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Lee Darrow V.I.P. Chicago, IL USA 3588 Posts |
Strolling magic in a hospital situation is in some ways like strolling at a restaurant or private party with several rooms.
One needs two or three sets of three or four tricks to do such a gig. The tricks should be easy to understand (no long story tricks for little kids!), should reset quickly and should not require much, if any, table space. If only working for kids, treat them as equals, don't talk down to them, but engage them in the fun. And, above all, no matter how seriously messed up a kid might be, don't let your shock or other emotions show. Keep it light and happy. They appreciate that. Teen patients, obviously, can handle more sophisticated material, presentation-wise, but the talking down issue is even stronger with them, so be aware. Also, ask about any special patients, who may have seizure disorders, respiratory problems, etc. This is so you don't cause problems with excess laughing or freak out should someone have a seizure during your turn with them. Lastly, make sure you clear everything with the staff before you go in. And do a little FOR the nursing station, but only if they're not being busy. Remember, you're in a hospital and people sometimes need immediate attention, so know when to get out of the way. Above all, have fun and make sure that your audience has fun, too! Best of luck on this. It's very rewarding—but very demanding, too. Respectfully, Lee Darrow, C.Ht. http://www.leedarrow.com
http://www.leedarrow.com
<BR>"Because NICE Matters!" |
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Mike Walton Special user Chicago 984 Posts |
As a side note too, don't let unknown hospital information, guidelines, and requirements such as how to react in certain situations while being a volunteer scare you. It shouldn't. At least in my case, the hospital provided me with guidelines about patient privacy information, different emergency codes that come over the PA, processes and ways to react in many different types of situations, meanings of flags on the door that indicate types of disease, etc.
I had to take three open book tests to understand what to do in many different hospital situations. The tests are not difficult and they're extremely useful to learn what you need to know to meet with patients. The hospital will probably give you TB A and TB B tests, as well as a blood test for mumps and measles. They're simple and harmless, and the process makes good sense. Since I'll be dealing with children, I will also receive some guidelines and instruction on how to deal with kids that are in the hospital. My educated guess is most hospitals will help you as well, especially if you're not familiar with the situation as they want to ensure you can adapt to the hospital business of making people better, not only for your benefit but also for their liability reasons. They're truly glad that you're interested in helping and will work with you. |
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japanjazzy Regular user Crestview, Florida 139 Posts |
I am glad to see that this topic has come back to life. I have now moved to the Florida area and plan on trying to do some hospital work here. I think one of the big things you need to remember is have a good sense of humor.
You don't need to be a comedian but some times you need to put on that extra smile to help out the patient. They have enough people treating them as sick people. You need to treat them very similar to how you treat the people in a restraunt. I have always heard laughter is the best medicine. So, if you can do some magic and get them to laugh at you or your tricks you are helping in the healing process. Michael |
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Mike Walton Special user Chicago 984 Posts |
Here's the latest challenge...
Anyone know of any card effects that can be used while wearing latex gloves AND you can't set the deck nor cards down on a table? There are some hospital rooms that require you to wear a mask and gloves. Typically, (but not always) the reason is the child's weakened immune system, rather than your risk of "catching anything." Another constraint for these rooms, is that I don't believe I can lay anything down, which kills a lot of card effects, but not all of them. Since I'm performing for children, I thought I could still do invisible deck, but only for ages of 9+. My general bedside routine that works well for ages 7 and up (and the older, the better it works) is Red Hot Mama and then an adapted and simple Ambitious Card. If I have more time, then I'll do a 2 card transposition in their hands, and even more time, will do a "they pick a card, lose it, they use it as a locator card in their fingers, and it turns out to be their card" trick (name anyone?.) These seem to work very well. Red Hot Mama is quick to grab their attention because of the color contrast and the beautiful simplicity of the effect. They're all effects that have fun patter and get the child involved. If the age range is 5-6, then I just do Ambitious Card and have them draw a picture on the card, then they snap to get the card to rise to the top. I'm still struggling to find tricks for ages 3-5 that really grab attention. You can still do Ambitious Card for age 5, but 3-4 they're just glad to play with the cards and receive some attention and temporary play props. I'm waiting on my Brad Burt Sponge Magic video, which will help. So put latex gloves on top of that, and I'm just avoiding those rooms right now, but it's only a couple of kids. Generally, the latex glove/mask rooms are for the much younger kids but not always. Some of these rooms hold chemo-therapy patients who have weakened immune systems, and I would love to give them a needed distraction for their hospital stay. Anyway, anyone have any ideas for tricks while wearing latex gloves? I'm generally a card guy, but can adapt. Also, any ideas for ages 3-5....now how about ages 3-5 while wearing latex gloves? To tell you a story of how it went my first time. I visited 8 rooms during 2 hours but the first time everything took longer and sometimes you have to wait for doctors, etc. There was a 7 year old girl in a more intensive care area (I'm not sure if it was ICU nor not) and she was "very sick" (I don't ask for specifics as I don't need to know.) I waited as the group of interns stopped by, then the doctor stopped in with another intern, and finally when they left she looked scared. Here comes the card magic guy, and after 5 minutes of trying to figure out how to adjust the bed table, I do Red Hot Mama. The pure wonder expressed and the fresh smile that came across her face makes you think that maybe magic really is magic. The magic was such the welcomed distraction to her situation. I spent some time anddid all 4 tricks for her and she had the wide eyed smile when I left. You could tell she was in a different place mentally/emotionally than when I first stopped in. You'll find that their parents are especially thankful for the child's distraction as well. The nurse mentioned the gal smiled for the first time that day during the magic. There's nothing like it. |
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Stuart Hooper Special user Mithrandir 759 Posts |
Salute! Magic is indeed magic, my friend, and you are indeed a wizard.
