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Go to page 1 ~ 2 ~ 3 ~ 4  (Next) The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » The little darlings » » Routining School Shows, Kids, Shows, and Illusion Shows Dennis Michael Inner circle Atco, NJ 5982 Posts Posted: May 27, 2003 10:51pm          Thanks to information provided by many here on the Café and lots of reading of books, here are some routining suggestions and effects that do work for kids, families, and illusion shows. It is nice to print out and reference. There is no perfect way, just ideas that do work. Use this information as a guideline! Think of being a magician like you would an electrician, or a plumber, carpenter, a computer technician, etc. They all require a base line knowledge level before they can effectively do their job. There are no good instant (overnight) Construction Workers! Magic is no different. There are no good instant (overnight) Magicians Four Illusions and Eight stage tricks, does not make an Illusionist, however, with lots of practice it is possible. Developing a routine requires several steps: 1. Learn the mechanics of the trick first. 2. Find a reason why that routine should be of interest to your audience. 3. List several additional tricks that can used with it. (Milk Pitcher: Comedy Funnel, Disappearing Glass of Milk, Comedy Ice pick, etc.) 4. List potential props that could be used with the trick. 5. Research, find, and list the potential comedy bits of business that fit the trick(s). View others on VHS tapes on how have done it, making notes on what you like and dislike and how it fits your personality or theme of trick. 6.Find the music, Listen to it, imaging your act with it. Daydream, Brainstorm. 7. Write it down then try it, practice it. If the above is done for each mini-act you have a routine. Combine the routines and you have an act. Step 1: Choose the effects (3) that go together. A. You perform them well B. You are comfortable with them C. They are tried and true routines Step 2: A. Note time effects takes to perform B. Stagger quick little effects with long effects C. Add nice little effects with mind blowing effects. (Combining tricks) Tips: Open and close with the most spectacular effects Select effects that build on each other Paper trail each effect. (Write it down) Each routine is a mini-play Each routine should draw the audience in Each routine should ENTERTAINS 1st, Mystifies 2nd Each routine should focus to bring out at least 1 emotion. Format: Opening: should be fast colorful production act..Startling, change of color every 20 seconds, musical and fancy ending. Middle: Vary pace, short routines, variety...Mount Attack...Novelty.. Punch..Closing Ending: Mass, Beauty, Motion, Color, Rhythmic Action... Good thoughts..Going away "WOWing them"... Success is: Giving them something they can talk about on the way home. Developing Patter for Kid Shows: Explanatory Patter Pick a Theme 1. Explain what you're going to do 2. Describe the parts 3. Add the theme message 4. Pick a Magical word. 5. Write the skit down 6. Research Jokes and Puns 7. Tie in a Variety of Site Gags Components for Developing an Educational Program Educational Objective Educational Theme Key Message to get Across Audience Participation Effects Magical Effects to get point across One-Sheet Teacher's Guide Classroom Participation Activity Sheets Parent's Flyer Press Release Bulletin Article School Educational Themes Drug Awareness Themes Drug Awareness Program Say No! Magic Show Stranger Danger Safety Themes Fire Safety Public Safety Think Safety Police Safety School Bus Safety School Safety Playground Safety Animal Safety Car Safety Stranger Danger Halloween Safety Self Awareness Manners Self-Esteem Nutrition Dental Hygiene Motivational Fantastic Friends Conflict Resolution Diversity Morality Educational Basics The Magic of Reading The Magic of History The Magic of Geography The Magic of Science Country Patriotic Environmental Awareness Environmental Awareness After School Programs After School Magic Course After School Juggling Course After School Circus Act Course After School Puppetry Course After School Balloon Sculpture Course Yearly Themes Shows 1. School Safety 2. Fire Safety and Fire Prevention 3. Think Safety 4. Patriotic Theme Seasonal Themes Shows 1. Magic of Christmas 2. Stage Fright: The THRILL-usion Show Power Illusion Program: Four Illusions Eight Powerful Routines Basic Format: Constructing Your Act Visual Impact, Fast Paced, Audience Grabber (Colorful, Musical, and with Animals) Start Show Alone. Connect with the audience in character, costume, and expectations Sucker/Comedy Routine. Audience Participation Impact Production Element of Danger Magic Illusion- Strong Closer Close Show Alone and Thank Them Leave them wanting more! Kid's Safety Theme Show (40 Minutes) You add the tricks. Warm-Up (Fire Book) Strong Opening (Production/Flash paper) Police and Fire Officers Are Friends Message Fire Safety Message Police Safety Message Environmental Message Drug Awareness Message Strangers Message Bus Safety Message Sharp Objects can Cut Message (Disecto/Chopper) Poison Message Another Fire Safety Message Patriotic Message: Strong Closer Reference: Safety Magic for Children by Karl Wagner KIDS Variety Magic Show (Example: 40 Min.) Warm-up Strong Opening Magic Routine (Production) Magic Routine Ventriloquist Routine Running Gag #1 Two Magic Routines with 1 Kid Assistant Juggling Routine Two Magic Routines with 2 Kid Assistants Running Gag #2 Balloon Routine with 3 Kid Assistants Magic Routine with/without Kid Assistants Magic Routine with Kid Assistant (Danger) Running Gag #3 Strong Closing Magic Routine (Levitation if possible) To Convert the Above into a Family Fun Entertaining Fund Raising Illusion Show. Add Four Illusions. 