, three times the magic, and three times the laughs. (Ok, probably just two times the laughs but still a really entertaining and informative workshop.) If you’re ready to increase the entertainment level of your programs while learning the world’s most effective teaching technique then you don’t want to miss this “secret exposing” workshop. By the way the six words are "Let Me Tell You A Story."

Optional KIDabra Bizz Builders Workshops are only $95.00 for everything happening Tuesday night and Wednesday and open to KI members registered for the conference.

Stay tuned for breaking news and more surprises revealed! The Incredible Year of the Performer is a KIDabra Conference like never before!

KIDabra Journal News

The issue 4.2 which featured the great memories of the one and only John Cooper was packed full of interesting info. However we do apologize for the look inside. The digital press at SPS was malfunctioning when the issue was printed. Although the imprint, specifically the photos, were not up to our usual standards, the decision was made to run the magazine to avoid further time delays. I had already held the magazine due to the loss of John just before press time and wanting to retool the issue because of it. I'm glad we went ahead. Stephen at SPS Publishing told us that the press completely locked down at the end of our run and sat unusable for a week until service technicians figured out the problem. (This is a wildly expensive press sitting idle, imagine the nightmare.) Books can be written about the challenges and behind the scenes drama that go on to get our humble little magazine in your hands. One day I hope Sammy Smith will write that book, because it is a story of intrigue, drama and mystery better than any movie you've ever seen. I kid you not!

Speaking of mystery, drama and intrigue, the next issue of The KIDabra Journal 4.3 is headed towards you to feast on, features a lady whose story would also make a great book or movie. You'd just as likely expect see her on the Food Channel, as you would performing at a children's party. I hope you enjoy meeting KI Chapter 1 member and culinary master Donna Horn! Coming soon in issue 4.4 featuring a wildly creative guy some of you met for the first time last year at KIDabra Conference. He's quietly one of the top school show guys in the US and it's also possible you've never heard of him! It's still Top Secret, however here's a hint his last name sounds like what you do to sheep to obtain wool. Prepare for an interlude with Genius. (Another hint!) In addition to meeting the wonderful cover subjects, every issue is packed full of helpful routines, motivation, business, resource, tax advice, product reviews and more. Our thanks to the incredible volunteer staff who put out one of the best info filled magazines around. Do check to see that you are current and not missing a single issue as in this recession here's a membership that doesn't cost, it pays in inspiration, networking, motivation and knowledge. What's better than that? Renew or join at kidabra.org, click the join button.

KIDabra International Chapter Interest All Call

Our Chicago folks are working hard to reinvigorate their great Chapter, please join them if you're in the area. Contact: Mike "Gus" Harvatt 708-499-4503 e mail Gusman6264@AOL.com or Darren Hrabe 708-430-8619

Also folks in these areas are interested in starting new chapters. Please contact the person listed:

Kalamazoo Michigan Area Roger Bus RBusPs67@aol.com

Massachusettes/New Hampshire Area Chapter Contact Tami at kidabraconf@aol.com

Washington DC Area Chapter Louis Meyer ChildTime Magic 703-765-1923

British Columbia - Canada Area Chapter Mike Norden mike.norden@telus.net

By the way, who's going to get our first UK Chapter started? And please let us know if you're interested in your area. We'll help! Contact Tami and mark at kidabraconf@aol.com

A Note for all KI Chapters, current and prospective: Do invite new folks to attend a couple of times, with no obligations. After those initial visits to become a member of your chapter they must first join KIDabra International, then your chapter. This makes your chapter healthy with a solid foundation. Leave egos down the street, I know it's challenging, we're show folk after all. Put members to work with individual assignments each meeting. Ask them to do book reports, mini lectures, prop reviews, brag sessions, marketing minute, techniques of performance, refreshments, etc... Have a great time of fellowshipping, keep video presentations to 10 minutes or less and the business meeting outside of the general meeting. (usually prior to is best.) Be respectful of your pros in attendance, quizzing them about fees and bookings make them feel like hunted animals with vultures hovering overhead and scares them away! (Really!) Above all keep it fun! Check with Dennnis Michael at Chapter 1 to see how they do this meeting after meeting, run much like a mini KIDabra Conference. dennismichael@dowhy.com

New KIDabra Member Benefit - Optional Liability Insurance

Optional Liability Insurance is now offered to members of KIDabra International through K&K Insurance, a strong company that specializes in insuring performers and athletes. Their motto is "We Insure Fun!" If you currently are in need of or are considering this insurance for your performing business, here's some things to ponder. Who can be covered? Magician, Balloon Artists, Caricaturists, Clowns. Comedian, Face Painters, Jugglers, Puppeteers, Storytellers, Santa and other Holiday characters, Ventriloquists and more!

