|
In this issue:
Greetings and News
June Greetings! With Summer beckoning here in the US it's time for Summer Daycamp, Library, VBS, company picnic and Fair and Festival shows all over the place. With all the hustle and bustle it also means we're getting close to KIDabra Conference. We continue to work on events and it may be the strongest KIDabra ever, the one you can't miss, in spite of the economy. The smart performers are coming because of the sheer amount of inspiration, ideas and networking. We have folks coming from all over the world to KIDabra Conference this year, and we hope that YOU are one of them. Interestingly, there is quite a contingency flying directly out from KIDabra Conference on Sunday to Stan Allen's Magic Live in Las Vegas including me and a team on a somewhat Top Secret KI mission for Magic Live. Keep an eye on kidabra.org as we post exciting youtube video promos over the next few weeks.
I've been fortunate over the last couple of weeks to see some of the new material from Tim Sonefelt and Barry Mitchell that they will be presenting at KIDabra Conference in their shows and lectures in August. I have to tell you these two are on top of their game with some of the most innovative ideas in our industry. Don't miss them!
Plus we're delighted to welcome back Brad Ross again to conference this year, he was sensational last year with his "It Factor" talk and with his "Behind the scenes on a touring show" chat. He's returns to lecture and host. A few folks have asked about the expiration date on the K&K Liability Application for members. We're told by K&K to ignore those dates and use the app. as normal. We will try to get an updated one posted from them shortly. Much to tell you about as you read ahead, the things we have planned for you are amazing even to us! Breaking news follows on the Competition; the full roster for Tuesday and Wednesday Optional Business Builders; the nearly completed Audio CD set; the growing Vendors room at Conference; plus the upcoming cool things in the KIDabra Journal. We do love having you as part of the KIDabra family and can't wait to see you at the KIDshow event of the year: KIDabra Conference 2009! Thanks, Mark and Tami
KIDabra Conference 2009 News 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, Kimmo, Mark Wade, Duane Laflin, Magic Al, Brad Ross, Barry Mitchell, Tim Sonefelt, Julie Varholdt, Tom McDonnell, Jeff Jones, Bruce Amato, Jim Austin, Todd McKinney, Matt Fore and more coming! The KIDabra Senior Conference 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 Breaking News:
Update on The First Ever KIDabra International Family Performer of the Year Pro/AM Invitational Competition Friday, August 14, at 7:00PM $500.00 Cash Prize sponsored by sillymagic.com just added! With global interest for the competition, we wanted to up the ante. Thanks to David Kaye of sillymagic.com for the CASH sponsorship. David said " I can't wait to see all the great performers compete!" 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. The Prize Package for First Place in addition to the Cash includes:
2009 KIDabra International Family Performer of The Year Trophy! You on the cover of The KIDabra Journal and a feature article in an upcoming issue! 2010 Registration to KIDabra Conference! A spot on the 2010 Gala Show! And the right to use the title in your Marketing and promotional materials! 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? A hilarious clown? Children's Composer? Will it be someone from Europe, Asia, Canada, The US? Will it be you! 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. Full details and contest registration are at kidabra.org, click on contest. 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
KIDabra Conference Day Hosts On Thursday at the conference you're in good hands with Mike Bent who will keep things moving and a smile on your face throughout the day and come Saturday the charismatic and likable star of Disney Live's Mickey's Magic Show, Brad Ross takes on the duties of hosting. Friday's Day host announcement is coming.
