KIDabra International News
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In this issue:
Greetings and News Stimulus Offers KIDabra 2010 Conference Updates KIDabra Journal News Congrats and Remembrances KIDabra International Member News
January Greetings!
We hope this newsletter finds you well in the New Year! January is a busy time around KIDabra Headquarters as we chart the course for the 2010 Conference, plan KIDabra Journal issues, and the exciting year ahead! There are some amazing surprises on the horizon so grab a cup of coffee or some tea, and let's visit a few minutes with all things KIDabra!
As we enter the New Year with hope and excitement, whether you are a resolution person or not, it's a great time to take stock in your goals as a performer for the year. Is it to do a better show, learn some great new routines, or make more money? The good news is we are here to help through the association, the journal and the conference. We want to point you in the right direction, help you learn, network and find the tools to prosper. It's not in a kit sold for a few hundred dollars, rather it's an exciting learning process that never stops.
At KIDabra, as in my own performing career, we continually study
the many facets of performing for young audiences and their families. Together
we'll learn from the top pros in theindustry through the Journal and the conference.
A favor please — tell a friend about KIDabra. Invite them to join the
Association and attend the Conference in August. The best never stop learning!
Our goal for 2010, is to help you be the best you can be for your young audiences.
They will love you for it!
Special New Years Stimulus: Special Conference Savings and Preferred Seating
The next 10 Primary Conference registrants receive $15.00 off for the 2010 KIDabra International Conference and preferred seating right up front (if your spouse and kids sign up with you, they also receive preferred seating). Register online at kidabra.org, click the register button or call 336-492-7870. Tami will manually adjust the price on-line once received, but hurry, this offer expires January 31, 2010 and is good for the first 10 payment in hand, primary registrations.
Limited Time Membership Renewal Stimulus - 10 Days Only! Has your KIDabra Membership expired and you keep meaning to renew, but justhaven’t gotten around to it? Are those email reminders sitting in your in box and you keep thinking, I’ll do that tomorrow? Well, today is the day you want to get that renewal in! January 5th – 15th, renew and save $7 off your Primary renewal! That’s right, Primary members can renew for just $45. International members can renew for just $75. Renew online and put the word Stimulus in the note section, and Tami will adjust to the correct price when processing. If your membership has not expired, you can still take advantage of the discount by renewing now. Tami will adjust and extend your membership for you (ie if your membership expires 8/10, it would extend to 8/11). This offer ends on January 15th!
2010 Conference Schedule
Two important January and February Conferences to know about: If you're going to be in the Philadelphia area during the end of January, stop in and enjoy a great day of KIDshow education, fellowshipping and fun! Also I'll be attending Circus Magic in Williamsburg, VA February 18-21 with a KIDabra Booth. Steve Kissell's nearly 30 year old convention brings in tons of folks for workshops on balloons, face painting, magic and clowning around. Some of the other KIDabra folks appearing are Riz, Dave Hill, Duane Laflin, Uncle Curt, Ron Conley and Harry Allen. You can check out the details at CircusMagicConvention.com
Terry Evanswood Plots a New Course
The rumors are true! Our friend Terry Evanswood is leaving the Magic Beyond Belief Theater. His decision has resulted in quite a story told exclusively to our own Skip Way for a cover feature of a performers career in transition and what lies ahead. Terry is a charter KIDabra International Member and one of the finest family performers in the biz. Watch for this fascinating story in the Feb/March Journal.
KIDabra Conference 2010
Featuring: From Finland, Simo Aalto in his first KIDabra Conference Appearance! Simo is a FISM award winner and professional children's magician and we're excited to have him with us for the first time! "Jokeri Pokeri Box" is a children's magician character that Simo Aalto first created 30 years ago. During the past 15 years he has done over 250 TV-shows for YLE the Finnish Broadcasting Company. With his assistant and wife Kirsti he is a very popular artist in Finland and they constantly tour the country.
 For KIDabra Conference Simo has put together his most popular numbers. Tricks and routines that are very visual and funny. During the lecture, about the show, Simo will reveal his best! A Don't Miss KIDabra Feature Event! (BTW, if you do a youtube search for Simo Aalto you can watch his FISM act and we're working to get a video of "Jokeri Pokeri Box" for the website.)
