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Ryan Price Special user winnipeg, MB, Canada 641 Posts |
Hello All, I just want to tell you about a call I got today from a daycare.
I was booked today for a daycare show in August. The director asked if I provide the children with any treats. I told her what I provide for the children (not candy) and asked why. She then told me about a performer who they had in the past that produced candy for all the children. The children took the candy and ate it. There was one child with an allergy to peanuts. As you can imagine the candies either contained nuts or where made in a facility with nuts. The child ended up going to the hospital and they will never book this entertainer again. So if you provide candy for any children in the audience at any event, please use your head and think about all the possibilities involved with it. Just thought I should let you know. |
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Donald Dunphy Inner circle Victoria, BC, Canada 7563 Posts |
I agree.
- Donald P.S. Another post where I repeated my opinion, and also talked about a performer who let kids get hurt by throwing candy into the audience.
Donald Dunphy is a Victoria Magician, British Columbia, Canada.
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drosenbe0813 Elite user Long Island, NY 405 Posts |
I have a lecture idea about all the little things that you can do to avoid 'situations'. One is avoiding giving anything out to the entire audience during the show. Candy presents its own issues (some listed in previous posts), but I think the possibility of an allergy, overeating, too fast eating from excitement, all prevent me from ever giving out candy during a show.
Now, I do violate my own rule, and give out magic wands to everyone...but...this is my 2nd to last trick in my show...and I move quickly into my final routine before the mob has too much of a chance to start playing swords with the wands. just my 2 cents |
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Bradley Roberts Elite user Las Vegas 413 Posts |
Here is a little treat that just fine to give out - Dum Dum Pops. I have had no issues EVER and have been doing it for many years. When the ask or booking I let them know what I give out. I have done my homework on this and Dum Dums will be the only thing I will give out. This is why....
Nutrition and Portion Control There are many positive facts to share about Dum Dums as we all focus on healthy lifestyles. •Each Dum Dum Pop has less than 25 calories and no fat. •One way to help prevent obesity is to exercise "portion control". Dum Dum Pops are a perfectly sized treat, providing a quick, high-flavor treat without consuming too much. •It is important to allow treats, such as candy and other snacks, in moderation rather than eliminate them. Children who learn the importance of balanced eating will be better-equipped to manage their own diet as adults. •Candy does not contribute a large percentage of the fat and sugar in the American diet. In fact, less than two percent of the fat and ten percent of the sugar in our diets are supplied by candy. Most of the fat actually comes from the high-fat animal products we eat. The main sources of sugar in America's diets are sugary beverages, baked goods, and frozen desserts. (Candy Myths from candyusa.org web site) •Dum Dum Pops do not contain many of the food allergens, including peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, soy or wheat gluten. Dum Dum Pops are manufactured on dedicated equipment. This allergen statement does not include our Dum Dum Gum Pops or Dum Dum Chewy Pops Variety Pack (Dum Dums with chocolate chewy, sour chewy, or gum filling). *** I just use the Dum Dum Pops. •Dum Dum Pops are OU kosher approved. Oooo yes... never, never throw it out to the kids. that's when they get hurt. I come to everyone with a hat of the pops. Let them take one so everyone gets one. This lets the children get up and close to the magician if they did not get picked to help during the show. This is a fun time to answer questions and get comments. Just my 2 cents
B-Rad "The Kids Magician"
Brad Kids Magic Website "A child's smile is one of life's greatest blessings." |
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Skip Way Inner circle 3771 Posts |
It's all great, Brad, until a child trips or bumps heads with another child and rams the pop into the back of their throat. We can't protect the children in our care from every bump and scrape, but limiting one's exposure to litigious issues must be considered. I personally wouldn't give a child anything that could lead to anything more serious than a paper cut. My printed roll-up wands fill that bill beautifully, they promote my business and every child is thrilled to receive one.
That reminds me - I NEED to call you!! :o)
How you leave others feeling after an Experience with you becomes your Trademark.
Magic Youth Raleigh - RaleighMagicClub.org |
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ColinDymond Special user Gloucestershire, England 675 Posts |
I produce sweets for all the children at the end of my show but I then give them to the parent to hand out. I pass the resonsibilty to them as I presume any parent of a child who is not allowed sweets will have informed the parent holding the party.
