I thought I would start a topic where we can each share items you always carry with you to shows that are NOT magic related or tricks. These are items you bring with you for a reason and help aid you in some way.

For example:
Duct Tape - To basically fix anything from holding wheels onto props, to striking the stage.

Give us your must have items and state what the item is and why and how you use it. I think these can be very helpful for other magicians and hopefully it can be a great new thread to share ideas.

remember that this is a list of muct have items you take with you but are NOT magical effects.

Kyle

Here's something you might not think of:

I like to carry a large spring bulldog clip or two. When doing school programs, often I'll find that the rear stage curtains will not close completely. I simply clip them together to make a cleaner backdrop.

Jim

Awesome advice Jim. These are the exact things that I am looking for in this thread. Great and helpful tips and items you bring with you and how you use them to help you at your shows. These are non-magic props that can be used in ways to really help any magician along. Thanks Jim for a great idea and let us keep them coming. =)

Kyle

A book light that is made to clip on to a book for night time reading.

I clip it onto my sound equipment when the backstage area is dark so I can find small props just before show time and to see my mini tech's display.

If you're ever back stage before going on and drop a TT or some other small prop in the dark, you'll be glad you have a light source with you!

Lyndel

A swiss army knife. This has a knife, scisors, file, screwdrivers, tweezers etc.

A lot of useful emergency tools in a small package.

Al Delage always said the two most important things he carried was a door stop and chewing gum. The chewing gum should be obivious. And the door stop was used to prop open a door when loading in and out.

Richard

My little survival kit includes needle and thread, safety pins, scissors, double back tape, duct Tacky-Glue (a white glue), super glue, a container of baby wipes (wash the hands, clean shoes, wipe down props when no water is available), a roll of paper towels and a bottle of asperin!

You know I can’t count the times I’ve wedged a book or something into a doorframe to keep it open and still don’t have a door wedge in my kit! Am I a slow learner or what?

My kit includes duct tape, gaffers tape (doesn't leave sticky residue behind), scotch tape, several sizes of safety pins, scissors, a small sewing kit, a first aid kit, eye drops, immodium AD and tums (can't be too prepared where that's concerned), aspirin, a leatherman tool (if you don't know what this is think of a swiss army knife on steroids), a small flashlight, batteries, a small mirror, breath mints, nail clippers, a hairbrush, hairspray, baby wipes, a bottle of glass plus and a roll of paper towels. After reading this post I'll be adding a door stop and bulldog clips - thanks Jim and Richard. Wow - after reviewing my post it's almost like I'm preparing for the aftermath of a nuclear war! I've got to say that I never worry about not being prepared for any emergency though!

I always take a bubble machine with me to kids shows. I have two, one battery and one mains powered and take whichever suits the venue. It keeps early arrivals and family kids occupied whilst I set up, especially if I give them a balloon sword to pop them with.

Also, a small, battery powered fan for those particularly hot days, especially when performing indoors.

Lastly, double-sided sticky tape and scissors is an absolute must.

Steve taylor has a wonderful Survival Kit list in his lecture notes on performing magic. I think it's called "Putting the Pro in Professional" and was published in 1996.

I take a cell phone and some momeny usually. I also carry spares of all disposable props.

Forgot to mention, I always bring a bottle of water.

A great resource is the pocket-size book, "Road Warrior, the Professional Travelling Entertainer's Survival Guide", compiled by Randy Pryor(2002) and published by "ixed Company".

Lots of valuable tips from everyday working pros.

Happy Trails!

Jonathan

I always bring a hand towel to keep me looking fresh (no one wants to see a sweaty magician). In addition, I also carry extra markers, matches, balloons and business cards.

Kent

A bottle of Tullamore Mist Irish Whiskey. JUST KIDDING!! Everthing has been mentioned, however I do carry a bottle of water in my kit.

Peter

I carry my own toilet paper. I have done too many shows in halls that are inadequately supplied

Great share all. These are wonderful tips and tools. At some point I would love to write these up and share it with everyone just a nice simple list of items that have worked for other magicians and why and how they are used and can save you a lot of hassle.

When working outside I always carry:
- plenty of water
- towels to dry off hands and props
- hat to keep sun off my head
- sunscreen
- Asprin
- duct tape
- scissors


there are plenty more but these are listed for starters.

Kyle

Don't forget the value of a Sharpie pen. Use it to touch up props and of course signing autographs.

Aww yes how can I forget that. I also bring both large and small tip sizes as well as silver ones for signing my posters and such after shows. I have also used them to touch up areas of a prop that may have gotten nicked etc.

While on the subject of markers in your survival kit, I also include dry erase markers as I use them a lot for my drawing board effect. You can also use them in a lot of othet fun ways as they will erase from a lot of different surfaces.

Kyle

I was just about to say Sharpie. You beat me to it, Shadow.
Interesting thread.