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dmagic Veteran user 384 Posts |
Who can tell me what have in James Munton's "How to Teach a Birthday Party
Magic Class" thank you Posted: Oct 28, 2005 8:41am Sorry ... I find the description. Until now, there has been very little information on a very lucrative type of magic performance - the birthday magic class. This DVD is destined to become the definitive work on this topic. You'll watch James perform at a real birthday party in someone's house and join him as he sits down and explains in detail every aspect of marketing and performing a birthday magic class. On this DVD you will learn everything you need to make lots of money teaching a fun magic class at birthday parties. Kids love the show and parents love that their kids are learning new skills. In Part One, James explains in detail every aspect of teaching a birthday magic class. In Part Two, you’ll accompany James to a real birthday party and watch as he entertains the kids (and adults!) with a hilarious, fast-paced magic class that gets everyone involved. On this DVD you will learn everything you need to start making a ton of money teaching a fun magic class at birthday parties. ~ Watch a live birthday party ~ Find out which tricks to teach and why ~ Learn an easy, eye-catching opener you’ll use in every show ~ Learn complete routines with all the hilarious patter ~ Discover the marketing secrets of the full-time professionals ~ Learn the best place to advertise (it’s not the Yellow Pages!) ~ Find out how to save a small fortune buying supplies ~ How to sell add-ons that generate huge additional income with no effort ~ Setting your fee - why most magicians don’t charge enough ...and much, much more! |
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phaddad2 Regular user 171 Posts |
Where is this available?
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Donald Dunphy Inner circle Victoria, BC, Canada 7563 Posts |
James is a member of the Café, and you can see a link (to his website) in the signature area of his posts. You will find many of his posts here in the Little Darlings area of the Café, and in other areas.
Here's a link to his website for you, phaddad2, where he sells his DVD: http://www.magicsells.com/ - Donald
Donald Dunphy is a Victoria Magician, British Columbia, Canada.
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Billy Whizz Special user Plymouth, UK 576 Posts |
Hi DMagic,
I have loads of different Kids magic DVD's, and I would say this is the best by far. I have probably learnt more from this one DVD than I have from the other 20 or so put togther. I brought it about 3 or 4 months ago, and since then I've done 8 workshops (including one tonight). If I hadn't seen the DVD I wouldn't have been doing these. It has given me something different to do instead of the usual birthday parties for younger children. James gives a live performance showing what it's like in a real show, and offers some real gems of advice as well as a number of suitable tricks to use. As I said, I have learnt a lot from this and highly recomend it. I know two people who have brought it since I did after I recomended it to them, and they are both very happy with it. Worth the small investment. Good luck. Best wishes, Billy. |
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Brian Lehr Inner circle Edmonton, Canada 1605 Posts |
Another happy buyer here.
I don't know if others have encountered this yet, but you may end up having to prepare several different workshops. Let me explain. I teach most of the tricks on the dvd. A couple months ago I did a workshop for an Afterschool Care group (ages 7-12). They liked it so much, they are having me back this coming Monday for a Halloween show and another workshop. Since I can't teach the same tricks, I'm working on a second workshop. To top things off, the mom of one of the kids from the Afterschool Care group also hosts a halloween party every year for her child's friends. This year it's on Sunday afternoon, and I've been invited to do a magic show and mini-workshop. So not only am I finishing up working on two more shows, I'm also putting together two more different workshops. Whew, I'm getting tired just thinking about it. Brian |
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Dennis Michael Inner circle Southern, NJ 5821 Posts |
I hesitated buying this DVD when I first saw it, because there is so much hype on trash that I bought in the past that I refused to buy items unless I heard from someone who I respect who has this and recommends it.