The Max Howard Project - A First Time KIDabra Conference Event Last year Max Howard appearing at KIDabra Conference gave 2 amazing presentations, the second one his lecture on Saturday afternoon ended in standing ovation. Folks approached me over and over about how blown awaythey were by it. Fast forward to the fall when Max proposed an idea that we brainstormed for quite some time. It would be a teaching exercise and as ittook shape I took to calling it "The Max Howard Project". The name stuck and how!
Imagine if you could take 3 top pros and see them work through the
 process of developing a routine or piece of performance material. Where can you see this other than their practice space or studio? Imagine also if they were working with one of the top consultants/ teachers/ performers in the business and you could catch a glimpse of creative sparks/ genius/ the process in action. Where could you possibly do this? Why at KIDabra Conference 2010 with Max Howard. Maxs' gift to conference attendees, working with Glenn Strange, Tim Sonefelt and Ken Scott is exactly that. (BTW, If you're an "Idol" fan, perhaps your favorite part of the show each episode, as is mine, is when they peek in on each of the finalists early in the week to see the song they selected and hear them work on it with their celebrity teacher. I would describe The Max Howard Project as something akin to this.)
Join Max, to watch and learn on Thursday about the material the 3 will work on during the week. Peek in on Friday to see the process in action and finally on Saturday afternoon, see the performance pieces of Glenn, Ken and Tim, plus critique and discussion of the performances. This amazing event is worth the price of the conference, the winners are everyone who takes part and yes you get a part to play in this too! Emmy Award Winning Max Howard has inspired my own performances to continually higher levels over the years. I hope you'll come be inspired, motivated and leave working on your own show after you've experienced The Max Howard Project! It is the essence of what we do at KIDabra. A KIDabra Conference Highlight Event!
More Incredible Happenings at KIDabra Conference 2010 Todd McKinney: Big Show on a Small Budget Want to do more shows effectively? Todd teaches how to take your current show and make it set up quickly and easily. Todd shares his strategy for presenting a smaller show that looks like a big show. Discover the ability to do multiple shows in one day with very little work. Don't Miss The Real Secrets of a Road Warrior that you can put right to use in your own shows! Barry Hinnant: Routines for Older Elementary Kids Barry is a long time conference attendee and busy pro making his first KIDabra workshop appearance with a perfect KIDabra topic! What in the world do you perform for older kid that they'll like? If you ever present before an audience of upper elementary kids, this workshop is just right for you. Battle tested routines for those difficult to please 8 to 12 year olds, which will include openers, stand alones, and participatory pieces. Gain valuable insight into basic philosophy, types of routines, stage persona, costuming, and humor for this age range. Plus you'll learn two bonus close-up routines suitable for walk-around for this group.
Plus: Bruce Amato with Make Your Own Magic and more to come! Registration for The Second KIDabra International Family Performer of the Year Pro/AM Invitational Competition opens in mid-March. Competitio Chairman Chris Weed has requested that all video submissions be viay outube, so get your videos ready! Details on sponsors, prizes and more coming soon!
Plus, A New Conference Feature Event: The KIDabra Journal: The Magazine Comes to Life! Also in the next issue of this newsletter we'll share info on the terrific Optional BIZ Builders featuring Emanuel Shabum, BJ Hickman andmany more to come!!!
Please do start clearing out your closets and sheds for The KIDabra KIDshow Auction with the incomparable Gary Shelton auctioneering! And more huge surprises to be revealed for The Year of Incredible!
Register today and remember, if you are one of the next 10 primary conference registrants, save $15.00 off your total registration and get preferred seating as well. Go to KIDabra.org and click Register
KIDabra Journal News
Congratulations
In Remembrance The Music Road Hotel Complex hosts KIDabra Conference 2010
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 freestanding 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 http://www.musicroadhotel.com. Take a moment and make your reservation today!
Other Bits and Pieces
Register Today and receive Preferred Seating for The 2010 KIDabra International Conference!
Plus the next 10 Primary Registrants can save $15.00 off their total Registration. (Discount offer ends January 31, 2010.)
Register now for the best seats in the house, reserved that is. The first 50 registrants receive their special seating for all lectures and special events during KIDabra, right down front. Only 50 available and these are much sought after and waiting for you if you register today!
