Scott Starkey, Wizard of the Wabash

Serves Indianapolis, IN

35244

Hired 21 times

1 employee

13 years in business

$500/hour

4.8

This pro accepts payments via Cash, PayPal, and Square cash app.

Next Service

Credentials

Background Check

Scott Starkey
Completed on 2/25/2024

Introduction

Scott Starkey's shows are full of family fun and comedy, whether on stage, a parlor setting, or closeup. I performed for several years as an improv comedian, and I bring that energy to every performance. Scott's shows are highly interactive and fun! Magic is one of the few theatrical art forms that the performer routinely breaks the fourth wall by speaking directly to the audience. Interacting with the audience is the best part of magic for me.

Q&A

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?

Ordering a magician service is not like buying a pair of shoes! :-) There are many of variables that go into a pricing decision... How many people will be in the audience? What are their ages? What is the venue? Is the contracting party a family or a corporate body? How long do you need entertainment? Do you need a stand-up (parlor or stage) show with the audience sitting down? Do you need strolling table magic? Perhaps you'd like a man-of-mystery at a cocktail hour? Each event is it's own special thing, and I will craft a personal (and unforgettable) experience for you and your event.

What is your typical process for working with a new customer?

Call me old-fashioned, but I like to talk to customers on the phone, to know that I'm talking to a real human being. I'll give you my personal cell phone number and email address to work out any last-minute issues. Also, please note that I generally like to show up at the venue 30-60 minutes early for most events, but will work with you on your personal needs.

What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

I performed for a few years in an improvisational comedy troop, and performed theatre in college. Currently, I attend several magic lectures per year, for professional development.

How did you get started doing this type of work?

Like a lot of magicians, I got some of those magic sets as a kid. However, I gave it up for several years until adulthood. I thought performing magic would be amazing fun for my kids. Well, they thought it was pretty stupid, BUT I STILL PERSISTED. ;-) Now I can regularly fool my kids. The other day one of my teen-age children told me one of my tricks was "totally sick". (I'm not sure if this is a compliment, but I think it is!!!)

What types of customers have you worked with?

My customers have been quite diverse. I've worked with small-town families and big-city companies!

What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?

How professional is your "professional"? Anyone can buy tricks off the Internet. Be sure you are hiring a PROFESSIONAL MAGICIAN and not SOME GUY DOING TRICKS. How do you verify this? 1. Insurance! If a performer has simple liability insurance, it will show they are serious. It's inexpensive for magicians, and should be a first step if they want to be hired! 2. Do they have a professional website? 3. Did they pass the Thumbtack Background Check, with a badge shown on their profile? 4. Do they have an amplifier for outdoor shows or venues with a large room? 5. Does the magician have reviews and testimonials from a variety of sources? 6. How did they learn their magic? Have they learned through professional lectures by elder magicians, or do they just learn stuff on YouTube? Finally, remember: A magician is more than just tricks! The six qualifications above show that the magician is PROFESSIONAL. When you hire "cheap" magicians, you will usually be rolling the dice and getting someone less than fully qualified.

What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?

Think about your budget for entertainment, and compare it to your food budget. Out of entertainment events in your lifetime, how many times to you remember the food? How many of those do you remember the *ENTERTAINMENT*? People are more likely to remember a pleasant or exciting entertainment experience! Your entertainment budget should be at least as important as your food budget.