“Secrets of Wizards” Casts Spell
on Young Readers
The Harry Potter phenomona has propelled reading and magic
to new popularity. Jeff Evans’ Secrets of Wizards show is
inspired by J. K. Rowling’s books and features themes from her stories.
Secrets of Wizards includes
- a trip to the enchanted forest where kids learn how to
hypnotize a giant slug
- Sparky, the trained chicken who nibbles a spectator’s
finger
- learning the “magic numbers” 793.8 to enter through
secret doors
- a framed picture guarding the library that comes to
life, moves her eyes, and talks to the audience (kids will freak out!)
- Jeff’s “Harry Potter Prediction” routine, for which he
was named Children’s Magic Champion at the Pacific Coast Association
of Magicians convention in Portland
- a volunteer from the audience suffers a terrible paper
cut (!), but the wound is restored using the “Elixer of Life” – part of the
act for which Jeff was named Children’s Magic Champion at the Pacific
Coast Association of Magicians convention in Palm Springs
It’s magic, puppetry, ventriloquism, danger, the
unexpected, and laugh-out-loud fun all rolled into one show! Even if kids are
beginning readers or haven’t read the Harry Potter stories, they will still love
the magic and comedy. The benefits of reading are built into the show to
motivate kids to unlock the magic of books.
“He gave a performance
that had the boys rolling on the floor, the girls giggling and the adults
guffawing. It was a laugh a minute! Jeff has a magic touch with children
and knows how to make them laugh!”
-Patricia Richardson, Sammamish Library
Most importantly, it’s a great way to get families into
your library to check out your Harry Potter series, fantasy books, magic
books, and more.
Bookstores: Promote Jeff’s show as
a special event and bring in the crowds.
Increased traffic and publicity are good, but sales are
king in any business. Jeff is always happy to promote your titles that tie in
with the theme of the show. This special event is designed not only to get more
and new people into your store, but also to get them excited about the magic
of books and make a purchase.
When you schedule your program, consider having these items
available:
- A display of Harry Potter books
- Harry Potter Movie Posters
- H. P. “Quidditch” Playing Card game
- H. P. stamps, stickers, pens, etc.
- Magic Books
- Magic Kits
- Magic Videos (instructional tapes)
- Other popular fantasy stories – i.e., Chronicles of
Narnia, Redwall, Time Warp Trio, A Wrinkle in Time, etc.
“I always know I can count on a quality
program with lots of FUN for my kids!”
-Laurin
Linscott, Kent Regional Library
- Encourage children to visit your bookstore on a
regular basis.
- Promote your other programs.
- Start a “Young Wizards Club” to discuss favorite
fantasy books
- Start an online chat room for an alternate way for
patrons to discuss books.
- Have a drawing for a free book or discount coupon
- Have a drawing for movie tickets to an upcoming H. P.
movie
- Invite patrons to join your “Magic Reading Club” and
receive special member-only offers for books, pre-release offers, etc.
In other words, Jeff’s performance can be a powerful
marketing tool for you that generates income and repeat business for a long time
to come.
Jeff is based in Olympia and performs throughout Washington and
Oregon. Libraries are encouraged to coordinate for
same-day performances of the same program to get the best rates.
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