Hey all, I'm not sure where to put this so don't yell at me if it shouldn't be in here. I'm going to start teaching group lessons and the way I'm promoting it is, I'm teaching a free magic lesson at the local library. After the lesson I will give them the opportunity to sign up for the normal group class. The classes will be 4 times a month (once a week), teaching tricks with everyday objects. The first lesson they will get a binder for the print outs for instructions, and some basic props for the lessons. I'm thinking of including: A deck of cards, rubber bands, rope, scissors, string, pen, marker etc. Things that "impromptu" magic needs.

What else should I include? What other normal items are needed?

For some incentive, if they sign up within a certain time frame they will get the kit for free. Otherwise it'll cost them $10 or whatever. Basically just cover the cost. I'm probably going to provide other props throughout the month free of charge, but I know they are going to need cards, rope, etc.

The lessons will be $15.00 for an hour. I'm thinking of letting them perform a show at the end of the month. Say each kid gets 1-2 tricks to perform in front of friends and family. What am I forgetting? any ideas?

I taught a summer class to young kids one year at a college. It's a LOT of work to do properly. You didn't indicate how old the students would be. Here's what I would suggest:

1) You need something big and visual. I designed an interactive computer presentation to review each effect.
2) If they are young, give them something they can do right away. 2 card monte is a good option. BUT use the effect to teach them how to think critically about the effect and how to present it. And begin NOW to tell them to keep the methods secret.
3) I would not include the props at cost unless you don't value your time. I added 30% to cover my time and purchasing of the props.
4) Keep non-competitive with LOTS of positive feedback.
5) You have a week between lessons. If they are young, you will need to remind them to practice. (See point 4)

Good luck. Doing this right is very very very tough. But also very very very rewarding.

Now ask me if I ever did it again?

Nope.

David

I used to do magic classes in school-age child care centres. Build one class, charge $100-250 for an hour, and repeat 100 or so times at different centres (same class over and over). Just pick the most basic effects (public domain and commonly known stuff). These places are desperate for things to do. Much less work than needing new material week after week. Just an idea if you wish to explore it.

The kids are 3rd-6th grade. good advise guys. Scott, I like the idea of just having one lesson, but in this small population area I won't be able to sustain that. For now (if I find there is a bigger market I'll change it up) I'm going to offer my free initial into to magic class for free (at the library and maybe schools etc) and then sell them the ongoing classes. Once I make a class it will always be that way. Example: I'm going to have my intro class ( class 0) the same 4 tricks. The next one is 1.1 and it will have 4 tricks and always those 4 etc. Then I only have to prepare for a class once and if I get another class start them on 1.1 etc... I really want something where I can do 2 or more classes a week. Along with shows and my other business I should be able to make a living... sheesh...

I see you have in mind to do this at the local library.

For those who are thinking of doing such a thing completely under their own steam I mention that I had the idea of running a Balloon Time Fun session during school holidays/on a weekend and then got some good advice along the following lines. If you run a class it's a lot easier to run it at an establishment already set up to cater to children, such as a school or child-care centre. That's because government regulations nowadays may require such things as qualified overseers of the children at a certain ratio, adequate toilet facilities, and other regulations. Then there is insurance to consider.
So, it may be easier and safer to [being hired?] take lessons at some instutuion where the above requirements are already met, and will be during your activity, rather than trying to set up the situation all by yourself.

Kameron, remember to review with the children one of the routines from the previous lesson.
After a few weeks you'll have in mind some children whose parents may agree to the child having more lessons. That would provide another few sessions' income.
I recommens that you teach only stand-up tricks because when the children perform for others they're not going to find a table to put cards etc. down on all the time.

Kameron,
I run a 7 week magic camp every year for well I have lost count for how many years! any way I also run magic classes at local libraries and being that you are in no way compitition for my area here are some ideas

first you want to make some money at this so here is a good way to do it

offer a FREE show to the library if they will help you get a magic class there by advertising and taking care of the signups and collect the monies for you.

here is what I do (although these days I actually charge the library for my show as well but at a discount)

advertise a magic class sign ups and cost for this class along with max number of kids. I recommend no more then 10 kids and try to put an age restiction so that you do not have a huge age gap. you can offer two classes one for younger kids and one for older

so you do the class followed by the free show w hich is open to the public. so you get your materials fee which covers the materials and your time. example $25 per kid for the class but the materials only cost $5 a kid so you get $20 a kid x 10 kids that's $200 for the hour class and then the 45 minute free show which you also get to hand out your card and tell them about the weekly or monthly magic class held here at the library

hope this makes sense I did not get a lot of sleep last night as I have off this weekend and I try to put as much recreational fun into it as possible so I am pretty tired.

but ask away any questions you have I will do what I can to help you.

just so you know in the past I have charged the library $100 for the show and then the materials fee for the class is paid by the parents. was resonable for everyone.,

good luck out there in big sky country!

sam

ps as for materials I can give you a list of stuff if you need as well as offer some stuff wholesale to you if that helps as well.