1. Levitation: Broom, Super-X, Mechanical AGA, 3-in-1, Flying Carpet, OR Asrah 2. Danger Trick: Sawing in Half, Head Chopper, Guillotine, Etc. 3. Comedy: Twister, Balloon Sword Body Box, etc. 4. Animal Act: Rabbits, Doves, Lions and Tigers..Oh my. Illusion Show Routine Format Opening Illusion: Flash Appearance, Portal, Fire/Lighting/Fog/Sound Effects Establishing Image: Fast-Paced, Magical, Flash, Colorful, Animal Production (Rabbit) Production 0f Assistant Illusion: Crystal Box Illusion with Assistant: Mismade Lady, Zig-Zag, Saw-in-Half Trademark Routine: Expose Your Personality to the Audience (A talking routine that is YOU and Your's Alone) Novelty Illusion: Twister, Mismade Lady, Some Illusion that is funny Audience Participation: Wiz-Kote, ProViper II, Head Chopper, French Arm Chopper, Visible Sawing-in-Half Featured Levitation Illusion: Gamalo Levitation, Sword Suspension, 3-in-1 Levitation Audience Participation: Wiz-Kote, ProViper II, Head Chopper, French Arm Chopper, Visible Sawing-in-Half Closing Illusion: Statute of Liberty Production from a Square Circle or some Very Powerful Closing New Routine Leaving the Audience something to talk about on their drive home. Add a Running Gag Routine to keep the humor going, using the magician failure premise which finally ends in success. Running Gags With any show a properly developed and presented Running Gag can enhance the show. The gag gets funnier each time it is presented. Below are Ideas for Running Gags: Lota Bowl This Classic "Water from India" can also be designed to pour blood during a Halloween show. Rabbit from Hat This World's Greatest Trick can be done throughout the show with each time instead of a rabbit, it can be a Spring Skunk, the Rabid Rabbit, etc. ending with the production of a real rabbit peaking this classic effect. Broken Props The breakaway wand is an excellent comedy prop, How about other breakaway items like a fly swatter, a toilet plunger, a cane, an Arrow, a wooden spoon or fork, a sword, etc. Table with noisy props falling. Any prop with a handle can be designed to be a breakaway. An Added Comedy is to hold all segments but the last so just that part flops. Phoney Ring This is a fake phone ring with comedy patter lines such as: "Is George there?...1. Hello... You have the wrong number, this is not George's cell phone.. Sorry, it was a wrong number for George... 2. Hello... Didn't you just call a little while ago? ...Again, You have the wrong number, this is not George's cell phone.. Sorry, it was a wrong number for George... 3. Hello..What?... That was George...He wanted to know if there was any messages for him. Do a Comedy Commercial Produce a product such as new and improved Spaghetti, and take out rope such as professor's nightmare and do a routine with them related to spaghetti. Another trick could be the popcorn Box trick, with hidden pockets, or sponge balls a meatballs, or food production trick stressing the importance of good nutrition. Just about any effect can be turned into a commercial. A popular modern related line from TV or Jiggle can add to the trick, something the audience can relate with. Comedy Gag Egg Bag This bag changes colors five different time, just looking for the egg. Himber Flower Wallet Each time the wallet is opened flowers are produced. Cut and Restored Rope Rope is cut and tried to be restored and can be a lead-in to Professor's Nightmare effect or the Professor's Dream effect. Books-Books-Books Explain a little bit about each book and definitions of big words. Only You can prevent Forest Fires by Smokey the Bear: Hot Book, Herpetology for Fun & Profit by IBE Bitten: Spring or Fake Snakes, Water Safety for Life Guards by Splish Splash: Squirting Book, My Shocking Life or Kite Flying in a Storm by Ben Franklin: Sparking Book, Caring for your Chickens by KFC: Rubber Chicken, Sponge Ball Fail to vanish a sponge ball, and it changes into other sponge items, ending in a rabbit. Man-Eating Plant Ask the kids if they want to see a man eating plant. Don't show it until the third time and open the box revealing chattering teeth in a plant. Second time show it in the cloth. Comedy Wands Each time you grab a wand something happens: it falls apart (Breakaway wand), it Bends (Spring Wand), End Pops Off (Pop Wand), It explodes (Bang wand), It flashes (Flash Wand), Spring Franks, (Sausage Wand), It vanishes (Vanishing Wand), It Breaks (Ginn's Fishing Wand), Silk Vanishes (Silk Vanish Wand), It Rises (Rising Wand), It Jumps Out of Your Hand (Rising Wand), Paper Flys out (Confetti Wand), Giant Wand (Giant Spring Snake Wand), Changes into Toilet Plunger (Plunger Wand), Apprentice Hat (Plunger wand on Head), Turns into a Feather Duster (Duster wand), etc. Giant Snake Wand Giant want doesn't do anything, except the third time 25 snakes fly out. Balloon Sculpture Pencil balloons (260s) have the end cut off so they flop around, then rubber pig blows up balloon. Hippity Hop Rabbits First time they Change, The second time they are back, the third time do the turn it around bit. Fraidy Cat Rabbit Rabbit turns white, then it's black again, then white again, then black and do the turn it around bit. Here are stock routines that have always worked for Kid Shows: Warm-up Opening Production Routine Axtel's Drawing Board (Comedy) Production Routine: Temple Screen, Swivel Box (Colorful/Comedy/Audience Participation) Running Gag #1 (Spring Skunk From Hat) Vanishing Bandanna (Just grossly funny) Rainbow Ropes (Patrotic/Audience Participation) 20th Century Silks Routine (Assistant-Boy) Instant Magician (Assistant-Boy) Egg Bag Routine (Audience Participation) Professor's Nightmare Routine (Story Line) Miser's Dream Routine (Assistant-Girl) Flying Carpet Mini-Levitation Routine(Assistant-Girl) Running Gag #2 (Rabid Rabbit From Hat) Hippity-Hop-Rabbits or Fraidy Cat Rabbit Routine (Sucker Trick)(Audience Participation) Coloring Book, or Stamp Album Routine, What's My Job (Audience Participation) Laflin's Cartoon Silks (Two Boys & a Girl: Colorful, Funny & Produced anyway you choose. A Kodak Moment!) Milk Pitcher/Comedy Funnel Routine (Comedy-Assistants-Girls and Boys) Visible Sawing, French Arm Chopper, Disecto Routine (Danger Element in a Comedy Format -Assistant-Best Girl or Boy) Running Gag #3 (Picture of Rabbit on Silk then Real Rabbit From Hat) Closing Production/Vanish Routine (Levitate the Rabbit) Other Options: Juggling Silks, Vern the Bird: Ventriloquism Act, or Balloons Animals Basic Magic Show Format Visual Impact, Fastpaced, Audience Grabber, Colorful, Musical, and Animal Production Routines Personality Trademark Routines Audience Participation Strong Comedy Magic Routine Impact Production Element of Danger Magic/Illusion Illusion-Strong Closer (Levitation) Comedy Magic Show Format Example (FUNNY), Visual Impact, Fastpaced, (FUNNY), Audience Grabber, Colorful, (FUNNY), Musical, and a (FUNNY) Animal Production Routine Strong Comedy Magic Routine Comical Personality Trademark Routine 20th Century Bra (on a guy?)(Assistant) Balloons to Dove or Rabbit Production Routine Comedy Magic Routine Card Sword Magic Routine (Assistant) Comedy Magic Routine Straight Jacket Escape (Assistant) Comedy Magic Routine Head Chopper/Guillotine Illusion (Assistant) Illusion-Strong Closer (Comedy Levitation) Suggested Comedy Routines Professor Cheer's Rope Routine Nest of Boxes (Smash Wrist Watch with Hammer) Wiz-Kote Snake-in-Basket (Pro Viper II) Bar Stool Surprise French Arm Chopper Head Chopper World's Greatest Magician Signs Vanishing Bandanna Comedy Sleeve Long Glove 20th Century Bra Straight Jacket Escape Balloon to Dead Dove Man-Eating Plant Bubble Gum Mouth Coils Mugged Grave Mistake Now you have several basic formats, routines, now take action, practice, rehearse, and book you show! Enjoy...Have Fun and Most Importantly, Love What You Do. Any Comments? Dennis Michael, Atco, NJ (856)768-2281 KIDabra Chapter #1 Facebook Email: DennisMichael@KIDabra1.org Jimeuax Regular user 199 Posts Posted: May 27, 2003 11:47pm          Thanks Den---That post was better than about 98% of the books on kids magic I have bought---thanks for taking the time!---Cheers!---Jimo flourish dude Inner circle from ? But I know where I am going! 1195 Posts Posted: May 28, 2003 12:12pm          Nice job DEN! Nothing of the same will bring any change, take action today! Just taking a step, is a step in the right direction because when you stop working, your dream dies. www.magicalmemories.us Timothy Regular user Alabama, USA 175 Posts Posted: May 28, 2003 9:30pm          Excellent! Good lord, this should be a sticky bun, and required reading. It addresses (and answers) many inquires. Thanks for the contribution! -Magical Tim Magical Tim's Magic Shows tim@magicaltim.com "Magic is a vanishing art!" Peter Marucci Inner circle 5388 Posts Posted: May 28, 2003 10:16pm          Wow! I can't imagine ANYTHING being added to Den's terrific post! That is a post-graduate course in magic all at once! Many thanks. Frank Tougas Inner circle Minneapolis, MN 1712 Posts Posted: May 29, 2003 12:22am          Den, Not only am I constantly impressed with the sheer number of posts attributed to you, but more importantly, that each of them has something of value and advances the purpose of this fourm. I don't usually post things like "good going" or "I agree" because I think not only are they best left as private