Firstly let me say ...
to Brian Lehr ... I take my hat off to you.

All the work you have put in to the "Little Darlings" index. Fantastic.
However, it leaves me in awe.

Now I question myself if I have the necessary experience to even "go there".
I was contemplating performing for a 10-audience at my grandson's birthday. But now, I am not too sure.

Performing for your own grandchild. With your daughter and son-in-law in attendance, does give that "comfort zone" I suppose.

And, your magnificent "walk through" index guide of delivering a children's magic show is a great Wikipedia of knowledge. A wow factor for sure.

For what it is worth, my ideas for the show - at present - are as follows.
Perhaps a 20-minute slot ... too long?

Incorporating:
Nest of Wands
Run Rabbit Run
Collard
... plus party handouts and magicians assistant certificate

ANY help with suggested routines and magic effects will be GREATLY appreciated.
If it is a question of buying routines ... no problem.

Thanks guys.
WulfieSmith

Hi,

does "10-audience" mean the kids are 10 years old or that there are 10 kids?

Kids and even older kids love balloon animals. Maybe get a pump, a dvd about that topic and 200 balloons and after one afternoon you can do it.

20 minutes is not too long for your show.

Good luck for your show, they will love it.

Daniel

Would probably help in knowing the child's age but for kids 4 to 9 I open with the silver Sceptre..do 3 different wand effects using the coloring book routine and also disappearing a silk. Break-away..nesting wands..etc.

Sponge ball routine and also misers dream to name a few.
I do a 30 to 40 minute show. I also do a 6 minute rabbit in the Hat routine.

Go for it and just have FUN!!

Don

We all have to start somewhere and I think a 20 minute show for Family is the perfect Starting point, Ask for HONEST opinions from your daughter and son-in-law after the show maybe even video tape it and watch it back. Also I hope that you have more effects then the three listed above Nest of wands is more of a gag effect then an actual Effect and Collard is not going to be very impressive to the younger audience, (Not sure how old your grandson is) however it is a great effect for the 8 and older crowd. Run Rabbit run is great and can work for any audience, The most important thing is to have your routines mastered and be able to go through them in your sleep. Be funny with the younger audience take them on a "journey" as David Kaye would say "Its all about the ride Not the destination"

Wulfie
Are you going to charge for this show? Be sure to warn the parents who are having the party to cover you, because you can't consentrate on entertainment if you also have to handle discliplin too. You shouldn't have any trouble after that, so do your show, and have fun.

As far as nesting wands, I feel that is very funny!!

using it in conjunction with a helper helping you disappear a silk and keeps getting more wands then they can hold is not only funny but entertaining to the younger and sometimes even older children.

After all we are all about the kids having fun aren't we?
Not sure what Collard is?

Don

Collards is a leafy vegtable that is popular in the south, although they are very tasty I do not recommend that you used collards in a kiddie show. If I were you I would try spinach. LOL

Thanks team for the input ...

As I guessed. I am dipping my toes into a "fast flowing river" here.

To re-cap ...
there are 10 children. Aged 7-9.

The venue is a "freebee" for my grandson's 8th birthday.
I have been invited to "give it a go".

In that case there is nothing in store for you but a lot of fun. Just remember to use spinach, and not collards.

LOL Al

Just go and have fun!!!

You will do great..

Don

You have the upper hand cuz you are the fatherin-law ... son-in-laws are ALWAYS terrified of you!

Just have fun and be goofy. Really, don't fret the tricks themselves. Nest of wands is great, Run Rabbit Run might be a BIT "young" for the age 9, but it's a family affair so I'd do it anyway.

I rarely leave out "Professor's Nightmare" and I have two kids up with me examining the ropes, playing tug-o-war to make sure thaty do not stretch, etc.

Also, there is LOTS you can do with balloons as far as being "silly." Snap your fingers, blow the wrong end, etc. Of course, you risk Grandpa looking like a doofus, so it's your call.

Trickipedia. Eh! If that's not a registered web address, someone should.

I agree with the rest. 20 minutes for the family sounds like a great starting point. You'll learn a lot from it.

Not sure about collard.

Have fun

George
Collard green is a bland leafy vegtable that is commonly served as a side dish in the southern part of the United States. Why anyone would want collard greens in their magic show is a mystery to me.

Have Fun

I've said it before and must say it again -- for kids shows you can't beat Trixie Bonds "POP WAND" and any of the Axtell Boards. Love them all! I find that a nest of wands and a change bag are pretty key elements too. David Ginn, Barry Mitchell, Silly Billy, and dozens more have hundreds of great things which are inexpensive to buy and easy to do. They leave room for YOUR personality to really "make" the trick.

Remember, as people more experienced than me have already told you, enjoy the journey! The kids want to be ENTERTAINED far more than they want to be mystified.

Best Wishes from Dallas!

Al, I believe he's referring to the effect released by John Archer:

http://www.magictrickshop/collard.html

George

Thanks guys ... you are the best!

George
That is twice in one week that you gave me the link to that Rick Astley video. I am absolutely speechless.

Fool you once..shame on me
Fool you twice...he he he

Lol..

don

George
I guess I owe you a Guinness the next time I'm in Belfast