Member Performer $194.95 Spouse $90.00
Child under 16 with full paying adult $75.00
New Member Performer/Conference Registration and KI Membership
$254.95 (US and Canada) New Member International Performer $284.95 includes Conference Registration and KI Membership Optional KIDabra Biz Builders August 10&11 only $95.00
You can register by online, by phone or fax with Mastercard, Visa, and Discover phone (336) 492-7870 fax (336) 492-2199 Online at http://www.kidabra.org Check and Money Order to: MSD Productions c/o KIDabra 2009 Convention P.O. Box 1296 Mocksville, NC 27028
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@kidabra.org 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, member reminders, etc! 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 Elite Risk 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 to join at http://www.kidabra.org/KIDabraMembership.html, click on the Join button, then scroll down to register.
Primary Members receive a Membership Card, The KIDabra Journal, Free Member Websites, the access to the amazing KIDabra Discussion Forum, and more. Primary Member dues are $60.00 which includes an initiation fee and thereafter $52.00 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 KIDabra Discussion Forum, and more.
Renewals
If it's time to renew your KI membership, you can do it now at http://www.kidabra.org/KIDabraMembership.html, scroll down to Renew.
If your membership has lapsed, or due for renewal, you will receive an
electronic reminder
by e mail, sent out bi-monthly. Reminders are mailed quarterly, so it is important that
we have your current contact info.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! Also, take advantage of our 10 day,
never before Stimulus Renewal Offer!
If you are receiving this enews, but are not receiving membership renewal reminders, we do not have your correct email! Membership reminders go out through our membership records and are not tied to this newsletter account. PLEASE email your correct email address to Tami at kidabraconf@aol.com if you are not receiving membership reminders. 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 http://www.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 Cloisonné Pins Available KIDabra International Member Laverne Seibert has gorgeous full color KIDabra logo Cloisonné 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 Social Networking, KI on Facebook, the KIDabra Forums and such... There has been a huge shift over the last year or so with online forums. You'll find KIDabra International folks in 2 places, Facebook and on the KIDabra thread on The Magic Cafe The forum on KIDabra Forum has gone quiet with this shift and discussion forums in general are under transition to the giants. The good news is that the KIDabra Forum will remain as an archive with incredible information at your fingertips. All of the incredible archived content on the forum is available to KI members! http://www.kidabra.org/forum/index.php 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 http://www.kidabra.org/members.html (You'll need your membership number) KIDabra Member Benefit - Optional Liability Insurance Optional Liability Insurance is now offered to members of KIDabra International through Elite Risk Insurance, a strong company that specializes in insuring performers and athletes. 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. 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@kidabra.org or 856-768-2281. Chapters - please send your meeting reports for the Journal to Tami at kidabraconf@aol.com. Please place in the subject line Chapter # and Meeting Date, Pictures should 300 dpi 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 scare them away! (Really! ) Above all keep it fun!
Check with Dennis Michael at Chapter 1 http://www.kidabra1.org to see how they do this meeting after meeting, run much like a mini KIDabra Conference. dennismichael@KIDbra1.org KI Journal 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 Todd McKinney. 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. And if possible a disk containing a high-resolution picture of your item. Please indicate whether you want the product returned. Todd 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: Todd McKinney Journal Review P.O. Box 764 Hewitt, Texas 76643
His email address is todd@toddmckinneypro.com
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 affordable full color ads as well, please inquire about pricing. Back Issues of the Journal Folks ask us frequently if back issues of the Journal are available? The answer is yes some issues are and all are in very limited copies. They are $8.00 for KI members. The only issues available to non-members are the Yearbooks. 2006 is sold out 2007-2009 are available for $20.00 each.
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 are a member because they want to keep all the resources for themselves. It does! It is KIDabra International!
KIDabra International PO Box 1296 Mocksville, NC 27028 Phone 336-492-7870 Fax 336-492-2199 Email kidabraconf@aol.com |
Past Newsletters | ||||
| Jan 2010 | Nov 2009 | Aug 2009 | Jun 2009 | |
| Apr 2009 | Mar 2009 | Jan 2009 | Dec 2008 | Aug 2008 |
| Jul 2008 | Jun 2008 | Apr 2008 | Feb 2008 | Jan 2008 |