Well, Billy as soon as I get it and view it I'll let you know if you can add my name to that list. I just ordered it today. I did buy a complete Magic Class Kit ($125) with all the props and manuals for a five day course from Ed Wade at KIDabra International Conference, which I am extremely happy with. This buy should supplement that purchase. I already developed one for a birthday party of teenagers I've booked, and I am hoping to get a great tip or two from this DVD, to enhance that show. I am a firm believer in buying DVD that are good and if I can get just one good idea from it it is worth it! Dennis
Dennis Michael
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sluggo New user Mike B. 85 Posts |
Dennis,
Please let us know what you think of the DVD! You are so respected on this forum I think that you can probably sell us swamp land in Idaho. I am sure if you recommend it, this DVD will sell lots more. Not that I don't believe the others on here but I am like you. I have bought things in the past that got rave reviews and didn't think much of it myself. Thanks, Mike
Dad, magic, ventriloquism, facepainter & balloons.
A weakness for coffee (caffeine) |
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Billy Whizz Special user Plymouth, UK 576 Posts |
Same here Den, if you can get just one good thing from a DVD, it makes it worth buying. I brought a couple after being recomended on the Café, and wish I hadn't bothered. Two in particular, I won't name them as I don't think it's fair to those people, but they were the worst I've ever seen.
James Muntons DVD didn't give me just one idea, it game the ideas for a whole new show, with it being a workshop, it was totally different to what I normally do. I'm sure you'll happy with it Den. I should be getting commission from James Munton. |
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Ron Reid Inner circle Phoenix, Arizona 2732 Posts |
Thank you for the information, Billy and Brian. I just ordered mine from Hocus-Pocus based on your recommendations.
Ron |
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Dennis Michael Inner circle Southern, NJ 5821 Posts |
It is tough reviewing DVDs because what I like others may not. For instantance, I just loved BJ Hickman's Magic Show, but others didn't think much of it. To me it was just a magic show where BJ got into having fun with the kids, did a little balloning fun, clowning fun, a little libary effect which I have, the Yes, game which I've done and love the fun this simple effect produces, etc. Others did not like it for varies reasons.
It was not a teaching video, it was just his show. I am buying this DVD because it sounds good and I respect Billy Wiz's recommendations. Also I recognize there are different styles of magicians, some like David Kaye Stuff (It works well in the populated urban cities in the North easst, and others disagree with his style.) As soon as I get it I will give it a review. Den
Dennis Michael
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Donald Dunphy Inner circle Victoria, BC, Canada 7563 Posts |
Quote:
On 2005-10-29 09:59, DenDowhy wrote: Sorry to hijack this thread for a moment. I love this routine that Den mentioned, and do it often in my show. Just a kind reminder that the coin tray / "yes" game routine is not original with BJ Hickman. It is actually from Al Lampkin's book, "The Funniest Magic Show in the World", which was published back in the 70's (1978 Micky Hades Publications). That's where I learned it first. Just want to give credit where credit is due, and so people know where they can seek out some further material for inspiration. - Donald P.S. And now back to regular scheduled programming... From my interaction with James Munton on the forums, he strikes me as an EXPERIENCED professional who knows his stuff. I hope to get his magic class DVD myself within the next month or so.
Donald Dunphy is a Victoria Magician, British Columbia, Canada.
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Dennis Michael Inner circle Southern, NJ 5821 Posts |
Agreed Donald, In my haste I forgot to mention that, however, the routine when seen done verses reading about it is a completedly different perspective. By the way, Al Lampkins book has lots of good routines, not just the "YES Game", and BJ doesn't do it exatly like Al's method.
Dennis Michael
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Ron Reid Inner circle Phoenix, Arizona 2732 Posts |
I also like Al Lampkin's book, but it is the most poorly written/produced book I have ever owned. It is an extremely difficult read. Imagine: Nearly the whole book done in capital letters. No chapters. No breaks to tell you where certain routines begin or end. Just solid blocks of text from top to bottom on each page. Text justified on both the right and left sides.
Too bad it is produced in such a nighmarish way - the material in it is very good. Ron |
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Dennis Michael Inner circle Southern, NJ 5821 Posts |
James Munton's "How to Teach a Birthday Party Magic Class"
Well, I received it yesterday and viewed it with mixed feelings. First and foremost, it is a DVD like no others I have. That's good, and because of that it was worth the price. James first takes the viewer step-by-step through eight magic tricks the kids can do, starting with is warm-up routine with a fire book. (Doesn't teach this to the kids). It is a nice routine, standard "Here are the rules" stuff but he doesn't call them rules. It is done very nicely and a good opening for any magic show. To some, budding magicians, this might be worth the purchase of the DVD.
