MMS Entertainer's Handbook by Mike Stilwell - Book

27 years I've owned the Gathering magical restaurant With this book I could saved myself, my customers my staff and mostly the magician a lot of time and energy! Who doesn't know these self evident rules, guidelines and work habits. Apparently a lot because there is not a lot of restaurant magic going on at local restaurants. Why because when the magician sits down at a table to "join" his dinners and thinks the owners surely sees what a great magician I am! Me, being the owner, I'm thinking what the hell is this guy/girl doing siting at this table? Don't they know other tables want to see magic and leave pissed because the magician spent all his time at one table! Or a magician working a table that's reedy to leave and there are people waiting. Or doesn't (stop) ends a trick when the server is standing behind him with the hot food.. Don't you get it. We just ordered and prepped the fresh food, We just prepared and cook the fresh food and we just got the hot fresh food to the table and now because the magician won't stop his trick we serve warm and not fresh food. Anyone thinking about restaurant work should read this book twice. And everytime you see a waiting line at a restaurant get the book out and read it again! Then get in line for a lot of fun, adventure and even some money Thanks Mike It's a great book! I should use your book as a training guide!Dan Thomas/Owner The Gathering Restaurant

While there are many books on how to "make it" in entertainment, they mostly deal with Hollywood, Broadway and the acting industry and paint the necessary tasks to be done with a broad brush. This book, however, is designed to help the local or corporate entertainer with the everyday nuts and bolts of what it takes to get and keep a gig.In addition to the information, it is also sprinkled with little anecdotes from his close encounters with various famous celebrities Mike encountered along his journeys.There is nothing in here that you wouldn't consider to be common sense, but for some reason, so many entertainers do not even bother to think of them until it's too late. Once you read about it in this book you'll say, "oh, I should have already thought of that!" but of course you didn't.From coming up with a name and and your particular shtick to overcoming stage fright to having what you need to do a job to making sure you get return business, consider Entertainer's Handbook to be your secretary reminding you how to be a success.

Here's an easy handbook with all the skinny you need to know if you are an entertainer working thru or for agents, companies, caterers, corporations, fairs, festivals, etc. There a lot of info here for the newbie, and much for the more experienced. ANY single one of his tips or advice will save you the cost of this inexpensive book.This is sage and succinct advice on a wide range of subjects that you need to know. Or, if not you, certainly that person you know who wants to be or is an entertainer. They need this book, buy it for them. $12. This is the buy of the year. Get it. Mike has been a professional entertainer in the SD area for 30 years. I happened to have been one for 40 years, and my respect for this book is high.

A wealth of great information in this book. Whether you are a magician, clown, or any other type of entertainment act; there is something in here for you. Along with valuable information, tips, suggestions, examples and real-world advice; are some great stories of things that happened to the author or at places he performed.As an entertainer who has performed for years at restaurants, bars, private and corporate events, I found several useful bits of information that I wish I had known years ago when I was just starting out.Where was this book 30 years ago!?A great book and in my opinion a great value!

As a 25 year veteran in entertainment I wish I had this book when I started. It would have saved me a lot of time and made a better living quicker.The authors experience, wisdom and knowledge is unsurpassed. He's a "worker." You'll get the real information on how to be a professional entertainer from a man who's done it. It covers the "business" which is what you need to be successful. It's the best money I've ever spent on business education.

I am an amateur magician... learning through my own mistakes. Man I wish I had this book 2 years ago, when I started... Ive been using this book's insight for everyday & anywhere practical application... You can read the first chapter of this book & apply it that same day. No matter what your kind of entertainment is... music, dance, magic, clown, stripper, whatever! You need to read this book... if you want to be top of your game!

This book covers it all. From the obvious of leaving early for a show in case the traffic is bad or something unseen happens, to the not so obvious like taking an extra shirt in case you spill something on the one you are wearing. A MUST HAVE for any type of entertainer.

Hi there,There is so much information here for any entertainment professional.I have been a full-time balloon sculptor and clown since 1976, and I sure could have used this book when I got started.Thanks Mike!

I bought this as a present for a young entrepreneur. He claims its helped him loads and the best book he's ever read as he's learnt so much.

Looks good, trying to be an entertainer for hobby, motivated me to go out and try, that's the most important step get started on anything.