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Tony Thomas Inner circle North Carolina 1248 Posts |
Have any of y'all ever done a show at a nursing home or eldercare facility? What was it like? Did you like it?
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JamesRaymond New user Elkhart, IN (USA) 49 Posts |
I did my one and only show at a elder-care center. Not really much of a show, rather me just doing some stage type tricks. My kid was there through the Cub Scouts and it was my job to entertain (if that's what you want to call it) between the Christmas songs they were doing. The people were seated all over which made it hard for some to see and hear me. I had fun and some of them did participate and got involved in what I was doing. But like I said before, I was just a filler and was asked last minute to do this. It was by for exciting for me and makes me want to do more stuff like it. Now I'm focusing on making a better entertaining show.
I would go back if they let me...(I have not asked yet).I feel it would be good practice. I don't think too many of them would be hecklers but I could be wrong. Good luck to you if you try it.
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Tony Thomas Inner circle North Carolina 1248 Posts |
I'm wondering about audience participation. Will there be a percentage that will want to come up and participate in the show, or should I plan on doing most of the show with minimal participation. Maybe stepping to them (allowing them to stay where they are) and help in a simple and minimal way.
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Mary Mowder Inner circle Sacramento / Elk Grove, CA 3659 Posts |
Yes,
There are different types. Some are older folks with physical problems but who are absolutely fine mentally and are a great audience. Some are really senile and may just sleep through the show. It is important to ask the Client. Both of these may have hearing and vision problems. Think of it as a Family show if they are mixed. Big visual Magic works well if it is a Stand-Up Show. Magic to Music is nice. Comedy is good. Avoid Talking over Music. One or the other but not both. It is cacophony for those with hearing aids. No Mental Magic or talky effects for the cognitively impaired groups. Be prepared for using a Nurses Aid for Volunteer if needed. On the whole don't depend on helpers if they have cognitive problems. Don't expect a normal response. Even for those without cognitive problems, clapping can be painful. Just know that they do enjoy a show. I've had close friends in those places and I know that no matter how bad they got they still enjoyed the shows. It isn't the highest pay and it won't inflate your ego but you are doing a good thing. -Mary Mowder |
Tony Thomas Inner circle North Carolina 1248 Posts |
Thanks James. Great post Mary. I appreciate the guidance.
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Mark Ross Loyal user Batavia, NY 236 Posts |
I haven't done an eldercare magic show,but both my parents were in nursing home care before their passing, so I observed a lot. Based on that observation, I can tell you that Mary's comments are right on the mark. Big & colorful, maybe a cute animal, yes. But probably story routines and mentalism are not the best. The idea of using a popular nurse or aide to assist is a good one.
As a part time pastor who also is a singer, I can affirm that they love to hear the songs from their past, and they just might sing along with you. Music evokes memories, even for those with dementia. And yes, you are doing a good work. Mark |
WalkerMagic Regular user 103 Posts |
I recently performed at a nursing home, and I thought they were a great audience. My only suggestion is to not perform a lot of effects that need volunteers because most of them did not want to come up on stage.
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Benjamagic Loyal user 41°02′20″N 73°36′49″W 216 Posts |
I do a half hour show at a nursing home every wednesday, and I have loved every minute of it! It is a great opportunity to try out new tricks that you don't want to display to the general public yet. Also, even if you mess up horribly, they will still greatly appreciate you, because they don't get much entertainment.
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JamesRaymond New user Elkhart, IN (USA) 49 Posts |
Quote:
On 2012-02-15 19:43, Benjamagic wrote: That is a very good point you make. I was thinking of doing a free show at a nursing home for two reasons. Mainly it's practice...and second, just because they can't get out any more by themselves doesn't mean they don't want the entertainment as well. It may be free but you never know...one of the staff members might like what you are doing and ask "how much" for a show at another venue.
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Dougini Inner circle The Beautiful State Of Maine 7130 Posts |
Nursing Home performing was instrumental in my early years performing pro/semi-pro. I found performing one-on-one, or just a few people worked best. Attention spans are not the best with a roomful, and they are easily distracted. Stuff you would do at a kid's show would work very well.
Mine was silks, The Linking Rings, Multiplying Golf (Billiard) Balls, and I gave away the stuffed animals I produced from a Square Circle as a finale. I got 'em cheap at Salvation Army! Good memories... Doug |
Bill Hegbli Eternal Order Fort Wayne, Indiana 22797 Posts |
I only have done 3 Nursing Home shows, and they were back in the 1980's. It is all a lot of bull. The staff and director does not appreciate your services at all. I only charged them $50 and they would not let go of the check from his hands.
I would not recommend doing Nursing Home shows at all. It is not a good experience that will help you develop your skills. You could do the same by staying at home and rehearsing. You need a responsive audience and staff that appreciates your generosity. Remember, you are treated and respected in direct proportion to the what they believe is value for the dollar they spend. If they thing free or $50 means you are not any good, they will treat you like your not any good. If they think $50 is asking to much, then they will treat you like you are a professional. It is all how they perceive you and the dollar value you charge. |
JamesRaymond New user Elkhart, IN (USA) 49 Posts |
I see where you are coming from Bill (I believe that is your first name from the other post I have read). I also believe that practice is practice. If I could grab there attention (if only for a few minutes) then I would know I'm doing something right. If you present yourself with high pride then you can only be treated that way. There are those who will never be happy no matter what you do and to them I say..."You don't know what your missing!"
Just a side note: I love magic for the magic...if I end up making money at it some day, so be it.
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Dougini Inner circle The Beautiful State Of Maine 7130 Posts |
I understand Bill. I did the nursing homes for free. It was to see how performing "out in the world" would be, and if I could be successful.
Also, I was treated with the utmost respect by the staff, was always welcome, and I even met a girlfriend that way. Remember though, that was 1977/78. I don't know how it would be today, maybe like you say, Bill. Children's birthday parties? I will NEVER do again! I even performed at West Peru Baptist Church, for the kids, while their parents attended service upstairs. That is a tale I should tell some time! Doug |
JamesRaymond New user Elkhart, IN (USA) 49 Posts |
Children's birthday parties? I will NEVER do again! I even performed at West Peru Baptist Church, for the kids, while their parents attended service upstairs. That is a tale I should tell some time!
Doug, this sounds like you were hired to be a baby sitter, not an entertainer...just say'n.
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RJE2 Veteran user 383 Posts |
You do nursing home shows (different from senior homes) because you want to. You do them for what ever personal reasons you have.
The performing area may be a challenge. The audience may be a challenge. The pay may be next to nothing. But there are some who keep doing them anyway. It may be because you are starting out and you want the work for the experience. It may be because it makes you feel good to give back to the community. It may be out of respect for those who are in need. It may be..... Some will volunteer to do walk around in a children's hospital once a week. Some will do shows in nursing homes. It is not always about the money. |
Dougini Inner circle The Beautiful State Of Maine 7130 Posts |
Quote:
On 2012-02-18 11:32, JamesRaymond wrote: Yeah! Ha! LOL! You already know how it went! A learning experience...that's for sure! |
Alan Munro Inner circle Kentwood, Michigan, USA 5952 Posts |
I found that there was little to learn that was applicable to other types of shows. The residents tend to be really out of it - over-medicated and/or catatonic. The visitors are the audience that you can learn from. This is an opportunity for those who are starting out, if the visitors are there.
Professionally, these shows aren't a viable market - no money in it. On the other hand, retirement homes can be a good market, considering that the residents are quite lucid. When they were young, live entertainment was far more popular, so they appreciate it more. |
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