messages but they artificially increase one's numbers.They also get very tiresome to read. I have made an exception in your case because you are an exceptional contributor. If I had some way to remove this post from my total I would. Frank Tougas The Twin Cities Most "Kid Experienced" Children's Performer :"Creating Positive Memories...One Smile at a Time" Dennis Michael Inner circle Atco, NJ 5982 Posts Posted: May 29, 2003 8:51am          Thanks guys, Your comments are appreciated. I was beginning to think no-one was reading them and whether they were adding to the Café or revealing to much, which magicians tend to keep good things like above to themselves. (not all magicians) (By the way, when it comes to kids, I really like it when they say "He's a Real Magician!" It sounds so better than, "He's the Clown Mom hired!"..little pun humor here.) A few times my posts were zapped by the Café security, which really forced me to rethink posting here again. Now I save these posts like above, so if they are zapped for whatever reasons, all is not lost. Here's a little secret, when one writes/types down one's ideas, routines, and concepts, one tends to remember them. It also organizes one thoughts, and new ideas are created. When it comes to entertaining children, there are far more than one could handle. You never have to worry about the mask magician ruining your act. And, with kids, there are new ones every day who never saw the same stuff before, and the one's who have enjoy seeing them again. It is something where there can be 10 magicians in your area and still have room for more. Like Peter's posts and ideas in the Linking Ring, sharing the stuff in itself is rewarding. It's one of the few article's I really read in every issue. Once again, thanks for your comments. Dennis Michael, Atco, NJ (856)768-2281 KIDabra Chapter #1 Facebook Email: DennisMichael@KIDabra1.org flourish dude Inner circle from ? But I know where I am going! 1195 Posts Posted: May 29, 2003 6:01pm          Den you should collect them and put out a book. Nothing of the same will bring any change, take action today! Just taking a step, is a step in the right direction because when you stop working, your dream dies. www.magicalmemories.us MAGICBYTIM Special user Louisiana 501 Posts Posted: May 30, 2003 9:54am          I agree with flourish dude about the book except if you put everything in a book it would require us to spend money on it. Since you post it here in the Café then we can all get it for free. Thanks for the free info. Very good and helpful information. Tim Tim Gaines www.magicbytim.com tim@magicbytim.com JamesinLA Inner circle Los Angeles 3221 Posts Posted: May 30, 2003 10:26am          Add my thanks to your contribution above and contributions in general to the Café', Dennis. You're absolutely correct about writing. Guess I should know... Jim Oh, my friend we're older but no wiser, for in our hearts the dreams are still the same... Magic_streak Regular user Singapore 195 Posts Posted: May 31, 2003 3:35am          Well I must say when I was reading this post it really felt like I'm reading from a good book. I instantly thought of suggesting you compile all these thoughts of yours into a book Den. Excellent work. I've a question for you though, of all these shows you've performed, all these effects, how much mime have you put in them? I've seen some performances that uses alot of mime. Jeff McBride has a full 10 - 15 mins of Miser's Dream that is totally mime. He never spoke a single word till the end when he thanked the helper from the audience. Do you use alot of mime in your show? Will kids appreciate it? Mimes tend to require alot of interpreting skills and a certain degree of patience. Do you think it can work for kids? Thanks and keep posting~! Dennis Michael Inner circle Atco, NJ 5982 Posts Posted: May 31, 2003 6:17am          I don't do any mime (per-say) That requires additional skill and time to master. This does not mean I don't do misdirection or pretend. As Jeff McBride says, see the coin in a spot in the air, like it is a real coin, reach for it and pluck it out of that spot. Well in a sense, that is mime and that I do. I do facial expressions and have fun with the kids. My personality is not a "second by second accountability" for each action. With kids, a lot can happen and destroy the "exactness" of a system. I do have a script and try to follow the script and not make it sound like a script. No two shows are alike. If something presents itself that is funny, I'll ad-lib or make the most out of it. And, if something goes wrong, I let it roll off my back. At one time I got out of magic for a few years, and then I was asked to do a show, one I really couldn't refuse. I did the show without any practice or reheasal. I missed lines, mess-up at certain times, and from my perspective I knew I was rusty, and it didn't go smoothly at all. My wife noticed it but not as much, and the rest of the people thought it was really good, funny and very enjoyable. They knew or saw none of the faults in the