The Important Details: This policy is not part of a group insurance pool, and importantly begins when you want it to. For instance some other policies, especially the group insurance pool policies, renew every year at the same time. An example, some policies renew every August, so if you take out the insurance in April you still pay the full fee. Not true with K&K. The insurance begins shortly after you apply, and upon acceptance. Also you will receive a certificate of insurance with your acceptance and additional free certificates of insurance as needed. How do I get started? Please download the PDF application, study it carefully for what's insurable and what's not. I'm told by Kevin Kutz in sales for K&K that Rabbits and Doves are fine, other animals and all fire related effects are not covered. We think you will find it to be one of strongest, if not the best policy in the industry. You'll find their rates very competitive. Also there are 2 options of insurance, depending on the amount of coverage you desire. Please note there are 2 categories of insurance based on gross performance income- 0- $30,000.00 and $30,000.00 to $100,000.00. You will need to be current with KIDabra International and enter your KI Member number on the application. This insurance is available to KI members in the US. Canadian members must check with the company individually. (K&K does have a Canadian office) KIDabra International is delighted to make this optional benefit available to members. Please understand KIDabra International has no stake, nor receives any compensation from K&K. Any agreement you enter into is between you and K&K. Please direct all insurance questions to K&K. (That's the legal stuff)

Congratulations KIDabra Journal Columnist Julie Varholdt

Julie is just back from the World Clown Association Convention in Denver, CO. She won All Around Clown and 1st in Costume/makeup and the top award in skits. Congrats to her at lovelybuttons@cox.net Julie will be presenting a Breakout for us at KIDabra Conference. She's creative and full of great ideas. More info the next e newsletter.

A Remembrance

Ali Bongo The passing of magician and creative genius Ali Bongo born March 7th in the UK is a great loss to children's performers the world over. Although Ali did not consider himself a children's magician he gave us many staples from the Bongo Hat to the Pom Pom sticks and more. His book called "The Bongo Book" contained tons of workable material. He popularized the hilarious nonsense incantation "Hokus Pokus Fishbones Chokus!" His artwork adorned magazine covers for Supreme Magic for many years and he had just finished artwork for a new routine put out by our friends at Practical Magic. He was a top consultant for years on TV magic shows in the UK and had become quite well known there because of it. His crazy "Shriek of Araby" act was popular at conventions for years in Europe and the US. (You can see the act on youtube) I met Ali several times, however I'm thankful for the time I got to spend with him at The Magic Show Conference in Branson, MO 2 years ago. He had that famous British reserve, however if you engaged him on his passion of magic the game was on. My thanks to Duane and Marty for that time. I had corresponded with Ali by e mail about coming to KIDabra Conference and while it will never be, he leaves a rich legacy and gift to us through his freely shared works. Ali was 80 years old.

Special Offer from John Cooper's friends Arthur and Leslie Stead

Arthur and Leslie are the creators of the wonderful KIDabra theme song and tons of royalty free music (much of which I use in my own show, Mark)

A Note from The Steads: We want to help Cathi, so for an extended period, we will donate 100% of the proceeds from the sale of two of our Interactive Routines, “The Blessings of Love” and “Hot Air Balloon.” “The Blessings of Love” is an inspirational, spiritually uplifting routine, while “Hot Air Balloon” emphasizes a fun approach to literacy (which was so important to John Cooper). Both routines utilize props most of us already own, or which are available from any magic dealer. You can see detailed product descriptions on our website: www.arthurstead.com. Here’s how you can help: Purchase one or both of these routines. Make a check or money order payable to Catherine Cooper, and mail it along with your order to us. We will ship the CDs directly to you, and forward 100% of the proceeds to Cathi. Thank you for supporting Cathi Cooper in her time of need.

God Bless,

Arthur and Leslie Stead

(360) 813-1220

Important KIDabra International Member News

Contacting Us - If at any time, you need assistance with any aspect of your KIDabra membership, please contact Tami directly at kidabraconf@aol.com or 336-492-7870. For help with your KIDabra website or logging on to the Discussion Forum, contact Dennis at dennismichael@dowhy.com.

Change of Address/Change of Email If you move, please tell us! If any part of your address changes, please tell us at kidabraconf@aol.com Also keep your email address up to date with us for breaking news! There is a link at the bottom of this email to delete or add email addresses for this newsletter. Thanks!

KI Member Number

You will need your KI member number frequently. It's required when you first sign on to the KIDabra forum at kidabra.org. You also need your member number to take advantage of the free website, for signing a KIDabra Chapter Charter, purchasing Liability Insurance from K&K and more. To keep up with my card I put it in my wallet, then it's always there. If you misplace yours, your number is always printed above your name on your KIDabra Journal envelope.

KI Membership Join and Renewal

It's easy at kidabra.org, click on the Join button, then scroll down to register. If it's time to renew your KI membership, you can do it now at kidabra.org, click on Join, scroll down to Renew. If your membership has lapsed, or due for renewal, you will or may have received a reminder in the mail, you can also check your membership card and magazine address label for your renewal date.. You don't want to miss a single issue of the KIDabra Journal and all the other great benefits! Treat yourself to KIDabra International today!

