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Joe Xavier Regular user Borneo Islands 149 Posts |
I'm posting this up here to get the opinion of fellow mentalists. I am a performing mentalist (combined with close up) but I have no materials for children magic. Now, I was asked to perform for a children's party next month. Should I take up the offer? Or decline? I need the cash, but hate performing to kids...
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Tony Iacoviello Eternal Order 13151 Posts |
Personal choice, but if it is not your type of venue...
I have turned down childrens shows because I don't feel that I am the best entertainment choice for that age group and have explained this to those trying to hire me. But I always recommend someone else to them. If you feel that you can provide entertainment to your standard for this type of venue, then take it. Otherwise, pass it on or it may cost you more in the long run. Good reputations are hard to get, and easy to lose. Tony |
GusVanNostrum Veteran user With automatic writing I've produced 343 Posts |
I'd say turn it down. They don't understand it enough to be entertained.
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mormonyoyoman Inner circle I dug 5,000 postholes, but I have only 2440 Posts |
Buy David Kaye's book, *Seriously Silly*. Read it. Then decide.
For further credit, stuff your brain with the whole wheat goodness of any of Richard Osterlind's essay books (*Making Magic Real*, *Making Real Magic*, *Essays*, *the Principles of Magic*). *jeep! --Chet
#ShareGoodness #ldsconf
--Grandpa Chet |
Sfarad Loyal user Israel 233 Posts |
First of all try to see if there's anything that fit you in the little darlings section.
for children the best options are card magic, pk routines (they just love them) and they like vanishing effects...remember they are just children the like the 'easy' routines, so don't be afraid if you fail, you have plenty of misderiction and more chances, I must add that you should be funny and warm, if that's not your character then adapt it.
'Magic is the bloodstream of the universe. Forget all you know or think you know! All that you require, is your intuition'.
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Necromancer Inner circle Chicago 3076 Posts |
The number one requirement for doing childrens' shows is a sincere love of children. If you "hate kids," they'll know it. Please, recommend somebody else for the job.
Best, Neil
Creator of The Xpert (20 PAGES of reviews!), Cut & Color, Hands-Off Multiple ESP (HOME) System, Rider-Waite Readers book, Zoom Pendulum ebook ...
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chichi711 Inner circle 5810 Posts |
If you hate it don't do it. The kids will pick up on it and your show will not work. It is not worth the money.
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DoctorCognos Elite user 413 Posts |
Putting together an act for kids is a task by itself.
Why would you be called to do a kid's show? Who thought it would work for you? Maybe they know something you don't. Or maybe they are just so impressed with you they think you can do anything. Or maybe it was a blind agent call? Unless you really don't care and are just doing it for the money, skip it. But if the money is the reason and your reputation will not suffer, you can do whatever kind of magic, kid magic, mentalism, throw in some comedy, sight gags and puns, whatever you want to do. Then take your bows, and just take the check and quietly go back to what you normally do. And don't expect a repeat call. Who knows, maybe you will find a whole new performing arena for your talents. Personally, I love little kids. A touch of salt and a bit of pepper, makes them very tasty.
The Doctor Knows.....
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T-RAY Inner circle 1539 Posts |
Kids are great and love to be amazed.....it's also easy to do....if you need the money, do it....you sound like you could learn a lesson about the beauty of Life (seriously)......it can also teach you lessons about how our mind expands throughout Life...this info can be used in your normal performances......kids can teach you a lot!!!!!
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Brian Turntime Special user 671 Posts |
Quote: You answered your own question.I need the cash, but hate performing to kids...
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Last night I stayed up late playing poker with Tarot cards. I got a full house and four people died. - Steven Wright |
Joe Xavier Regular user Borneo Islands 149 Posts |
Thanks for the feedback guys. I made my decision to skip kids show. I like kids, don't get me wrong, but my talent comes from speech and I did perform to kids many times. Sometimes, they either cry or want too much.
Amazingly, I made my own discovery that not many kids appreciate magic. Some are really scared of it. I did a simple coin vanish to my kid cousin and she freaked out. One more, I guess kids would not really be impressed with mentalism effects... |
mormonyoyoman Inner circle I dug 5,000 postholes, but I have only 2440 Posts |
I've performed mentalist feats for children many times, to great reactions. My experience is that kids love mentalism and magic. It's all in how you present *yourself* (you sell yourself before you sell anything else) to them.
Again, please study the aforementioned books. Volumes two and three of Tarbell would certainly help also. *jeep! --Chet
#ShareGoodness #ldsconf
--Grandpa Chet |
Joe Xavier Regular user Borneo Islands 149 Posts |
I have checked out Osterlind's books. I have them. The point is for me to be an adult entertainer. I consulted Eugene Burger when he was the V.I.P. here last month. He told me he does not perform for children. I personally think that since I don't have a proper routine for children, I would rather skip it and stay on being a performing mentalist for adults.
Mormonyoyoman, I think its different here. I did mentalism for a few kids and like I mentioned, some freaked out and some were scared. I guess my presentation just does not fit them... lol! |
John C Eternal Order I THINK therefore I wrote 12968 Posts |
Quote:
On 2006-01-01 01:38, Joe Xavier wrote: Turn it down if you "hate performing for kids." John |
Juan D Elite user 482 Posts |
Quote:
On 2006-01-02 10:03, Joe Xavier wrote: Isn't that the answer you were looking for? Juan D |
Joe Xavier Regular user Borneo Islands 149 Posts |
It's what I want. But the market here is mostly children's magic....
I guess the real question here is should I follow my heart or the money? |
Necromancer Inner circle Chicago 3076 Posts |
No, the real question is why would you ever do magic for children if you hate doing it? Money is not enough, and if you hate it, you'll do shows that kids will hate and you'll poison the well for other, better family-oriented performers in your area.
The amount of damage you stand to do cannot approach the amount you would initially make -- until word got around and people stopped hiring you. Leave the family audiences to the professionals who love what they're doing. Please. Best, Neil
Creator of The Xpert (20 PAGES of reviews!), Cut & Color, Hands-Off Multiple ESP (HOME) System, Rider-Waite Readers book, Zoom Pendulum ebook ...
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