show. Other Magicians would have picked out some of the mistakes, but not the audience. With a kids show, they forget very quickly, so a mistake is not held against you. With adults, and especially other magicians...they have "elephant memories" Dennis Michael, Atco, NJ (856)768-2281 KIDabra Chapter #1 Facebook Email: DennisMichael@KIDabra1.org Magic_streak Regular user Singapore 195 Posts Posted: May 31, 2003 12:50pm          You mentioned "second by second accountability". From your experience and knowledge of the audiences' mindsets, do people really question every move you do? Do they ask, why did he bring out a silk before appearing a cane? What is the point of placing a candle there without using it? Or do these people simply sit back, relax, and accept whatever comes to them. Personally I feel that the latter scenario happens most of the time. People usually do not want to think and process alot of information when they watch a show. They just want to be amazed and entertained. In fact, they spend so much time figuring out how a trick is done that they don't consider these minor details. Sometimes they don't even see the smaller props in the trick. It's us magicians that are over sensitive. What do you think? Dennis Michael Inner circle Atco, NJ 5982 Posts Posted: May 31, 2003 4:47pm          It appears you are talking about "people" meaning adult audiences or an audience with lots of adults and their child next to them so if the child said something the parent "slaps them on the back of the head" and tells them to keep quiet. (A little humor here, although it has happened.) With kids, yes, they will analyze every trick and they they really believe they know how it's done. They will verbalize that belief and point things out. This is why Audience Management is so importhant and so is audience participation when doing shows with kids. I also see you're from Singapore, and I was told the audience there are very respectable to entertainers. Quite possible, what you say is absoultely true in your part of the world based on the culture. Since I've never performed in Singapore, I don't know this to be fact. "Second by second accountability" can mean very rigid in the shows performance, where every second is planned. This is what happens in Illusion shows, and why actors/movie stars ask "What is the motivation for that action?" I hope this clears up the misunderstanding. Dennis Michael, Atco, NJ (856)768-2281 KIDabra Chapter #1 Facebook Email: DennisMichael@KIDabra1.org unklepaul New user hemel hempstead, uk 84 Posts Posted: Jun 14, 2003 8:09pm          Thank you so much for taking the time to post that information. It will be a treasured source of good information to me in my youthful career. Very much appreciated. Unklepaul om mani padme hum wassabi_87 Loyal user moscow, idaho 226 Posts Posted: Jun 15, 2003 8:15pm          Another safety routine would have to be one on water saftey, and maybe one with animals. You could use the rabbit production for that one, and with water safety you could include a squirt gun or two. When I began reading your post, I thought, "yikes" it was almost scary scrolling down, thanks a lot. bike during the day, do magic at night, and very early the next morning, homework. templemagic Elite user Sunderland, North-East England 420 Posts Posted: Jun 17, 2003 8:07am          Hi, Wow, that was useful, thanks for taking the time to write it. I was wondering Den, if you could possibly post a message in this topic regarding what effects/routines could be used for some educational/themed shows in some of the shows you mentioned when you said: School Educational Themes Drug Awarness Themes Drug Awarness Program Say No! Magic Show Stranger Danger Safety Themes Fire Safety Public Safety Think Safety Police Safety School Bus Safety School Safety Playground Safety Animal Safety Car Safety Stranger Danger Halloween Safety Self Awareness Manners Self-Esteem Nutrition Dental Hygiene Motivational Fantastic Friends Conflict Resolution Diversity Morality Educational Basics The Magic of Reading The Magic of History The Magic of Geography The Magic of Science Country Patriotic Environmental Awareness Thanks again, TM ROBERT TEMPLE "The Power to Amaze" robert@roberttemple.co.uk http://www.roberttemple.co.uk Dennis Michael Inner circle Atco, NJ 5982 Posts Posted: Jun 17, 2003 8:53am          There are three ways to find the effects. Invent them, use existing effects, or buy specialized effects. For instant, a lot of Steve Taylor's Educational Material is complete for reading, geography, self-esteem programs. His books detail the information and so do the effects when you buy them. He converted standardized effects to meeet the message he wanted to get across. This is the easy way. Buy the effect. You could also purchase complete shows suc as CJ Johnson's Complete Motivational Show and almost complet shows such as Tony Daniel's Just Say No Magic Show And, BJ Hickman has A Reading Show There is also David Risley's "The I Love America Show", "The Environmental Show", "The Self-Esteem