KIDabra Conference Vendor Spotlight: Axtell Expressions (axtell.com) returns with their incredible line of puppets and props. The booth will be manned by the personable Jason Bonilla, a popular One Way Street lecturer who now lives in Pigeon Forge. Plus all the other terrific KIDabra Vendors: fairchildmagic.com, Joe Lefler (magicandsoundsystems.com), Barry Mitchell (BarryMitchell.com), Tim Sonefelt's Wonder Imagery (WonderImagery.com), Jeff Jones (magicbackdrops.com), Dazzling Magic ( DazzlingMagic.com), Dave Hill's Balloons and Clowns (BalloonsAndClowns.com), Angel Contreras (Art4Clowns.com) Matt Fore (MattFore.com), Brad Ross (MakeMagicMoney.com), Bruce Amato, Laflin Magic and Silks, The Riz and more to come, as confirmed! And now a word from this Month's Newsletter Sponsor: Every issue of The KIDabra Journal carries a back page ad from frequent KIDabra Conference Vendor Creative Magic. Here's Breaking News from Brian at CM: ANNOUNCING TEACH BY MAGIC A brand new resource for teachers that will captivate students, create an unprecedented level of excitement to learn, and ensure a higher level of retention is finally here! Your friends at Creative Magic have been working around the clock for over six months to develop and refine this website that will forever change the way teachers teach. And now they are inviting you to be apart of all the excitement! Simply put, TeachByMagic.com is a website where teachers can learn easy magic tricks to improve their lessons. We are currently looking for magicians that can become certified TBM instructors. This means Teach By Magic will promote you to schools in your region both online and through direct mail pieces, plus you will be able to offer TBM workshops, and of course, make money in your sleep with your TBM videos. For more information on how you can get involved: www.teachbymagic.com/lookingformagicians.aspx Optional KIDabra Business Building Seminars All the lectures are set and it's amazing! Probably the best and most important Pre- Conference Schedule Ever. Designed to give you an edge for the times in which we live! Tuesday Evening August 11th, starting at 7:00PM and Wednesday, Aug 12th, 2009, 9:00AM-5:00PM Wednesday, August 12 at 3:00 PM International Star Illusionist & Cutting Edge Marketer, Brad Ross returns to the KIDabra Conference
He is fresh off a 9 month European tour with Disney LIVE presents Mickey's Magic Show and thrilled to be returning to the KIDabra Conference for the second time. "On Wednesday, August 12th, I invite you to join me at the close of the Business Building Workshop to get you fired up, motivated and truly passionate about your business and life. It's my goal to get you working towards being in the best physical shape of your life, feeling good, running the kind of business you WANT to run and most of all living life with passion and LIVING YOUR DREAM!" -Brad Ross Brad is author of "The It Factor" Secrets to Creating The Illusion of Celebrity." as well as numerous books, audio and video courses for magicians and entertainers. He is also a business success coaching helping turn dreams into goals and then reality for clients across the world. Wednesday, Aug 12th, 2009, 11:00 AM Marty Hahne: Finding Money At The Back of The Room- Double Your Show Fees with Product Sales
After this lecture, you will have the tools you need to generate income to pay for all of your road expenses and even have money left over. Don't miss this important talk from the man Mark Daniel loves to call Mr. Controversy! Wednesday, Aug 12th, 2009, 10:00 AM Todd McKinney: Creating A Celebrity Status With Clients
Todd McKinney is a full time professional children's entertainer from the great state of Texas. Performing since the age of 10, Todd has traveled the country presenting his unique brand of children's entertainment to millions of children. A seasoned performer and constant marketer, Todd has discovered some truly one-of-a-kind ways to become an in demand entertainer. He has an instant connection with kids that shines through during his presentations. Don't miss your chance to see a performer who's marketing is as big as Texas. Wednesday, Aug 12th, 2009, 9:00 AM Dennis Michael: A Sound Adventure:
Plus, Wednesday, August 12th, 1:00 PM Max Howard shares with Skip Way "An Artists Journey to a Career." Join KIDabra Journal Features Editor Skip Way for the second in his series of interview/chats with lifelong pros on their journeys of performing for a living. Maybe you were with us last year for the very funny and incredible story of Chris Capehart's career. Regardless, you're going to love Max's amazing story too! From pacing the boards of legitimate theater, to the streets of New York, then on to the grind of making good TV, a twenty six year long mission to bring a wizard named Gus to life, and beyond. Sit back and enjoy with Skip the breathtaking adventures past and present of a passionate guy named Max. And on Tuesday Evening the Business Builder's Kickoff at 7:00 PM
A 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: Let Me Tell You A Story." And more events coming! Optional KIDabra Biz Builders Workshops are only $95.00 for everything happening Tuesday night and Wednesday and open to KI members registered for the conference. Don't Dare Miss Them! Optional PRIVATE COACHING with Max Howard!
