Magic Show MC Information and Performer's Needs

Introduction for Corporate Events
(Please read the introduction with energy to build audience excitement.)

Jeffrey Smith is a magician who happens to be blind. He refers to himself as, "not your typical blind magician." It is an unusual combination for an entertainer, yet it has helped him not only excel as a magician, but also to deliver an important message. Amazing Jeffo uses magic, mixed with a healthy dose of comedy, to educate his audiences about the abilities, rather than the disabilities, of blind and physically challenged people, and to promote a respect and appreciation of all of our differences.

Amazing Jeffo has performed 3000 shows throughout the midwest for groups such as, the Marsh, Center for Balance & Fitness, the University of Minnesota, 3M, St. Paul Companies, and the IRS.

Jeff Smith became very intrigued with magic as a child after reading a book about Houdini, and played around with it as a young boy. But the combination of rheumatoid arthritis and iritis that caused his blindness at age 15, also caused him to put his interest in magic aside.

After graduating from the U of M with a degree in advertising journalism, employment opportunities to "do something that really matters" did not present themselves. In 1993, Jeff decided to create his own opportunities and began sharing his insights through magic.

He booked 125 performances that first year, and has progressed steadily ever since, doubling his annual bookings. Jeff also teaches classes in magic and harmonica. Through his magic, music, and humor, Amazing Jeffo teaches that one need not possess sight to have vision.

He will open our eyes by sharing his vision through magic and humor, as well as TEACHING US ABOUT LIFE AND about OURSELVES. But equally important is the lesson he teaches us. His performance reflects his belief that the most disabling thing in our lives, is the thing we can do the most about - our attitude!

Amazing Jeffo has been in New York. He has been in Chicago. He has been in Los Angeles. Without a doubt, he's the biggest "has been" in the business!

(Pause, and say in a hushed tone.) I also understand he tells some REALLY CORNY jokes!

SO WON'T YOU PLEASE JOIN ME IN WELCOMING THE AMAZING JEFFO!!

Introduction for Corporate Events
(Please read the introduction with a lot of energy to build audience excitement.)

We have a magician here today. But he's not your ordinary magician. He is BLIND. He will open our eyes by sharing his vision through magic and humor, as well as TEACHING US ABOUT LIFE and about OURSELVES.

Amazing Jeffo has been in New York. He has been in Chicago. He has been in Los Angeles. Without a doubt, he's the biggest "has been" in the business!

(Pause, and say in a hushed tone.) I also understand he tells some REALLY corny jokes!

SO LET'S HAVE A BIG ROUND OF APPLAUSE AS WE BEGIN A JEFFO JAMBOREE!!!

Standard Introduction for Children's Events
(Please use a lot of energy while reading the introduction to help build audience excitement.)

We have a magician here today. But he's not your ORDINARY magician. He's special because he's blind. He has a lot of fun with magic teaching us about life and about ourselves.

(Pause, and say in a hushed tone.) I understand he also tells some really silly, corny jokes!!

SO LET'S HAVE A BIG ROUND OF APPLAUSE AS WE BEGIN A JEFFO JAMBOREE!!

Introduction for Faith-Based Audience
(Please read the introduction with a lot of energy to build audience excitement.)

We have an illusionist here today. But he's not your ordinary illusionist because he is blind. He has a lot of fun encouraging us to use our spiritual eyes to see the presence of God.

(Pause, and say in a hushed tone.) I also understand he tells some really corny jokes!

SO LET'S HAVE A BIG ROUND OF APPLAUSE FOR AMAZING JEFFO!

Performer's Needs:
A 50% deposit is required within two weeks of receipt of your Confirmation/Invoice. The balance is due at the completion of the program. Please make the check payable to Jeffrey C. Smith. For out-of-town shows, a transportation fee will be charged.

I will arrive approximately 30-45 minutes before show time to set up. I require a working space of 8 by 8 feet. Please have three stationary, adult height, armless chairs ready. There will be no additional fee for an assistant if you can provide someone to assist me for about 10 minutes during the set up of my magic stand and stage. I have available a wireless microphone and a portable amplifier, if needed.

For optimal viewing, audience seating should be arranged in rows across the front of the stage, but should not extend around to the sides of the stage. To allow for more effective interaction with the audience, the first row should be as close as 4-5 feet in front of the stage, if possible.

Thank you,
Amazing Jeffo