The Curious Performer

Darren Casteel is the CEO of DoDad's Lab in Clermont Florida. Darren is a professional entertainer using science, story-telling, puppets, music, and much more. Doing over 200+ shows a year in libraries, schools, museums, and churches world wide. His passion for children and families makes his shows enjoyable for all ages. Darren also runs a printing business called DRC Print. Printing banners, backdrops, table covers, and more. ​​In this Episode:Origin StoryTransition to ScienceMeeting Stan Lee while being Protested againstNewbie AdviceIt's a ProcessBranding - First ImpressionsLibrariesSocial MediaPeople You Should KnowClient RetentionTop 3 Things Needed to be SuccessfulExplore these resources:DRC PrintDodad's LabFollow Our PodcastThe Curious Performer PodcastThe Curious Performer Facebook Page

Steve Petra trained at the National Theatre of Puppet Arts and at Jim Henson Productions in Manhattan. He is a full-time professional ventriloquist and puppeteer performing his own scripts, songs and music. Previously, he worked as a professional musician. He now specializes in curriculum-based assembly programs for elementary schools.Steve also performs for family audiences at libraries and some other venues. These shows are like being at a Comedy Club for families. With zany illusions, props, music, audience participation and a cast of outrageous puppet characters.When he isn't out doing live shows, Steve is working on audio and video projects, and as a video editor. His instructional series, Let's Get Visual, is selling to performers all over the world. He is now in demand as a lecturer at conferences for professional performers and has taught workshops on show building, puppet manipulation, character voices and ventriloquism.PetraPuppets is Steve and his wife Jeanie. Steve performs the shows. Jeanie does the website, database, booking, scheduling, contracts, fliers, teacher's guides, and collaborates on the shows.Steve has performed at The Vent Haven ConVENTion, The KIDabra Conference, KAX, Puppeteers of America festivals and at Puppet Guild events. He's a member of The International Ventriloquist Society and The Puppeteers of America.Steve Petra was named 2019 Northeast Ventriloquist of the year by the International Ventriloquist SocietyIn this Episode we discuss:Origin StoryTransition from Musician to PuppeteerJim Henson StudioSchool ShowsPricing Becoming a VentLibrariesAudience Control & Pre-showEarly StrugglesNikon SchoolNewbie AdviceInterest vs ObsessionBrandingWorld of PuppetrySocial MediaContinuing EducationTop 3 Things to be SuccessfulExplore these Resources:"Making Puppets Come Alive"The Jim Henson CompanyCarol FijanBarry MitchellLee AndrewsKAXKen ScottMark WadeDavid GinnTim SonefeltSammy SmithFollow our PodcastThe Curious Performer PodcastThe Curious Performer Facebook Page

Louie Foxx is the consummate kid that never grew up and it’s evident as you watch him interact with audiences of all age. He is living his childhood dream of being a magician.As a kid he realized that he excelled at all of the things that adults told him were a waste of time. Instead of playing baseball in high school, Louie built himself a rickety table and rode the bus into downtown to perform magic tricks on the street corner and got paid by “passing the hat”. He’s come a long way since then.The Society of American Magicians voted Louie The Best Stage Magician and Best Close-Up Magician in Minnesota in 1996. He has also been featured four times in the prestigious Linking Ring Magazine which is a magazine for the 13,000 members of the International Brotherhood of Magicians! Louie has also written several books about magic tricks for professional magicians, one of which has sold over 2,300 copies!Louie is also a Two Time Guinness World Record Holder and has been on NBC’s America’s Got Talent, the nationally syndicated television show How ‘Bout That, Evening Magazine, New Day Northwest, Otra Movida TV in Spain, and in London’s Guardian Newspaper!Louie is enjoying life as the rockstar dad. He now has a valid excuse to go to the zoo once a week and build forts out of the sofa cushions.

Doug Scheer is a Michigan magician who has been performing since he was only 9 years old. During the second 10 years, he actually started to get good. He then spent 15 years performing as the lead magician for Chevrolet on their national auto show tours.Between show, he now travels all over the world lecturing to his peers at some of the most respected magic conventions on the planet: Magic Live, The society of Magician's Convention, KGB (not that KGB, a different one) and to some  of the most respected children's entertainers at their annual Kidabra Conference.He is the owner of Assemblyshows.com  Michigan's premier school show company, He has created12 educational and highly entertaining shows that are seen in elementary schools throughout the Midwest.In the episode we discuss:Origin Story1970's Magic ShowsBehavior in Schools TodayEarly Struggles???Today's Issues Getting into the School MarketJust say "Yes"School Show BusinessAntagonist in Your ShowCustomize Your ShowBrandingSocial MediaPeople You Should KnowClient RetentionContinuing EducationTop 3 Things to be SuccessfulExplore these Resources:Jeff McBride"Don't Touch Me" by Howie Mandel""Leading with my Chin" by Jay Leno"I Killed: True Stories of the Road from America's Top Comics"When I Stop Talking" by Jerry WeintraubAtlanta Harvest of Magic - Ken ScottKidabra - Mark DanielsKarrell Fox"Tribe of Mentors" by Timothy FerrissDoug Scheer.comFollow our PodcastThe Curious Performer PodcastThe Curious Performer Facebook Page

