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Featured Entertainer Chuck Bollinger!
Chuck Bollinger
Where do you Serve?:
I have been known to serve my wife breakfast in bed on occasion, but I entertain in the Baltimore/Washington area, Northern VA, Southern PA, Delaware, and anywhere else I can get work.
What type of Entertainment do you Provide?:
I am a Comedy Magician, Juggler, Balloonatic, Hypnotist, and Power Hitting Third Baseman for the Baltimore Orioles (but only in my dreams). I’m currently working on a Mentalism show, and The Prof. Hiram G. Balderdash All American Medicine Show.
Number of years in the business:
More than I thought possible: 33 years and counting.
How did you get into the entertainment business?
I made a wrong turn; I was looking for the Rite Aid. But if I can be serious for a moment (not very likely), I was working as house manager for the Baltimore Theatre Project, and while watching a magic show, I suddenly realized how a rope trick was done. I spoke to the magician afterwards and he taught me a few more tricks. After a bit more study, I began performing professionally soon after. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
What’s your favorite type of event?
The paying type (are these jokes getting worse?). I actually like all kinds of events. I’m just as comfortable performing for a child’s birthday party, as doing close magic for a cocktail party.
What’s your most memorable event?
After 33 years, I’ve had quite a few memorable experiences – meeting celebrities like Andre Braugher, Red Skelton, and Steve Allen; performing at the White House and chatting with President and Mrs. Reagan. But I think my most memorable performance came as a member of Big Apple Circus Clown Care. My first week of in hospital training, my Instructor/Clown Partner and I came to the Bone Marrow Transplant Ward. After thoroughly scrubbing and donning gowns, gloves and masks, we entered the sterile, sealed hallway just as a five year old patient, flanked by two nurses, was beginning his painful daily walk. We decided to initiate a game of Catch the Clown, and moments later this young man forgot about his pain, and was gleefully running around the hall trying to
Catch the Clown. The nurses were amazed that this boy was walking, much less running. This helped me to understand what a powerful positive influence play and entertainment can have. I’ll never forget it!
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