Show", Etc. You could convert existing tricks such as 20th Century Silks to display a message in any theme you choose. You could use Firehouse Frenzy to get a Fire Safety message,"Exit Drills In The Home" (E.D.I.T.H.) Any effect that has "three" attatched to it can be used, such as Strat-O-Sphere (Red for Danger, Yellow for Caution, Green it is OK.) A ton of messages can be created with this effect. Professor's Nightmare can also be easily converted. And there is a lot on the Café about this. What's Next can have six related messages attached to it. Anything with numbers or counts, or letters can be converted. A lot of Gospel Magic can also be converted. The effect brings forth a religious signifiance, meaning, parable or saying. Just convert the message, to the topic of choice Then you can create one, the hardest method. You have a message you want to get across. Using a book like Fitzkee's The Trick Brain, Which you find an object that matches your message, the pick an effect, Vanish, Production, Transformation, etc. and work out the details and overcome the stumbling blocks, until you have a finished product. This requires a creative mind, and those who are use to thinking creatively have an easier time at this. There are ready made objects such as the American Flag Blendo, Mis-made Flags, Patriotic Ropes for a Patriotism theme. First is pick a theme then the #1 message you want to get across. Research that theme and come up with related stories. Now find an effect that can be easily converted to meet the message. If you are still un unsure the read up on this with Steve Taylor's Books Character Magic Routines, Writing Educational Shows, & Motivational Educational Magic, and Listen to Dave Risly's Cassette Tapes and Videos. There are others similar programs out there. Dennis Michael, Atco, NJ (856)768-2281 KIDabra Chapter #1 Facebook Email: DennisMichael@KIDabra1.org ThePartyMagician Loyal user Bristol, UK 220 Posts Posted: Feb 20, 2005 1:38am          Thanks Den for ALL the info you share with us! Kind regards Mike Lee Darrow V.I.P. Chicago, IL USA 3594 Posts Posted: Feb 21, 2005 4:01am          Without a doubt, this is one of the finest threads I have EVER come across! Den, you should be awarded a commendation for the first post and for your replies. As I am currently considering making a start in kid's magic (I've been working for adults and teens for about 36 years), this thread is an invaluable resource. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Lee Darrow, C.H. http://www.leedarrow.com "Because NICE Matters!" Dennis Michael Inner circle Atco, NJ 5982 Posts Posted: Feb 21, 2005 4:54am          How good do you want to be? To evaulate your presentation performance, video tape your show, and use the below criteria for improvement. This ratin is on a 1-4 scale and purposely left out average (1-5 scale 3 bring adverage) because average is a point where one can't make up their mind, therefore, one needs to be above average or below average. These guidelines also are designed for a individual who has been around a lot of magic and can be reasonably objective based on a broard understanding of the magic entertaining business. The purpose of these guidelines is to eliminate subjectiveness, and improve on performance. Scoring Criteria: will be based on a one to four scale in each dimension: 4. Exceptional Performance 3. Above Average, No Glaring Mistakes or Errors 2. Below Average, Mistakes Obvious 1. Needs Work Scoring Dimensions: Performance should be judged on the basis of the following dimensions: Presentation: The performer connected with the audience 4. The performer "WOWed" the audience, connected with the audience, and the audience could see the performance over and over again. 3. The performer demonstrated smooth transition between routines, and a positive connected with the audience, a repeat performance would also be enjoyable. 2. The performer has some transitions between effects, connected with the audience but needs work on entertaining the audience. 1. There was little transition between effects or routines, it appeared to be a series of unrelated effects, haphazardly presented with little or no audience connection. Stage Presence: Confidence in one's abilities, attitude of assurance knowing the routine extremely well, well practiced, eye contact with audience, comfortable performing. 4. The performer demonstrated confidence and was comfortable with the routine, well rehearsed, with an attitude of assurance in performance 3. The performer demonstrated confidence and was comfortable with the routine, and made NO obvious mistakes or exposures. 2. The performer demonstrated confidence and was comfortable with the routine, but made glaring mistakes or exposures. 1. The performer needs a lot of practice, made glaring mistakes or exposured how the effect was done. Audience Appreciation: The audience obviously is enjoying the performance, the audience is having fun and being entertained 4. By the applause and/or visual actions of the audience, they really appreciated the performance, and could watch the performance again, and again. 