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Donald Dunphy Inner circle Victoria, BC, Canada 7563 Posts |
I have an "A" birthday show for 4-6 year olds, a different one for 7 year olds, and another one again for 8-12 year olds. I also have alternate "B" shows for each age group.
When I get a birthday customer that is a repeat customer, or a spin-off customer, I offer them a new show. If they are a spin-off customer, often they'll tell you that it would be great if you did the same show. If you get a repeat customer, often they'll tell you that they would like a new show. In short, ask the customer what they want. - Donald P.S. This is how I handle birthday shows. I may handle other shows differently.
Donald Dunphy is a Victoria Magician, British Columbia, Canada.
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themagiciansapprentice Inner circle Essex, UK 1381 Posts |
My planned shows are similar to Donald's. I have an A and B 30-45 minute kids shows for younger and older children. Normally, I just do the A show unless it's quick repeat business or the customer wants something different (only twice this year and both times I was doing two shows in the same hall within an hour and a half). But the basic shape of the shows is similar.
I also offer two Gospel shows and a Christmas special. For reading programmes I substitute in routines I feel fit the needs of the school (Reading programmes are not a big money-spinner in any markets I work in - UK oe Asia.)
Have wand will travel! Performing children's magic in the UK for Winter 2014 and Spring 2015.
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Al Angello Eternal Order Collegeville, Pa. USA 11045 Posts |
If you have 20 different shows packing for them must be a real nightmare.
I used to do a wierd science show with professor Bob, he had a garage full of large plastic containers, and it would take him hours every night to prepare for the next days experiments. I take about 10 minutes to pack before every show, and I put my bag into my car the night before.
Al Angello The Comic Juggler/Magician
http://www.juggleral.com http://home.comcast.net/~juggleral/ "Footprints on your ceiling are almost gone" |
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Potty the Pirate Inner circle 4632 Posts |
Al, none of my shows has 15 tricks. I think the most is about 8 routines. Most of my one-hour shows have only 4 or 5 routines. Of course, it's no problem to learn new tricks and add them to your repertoire. OK, if you want all your tricks to include blindingly complex sleight-of-hand, it will take some years to perfect a number of shows.
Many of the routines I use are self-working, so it's only a matter of concentrating on presentation. And some sleight-of-hand effects can be adapted for different routines. It's the bits of business that can be the toughest to come up with - as I don't really like to have the same jokes, business and patter for different shows. In most areas of theater, music, and variety, performers will play many different parts over the course of their career. Actors and stage singers (opera, musicals, operetta) perform in hundreds of different shows. And opera singers especially, know by heart dozens and dozens of roles. Likewise musicians are expected to have a large repertoire of songs. I learned in this tradition, first as an opera singer, then also as an actor. Now, it seems like common sense to me to do the same as a magician/vent/singer. Of course, if folks request a particular routine, I will perform it again. The problem tends to be, that if a lot of the kids have seen a particular trick before, they like to let all the others know that they've seen it. You have to be careful that they don't give away the ending. More commonly, I'm asked to bring along the same puppets - so I have several different routines, especially with my parrot. Imagine if there were only one episode of "The Simpsons". Chances are that few kids would tune in devotedly every night to watch. In pantomime, I was expected to learn my role in 2 weeks, including all the business, lines, gags, everything. It's this training that has taught me not only how to memorize a lot of material quickly, but also how to write scripts, and to invent original presentations. As for the question "What if you put all the best material from your 20 shows into 1 or 2 shows" - well, I couldn't. Every show has several of my "best" routines. And many of those routines are age-specific. I do have a few family shows which take some of the best material I have, which appeals to all ages. Don't get me wrong, it has taken me a LOT of hard work to develop all these shows. I work on new material all the time, and always have several routines in development stage. It's true that some routines may take years to get to the point where I'm ready to include them in a show. Other times, I can put stuff in almost straight away. Interestingly, once I see a reason why I want to include a routine, I'm able to script it, learn it, and polish it within a very short time. To do this means dedication - have a notebook with every idea and gag you ever come up with. Sometimes, just reading through your notes will inspire you with a new prop or effect. As a counter-argument, I'd suggest that it isn't necessary to have so many shows, if you advertise extensively. Since my new website has been topping Google, I get a LOT of "new" inquiries - from folks who have never seen me before. I'm well aware that I could just go out with any one of my shows, and find fresh audiences over and over again. Then, the need for such an extensive repertoire