KI Member Logo

As a KIDabra International Member in good standing you may use the special Member Logo (created by Ralph the Great) on your website and promotional materials. Find it at kidabra.com, click on the Logo button on the left. Chapters may use the KIDabra logo for chapter business with their Chapter identification immediately under the logo. The original KI logo is reserved for Headquarters' usage.

KI Cloisonne Pins Available

KIDabra International Member Laverne Seibert has gorgeous full color KIDabra logo Cloisonne pins made and available. He sold them at the conference and Laverne still has some of the pins available and they are very inexpensive! Wear them on your costumes, to chapter meetings, anywhere. I pin mine to the collar of my shirt. Purchase direct from Laverne for only $5.00 for one or 5 for $20.00 plus 2 dollars shipping, outside the US and Canada please add additional shipping. Checks and money orders only. Why not get one for everybody in your chapter? They make great gifts for your KIDabra friends too! Order from Laverne Seibert, 7479 Jacobs Mill Road, East Berlin, PA 17316

The Discussion Forum at kidabra.org

KI Members Benefit Posting on the informative KIDabra discussion forum is an important KI member benefit. All of the incredible content on the forum is available to KI members! If you have friends who would like to learn all about KIDabra they may view select sections of the forum as guests, however posting is exclusively for our members. Please join in the sharing! See you there! kidabra.org click on Forum and log in with your membership number.

Free Website

KI Members Benefit One of your most valuable benefits is completely free to you and couldn't be easier to use. I was checking the other day and a ton of KI members have taken advantage of this and you should too! Your website is as easy as fill in the blanks. Use it to advertise your services, shows and talents. Available to paid members in good standing. To get started go to kidabra.org and click on the Free website button on the left. (You'll need your membership number)

Optional Liability Insurance is offered to members of KIDabra International through K&K Insurance, a strong company that specializes in insuring performers and athletes. Their motto is "We Insure Fun!" Click the insurance button on the kidabra.org website and download the PDF insurance application.

Chapter News

Please keep us informed if you're working on starting a Chapter in your area. We'll help promote it. Please direct Chapter questions to Chapter Development Coordinator Dennis Michael. He is eager and ready to help at DennisMichael@MagicalBirthdayParty.com or 856-753-9754.

Chapters - please send your meeting reports for the Journal to Tate Elliott, Story Editor as a word document the address is Tate_Elliott@juno.com Please place in the subject line Chapter # and Meeting Date, for Issue #. Pictures should 300 dpi and converted to B&W and sent to Tami at kidabraconf@aol.com.

KI Journal Reminders Product Reviews

Yes! We do want to review your product in The KIDabra Journal. Do you have a new trick, prop, book, DVD, E-book or Show-In-A-Box? Then send you item to KIDabra Journal Product reviewer Donald Dunphy. Submission Guidelines: (1) All review items must be KIDshow/family show focused. (2) All effects submitted need to contain at least one developed show script. (3) Books, CD's & DVD's must be pertinent to the KIDshow/family show entertainer or their business. Please include retail pricing, ordering information, your phone # and e-mail address (in case Donald has questions) and if possible a disk containing a high-resolution picture of your item. Please indicate whether you want the product returned. Donald will work with you on this or if it will be donated to the 2009 KIDabra Auction with proceeds to charity. Send your review items today to: Donald Dunphy 4487 Majestic Drive (Basement) Victoria, British Columbia, V8N 3H8 Canada

Journal Advertising

To advertise in the KIDabra Journal contact Tami 336-492-7870 or kidabraconf@aol.com. Great rates and the perfect way to get the news out to the KIDshow world about your products and services. We now offer full color ads as well, please inquire about pricing.

The Music Road Hotel Complex hosts KIDabra Conference 2009

Great rooms, on property water parks, pools – indoor and outdoor, water slides, lazy river and more, coupled with an excellent free continental breakfast each morning make for a great whole family treat. Melanie Michaels from Australia and John Reid from Long Island both say the Music Road is like going to a retreat. We'll be housed in both the Music Road Hotel and the Inn with the conference center between. The Inn is only a few steps further from the free standing conference center, the Hotel is best if you have special needs, also half of the rooms at the Hotel overlook the river. If the whole family is coming pick the inn for the most water activities, although no matter which building you're in you have full access. The complex is located at Traffic light 1 in Pigeon Forge in a quiet cul de sac just off the main drag, turn at the Ruby Tuesday's Restaurant. Surrounding it for a mile in every direction are restaurants to please every taste and that huge Wal-Mart in Sevierville is only 4 or 5 minutes drive, not to mention every outlet store known to man. Call Music Road Toll Free at 866-615-6353 and tell them you're with KIDabra. Every room night counts toward our reserved block and makes the conference possible. See more at musicroadhotel.com. Take a moment and make your reservation today! Don't forget you can read past newsletters at the website to gain the full story of KIDabra! We can't wait to see you next August or at your local KI Chapter meeting!

A Note for all KI Chapters, current and prospective: