I'm working on an effect where at one point I comically swallow a 5/8" steel ball, and retrieve it from my belly button area(through my shirt). My wife liked the effect, but told me not to do the swallowing bit in front of children (89% of my audiences).

Is she over reacting??

No she is not over-reacting.

You may think "no sensible child would ever imitate this silly stunt." But not all the children you play to are sensible.

I would also not ever do that in front of children. It really does send the wrong message. The kdis will not mind but they could imitate. The parents are the ones that will be upset seeing you do that and they are usually the ones paying you your check.

Kyle

Yah, I guess you're right. Dang it! I listened to her regarding Rope Thru Neck, but this one seemed so silly.

Thanks for the input.
-Josh

Yeah it does stink sometimes but you really just have to put your thginking cap on and figure out if there is anything in the show that may send a wrong message to the kids or upset the client who booked you. Your job is to entertain the audience but to also make your client happy with what you do and present. This way you get asked back for repeat business and get your name being given out. We also must always keep in mind that sometimes we have to give up an effect that we really love just because we know it does not add value to the event.

Kyle

I still want to keep this phase in this particular routine. What do you think the cut off age for this effect would safely be?

That is hard to say really. I would think maybe around the age of 8 would probably make more sense. Keep in mind this is just my own observation and certainly would have to be based on your character and markets you work. I just would never do anything like that for kids ages 7 or younger. It just is too young of an age. I also must be conscious that the adults find what I am doing funny and good and proper as well. I want the client to love my show and enjoy it and not feel that anything I am doing is not apropriate.

Kyle

That sounds about right. I guess for the younger ones, the only thing I'd put in my mouth would be my razor blades.



Just kidding. Thanks for the input.
-Josh

Hehehe yeah good move there. =) My pleasure Josh. Wish you much success.

Kyle

I doing funny bit like this but I use a coin. I take the coin and rub it into my forehend then I make it come out my mouth. Maybe that is a way to keep it out of going into your mouth and still in the show.

Just a thought.

~B-Rad

Generally, I don't do anything that involves the MOUTH in my shows. I do, however, use a gum coil..since it's GUM that's going into your mouth, and the child also gets a piece (provided MOM/DAD/ADULT says it's okay), too. I also do a FAKE sword swallowing as a gag (no pun intended) with a giveaway blowoff at the conclusion. No kid will try that after giving away the fact that I'm NOT really doing it. You'd have to see the routine to understand...

Steve