Colin Dymond is both a Magician and a Ventriloquist. Colin has lectured and performed at The Magic Circle, The International Ventriloquist Convention in Cincinnati and The Children’s Entertainer Convention in L.A.He was the 2018 Cotswold Stage Magician of the year and the UK Children’s entertainer of the year 2014. He is also a four time winner of the Cotswold Close Up Magician of The Year.Colin is proud to be a part of the POD Children’s Charity team bringing smiles to poorly children into hospital in the UK. Colin works in Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bath, Newport, Gloucester Royal and Hereford hospitals. He is also the entertainer for the Cotswold Downs Group. In this Episode:Origin StoryMagic to PuppetsCovid LockdownShow from the ShedCustom PuppetsAdvice for NewbiesPerformers PayBrandingSocial MediaPeople You Should KnowTop 3 Things to be SuccessfulResourcesExplore these resources:The Magic Circle - LondonKids Entertainer AcademyPractical MagicAxtell PuppetsHK AudioMax FulhamColin DymondFollow our PodcastThe Curious Performer PodcastThe Curious Performer Facebook Page

Ken Scott has over 20 years of experience performing over 350 shows a year. He has entertained over a million people with his unique cutting edge programs. He is four time winner of the Greater Atlanta Magician of the year awards. In addition, he was featured on CNN Headline News, where he headlined their segment on  A Day of Magic. He performs annually in Holy wood California at The World Famous Magic Castle. He has also performed five times at the White House and appeared on ABC's America's Funniest Home Videos.Along with performing he travel around the world teaching other entertainers his original ideas and routines that he has invented and developed.In this Episode we discuss:Origin StoryEarly StrugglesMentorsNewbie AdviceVirtual StudioSocial MediaBrandingPeople You Should KnowSchools & LibrariesClient RetentionContinuing EducationThe Future of ConventionsDiscover MagicTop 3 Things to be SuccessfulExplore these ResourcesMario the MakerJustin WillmanInternational Brotherhood of MagiciansAtlanta Harvest of MagicDiscover MagicKen Scott ProductsFollow our PodcastThe Curious Performer PodcastThe Curious Performer Facebook Page

Children's book author Annie Banannie, Balloon Storyteller, brings reading assemblies and creative writing assemblies to elementary schools in Southern California. You can also find her hilarious “Balloon Theater” shows at libraries and community events all over Southern California.In this Episode we discuss:What is a Balloon StorytellerWebsite vs Social MediaMusical TheatreActing to BalloonsAdvice to NewbiesMentorsValue of a Photo ShootSocial MediaMarketingPeople You Should KnowTop 3 Things to be SuccessfulExplore these ResourcesMichael Messing PhotographyTamar KimmonsBuster BalloonChristopher T. BarnesBalloon HQT. Myers Kidabra - Mark & Tammy DanielsLee AndrewsAmerican Clown AcademyTwist & Shout Balloon ConventionFollow our PodcastThe Curious Performer PodcastThe Curious Performer Facebook Page

Max Fulham 's love of entertaining was sparked performing made up shows to anyone who would stand still for long enough - family, friends and even neighbors! Since then he has been hooked on all things Comedy and Ventriloquism!His bright, fresh approach and passion for what he does has endeared him to many Pantomime audiences in the UK.He has appeared at the The Vent Haven Ventriloquist Conventions, Trix in the Stix, Camp Bestival, The New Alexandra Theatre, and the Museum of Comedy in London. Max is a rising superstar and he's sure to make you laugh!In this Episode we discuss:Origin StoryUK PantomimeFrom Talent Show to TVChildren's PartiesPuppets & Prop ComedyBrandingSocial MediaNewbie AdvicePeople You Should KnowSuccessContinuing EducationTop 3 Things Needed to be a Successful PerformerExplore these resources:Max FulhamDrivel PedlarThe Dummy BlogRay Allen - VentChristopher T. MagicianMario the MakerSpencer Jones - ComedianMat Ricardo - JugglerFred Roby - VentFollow our PodcastThe Curious Performer PodcastThe Curious Performer Facebook 