would be unnecessary. As you probably know, I have a large collection of props - because I have invested 10-15% of my gross income into the business since I started. In order to do this, I have always charged an equivalent amount more to pay for those props. I'm not saying this is the "right way" to go about building your business, but it's the way I chose, and it works for me. There's another chap local to me, who also has a reputation similar to mine - and he only has the one show. He's a juggler, clown, and offers unicycling, etc. He has a silent act that appeals to all ages, and relies on a much broader spectrum of clients. Because he is known to more people, he can continue to perform the same show over and over again. But for me, I'd get jaded always doing the same old show, and thoroughly enjoy the challenge of devising new routines, and presenting new effects. There's no right or wrong here, but I'd repeat my comment that if kids have seen the same show 2 or 3 times, they're unlikely to want to see it over and over again. But maybe you're special, and your one show is THAT special! I can watch "Life of Brian" countless times, but even I would rather see something new, now that I know pretty much every scene, line, and gag by heart. My clients often comment on the variety that I offer, and are constantly amazed that kids want to see me SO many times. I put that down to the variety I offer them, and the choice of shows I offer. Potty |
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Red Shadow Inner circle 1788 Posts |
On Theme shows,
Looking at Franklin's site, I'm confused. There are simply too many choices for the client to make. How does the client know which is the best show to choose? I use to do a Star Wars Show, Pirate Show, Superhero Show and Wizard Show. My website was a mess. There was a page for all of them and it just confused people. It cluttered up the site and was time-consuming for the clients to read through and understand. Clients want 3 simply choices - 1 hour, 2 hours and 3+ hours. They want to know you can adapt your show for repeat bookings, but advertising 12-20 different shows is too much and as a potential client I would move on to someone whom I know what I'm going to get because the website is quite clear about what they offer. I removed the themed show pages on my website to make it easier for the clients to know what they are getting when they book me. It has not effected my workload one-bit, and has actually made my life easier as I no-longer have to change costumes between shows and carry around multiple suitcase tables and backdrops. I can do the same show throughout the day. Too many choices is not a good thing, you want it to be simple for the clients to know what they are getting and to choose you. On 20 shows, I use to have a full-time residency performing at the local cinema performing for the Saturday Morning kids club, 30-minute shows. The same kids would be there each week and so I had to do a new show each week. I bought tricks from magic auctions, made tricks from Mark Wilson's book and changed patter for tricks so that they looked different. At that point, I too probably had 20 shows of material. I repeated tricks of course, because even my repertoire wasn't that big and I had the gig for 3 years! But when that gig ended (due to the cinema being sold off), I had my favorite tricks that made up my primary shows. Those shows have evolved and changed over the years but depending on what type of bookings you are getting, it is very easy to need 20 shows. And the 'quality' of those tricks isn't really effected by lack-of-performance. If you have a strong character and are naturally like-able and funny with children, then even the worst tricks are entertaining. Most kids effects are self-working and don't need hours of practice. It takes 5 seconds to master the paint book, and for a basic routine, you just give the kid a paintbrush. It doesn't have to be funny to be entertaining, as the magic is still easily recognizable to the children. The more you work with it, the more laughs you get in there, but a professional entertainer can pick up any brand-new prop and make it entertaining. Off course the longer they have with it, the more entertaining it becomes, but that doesn't mean the first time the kids saw it, it was lacking anything. The secret to having 20 shows is to choose a lot of self-working tricks that you can perform without having to read the instructions. Steve |
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Donald Dunphy Inner circle Victoria, BC, Canada 7563 Posts |
Keep in mind that Julian is offering his shows to schools & libraries, and we are talking about birthday shows here. Apples and oranges.
And I agree with the ideal of offering 1 to 3 birthday show choices (packages) for a birthday mom. However, having an "A" show and a "B" show has nothing to do with the packages you offer. - Donald
Donald Dunphy is a Victoria Magician, British Columbia, Canada.
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Signor Blitz Elite user 419 Posts |
Quote:
On 2010-07-18 11:44, Al Angello wrote: That sounds like a good idea for you Al! lol |
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Al Angello Eternal Order Collegeville, Pa. USA 11045 Posts |
Signor Blitz
I feel quite satisfied with picking up an ocasional trick I find out about here that really knocks my socks off, fits into my show, and most of all fits into my brief case, because I do travel light. Are you going to Colon this year? It is a convention that is on the rebound, and I always have a great time when I go there.
