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D.Paul Loyal user 228 Posts |
Hi, ive been performing magic (mainly mentalism) for the past 6 years, but recently from family and friends ive been ask strangly enough if I would perform for children. Now ive done bits and pieces in the past but for some reason I'm getting a lot of work and intrest for this type of thing. So ive decied to put a 30 minuite childrens show togther, what would you say are the 5 main quilitys needed to perform for children. Please be honost I would really appreciate some advise and info on mabye good effects or type of effects. I know first and formost the effects most be entertaning and fun to watch, there most be plenty of intreaction and involvment for the children. So please any advise would be usfull.
Thank's Darren |
Jim Snack Inner circle 1338 Posts |
Five qualities need to perform for children:
1) A great sense of humor 2) Flexibility 3) Patience 4) A strong character, larger than life 5) You must really like children There are lots of threads on this topic, but I would recommend having some aort of warm-up routine that sets the tone and "ground rules" for the children. Use music to provide variety and to help settle them down to focus on certain routines. Have fun. Jim |
Dennis Michael Inner circle Southern, NJ 5821 Posts |
Since Jim Snack gave five excellent qualities below are five more, to supplement the above:
1) Study the Art of Entertaining Children (Ex: Read David Ginn's KID BIZ) 2) Find a "good" mentor to review your show and give you pointers for improvement 3) Consider the "Rabbit in the Hat" routine (Puppet Rabbit) 4) Attend KIDabra Conference (Fast track to learning so much in a short Period of time) 5) Add a self working comedy routine like the Vanishing Bandana, or any of Arthur Steads magicial effects such as The Magic in You. Go for it... 30 minutes is a good start, and avoid most card & coin tricks for now except maybe the miser's dream or the coin tray.
Dennis Michael
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D.Paul Loyal user 228 Posts |
Thank you for both of your very insightfull replys I may have a few problems I'm not really the larger than life type of performer allthough I'm not shy, also I wouldnt say that I'm "funny,comedian" but I do have a good sense of humor and hopefully that will shine through.
Thank's again Darren |
Al Angello Eternal Order Collegeville, Pa. USA 11045 Posts |
Darren
To hold the attention of a room full of kids does require a bigger than life persona, and it is not for everybody. Get the reference books mentioned above and most importantly get a mentor. Children require (in my opinion) much more skill to entertain than adults, and no matter how much experience you have entertaining children there will ALWAYS be surprises. Good luck Al
Al Angello The Comic Juggler/Magician
http://www.juggleral.com http://home.comcast.net/~juggleral/ "Footprints on your ceiling are almost gone" |
danryb Special user 506 Posts |
I'd suggest learning to use any or all of these effects and props for children:
large colorful silk handkerchiefs in a "missmade" routine of some type. (don't forget to forgetfully missname the colors when showing the kids) large sponge balls for a decent multiplying sponge ball routine (act as if you get your finger trapped in their closed fist when handing them the balls) any large coloring trick that you can get the kids to visibly "paint" in with imaginary paint brushes (such as pronto painting or coloring book etc) a good visible "peek-up-from-behind" routine with a marketed effect (such as the moon, pizza to go, special effects board, bookworm etc) that's four - and five would be: breakaway fan, black hand gag, breakaway wand, perfect your "double takes", perfect and practice your vocals in different tones, speed up your performance and stick to a fast pace. The list goes on and on. and here is a little bonus: "Enjoy" Danismagic |
MagicB1S Inner circle Knoxville Tenn. 1039 Posts |
Try to involve the kids in every trick you do. I use one of the Kids as an assistant in every trick...... Comedy at a kids level...( Very Important) Make your self look like an A** IE. Put your Jacket on upside down when you come on stage, or Name the colors wrong when doing a silk routine.. Produce your favorite Duck (but actualy it is a Rabbit) Play it up they kids love to laugh. and Don't forget to reward the Kids at the end of the show..
"There are Tricks To All Trades.... My Trade is all Tricks"
"An amature practices until he gets it right. A Professional Practices until he can't get it wrong" www.Themagicchest.webs.com bobswislosky@yahoo.com |
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