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ed rhodes Inner circle Rhode Island 2885 Posts |
I tried to volunteer to do a children's show at a local hospital... they told me they didn't allow entertainment in the children's ward. I ended up doing a show for the children of the staff. (Got paid for that one, I try to be honorable... not stupid.)
OK, there is no way to avoid looking like I'm flaming and maybe I am, but I have to say this. Hayze, your makeup looks like a cross between John Wayne Gacy and the Insane Clown Posse! I guess it works for you, but... dude!
"...and if you're too afraid of goin' astray, you won't go anywhere." - Granny Weatherwax
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Magic.J.Manuel Special user I have danced upon 663 Posts |
You may be able to do Card Warp with gloves on, and rising card. I do it with a scarf so it seems to penetrate the silk as it rises thru it.
Doing tricks for kids is great, but don't forget the VA hospitals. These guys are often there long term and really appreciate the visits. They also like the production of small items like candy kisses and small toiletries or soap sample sizes since they often have to use a communal shampoo bottle. Also elder-care facilities will allow entertainment. These audiences will enjoy more sophisticated tricks, but not too elaborate and complex. Sometimes you can borrow a rolling table that can be used for close-up, C&B, dice. Definitely check in with the volunteer office for their approval and health checkups mentioned above. Our Rainbow Babies and Children's also requires a minor background check to screen out MJacko types. Don't go in with totally unrehearsed material, but you can take the opportunity to refine new routines. If they don't want you going room to room, then try to perform during planned events. Do this a least once a month, rotating among different venues. It is very rewarding when you hear that it is the first time the nurse has seen that patient smile in a long time.
Nothing would get done at all, if man waited so long that no one could find fault with it.
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knightmagic98 Regular user Frisco, TX 143 Posts |
Just as an FYI, the Healing of Magic program that the Spencers coordinate is not about performing for anyone in a hospital. It is about teaching clients with various diagnoses simple magic tricks as a form of occupational therapy. It also has many benefits for ailments ranging from stroke to paralysis to psychological and more. The focus of the program is on the patient, not the magician
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MJ Marrs Inner circle Los Angeles 1124 Posts |
Quote:
On 2004-02-01 01:02, Magic.J.Manuel wrote: It was nice of you to mention the VA hospitals. For the last couple of years I've been going out to a VA medical center with the Junior ROTC program from a local high school during the Christmas holiday season. Most of the veterans, some who have been bed-ridden for YEARS, really appreciate the visit. I've experienced that once in awhile you'll come across someone who is just so down on the cards that life has dealt him that he doesn't want to see any magic; but don't take it personally. |
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S2000magician Inner circle Yorba Linda, CA 3465 Posts |
I'm somewhat ashamed to say that my only hospital performance - described here - doesn't measure up to some of the stories here.
I should correct that. God bless all of you who perform in hospitals. |
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Mercury52 Inner circle Kevin Reylek 2239 Posts |
To my knowledge, there is a DVD or tape that was recently released that focuses solely on hospital style magic, stuff that can be done with tongue depressors (unused I assume), etc. I read about it in a somewhat recent Linking Ring. I don't have my magazines at school with me, but I'll try to find what it is. If anyone else remembers, please post.