Al Angello The Comic Juggler/Magician
http://www.juggleral.com http://home.comcast.net/~juggleral/ "Footprints on your ceiling are almost gone" |
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kimmo Inner circle Sheffield 1193 Posts |
I've probably gone through enough material over the years to make 30 or 40 different shows but I've only ever had one ACT. It evolves and changes as I grow and develop as a performer. In a few years time it will probably be totally different to what it is today.
I give clients NO CHOICE of package - they ring to book my act and that is what they get. It's been so much easier since I stooped bombarding my clients with choice.
VISIT MY ONLINE STORE!: www.kimmomagicshop.com
NEW LECTURE NOTES - SHOW US YOUR TRIX NOW AVAILABLE AS AN INSTANT DIGITAL DOWNLOAD! Kimmo DVD available Now! Watch the promo here! Order your copy NOW! CLICK HERE! ENTERTAINER,MAGICIAN AND VENTRILOQUIST'S BLOG - DON'T READ THIS... |
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Alan Munro Inner circle Kentwood, Michigan, USA 5952 Posts |
I have two 40 minute family shows. I put the second show together in response to those who wanted a second show, and mostly for those who wanted me to perform a full evening family show. The second show, which is the first half of the longer show, is still a work in progress, but it gets the repeat bookings.
Some want me to perform a full evening show for adults and teens, so much of the material is also in that show. The way I look at it, the longer show is part of the answer to bring my performances to the next level. |
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Al Angello Eternal Order Collegeville, Pa. USA 11045 Posts |
Alan
Have a good time in Colon. I won't be there to present the trophies at Curly's bar this year. Tell all the waitresses I said hi.
Al Angello The Comic Juggler/Magician
http://www.juggleral.com http://home.comcast.net/~juggleral/ "Footprints on your ceiling are almost gone" |
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TheAmbitiousCard Eternal Order Northern California 13425 Posts |
I have one core show. I always do the core and I'll mess around with other stuff as I feel like it or the gig requires.
www.theambitiouscard.com Hand Crafted Magic
Trophy Husband, Father of the Year Candidate, Chippendale's Dancer applicant, Unofficial World Record Holder. |
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Signor Blitz Elite user 419 Posts |
Al!
I hope my post was not offensive - I like what you have to say. Out of the people on the magic Café, you allow me to see magic through a different set of eyes (a perspective that has been long gone for me)- and I actually appreciate it. I feel sorry for Potty the Pirate - a simple question was asked and people are busting his chops for giving an answer. Those that actually do this for a living have many different programs (if it is what the market will bear) Ususlly packing is not a factor - because the program is already in a case, ready to be loaded in the vehical you are taking to the show. Hearing that you need an evening to pack a science bob show makes my head spinn!! If it is something you do it should already be packed with the exception of additional chemicals as needed. Edwin Brush is an inspiration. A performer from the early part of the 1900's he had 10 shows - each in a case and ready to go. Some cases may sit there for months maybe years - but all the sudden BAM he is doing it over and over. Each show was self contained without repeating a single thing. And at the most (VERY MOST ) there was 10 routines (most being 7-8 routines) NOW he did have a message and every educational assembly performer knows - message is MORE important than a bag of tricks. As for Abbotts - it is that time of year. The merigolds are in full bloom and the rose of sharon's are popping out every where (Magic is a vocation - my garden is a stress releaving hobby from magic)I will be honest, after Neil Foster past away - much changed. Greg usually bust my chops because I advoid Colon during the get-to-gether but this year I just Might (said might) take my 8 (soon to be 9) year old son for the Saturday night show (a great line up for a first time visit) I hope not to expose him to the dealer room (stimulation overload) but have a bonding moment and expose him to a totally different sub-culture. I have read that you will not be there - maybe someday we can meet (not during magic week) and we can share stories. |
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Potty the Pirate Inner circle 4632 Posts |
Kimmo, your approach is a good one, too. ONE show, which you update periodically. I believe Magic Dave also presents ONE show, which he updates approximately every six months.
Remember that I tend to work within quite a small area, and I do see the same kids frequently. Sometimes, I'll be booked for birthday parties, school events, guide and scouting events, all for the SAME kids, within a FEW months! I really need to be able to offer many different shows. It's unlikely that I'll get very well known in a wider area, other than by word-of-mouth. Though I do work all over the UK, it's nearly always through personal recommendation. And, I'm quite happy having loads of material, it means I never get jaded, performing the SAME show over and over! :) |
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jkwebber New user 76 Posts |
Thanks for all of the input. It looks like the number of shows really depends on the performer's preference. Most magicians have one show, some have a second backup show, and others have many, many shows. For me, it looks like ONE GREAT show is the way to start. I might add/drop a routine for a show booked off of the first show depending on what the client wants. Thanks to all that have shared so far.