Included in this DVD are the places where he buys his raw materials wholesale, and his sound system which has been mentioned on the Café several times. James then talks marketing using Yellow Pages, Parent's Magazine, and during the show. He also talks about pricing your show. Because he does a FOCUSED "Teaching Magic Class" show and it is unique, he commands a higher price, stating he does 4-6 shows on a weekend. Everything fits into a $25 Home Depot/Lowes Suitcase, so he can do at least 3-shows a day. James then gives about 10 minute infomericial on owning the rights to his $200 Make Your Own Magic Book, and includes another make your own jokes book. He explains how he sells these instead of doing "goody-bags" so you can make extra money, or use them a a gift to the Birthday Child. After listing the places one can purchase the raw materials, the sound system he uses, and "Secrets of Magic" Book, he demonstrates his show. James' show is entertaining and he has developed a unique show of doing easy to do magic, into a deliverable product. James performance style and lines are of what I consider the standard for entertaining children. He clearly displays the teachings of David Ginn, Silly Billy, Steve Taylor and others listed in the standard magic books, which can be seen behind him when he is doing his explanations of his magic. He does the standard gags related to volunteers and it is a pleasure to watch another having fun with the kids even while he is teaching them all, including the adults. Comparing this show with Ken Scott's "Making the Birthday Dough" I prefer Ken Scott's DVD because it is similar to the magic I do, much more than one suitecase (Prop/Box/Rabbit Production Stuff) non-teaching, and a nice longer "Fireside" type chat with Ken about the Birthday Party Business. Understand these are two different approaches to entertaining kids. Both are worthy of consideration if this review appeals to what you want to do. James open's up a whole new Marketing area, those kids in the 9/10- 15 year old bracket, something no one else has presented on a DVD. Teaching magic does have it's rewards. I can see this easily mixing with my Magic Class Kit I received from Ed Wade. Did I learn anything new? With the exception of Mr. Baggy above, I did know all the other effects he taught and I would change some of them to my own style but keeping with the concepts taught in this DVD. Recommendations: This is a must have DVD if you want to teach older children some magic tricks or want to enhance your show with a mini-teaching session. We have balloons and tattoos for the younger kids, why not have something for the older kids kids: teaching them magic. (And yes, I think a lot of Dads would appreciate learning to do magic... it is an inner desire.) The logic is sound and the principle adds creditability and uniqueness to your show. If you do not desire to teach simple magic or can't see yourself doing a magic camp type material, then this is not for you. If you are a collector of magic DVD for children to expand your educational horizons related to children entertaining or just have a genuine desire to learn about entertaining children, this DVD belongs in your collection. I am not disappointed in this purchase, I learned a new trick, Mr. Baggy, but my mixed feeling was the "David Dee" Type "Informericial" in the center of this DVD. I've could have done without that or at least given me the option to select that portion as an added bonus to purchasing the DVD. It's kinda of like renting a movie and being forced to watch a commercial before the movie, a little pet-peeve of mine. Hopefully, this review will determine if this DVD is for you! Dennis PS. Billy Wiz, You can add my name to that list.
Dennis Michael
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dmagic Veteran user 384 Posts |
So...
what you think I need buy ? Ken Scott's "Making the Birthday Dough" or James Munton's "How to Teach a Birthday Party Magic Class" thank you |
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Dennis Michael Inner circle Southern, NJ 5821 Posts |
The Choice is yours. Do you want to perform or teach? If you are new at magic, learn to do shows before you teach. If you want the best of two worlds buy both.