3. By the applause, the audience appreciated and enjoyed the performance and wouldn't mind seeing it again. 2. The applause was "forced", the performance was enjoyable, but once was enough. 1. Little applause and the audience seemed bored or demonstrated a lack of interest in the performance, the entertainer did not entertain. Skills/Technique: The performer demonstrated the skills of a craftsman in the performance, clearly indicating a professional entertainer (magician). 4. The performer clearly demonstrated manipulated skills with no mistakes, with cards, coins, canes, TTs, or any effect required skill to do well. 3. The performer demonstrated manipulated skills with little or no glaring mistakes, with cards, coins, canes, TTs, or any effect required skill to do well. 2. The performer demonstrated manipulated skills with glaring mistakes, with cards, coins, canes, TTs, or any effect required skill to do well. 1. The performer demonstrated manipulated skills with several mistakes or exposure, with cards, coins, canes, TTs, or any effect required skill to do well. Originality: The performer developed, enhanced a routine that is original material. 4. The performer demonstrated a routine and effect, which is clearly his own. 3. The performer demonstrated a routine, which is clearly his own, and used standard effects. (Professor's Nightmare, 20th century Silks, etc.) 2. The performer demonstrated a "stock routine", which for the most part is a common method. 1. The performer copied a routine from another, with insufficient original material added. Humor (Kid Show): The performer entertained the audience with "appropriate" use of humor. 4. There were numerous bits of business with continued laughter from the audience. 3. The audience laughed over the added bits of business and the routine had several humorous elements to it. 2. The audience smiled, chuckled and the routine has obvious humor elements. 1. There was little or no laughter from the audience. Children Entertainment Value (Kid Show): The performer clearly demonstrated an ability to entertain children, using humor, audience involvement and a child assistant. 4. The routine was clearly geared for children, used audience participation, lots of humor, and involved a child's assistance. 3. The routine was clearly geared for children, involved the audience, was funny, and involved a child's assistance. 2. The routine wasn't clearly geared for children, used little audience participation, some humor, and did not involved a child's assistance. 1. The routine wasn't clearly geared for children, used little or no audience participation, little humor, and did not involved a child's assistance. --- The below rating makes up for some dimensions that are not listed above and is uses as an adjustment score. It seemed perfect but something was missing or it wasn't perfect, however, it really was a outstanding performance. --- Overall Satisfaction of Performance: You were clearly entertained, you feel good about the performance, you had fun, and could watch the performance again because the performer has the right combination of skills, originality, stage presence, humor, music, effects, color, costume and connection with the audience. 4. The performance has the right combination of skills, originality, stage presence, humor, music, effects, color, costume and connection with the audience. 3. The performance has most of the right combination of skills, originality, stage presence, humor, music, effects, color, costume and connection with the audience. 2. The performance lacks the right combination of skills, originality, stage presence, humor, music, effects, color, costume and connection with the audience. 1. The performance needs much improvement related to combining skills, originality, stage presence, humor, music, effects, color, costume and connection with the audience. Obviously, the Children's Dimension is for a performance which focuses on children entertainment. Not all the dimensions are required for every type of performance. What is left out is Use of Music because music can take a bad act and push it into a good act. It can enhance a performance tremendously or it can hurt a performance equally by inappropriateness, timing is off and numerous other possible positive and negative behaviors. Music will push an act above a four and it can pull it below a one. The best acts use music and take that chance! One final point, you get once chance with schools. If you do badly, the principals will let other principals know this, so refine before performance, research before development, evaluate before presenting, and market by direct mail and showcase it. Dennis Michael, Atco, NJ (856)768-2281 KIDabra Chapter #1 Facebook Email: DennisMichael@KIDabra1.org Decomposed Eternal Order High Desert 10653 Posts Posted: Feb 21, 2005 8:50pm          Great info Den! FInal Point: Only one school I performed for did I receive anything negative. They used whistles during the sitting of the children. The children got really excited at my show and I did reach down a few times and the kids stood up (I was on the floor). The teachers hated this. When I used the school as a reference, all they told the other teachers was the kids got out of line. I never had this happen again. I always go over "rules" at the beginning in a nice manner. I then re-enforce this throughout the show if I even see a child begin to stand. 