How much does it cost?

The cost of the Upward Show is $1,000.00 plus travel (mileage or airfare and car rental) and $100.00 per diem for lodging and meals, if needed.  If I am close enough to home I will not need the per diem since it doesn't cost me anything to sleep at home!  Churches in the same area who book shows on consecutive days can save on travel expenses.  Churches within 100 miles of Atlanta pay no additional expenses.

What if we are just starting out and don’t have the full fee?  Can you work with us on the price?

Sure.  I used to work as a church staff member and I understand about budgeting.  I made a commitment to the Lord when I started working with Upward to never allow money to keep me from being a part of a church's ministry.  Call toll free or e-mail me and let's talk about it.

How far will you travel?

I have performed in churches all over the USA.  I have learned to pack creatively and can take the full show in a carry-on suitcase and a checked bag.  This includes the props and tables.  Since I can fly out of the Atlanta or Birmingham airports, I can go anywhere that Delta, AirTran, Frontier or Southwest go pretty inexpensively.  The earlier we book the flight, the better the price!

Do we need to provide you with a P.A. (Public Address) System?

If I am driving, I will provide all my own equipment, including a PA system, if there is not one available at the show location.  When I fly, I will only be able to bring my wireless headset microphone and remote music system, and will need to rely on a sound system on location.

What do you need us to provide?

Typically, I bring everything I need for the program except the audience and electricity (and a PA system as noted above).  However, if you have a cleared stage area or raised platform with steps, this is always a plus.  And I’m a water drinker, so a couple of bottles of water would be great, if I forget to bring my own.

Can we schedule two different programs on the same day?

Absolutely!  Many times churches with a large program and a small building schedule two programs back to back, and this works great!  If we do this, the second program will be discounted to $600, since there will be no additional travel, set up, packing and that other stuff that is not the "fun part" of my job! 

When is payment due?

This company was founded and continues to be run with the idea that we exist to serve. We are NOT prima donna performers who need the green M&Ms removed from our candy dish (Wait a minute! What candy dish?!).  We understand how to work with organizations like churches.  And I understand how interesting things can get when two or more churches are involved.  That said, I like to get paid on the day of the performance, but I understand that processing paperwork through bookkeeping and committees can be time consuming and frustrating.  I know you don't need an uptight performer whining about how he needs to be paid TODAY or his car will be repossessed.  If payment will not be ready on the day of the performance, just call or e-mail and let me know.  No problem!

YOU focus on getting approval and scheduling the event.

I will focus on entertaining and presenting the Gospel to your players, coaches and families.

We'll BOTH let your bookkeeper and our accounting department work out the money.

How can I find out what other churches think about your show?

You can take a look at the testimonials page on this website, or log on to the Upward website and check entertainer reviews. 

How do you handle the Gospel presentation?

In my opinion, the show is a vehicle for the most important part of the evening - the presentation of the Gospel in a clear, simple, powerful way.  Depending on what you want, I can present the Gospel message and turn it over to a staff member or lay person at your church for the decision time, or I can take the group through the presentation, commitment prayer, and even an altar call, if that's what you want.  I understand that different denominations and individual churches have their own ways of approaching this significant portion of the evening, and I want to make sure we do things the way YOU feel most comfortable. 

I cringe at the thought of ever manipulating a child into a decision, but by the same token, I do believe in giving kids the chance to understand the Gospel message, and allowing them the opportunity to make a life changing decision to follow the Spirit's leadership.  I also encourage parents to follow up with someone at the church if their child has made a decision. 

I also realize that it's not just about the kids!  There are usually adults in the crowd who need to make a decision to follow Christ, and we want to give them the information and opportunity as well. 

In my confirmation letter, I ask for an opportunity to talk with the pastor or the staff member who will be in charge that evening to find out how he or she wants to handle this part of the evening.  If you have other questions about this portion of the presentation, feel free to call or e-mail me.

We've had other magicians.  What makes your show different?

I haven't seen many other Upward performers, but the comment I keep getting from Upward leaders at churches where I perform, is that my show really emphasizes Upward in the routines.  I do a game show bit where I talk about the six colors of the Upward stars (for some parents, this is the first time they have heard why the kids have the stars on their uniforms).  I have a routine that ties in the sport for that season, and I have a cheerleader magic trick where I even get to praise the cheerleaders for their ministry of encouragement.  Even the Gospel presentation follows the Upward STARS format.

When you book this show, you are not getting a magic show performed at an Upward event, but an UPWARD SHOW.  There's a big difference.

If we book you for a Saturday or Sunday show, would you be able to speak/perform for Sunday morning Bible study or worship? 

There are few things I enjoy more than being a part of Sunday morning children or youth ministry.  I can perform magic with a message, or just speak (I am an ordained minister with a lot of "pulpit time") to the kids.  And since nobody books an Upward Awards event on Sunday morning, I can be a part of Sunday morning at a significantly reduced rate.  Often a church youth program will share the expenses with Upward to make the event less expensive for both groups.

How long does the show last?

25-45 minutes, depending on your need for the Upward celebration.

How many in the audience? 

That depends on the size of the room.  I have performed for 125 in a fellowship hall and I have performed in an arena that held 2,000.  The show is large enough that if the sight lines in a room are good, everyone can see and enjoy the program.

What about a deposit?

When I was a youth minister, I hated having to pay deposits; not because I thought we would want to cancel the event, but because it required twice as much paperwork!  As a performer, getting a deposit STILL requires twice as much paperwork for me.  So the short answer is no, I do not need a deposit to hold a date.  I have never had an Upward event cancel, so I don't worry about needing a security deposit.  Also, because I encourage churches to book the program before the season starts, I know you may not have collected any money for the season at the time you want to book a program.  And even if you have SOME money that early in the season, you need it for promotion, newspaper ads and other start up costs.

And, I'll admit it; it's more fun to get one big check, than it is to get two small ones!

How can I know if you are available for the date we need?

My calendar is online.  I try to update it as events are booked, so it is usually up to date.

What do I do next?

Choose a date, and call me at (770) 640-6509 (Atlanta local), toll free nationwide at 1-866-490-7323, or e-mail me, and let's get started!