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frankieacemagic Elite user 498 Posts |
Hello friends!
I didn't know where to post this call for help. This isn't exactly the right section. But this is where I spend most of my time, so I thought some of you could help. Ive been hired to do a special needs adult show, a stand up show, and I'm wondering what type of effects you might recommend. I perform adult magic shows, mixed ages shows, and children's shows, but this is my first adult special needs show. I've read another post that suggested visual effects and less patter. I was wondering if any of you who have done these types of shows could comment on my current show list? Thank you for any help with this! (and again, posting this in "The Little Darlings" section isn't meant to suggest that special needs adults are children) Chop cup w/ tennis ball loads Sponge balls 3 Card Joe Misers Dream Danny Orleans Coloring Book Cut and restored rope of Professors Nightmare, then Fiber Optics Smokey Mountain Pizza Oven Water Monte |
rossmacrae Inner circle Arlington, Virginia 2477 Posts |
Nope, it's not inappropriate, though I'd rather you had been more specific about WHAT special needs ... saying only that, it might be intellectually challenged, mentally ill, veterans with PTSD, wheelchair-bound, anything.
Your proposed routine sounds OK to me. |
frankieacemagic Elite user 498 Posts |
Great question, Ross. I asked and she said "a diverse spectrum." I'm assuming "intellectually challenged." I don't believe "mentally ill."
Thank you! |
MickNZ Special user Auckland, New Zealand 576 Posts |
Do NOT make the mistake of talking down to them or assuming that they'll be entertained by children's material. Take your adult show just in case you need it. I've done shows like this and despite what I've been told by the booker I've realised 30 seconds into it that the audience will respond to adult material much better than kiddy material.
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Potty the Pirate Inner circle 4633 Posts |
I agree, use adult material. They are adults, and some will have normal mental capacity for their age, whilst others will not.
Here is what I perform as my "A" show for these events: Comedy Sword Swallow King's Crossing Dean's Box Puppet Mask Celebrity Smart Ass Dark Museum Passing Water Bill in Lemon |
frankieacemagic Elite user 498 Posts |
Thanks Mick and Potty! Your responses are very helpful. I think I'll just plan on doing my standard adult show. If I have to slow down or repeat things, that's fine by me! I imagine I'll just have to be a bit more explicit at times.
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Grasshop34 Veteran user Cincinnati, OH 308 Posts |
I've enjoyed these shows. I like teaching them a trick they can do and allowing them to perform it. I also use volunteers a lot. Make sure you use people first language. For example: adults with special needs as opposed to special needs adults. When I work the old west festival there are a lot of group homes who visit and they are very fun to perform for.
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frankieacemagic Elite user 498 Posts |
Thanks Grasshop. You're right. I always say "children with disabilities." Don't know why I didn't say that for adults. Thanks for the reminder!
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Potty the Pirate Inner circle 4633 Posts |
Quote:
On Aug 7, 2014, Grasshop34 wrote: Really? I kind of get why, but isn't this Political Correctness gone mad? Thanks for the tip, though, it's not something I'd have thought of. The last adults with special needs I've performed for had varying levels of physical ability - those who were mentally alert tended to be the ones with the most challenging physical conditions, and vice versa. Some had both mental and physical incapacities. They really do enjoy silly stuff, especially as they live in a protected environment, and tend to be somewhat "naive" in terms of humour - so I included some kids gags - I might have even included one comedy wand, for a quick laugh - and they love visual stuff like Passing Water. |
ChrisG Elite user Batavia, Ohio 448 Posts |
This is some of what I have done for a state run set of group homes. Adults with varying disabilities not able to live on their own.
Appearing Cane /Vanish cane Mouth coil Russian Rings 8' straw from McDonalds bag Needle Through Balloon Cut and restored rope Sponge ball routine coloring book Block of rope Tip over production box Silk color change routine
"Consensus is the negation of Leadership"
M. Thatcher |
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