Kevin
Kevin Reylek
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JasonbytheOcean Regular user Washington, D.C. 102 Posts |
There doesn't seem to have been much movement on this thread in recent months, but I would definitely like to see it active again. The Magic Therapy text from the Spencers was one of my first books on magic. I've been volunteering for about the past year and a half in a local hospital with a dedicated recreational therapy program, and can highly recommend performing in hospitals for two reasons, though there are many others.
1) You're doing some good in this world and you CAN make a difference. If someone needs proof of this, I can post an edited letter I received from a patient's relative, because I can't describe in my own words some of the responses I've had. Sick people need a little magic more than anyone else, I believe. And where I'll almost teach tricks in the outside world, there are real benefits to teaching patients - the books by Copperfield and the Spencers lay out some excellent reasons that I have found borne out by actual experience. 2) You get "flight time" practicing in front of an audience. I don't know about you, but I do perform differently in front of people than I do practicing by myself. Hospitals give you a chance to work out kinks in a routine and try variations in front of an audience. On those rare times when I let slip the secret, I purposely make a show of going into detail the trick and how I did it, expressly putting forward the idea that the patient is now part of my "inner circle." This seems to have some additional therapeutic benefits from a mental standpoint. Unexpectedly, I've also found that watching a patient practice something gives me ideas of how to enhance my own routine. For example, I added small gestures as a flourish to Jumping Rubber Bands as an impromptu piece I do by watching someone I taught it to. Of course, it goes without saying that if you're not interested in hospitals specifically for #1, then look elsewhere for #2. Hope I'm not being perceived here as demeaning - I assume everyone wants to help, but time commitments vary (I also used to volunteer as an EMT - no more, sadly) and hospitals are unique environments that can throw some people off because you will see some people who are very sick. I often work with children, and it can be tough sometimes. Sometimes their physical appearance can be troubling and you have to be able to look past it quickly. If you're not comfortable with that kind of environment and still want to help, there are plenty of other opportunities out there (libraries, etc.). Anyway, stepping off my soapbox. I really get into this kind of thing and would really like to hear thoughts from and compare stories with others who perform or participate in Project Magic, the Healing of Magic, or other types of hospital-related efforts. I think there's a lot that can be done here to make a difference and advance the artform at the same time. Some thoughts based on what I've seen so far here - I personally don't have any problems using balloons. Definitely check on potential latex allergies. I also use them only when a parent is around and I have their explicit permission and that of the staff (because they will pop from time to time - best to let staff know what's going on). Okay, it's not magic per se, but teaching how to make a dog or giraffe is fun for kids (and some adults). Also, I work with some patients who are in isolation and I can not bring in anything used in, or have to throw it out or sterilize it afterwards. Balloons fit the bill nicely. Get a pump though - the suckers are hard to blow up and I don't like sticking anything in my mouth that I've been touching with latex gloves. Easy to clean the pump afterwards without having to wash all of your supplies. I usually leave a few balloons blown up but not made into anything for the child to practice with. Magic with latex gloves is a toughie. Some simple rope tricks are effective. Hunter's knot is good for adolescents because they like teasing others. Also, no one ever believes me, but sticking a wand to your hand will fool people (see http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......66&0 for proof and what I thought was a funny story when it happened ). Hot rod is another good one, which I've made with patients before too. For card tricks that don't need to be dropped anywhere, I keep a Svengali deck, though I do need to replace it every few months as I work room to room. Small routine, but it freaks people. Okay, enough rambling. |
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drwilson Inner circle Bar Harbor, ME 2191 Posts |
This is also discussed in another thread. I have been performing at a VA hospital as part of the S.A.M's program for veterans. There are some good guidelines at the S.A.M. site.
I would only add to the S.A.M. guidelines that someone who is able to go room to room, maybe using a bedside meal cart as a table, is going to reach more people. Some patients can't easily leave their rooms to go to common areas, or they don't want to. I travel with a roller organ. Some patients can't really follow magic, but will brighten up quite a bit when I play music. I give stuff away, but candy, indeed food of any kind, is against the rules. I have given out fortunes, Fortune Telling Fish, Two Card Monte sets, that kind of thing, to folks who are interested. The staff likes these, and it doesn't take much of their time to get a Fortune Telling Fish. Hats off to all of you performing in hospitals! To those of you who haven't, I'll say that you can learn a great deal from this. The primary benefit is that it forces you to look at your work from the perspective of your audience. They don't want to be there and you are the escape, if only for a few moments. Watch the light come back into their eyes, watch them get interested in other people. If family members are visiting, many of them are stressed and need a break too. This performance setting will quickly drive the last vestiges of the look-how-clever-I-am magician out of you, because the most important thing is how much light you can bring into their lives. Yours, Paul |
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Josh Riel Inner circle of hell 1995 Posts |
I got the courage to go to a nursing home I had buisness dealings with and play the piano in the Caféteria, they seemed to enjoy that but afterwards noone I aproached wanted anything to do with watching magic. Oh well, I have thought about local hospitals....... Courage is all I lack.