Silly Sparkles aka Regina Martinez  performed her first party at age 16, she fell in love with entertaining children and hearing them laugh with joy (or mischievous delight!). After taking a 4 year college detour to get her BA degree in graphic design, she soon realized after graduating that entertaining at kids parties is an infinitely more rewarding career – this was her passion in life!Getting married to Mr. Sparkles and having Baby Sparkles #1, and #2 and #3 further cemented her love of entertaining and provided an unending source of inspiration.  She loves kids!In this Episode:Origin StoryMentorsSetbacks or StugglesBrandingTargeted ClientsSocial MediaEmail MarketingNewbie AdviceOne Minute BookingClient RetentionChildcare CentersContinuing EducationExplore these Resources:Silly SparklesOne Minute Booking KIdabra & KAXChristopher T. Magician's Facebook GroupKid Entertainer Academy Follow our PodcastThe Curious Performer PodcastThe Curious Performer Facebook Page

Christopher wrote the book on performing magic for kids......... Literally!! In FACT - He has written TWO!! ​​His books BEYOND LOOK DON'T SEE: FURTHERING THE ART OF CHILDREN'S MAGIC, and JUST FOR FUN have taken the magic world by storm, receiving countless rave reviews, and taken him on lecture tours around the country, teaching other kid show magicians how to improve their craft! The Techniques and sillyness Christopher put forth in his books he honed over his fifteen years performing magic for children at parties and other special events!In this episode we discuss:Origin StoryEarly Struggles                Musical "The Legs"              Advice for Newbies             Running Gags                           Branding                                     Social Media                             People You Should Know  KAX     Books You Should Own     Explore these ResourcesBeyond Look Don't See by Christopher BarnesJust for Fun by Christopher BarnesSeriously Silly by David KayeMario the MakerMax FulhamConference Registration (kidabra.org)Axtell PuppetsLet's Taco About It Facebook GroupVanish MagazineFollow our PodcastThe Curious Podcast WebsiteThe Curious Podcast Facebook Page

Corinne Sparkles Smith was blessed with tow artistic parents and has enjoyed arts and crafts her whole life. When she stumbled upon the art of face painting in 2004, she was instantly hooked! Corinne has always enjoyed children, making people smile, and the arts. This new endeavor was the perfect fit! Soon after, she began learning the art of clowning and balloon twisting. In 2006, she began her own business Fun with Sparkles.In this episode we discuss:Origin StoryEverything Sparkles DoesPivoting in 2020Transition to ProMentorNewbie AdviceBrandingSocial MediaClient RetentionContinuing EdcuationTop 3 Things for SuccessExplore these ResourcesLori Hurley - Entertainment Business MagicDavid Kaye - Seriously SillyMarcela Murad - Mama ClownSilly Farm SuppliesFABA TVFun with Sparkles Balloon TwistingFollow our PodcastThe Curious Performer PodcastThe Curious Performer Facebook Page

Specializing exclusively in entertaining children, Christopher Weed is a Serial Entrepreneur. He has become a friend and an incredible business resource for me personally. Yes, he's a magician but that is just the tip of the iceberg. Right now his over-arching brand Alakazam Events includes magic, bubbles, foam, mini golf and a fire truck. The ideas and information Christopher shares on today's show can change your business! Take notes and make more money!In this episode we dicuss:Origin StoryFire TrucksThemed Entertainment ExperiencesFoam PartiesWho are your CompetitorsHow to keep your sanityUtilizing you Data BaseCross Marketing to Day Care CentersBook Summer Shows in JanuaryNew Business' Launch ProcessHow important are Photos and VideosSocial Media3 Words - Branding, Marketing & AdvertisingLeveraging Your BrandExplore these ResourcesKAX & KidabraShowtime Magic ProductsChef BananasDiscover MagicIAAPANew York Toy FairFollow our PodcastThe Curious Performer PodcastThe Curious Performer Facebook Page

