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Jestnjoker Elite user 440 Posts |
I was seen at a library doing my show by a HS homecoming coordinator. I am frequently complimented by both kids and adults for my show, so I am confident that it plays to a very wide range. When I perform it for audiences with teenagers, they are also usually very eager to be a part of the action.
However, the voice in my head is telling me that maybe it plays for everyone when the whole age range is represented (for example, when an adorable 4 year old is up on stage in fits of laughter, a teenager may find it easy to laugh as well), but if I isolate a group like the teenagers, it might not have the same pop. Anyways, the coordinator was thrilled with the show and essentially booked me on the spot (it was official with a contract not long after). Now I have well over a month to decide what needs to change (if anything) to accommodate a more age-specific audience (350 teenagers to be exact). Thanks in advance for sharing any of your wisdom. Grace and Peace, Jeff
Jeff Wright
www.WrightEntertainment.biz Voted Best Party Entertainer in Cleveland, Nickelodeon Parents' Picks Awards |
MichaelCGM Inner circle Oklahoma City 2286 Posts |
What are the effects in your current set?
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The Mighty Fool Inner circle I feel like a big-top tent having 2140 Posts |
Goooooood effin' luck!!
Okay, Okay...seriously, I can tell you the kid effects you want to throw OUT of your act (if theyre in it that is) coloring book, hiphoprabiits / fraidycat rabbit / runrabbitrun, diebox, and it probably wouldnt be a good idea to use a changebag* for anything either. For highschoolers, the magic has to really look like MAGIC---very visual & hard to explain. Like Michael suggested, it's hard to reccomend tricks without knowing what tricks are avaliable to you, so I'll wait for your response to his post. *The reason I don't like to use the changebag with teenagers is that odds are most of them have already seen it in various kids shows growing up, and they now associate the prop with 'little-kiddie-shows'.
Everybody wants to beleive.....we just help them along.
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Gerry Walkowski Inner circle 1450 Posts |
I'd hit them with your finest close-up magic and comedy.
Having said that, I also think some of them might enjoy your balloon work as well. |
Bob Sanders Grammar Supervisor Magic Valley Ranch, Clanton, Alabama 20504 Posts |
Close-up for an audience of 350 is not very practical.
Bob Sanders Magic By Sander |
Potty the Pirate Inner circle 4632 Posts |
Yes, I'd say that a family show wouldn't play well for just teenagers. Concentrate on strong magic, cool effects, make sure you have plenty of appropriate banter and gags for these older kids.
Personally, I wouldn't take a gig like that! Much as I love to perform for a wide age-range, teenagers are really the toughest audience of all. They're way too "cool" to be interested in clowning and silliness, too immature to really appreciate good magic, too young to include any sauciness, and often too cocky to be reliable if called onto the stage in front of their peers. A handful of them mixed in with plenty of adults and under-10s is no problem, but if you only have teenagers, it might be. I think if I did have such a gig, I'd offer some strong card magic, something with an iPhone or other cellphone, perhaps a shoe-burning routine or Scott Alexander's "Shoe Business", Bill in Lemon, a good mentalism routine, etc. Good luck! |
wizardpa Inner circle The New Orleans area 1011 Posts |
Probably my favorite audience to perform for, but that is because over the years I have spent quite a bit of money accumulating effects this type of audience really loves.
Dagger chest, my version of smash and stab, the guillotine, the hand chopper, visible sawing through body, catching a dart in between my teeth shot from a gun, rat trap, and the floating table. I start my show with more traditional stuff like the Andersen newspaper tear, linking rings and ropes, etc., and end my show with a funny, yet sick way to produce a real rabbit. It's hard to tell you what works, not knowing what is in your library show. Good luck! |
Jestnjoker Elite user 440 Posts |
Hey all,
Thanks for the feedback so far. Concerning my set list, I have a very unique show that has been playing really well all summer. It's a combination of all my skills as an Improv Comedian, Magician, and Balloon Twister. Of course, I'm willing to accept offers for specific effects, but I am more interested in the general psychology of this group. I am doing an hour of walk-around before their dinner, and have no problem there. I am confident in my close-up and use it frequently with older kids, teenagers, college students, and adults. I am more concerned about making the 30 minutes given on stage the best it can be. So here's a guiding question (don't let it stop you from offering other help, but it's an example of the questions I'm asking myself): Is the audience going to respond better to a volunteer making me look foolish or looking foolish himself? (Not maliciously, but in a "he's in on it" sort of way, kind of a specialty of mine).
Jeff Wright
www.WrightEntertainment.biz Voted Best Party Entertainer in Cleveland, Nickelodeon Parents' Picks Awards |
Leland Inner circle St Louis 1180 Posts |
I think the thing to remember is that they want to be treated as an adult. If you give them the respect they should give it right back.
That is a tough crowd though, at least for me. You could be dead on with your magic but if they are not in the mood, you know how they get when they’re with their friends; they may not be responsive to your act. Wish I were more help. Best of luck.
Life of Magic!
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Chad C. Inner circle 1522 Posts |
PM has been sent.
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Chad C. Inner circle 1522 Posts |
Quote:
On 2011-08-26 07:23, Jestnjoker wrote: I would advise bringing up a teacher/parent volunteer and doing the foolishy stuff with them. Teens love that - especially some of the popular teachers and or parents or coaches. See who will be in attendance and let the teens vote on who they want to help by cheering from a list of names you call out. Immediately puts them on your side. |
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