Take advantage of a rare opportunity to work privately with Emmy© Award winning actor, director and performance coach, Max Howard during KIDabra Conference! Develop a script, create a character, frame a show or sharpen your performance skills with one of America’s most respected performers and teachers! Participants may bring performance pieces for personal instruction or bring a DVD for review and critique. For best use of your time contact Max, before your meeting, to structure the best approach. KIDabra Conference Special Pricing for Coaching with Max: One hour: $100.00, Two hours: $150.00
Book by July 1, 2009 and receive one hour of pre-conference coaching free! Only 10 hours of coaching time will be available during KIDabra Conference week! Book now! Contact Max: Max@TheHabitofExcellence.com or Call: (770) 557-1949 Here's What Others Are Saying... “I was scared to work with you because I thought it was going to be painful and embarrassing, but I knew I needed to do it anyway. You were easy to work with, you made me comfortable and the experience was great! You really helped me. Thank you!” -Brad Matchett “Max Howard was the highlight of the last year at least! The best hour I have ever spent in my professional career.” -John Pyka “Before working with you, I had performed for over thirty years and reached a plateau that I couldn’t seem to overcome. Thank you for giving me new insight into performing possibilities.” -Ray Roch Contact Max today for one of the best things you'll do for yourself as a performer! Optional KIDabra Audio CD Album 2009 Now On Sale Own an instant collectible - 8 KIDabra sessions recorded live on Audio CD. Relive the lectures for years to come. Importantly, no albums are sold after the convention as we give each lecturer who participates their master recording at the completion of the project. FAQ's- Do you record the entire conference? No, as there is so much that happens at KIDabra, much of which is visual, not lending itself well to recording. We select the optimal listening sessions. Do you record sessions from the Business Builders Seminars? Yes, usually at least 2 of the sessions are recorded. What do I get? An album with 8 Audio CD recordings of lectures and sessions recorded live as they happen with no editing at KIDabra on one or 2 CDs as needed per session. Our mission is to have the album ready to take with you Saturday night before you leave. Great quality and ease of use add up to a fabulous bargain and opportunity to relive and continue to learn from KIDabra for years to come. Who's on the Recordings?
How Much? The KIDabra Audio Album is only $99.95 pre-ordered and pre-purchased, delivered to you at the conclusion of this year's KIDabra Conference. You can also purchase the Album at KIDabra for $110.00 Important Note: Due to the arrangements with our speakers no Album sets will be sold after the conference, so they are available in advance or at KIDabra only. If you can't be with us and would like to purchase a set as an Invisible Attendee you may for only $150.00 including shipping in the US and Canada. (Additional shipping for other countries) Invisible registrants must place their order in advance of the conference and please allow at least 2 to 3 weeks after KIDabra to receive your Album. Attendee CD Album: $99.95 (Pre-registered & Pre-Ordered before 8/10/09) CD Album (Invisible Attendee): $150.00 (U.S and Canada) Order at kidabra.org, click on Register (Shipping to foreign countries extra - charged at actual shipping price) 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 in August or at your local KI Chapter meeting! Join KIDabra International Today at kidabra.org. Click on Join Primary Members receive a Membership Card, The KIDabra Journal, Free Member Websites, the Amazing KIDabra Discussion Forum, and more. Member dues are $60.00 which includes an initiation fee and thereafter $49.00 on renewal.
Associate/Spouse (who assist or are married to a Primary Member) $30.00 Includes a one time 10.00 initiation fee and thereafter $20.00 on renewal. Junior Member (10-18 years old who are the child of a Primary Member) $30.00 Includes a one time 10.00 initiation fee and thereafter $20.00 on renewal. If a youth is interested in joining and does not have a parent that is a KI member, we suggest joining at the Primary rate so they can receive the Journal and full benefits. International Member (outside of U.S. and Canada) $95.00 Includes a one time initiation fee thereafter $82.00 on renewal.International Members receive a Membership Card, The KIDabra Journal, Free Member Websites, the Amazing KIDabra Discussion Forum, and more. Register Today For The 2009 KIDabra International Conference!
You can register by online, by phone or fax with Mastercard, Visa, and Discover
c/o KIDabra 2009 Convention P.O. Box 1296 Mocksville, NC 27028 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 Doug Scheer issue of the Journal is incredible! I can't wait for you to meet the one and only Emmy Award winning Max Howard in the June/July issue of the Journal and the 2009 Yearbook issue of the Journal is in active preparation, once again featuring the incredible cover art of Angel Contreras! (See and meet Angel at KIDabra conference) Recently we said good bye to David Kaye's always informative Ask David Kaye column, but not to David writing for the Journal. In the October/ November issue of the Journal change is coming as we say thank you to Ken Scott's reporting "In the Know" news from around the KIDshow world and David takes over with a slight title change to "In the News" Many thanks to Ken for keeping us in the Know from the get go! 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. If you have recently received an email reminder to Renew, do it now so you don't miss out. Our print run covers paid members and we don't usually have any extra copies! 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.org, 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) Newest 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! 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. Full details at kidabra.org, click on Insurance. 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. 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. On meeting night, 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 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 your 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. What if there was a place and a group of people that existed to meet the special needs of folks who perform for kids and families? What if there was a place to motivate you, educate you and point you in the right direction? What if there was a place that helped person after person build successful performance careers? What if all of this really existed? A place so good that your competitors won't tell you they're a member because they want to keep all the resources for themselves. It does! It is KIDabra International!
|
Some very cool news to report –
Last year, Brad Ross WOWed attendees and unleashed some powerful marketing strategies leaving all who attended his lecture truly excited and ready to succeed with their new found knowledge and ideas. He returns this year with an ALL NEW motivational marketing presentation.