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Michael Taggert Special user Fredericksburg Virginia 656 Posts |
This is an Interesting thread as it is bringing to light a thought that you Must Creat a different show each and ever time a a child Might see you Perfom and the opposite that you don't need to rebuild your show.
What most of us don't realize is that you simply don't need to recreate the show. If you go to the fair or festival the guy doing a platform show will do the exact same show eachtime. How many times do you go to the theme park to see the same shows over and over. If you go to a play you are going to see the same script again and again. if your show is well writtenm and you have do a complete job in creating your character. then you will be unique each time you go before an audience. as for material think of it this way does anyone remeber what Kaptain Kangaroo did? The reality is NO. learn one show well based soley on your Character and you will do well. you will naturally build a repretior of new materials each time you [erform. |
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Signor Blitz Elite user 419 Posts |
Tions.
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Scott O. Inner circle Midwest 1143 Posts |
There is a bit of a difference between a magic show and other types of performing art such as a play or concert. The culmination of the magic is typically in the form of a 'surprise' at the end of the routine. Once a person knows the end, it takes some of the ooh and aah out of future performances.
I perform at many libraries, and I've had librarians tell me that they won't book me back for a couple of years because they essentially want a fresh show each year. Just yesterday I had a librarian say that if I were to come back again next year I would need to 'rework' the show because they tend to get the same kids back every year. However, I am able to delight these people when I tell them I redesign a brand new show each year.
Do not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time you will reap a harvest, if you do not give up. Galatians 6:9
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Magic Arty Elite user metro Atlanta 443 Posts |
Very cool thread, many different approaches to the "repeat audience" blessing/issue. For libraries I write a show that has 85% new material from the previous library shows I have done. These shows are based on the years theme, and truly are unique to the season. By the time I have completed the 80th performance, the show is retired. The 15% of material that stays is material I know my repeat audience wants to see.
For schools I have completely different shows for each subject. They are truly completely different in style, routines, and overall material. For these shows there is no repeat material at all, and my schools continue to rebook me based on that fact. (the shows are pretty good as well.) For parties I take the approach that I believe Steve shared. I have a good amount of material to draw from and mix it up with what I chose to be the core presentation. Currently I have two completely different 45 minute stage acts that are all my A material, plus an additional 30 minute act that I would not call it B, but is the stuff that for one reason or another didn't make it into one of the two 45 minute acts! I like to think of my show as a jazz piece that has room for the moment, though is constructed through a lot of discipline, practice, knowing the audience, and rehearsal. |
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LMLipman Elite user Falls Church, Va. 443 Posts |
There have been lengthy debates here about whether it is best to do the same show or different shows for the same or similar audiences. It’s one of those questions that doesn’t have an absolutely correct answer—what works best in some situations may not in others.
For birthday parties, like Frank, I have a core of tricks that I do in every show for every age group. But I drop or add some tricks depending on the age of the children. I don’t think of them specifically as “different shows” just my regular show tailored to fit the age group. Often I may do a birthday show for a 5-year-old who has an 8-year-old brother. The audience will be mainly 5-year-olds, but there will be some older (and maybe younger) kids as well, including friends of the 8-year-old. So I’ll do my standard show with most tricks aimed at the 5-year-olds and throw in a trick specifically for the 8-year-old brother and his friends. The 5-year-olds still enjoy it, but it’s aimed at the older kids. Same concept with younger kids. To repeat on not? I’ve had several cases where I’ve been invited back to do a birthday party for the same family, often the same kid. What I’ve found is that the kid is looking forward to the same show. I did one like that a few weeks ago and left out what I considered a throw-away warm up trick (making a bubble turn into a solid ball). The kid kept asking me if I was going to do it. On rare occasions, I’ve had parents ask if I could do a different show. I tell them that the core is the same but there will be several new tricks in the show. That seems to satisfy them. I think Scott makes a good point: libraries often want a new show, so give ‘em what they want. But for birthday parties, I don’t think that’s necessary. And I'd rather work on the same tricks and perfect them rather than have too many in play at any one time. Like Kimmo, my show is constantly evolving over time with some new tricks being added and others falling by the wayside. So while it is similar to what I did five years ago, there are differences. |
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