Magic is doing improbable things with odd items that, under normal circumstances, would be unnessecary and quite often undesirable.
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drwilson Inner circle Bar Harbor, ME 2191 Posts |
Josh,
I don't say, "Would you like to see some magic?" anymore. The opening line of your first effect has to be sneaky. Consider Eugene Burger's: "Would you like to see the Greatest Card Trick of the Twentieth Century?" I use two lines based on this one: "Would you like to see the Greatest Card Trick of the Nineteenth Century?" (Three Card Monte) "Would you like to see the Greatest Card Trick of the Twenty-First Century?" (That's pretty funny, only a few years to review.) Perhaps even, "I'm not just here to play the organ, actually I'm a swindler. Would you like to see a old con game?" (One of Eugene Burger's lines is "Would you like to see an old carnival swindle?") These lines fit my character and get around WYLTSSM. Courage! Yours, Paul |
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Josh Riel Inner circle of hell 1995 Posts |
I like that "I'm not here just to play the organ, actually I'm a swindler".
Would you mind if I borrowed the idea?
Magic is doing improbable things with odd items that, under normal circumstances, would be unnessecary and quite often undesirable.
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rhinomax Regular user 188 Posts |
How about "hey the nurse in the hall told me there was a kid in here that couldn't be fooled with magic so I thought I'd give it a try"
Hayze you might want to rethink the clown face before you spring it on seriously ill kids ...or are you in ICP lol Topper
NEVER UNDER ESTIMATE THE POWER OF THE FEW TO CHANGE THE WORLD "THATS USUALY HOW IT WORKS" MARGRET MEAD
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JasonbytheOcean Regular user Washington, D.C. 102 Posts |
Josh,
I find it funny that you seem nervous about performing in hospitals when I'm guessing you perform elsewhere? I'm the exact opposite - I am much more nervous about making that step to paid gigs than I am in a hospital. It has given me some much needed reassurance that I actually have a decent shot at landing some real gigs in the outside world if/when I choose to pursue that route. You never do know who you're going to run into. I worked in one patient's room once when his family, including his much younger (less than 6) brother was there. Things went GREAT, I was able do things that appealed to them both, or at the least he was much more tolerant of things I perform for younger children because his brother was there. Parents even commented on it. At the end, the young'un looked at me and said "Hey, you're much more magicer [sic] than I thought you'd be." Huge laugh from everyone. I've been thinking of using it on my business cards for kid shows, or at the least saving it for a website someday as a referral. ;-) BTW, I just noticed, gotta clarify my last message above - I almost NEVER teach magic in the outside world..... Hospitals, yes, but even then only when I'm certain the patient will practice and keep the secret! |
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drwilson Inner circle Bar Harbor, ME 2191 Posts |
Any line I post at the Café, anyone is free to use. Thanks for being a gentleman and asking!
I have thought about why patients will say no to WYLTSSM. The staff comes in and says, "We are going to (medical procedure)." The patient can almost never say no. They don't want to be there. If you ask them a question like WYLTSSM it is their one chance to refuse something, which gives them a little bit of power in a situation in which they almost never have any. Since we are in a Café area for people working restaurants, I should point out that when people say no thanks at a restaurant, maybe they are there to have an important conversation, to propose to their dining companion, or to speak with a business client. As many people here have stated, let them see you work another table, maybe they will change their minds. There are plenty of real reasons to say no at a restaurant. There are also some real reasons to move along in hospitals, of course. Maybe the patient is tired, in pain, whatever. It is easy to tell when this is the case without even asking. Yours, Paul |
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JasonbytheOcean Regular user Washington, D.C. 102 Posts |
Interesting. I have also had people tell me they don't want to see magic because it goes against their religious beliefs. I don't argue, if someone wants to see or learn something, you'll know. For patients in pain, some find it therapeutic to learn a trick. I spent some time with an elderly patient who suffered chronic pain teaching her jumping rubber bands (again, just a reminder - check latex allergies first!). It's not a cure, but the therapist noted that for the time I spent with her, her demeanor noticeably changed. Sometimes we're a rare visitor, and can break the monotony of TV. I've only recently learned more about the strict protocols that recreational therapists follow, and performing/teaching can become an part of the treatment for a given patient.
On the other hand, I've had kids who weren't interested because they wanted to play Nintendo instead..... You simply never know. |
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