Bri Crabtree is part ringmaster, part clown, and all kinds of awesome! This daredevil darling will sweep you off your feet with her eccentric charm, amusing antics, and amazing circus tricks. The family-friendly comedy circus show features juggling, unicycling, & audience participation.  Bri will keep the crowd engaged, smiling, and asking "How did she do that!?"  Bri Crabtree offers a unique brand of comedy that combines physical comedy, word-play, silly antics, and imagination.In this episode we discuss: Origin Story                                            1: 20European Arts                                        6:19Bubbles                                                      7:15Newbie Advice                                   12:09Branding                                                14:23Social Media                                        15:31Critical Elements of Success      19:19People You Should Know             20:34Client Retention                                23:36Continuing Education                    23:17Top 3 Things to be Successful    25:47Explore these ResourcesBubble UAvner the EccentricCircus of SmilesUnique DeriqueFigmentally Playful Parenting  Lawrence J. CohenHow to be a Compleat Clown by Toby SandersFollow our PodcastThe Curious Performer WebsiteThe Curious Performer Facebook Page

What does Chef Bananas do?  Simply put, as the entertainer, Chef Bananas will cook up the recipe that guarantees everyone is having the time of their lives. With a focus on comedy, chef's family magic show recipe is unlike anything you and your guest have seen before. He will have your guests rolling on the floor laughing one minute, and on their feet clapping the next. His typical show includes hot dogs, fire carrots, frogs, cupcakes, balloons and a load of BANANAS!In this episode we discuss:Origin Story                                       1:17Puppets                                                6:38Early Struggles                                 9:10Social Media                                   12:06Marketing vs Sales                      15:33Branding                                            19:00Websites                                            21:25Coaching  0 - 100 Shows          23:30Client Retention                           28:30Continuing Education               36:053 Things Critical to Success   39:29Explore these ResourcesColin Diamond Vent CourseKidabraChef BananasKids Entertainer HubFollow our PodcastThe Curious Performer Podcast WebsiteThe Curious Performer Facebook Page

Heather Green also know as Silly Heather is the owner of Silly Farm Supplies and the co producer of the Face & Body Art International Convention. Heather started her face painting career when she was only 14. Heather turned her passion for art into a full time career as the head of Silly Farm Supplies. Due to Heather’s incredible dedication and business sense, today Silly Farm is the world’s largest face and body art supplier. Heather also travels the world teaching and sharing her love of face and body art.In this episode we discuss:Origin Story                                  Changes in Tech                      Branding                                        Social Media                                       FABA TV                                               Success                                                  People You Should Know           Client Retention                            Top 3 Things to be Successful Explore these ResourcesSilly Heather's Youtube ChannelFABA TVFABIC 2021How to Win Friends & Influence People Follow our PodcastThe Curious Performer PodcastThe Curious Performer Facebook Page

Washington DC area magician, Louis Meyer, has become the “celebrity” entertainer when it comes to children’s entertainment.  Not only does Louis perform magic shows but created the country’s largest convention for children’s entertainers called Kapital Kidvention.  Kidvention has been running for 10 years and now has a convention on the East and West Coast.  In this episode we discuss:Origin Story                                        Branding                                               Social Media                                     Critical to Success                         Business Skills                                  Books You Need to Read           Break Out of the Crowd             People You Should Know           Future of Kapital Kidvention  Explore These ResourcesKapital KidventionThe Success Principals by Jack CanfieldNo Excuses by Brian TracyLittle Gold Book by Jeffery GitomerDiscover Magic Follow the PodcastThe Curious Performer PodcastThe Curious Performer Facebook Page

Lori Hurley is an author, performer and business owner. She along with her husband, Mark, are the owners of "A Touch of Magic Entertainment" in St Paul, Minnesota. She brings a skill set to entertaining that is invaluable to all of us. She has taught at a number of conventions and in this episode we have the opportunity to hear about Lori's secret sauce. In this Episode we discuss:Origin Story  Description of Services Offered         Scarcity vs Abundance         Branding                   Social Media   Client Retention   Success Advice   Explore these Resources A Touch of Magic EntertainmentBoost Your Business with Lori HurleySilly FarmPaintertainmentFollow our PodcastThe Curious Performer PodcastThe Curious Performer Facebook Page

Barry Mitchell is the Entertaining Encourager.  That’s a humorist using illusions, storytelling, and audience interaction to deliver entertaining encouragement and education. He presents lectures regularly on marketing and showmanship to professional family entertainers. Barry creates and markets original magic effects and stories sold around the world. In this Episode we discuss:Origin StoryUsing PuppetsAdvice to NewbiesBranding Client RetentionConventions  3 Things for Success Explore these ResourcesFans and Friends of Barry MitchellFind the Stuff That's YouKidabra - Mark DanielKapital Kidvention - Louis MeyerSmile Maker StudioFollow our PodcastThe Curious Performer PodcastThe Curious Performer Facebook Page