Also when the sweets go to the back of the room I can get on with packing up my show!
Colin Dymond
www.aceofdiamonds.co.uk |
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themagiciansapprentice Inner circle Essex, UK 1381 Posts |
I do the same Colin. I produce sweets in a dove pan as my current finale, then hand them over to a parent or put them on the table with all the other food. (Normally high fat and sugary stuff because that's what kids want). But the kids love the funale as I'm giving them something they love!!
Unfortunately, I've also seen one entertainer throw sweets to the children in the audience (over 1600 folks) through out a Christmas show and had to send some-one who spoke his language to ask him not to do so. There were bodies flying everywhere. Sometimes common sense is needed.
Have wand will travel! Performing children's magic in the UK for Winter 2014 and Spring 2015.
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Donald Dunphy Inner circle Victoria, BC, Canada 7563 Posts |
But why give out candy?
Do you feel that audiences won't like you as much / won't like your magic as much, if you don't give them candy? Could there be other things that you give away instead? Is it your role to provide candy? I see it as the role (tradition) of someone in a parade, in a candy store, or the host of a party / event. I don't see it as the entertainer's role. - Donald
Donald Dunphy is a Victoria Magician, British Columbia, Canada.
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magic4u02 Eternal Order Philadelphia, PA 15110 Posts |
I never saw the need to give out candy. I am not saying it is a bad thing, I I just never saw the need for it. It is an added expense and can cause unforeseen issues. With allergies and such these days, I would rather not risk it. Also many parents do not like their child having candy or consider it spoiling their lunch or dinner. . Instead I decide to give out certificates or coloring flyers . They market me better and the kids enjoy having them.
Kyle
Kyle Peron
http://www.kylekellymagic.com Entertainers Product Site http://kpmagicproducts.com Join Our Facebook Fan Page at http://facebook.com/perondesign |
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Donald Dunphy Inner circle Victoria, BC, Canada 7563 Posts |
It's also about "permanence" of the giveaway, too. How long will it last? Does it cause only a brief moment of happiness?
- Donald
Donald Dunphy is a Victoria Magician, British Columbia, Canada.
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magic4u02 Eternal Order Philadelphia, PA 15110 Posts |
I totally agree. Than hand outs I give out are things I feel have value to the child. They want to keep them and to show mom and dad. They market me long after the event is over.
Kyle
Kyle Peron
http://www.kylekellymagic.com Entertainers Product Site http://kpmagicproducts.com Join Our Facebook Fan Page at http://facebook.com/perondesign |
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Skip Way Inner circle 3771 Posts |
Quote:
Exactly and Exactly. Be market wise! One top Texas entertainer hands out postcard-sized photos with the aside, "You call these pretty pictures. We adults call them 'Marketing.'"
How you leave others feeling after an Experience with you becomes your Trademark.
Magic Youth Raleigh - RaleighMagicClub.org |
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Donald Dunphy Inner circle Victoria, BC, Canada 7563 Posts |
Giving out photos (and even some activity pages) can be about building the image of celebrity & brand awareness, too. They aren't going to stick their candy to their wall or fridge, and ask mom for that magician for their party.
- Donald
Donald Dunphy is a Victoria Magician, British Columbia, Canada.
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magic4u02 Eternal Order Philadelphia, PA 15110 Posts |
Absolutely correct. It becomes an extension of the brand and brand mmessage
Kyle Peron
http://www.kylekellymagic.com Entertainers Product Site http://kpmagicproducts.com Join Our Facebook Fan Page at http://facebook.com/perondesign |
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BIGmagiclV Veteran user 375 Posts |
I have given out candy in the past. I buy the bags of fruit tootsie rolls at the .99 cent store and I ALWAYS ask the birthday parent for permission to give out the candy prior to the show. they are appreciative of me asking. There is nothing in the candy that kids are allergic to unless they are diabetic and the parents or child know when they can't have sugar. I give the birthday child the candy to pass out to their friends. It gives them a sense of empowerment and I've never had a problem.