90 seconds of pure laughs without a standing ovation! RonCalhoun Special user Independence, KY USA 574 Posts Posted: Feb 22, 2005 4:21pm          Fast - Do something magical quickly, within the first 30 seconds of the show opening Fun - Get them laughing. Audience - Bring up some audience members. This is a good bridge between fun and mystery. Mystery - Prove that you really are a magician. Great place to do mind reading or an escape trick. Finish - End with an applause getter. Number 1 Winner of the Café Search Engine Trivia Contest. https://www.weddingstorytelling.com/ keeblem Inner circle Essex, UK 1079 Posts Posted: Feb 28, 2005 4:22pm          I won't repeat everything that has already been said, but I will say that it was great to read Den's Post after a few grumblings recently about the "usefulness" of the Café. I know a couple of people no longer post (and presumably don't visit anymore?) all I can say is that there is still a lot to learn from this source as Den has expertly proven. Mark With a cup of tea in hand, nothing is impossible. “We are prone to judge success by the index of our salaries or the size of our automobiles rather than by the quality of our service and relationship to mankind.” - Martin Luther King Jr. "The only difference between me and madman is that I am not mad" - Salvador Dali Children's Parties in Essex slangers New user Denmark 86 Posts Posted: Mar 2, 2005 10:18am          What another great post from "the man" Daniel Faith Inner circle Neenah, Wisconsin 1526 Posts Posted: Mar 5, 2005 9:23pm          Some great info there Den Daniel Faith chris mcbrien Inner circle Chicago 1235 Posts Posted: Mar 9, 2005 9:02pm          Holy $@%& those were good posts! Yup, Den, time to write that book you've been putting off, then give me your address so I can pay you for a copy! You've just summed up what it took me a looooooong time to learn the hard way. It's true, too, if you mess up for a principal they rarely ever forget it, and it take much toe kissing to get back into their school (been there, done that). I used an interactive game that people generally liked, except for one principal, he said his teachers didn’t like it because they had to "get up" and they just liked to sit...then I noticed the size of the sitting teachers and agreed with him. Then there are librarians; I wish all my clients were librarians. One thing I thought could be added, and I want to add "could" because you did cover a lot of great material, was the theatrical part of our presentations. Acting ability is really important to our art form. Acting is really the other half of magic. And scripting is another education in itself... Great posts, Den, thanks so much for sharing!!! paulmagic Loyal user Malaysia, now In New Zealand 258 Posts Posted: Mar 14, 2005 10:36am          Den, I am new to this and interested in children's magic and just reading your post I think that the first response is not an exaggeration. ----- Thanks Den---That post was better than about 98% of the books on kids magic I have bought---thanks for taking the time!---Cheers!---Jimo ----- Whoever said free stuff is of little value has never seen posts like yours! Thank you Many Blessings!! Paul chris mcbrien Inner circle Chicago 1235 Posts Posted: Mar 20, 2005 9:39pm          Den, I really got a lot out of your posts! I'ts made me re-evaluate my show....and especially after I had a stressful week, it's helped to organize my show into different catagories and rate where I could use some improvement... Get this: I printed out the pages of your post, stapled them together and put them next to my copy of Ken Weber's "Maximum Entertainment", if that tells you how much I liked what you said..... Cheers! Chris Dennis Michael Inner circle Atco, NJ 5982 Posts Posted: Mar 21, 2005 5:51am          Thanks for the comments. "Maximum Entertainment", puts that theater aspect back into your performance. It is well written and enjoyable reading. Please understand these posts are not written in granite and there is room for improvement. In addition, the "rules" for entertaining kids are varied and have something to do with your personality, your morale beliefs, your sense of humor, your choosen character you protray, your family values, and the way you were raised. Dennis Michael, Atco, NJ (856)768-2281 KIDabra Chapter #1 Facebook Email: DennisMichael@KIDabra1.org The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » The little darlings » » Routining School Shows, Kids, Shows, and Illusion Shows <<< Previous Topic   Next Topic >>>  Go to page 1 ~ 2 ~ 3 ~ 4  (Next)

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