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chichi711 Inner circle 5810 Posts |
I have searched the Café, and I have not really found anything about school drug programs. Does anybody know of any good sources for learning how to put a dare program together?
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Starrpower Inner circle 4070 Posts |
Check if there's a market for it, first. I have found that the D.A.R.E. Programs are becoming extinct due to lack of funding. Or, at the very least, they are not bringing in many speakers from the outside.
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Creative Coach Loyal user Anderson, SC 294 Posts |
Drug programs are drying up. Most are very ineffective. Don't waste your money creating one. It is not much of a topic in schools except for 1 week in October.
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chichi711 Inner circle 5810 Posts |
I know it is only one week in October, but I can book a few shows in that one week. I think if I can do 4 or 5 shows it would be worth it.
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Starrpower Inner circle 4070 Posts |
John's right. Drug programs are doing a better vanishing act than any magician I know. I think your time might be better spent developing a program you can sell more frequently.
But, if you're sold on the idea, I have a never-used "Say No To Drugs" magic trick that you can have cheap ... I'll never use it since the drug programs are drying up. |
chichi711 Inner circle 5810 Posts |
Okay, okay, I will give up on the DARE program. I would now ask the same question, but for a reading program.
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Starrpower Inner circle 4070 Posts |
My first suggestion would be not to have EVERY effect relate to reading. A 30-minute television program has about seven minutes of commercials; that's about a 3/1 ration of content to advertising. Keep your show the same way and it won't appear too "preachy." About 1/4 of the effects should relate to the reading theme -- and be sure the first and last tricks are in this category.
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todd75 Inner circle 1277 Posts |
A couple of things on this topic...
#1: Drug programs are great but many are not presented in a way that the kids actually learn the dangers of drugs. Most performers come off too "preachy" and the kids don't like that. If presented properly, a drug program can be very effective. The only problem is that they are not very popular. Ex: I generally only get requests to do mine during Red Ribbon Week which is once a year. I am booked solid every year! #2: A reading show is ideal for several markets. You can play it to libraries, schools and even child care centers throughout the year. My reading program has made me tons of money and I enjoy doing it the best of all of my motivational programs. I agree with what Starrpower says to a certain extent. I think you should open the show with a eye catching effect like producing a dove and then move into the the theme and what you are trying to get across. Make sure that the program is funny and that you can keep the kids laughing while you show them the "magic" of reading books. Motivational programs are a blast, and they generally pay better than anything else. I enjoy my school and library programs more than anything! I think you will yoo once you design one and see how much excitement there is. |
Decomposed Eternal Order High Desert 12059 Posts |
Agree, Starr. If someone walked into the school and every effect was about the theme, I feel they could lose the children quickly. They have to have some magical fun.
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Creative Coach Loyal user Anderson, SC 294 Posts |
I differ, guys. My entire reading presentation is themed. EVERY program piece relates to reading. But variety is the key! Get away from "magicians" thinking. Gain some "entertainers" thinking!
I took out my magical opener and replaced it with a great audience participation piece. I juggle. I do Troublewit. I use storytelling. I hold both a PreK-second grade and a third-sixth grade attention for 50 minutes. And the kids LEARN about the value of reading! The key is becoming an "entertainer" and entertain/educate your audience. |
Donald Dunphy Inner circle Victoria, BC, Canada 7565 Posts |
I hate to say this, but I agree with John Cooper, on this point. (It's no fun when we get along, John. Hehehe! )
I have been doing a reading show for several years. The whole show (every routine) is tied to the message, and every trick is fun, yet functional (oooh, that's a pretty cool way of putting it). And I have dozens of reference letters from schools who appreciate this show, and felt that the children thoroughly enjoyed the show, and yet were inspired. I have an overall theme and message to the show, and each routine has a part in carrying out that message, right from the flashy opening to the grand finale (callback). I guess that when I approached creating my version of a reading show, I was influenced with how I created my gospel shows. They, too, have every trick relating to the overall message and theme of the show. Now, in another school show, I do have one routine at the beginning that doesn't relate specifically to the message (the other 6 fit the overall message), but I use that one routine for establishing the interest of the audience in what I am about to share with them. - Donald P.S. For some excellent thoughts on creating a message show, I recommend some of Steve Taylor's books / lecture notes. I also found Duane Laflin's book, "Practical Magic For Kid Show and School Show Entertainers" to be helpful, and a great non-magical book is Dale Carnegie's "The Quick and Easy Way to Effective Speaking" (available as a paperback at most bookstores).
Donald Dunphy is a Victoria Magician, British Columbia, Canada.
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Creative Coach Loyal user Anderson, SC 294 Posts |
Donald,
For once we didn't have to agree to disagree! My advice: Don't get involved in "Flavor Of The Month" show design. Find topics schools are actually interested in. How? ASK! (then listen!) |
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