Dennis Michael
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James Munton Inner circle Dallas, TX 1199 Posts |
Hi everyone,
Just wanted to thank you all for the kind words. I have to be careful because I don't want to break any Magic Café rules about promoting my own products. I unintentionally upset Steve Brooks recently by suggesting the Web site contest. But I did just want to take the time to thank Billy, Brian, Donald and others who have said kind words. Billy, lunch is on me if we get the chance to meet up next time I am in England! Den, I really appreciate you taking the time to post a review. I'm glad you enjoyed the DVD. I'm also happy you noticed the books behind me. Learning to perform for children cannot possibly come from a single book or DVD and we are all indebted to all those who have shared their ideas and routines in the past. By the way, it's not a big deal, but I'm not sure I understand your comment about the information I give about the Magic Book System. I thought it WAS a bonus! I included that because magicians frequently ask about products to sell as add-on sales. But you DO have the option whether to watch that section...Just hit the "Fast Forward" or "Next" button! Finally, Den, I like what you said about BJ Hickman's tape. He doesn't have the same style as me and I don't do any of the routines he does, but I always enjoy watching a working pro doing a complete show. I think that is the real value of Ken Scott, BJ Hickman, Steve Taylor (and dare I say my own) DVDs. And I really am determined to make it to Kidabra next year! Best, James |
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Dennis Michael Inner circle Southern, NJ 5821 Posts |
It is really hard to be objective when reviewing DVD because everyone's personality falls into at least 32 categories according to the Myer-Briggs research. What I like is related to my personality, which is extroverted and people oriented.
James style boldly markets his show during his show and makes it clear your show should be a well done and executed informercial. So this is also applied to the DVD. It's just a personal pet-peeve of mine, but has nothing to do with the content of the DVD, other than sell books instead of goody-bags by buying your "Secret of Magic" book. When Placing the DVD in the player, Five choices chould have been available to the viewer (I would have opted to eliminate the 5th choice from the final DVD, stating if they were interested to go to your web site.):
I just felt the "David Dee style on Marketing" the Book was out of "character" for the uniqueness of the DVD you offered. In no way does this infer, don't buy this DVD. Getting out of character for a review is as follows: Make your own Magic Book using MS Publisher. One can fun collecting 36 classic easy to do kids magic tricks, and can create their own Magic Book; six rope tricks, six coin tricks, six paper tricks, six card tricks, six mentalism tricks, tricks with rubber bands, napkins, paper cups, thimbles, table items, etc. and you have your book. It reqire 9 pages properly folded and printed with four tricks per page (Front & back) and MS Publisher does this for you. One can take it a step further and add many of these simple house hold items, and create a magic kit. The above paragraph is out of place for a review, this was the point I was making. Trying boldly to get the viewer to spend more money and using the packaging envelope and the DVD to do this in a David Dee Marketing Tactic style. I was confused at first what that was and how it related to the product I purchased. (It's another thing saying other products available from MagicSells.com) ----------------------------- And Yes James you have my permission to use any of my quotes for Marketing your DVD: Example: Quote: "This is a must have DVD if you want to teach older children some magic tricks or want to enhance your show with a mini-teaching session. We have balloons and tattoos for the younger kids, why not have something for the older kids kids: teaching them magic. (And yes, I think a lot of Dads would appreciate learning to do magic... it is an inner desire.) The logic is sound and the principle adds creditability and uniqueness to your show."
Dennis Michael
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James Munton Inner circle Dallas, TX 1199 Posts |
Dennis,
I really appreciate your comments. I just PMed you. Best, James |
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p.b.jones Inner circle Milford Haven. Pembrokeshire wales U.K. 2642 Posts |
The above paragraph is out of place for a review, this was the point I was making. Trying boldly to get the viewer to spend more money and using the packaging envelope and the DVD to do this in a David Dee Marketing Tactic style. I was confused at first what that was and how it related to the product I purchased. (It's another thing saying other products available from MagicSells.com)
Hi, I agree with Den here I felt the same, I also dissagree with the coments on the DVD about using your show to continualy drop hints and selling further shows. maybe its just the type of people I work for but to push for more jobs when performing would lose shows with my clients. Phillip |
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