FAQs (Frequently-Asked Questions)

Questions Asked Before Booking

What are Abby's qualifications? Over a decade of experience and specialization with family shows has given her the ability to delight, captivate and manage such audiences. She has worked professionally at the full range of venues: black-tie dinners, schools, libraries, country clubs, the Philadelphia Zoo, the Philadelphia Art Museum, Penn's Peak, corporate picnics, malls, wedding receptions, church picnics, first communion parties, department stores, anniversary parties, restaurants, movie theaters, reunions, parades and a circus. She has an extensive education in the art of magic through numerous semester-long courses to develop material including magician's courses and stand-up comedy courses. She has training in stage magic and parlor magic through the generous contributions of her mentors at International Brotherhood of Magicians Ring 6 and the Magician's Alliance of the Eastern States. Every year she extends her education with regular study at conferences. She also has a Master's Degree from the Johns Hopkins University in a field that applies to party entertainment: social psychology.

How far in advance must I book Abby? Weeks in advance to a year in advance, depending on the time slot.

Are there live bunnies or doves in the show? Abby brings something better -- more silly, colorful, and interactive -- animals that don't bite, leave droppings, or feel stressed when crammed into a small space -- puppets. Unknown to the general public, methods used to magically produce live animals may not be humane.

Does Abby take steps to protect my children from common childhood illness? Yes. She gets vaccinated each fall and washes her hands often. In September of 2011 she received vaccinations for swine flu, whooping cough, diptheria, and influenza.

Last year Abby was booked up on my party date. How can I avoid this? If you call Abby before you choose your party date, then you're sure to get her.

Can Abby bring a backdrop? Abby has two types of backdrops. Request that she bring a pop-up backdrop for a small room, or for large venues such as auditoriums and ballrooms you may request the larger backdrop shown here:

What do I get in addition to the magic show? Even without extras, it's more than just a magic show. It's a variety show with puppets and comedy too. You may also schedule Abby to make a custom balloon sculpture for each child. Ask about party favors as well.

What other questions should I ask to choose the best magician for my party? For a printable checklist of questions to help you comparison shop, click here. It is viewable on modern computers that have Adobe Acrobat Version 3.0 or later. The checklist is not viewable on iphones.

Types of Parties that Abby takes

Will Abby perform outdoors? No. Do you really want the success of your party to depend on the weather? She doesn't. Have parts of your party outdoors, but not Abby's part.

Will Abby perform at first birthday parties? It doesn't matter what age the birthday child is turning, as long as the audience includes children aged 3 and up.

Will Abby perform as a costume character? Abby does not dress up in fully-body suits such as Elmo, but she does dress as a princess for her Princess Show, as an animal trainer for her Petting-Zoo Puppet Show, or as a pirate for her Pirate Show. She also has an adorable 4-foot tall easter bunny puppet that's far less scary than a person in a bunny suit.

Questions Asked After Booking

How much time should I allot for balloon sculpting? Find out by clicking here for the calculator page.

Any advice on how to set up? For tips on preparing for a magician, click here.