You can't plan for every mishap. If you twist balloons and it pops in the child's face, do you stop twisting all together? What if the rabbit you produce causes an allergic reaction in a child? You have to draw the line at caution at some point. If you are a clown and that causes nightmares for some kid do you stop your livelihood? I give candy because its a colorful production at the end of the show. not because I need to buy the child's enjoyment of the show. |
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TomBoleware Inner circle Hattiesburg, Ms 3163 Posts |
I own a daycare and I agree with Brad, the Dum Dum Pops are probably the best choice. We have them in a drawer at the front desk, and each child can get one before going home each day, if it’s ok with the parent. It helps with teaching please and thank you. At pickup time when seeing the parent, some of the younger kids make a dash to the drawer even before going to the parent. But those pass age two, it’s no big deal, sometimes they get one, sometimes not. It's mostly a habit of going to the drawer rather than the love of a sucker each day.
We been doing it that way for 13 years now and never had a problem with a parent. But unlike a stranger, we see them everyday and can control it. Seriously I probably wouldn’t have a problem with a magician giving out candy at our center, if it looked ok. (Some I know would oh) Always check with the director first. We teach kids not to take candy from strangers, so I can see where some of the really strict directors could make it an issue and not allow it to happen. But honestly, I agree with the others, something such as a coloring sheet, wand, photo, etc, would be much better to give away. Candy doesn’t have any lasting impact like some think, two minutes later and the candy is completely forgotten. You haven’t done anything special. I know some use it as a production item, but even there, I really think silks, balls, or something besides candy would work just as good. I just can't see it being worth perhaps putting a director/teacher on the spot with a child/parent. Tom
The Daycare Magician Book
https://www.vanishingincmagic.com/amazekids/the-daycare-magician/ My Blog - https://boleware.blogspot.com/ |
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Skip Way Inner circle 3771 Posts |
Like Tom and Big, I'm not suggesting that we need to be paranoid or that giving candy is a BAD idea. I'd never presume to tell another performer what is right or wrong for them. If it works for your style and you're comfortable with it, sugar on!
But, do consider the long-term picture in addition to the special treat. Add something that will be carried home to Mum & Dad; something that might even become a special keepsake to be reminisced over many years later. Great thread! Hope we didn't stomp on your toes, Ryan!
How you leave others feeling after an Experience with you becomes your Trademark.
Magic Youth Raleigh - RaleighMagicClub.org |
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Ryan Price Special user winnipeg, MB, Canada 641 Posts |
Its all good Skip.
When I started this thread I just wanted to make people aware of the consequences. Obviously the perform in question hadn’t thought about it before and maybe still doesn’t even know. I didn’t ask who it was as I didn’t want to overstep my grounds as this is my first show for the centre. I may ask in August but that will remain to be seen. If this discussion even makes one person think about what they are doing and maybe changes the way they do things or at least is more cautious then that’s all that can be asked. I know I produced candy the first few birthdays I did, until I thought that there was a better way to end the show and a better use of money. Like many have said it is a personal question that you must answer and for me in 99% of my shows I will not produce candy but I wont say I never will because a candy company might want to hire me. |
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Bradley Roberts Elite user Las Vegas 413 Posts |
I do give it out the Dum Dums and most likely always will if it is ok. It is a nice little treat that they like. On top of that I also give out a coloring sheet. So I give the kids a great show, a little treat, and sometime to take home with them. This gives them an all around great experiance that I have has great luck with over the years.
And YA Skip you owe me a call.
B-Rad "The Kids Magician"
Brad Kids Magic Website "A child's smile is one of life's greatest blessings." |
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themagiciansapprentice Inner circle Essex, UK 1381 Posts |
Donald,
it's just something I've done for most performances, repeat business tends to expect it. Some kids have seen it 20 times over the past thre years and now expect the show to end that way. Often parents/schools buy the sweets, especially if allergies are a concern. I do give out thank you packs for the birthday child and booking client (often not the same in the Gulf) colouring sheets, paper magic wands with my details on as well. My new show ends with the snake can illusion (David Ginn) so no freebies.
Have wand will travel! Performing children's magic in the UK for Winter 2014 and Spring 2015.
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