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twm Regular user of wine. 109 Posts |
I've run out of spontaneous magic for children. With my grandchildren aged 3 to 8 having an unplanned lunch in a pub, they needed entertaining. An impromptu act with almost no props was called for. I always carry an unusual TT and used it to levitate a few objects. It went down well, but calls of 'MORE'. So I did the old 'Zombie' trick but using a bread roll and napkin. They loved it, but lunch still hadn't arrived. By this time, children on nearby tables were taking an interest in what was going on. So I picked up a couple of cocktail sticks and showed what would happen if one of them was rubbed on my sleeve and then moved close to the other. Another floating object using a different technique, then a simple use of my knife as a 'paddle'. Then the old bouncing bread roll trick. Finally I did a Balducci levitation so that just the 8 year old could see it, and enjoyed the moment as she described what I had done to the others.
So, as I say, I've used up all my spontaneous, 'no props needed' tricks for use with this group of children, so have to get busy and acquire a few more. It was fun though. I suppose I could have done a torn and restored napkin. I was going to to do a neat trick with sugar lumps, but really needed nice cubes where they had irregular shaped lumps that would have been more difficult. Great fun, isn't it? |
Yellowcustard Inner circle New Zealand 1334 Posts |
I want to come to lunch with you!
Mark Wilson book the complete course of magic could be a option. It has the base for all disciplines in magic. The importune and build your own section will be of use. Also there a betches section which could come in handy. You might also want to look at puzzles that can be done with coins and stuff. Keep looking have fun.
Enjoy your magic,
and let others enjoy it as well! |
solrak29 Special user NY Metro 936 Posts |
It's always great fun and to see them smile and fun makes it even more better.
The hard part is knowing when to stop. The key that I learned, "Keep them wanting more". Good Stuff.
To Find Me On The Pitch, Follow me :On Twitter
Checkout my pseudo blog : The Sidewalk Performers Forum "I intend to live forever, or die trying" - Groucho Marx |
55Hudson Special user Minneapolis 984 Posts |
Here are some impromptu routines that are easy to learn and practice:
Two in the hand, one in the pocket, thieves and sheep; coins counted into the specs hands and one is " snached out" ( don't recal name of this one). These last two are on Ammar's Into to Coin Magic (think that's the name) - lots of simple coin work that you can always be ready for. Also if you do cups and balls, that ca always be done with coffee cups ... Good luck, Hudson |
Spellbinder Inner circle The Holy City of East Orange, NJ 6438 Posts |
Don't forget "finger magic" like removing and reattaching your thumb, and even some you can show them how to do like "This is the church, this is the steeple, open the doors and see all the people."
I also like to spin a coin to find the "soft spot" in a table and then doing the coin through table at that spot. Then demonstrate what to do if the table has a hard spot- which ends up with the old salt shaker going through the table instead of the coin.
Professor Spellbinder
Professor Emeritus at the Turkey Buzzard Academy of Magik, Witchcraft and Wizardry http://www.magicnook.com Publisher of The Wizards' Journals |
Yellowcustard Inner circle New Zealand 1334 Posts |
I just wish we could all go for lunch somewere it would be a blast to see all this.
Enjoy your magic,
and let others enjoy it as well! |
DanielCoyne Special user Western Massachussetts 544 Posts |
"the old salt shaker going through the table instead of the coin."
I end up doing this from time to time for various types of dinner guests -- it always kills. : ) I also use a knife, in a zombie-like manner, to make it look as though something is flapping and trying to fly away under my napkin. Nothing is ever visible (like a bun-as-zombie), but with a little acting, the effect is pretty magical. You can also make the knife look rubbery, as you might with a pencil, by holding it 1/3 in and waving it up and down. By carrying a few rubber bands, you have another 3 or 4 great effects at your fingertips. -Daniel |
DomKabala Inner circle I've grown old after diggin' holes for 2827 Posts |
Learn some napkin effects and some basic coin tricks such as the coin thru hanky, broken and restored match (with hanky). Learn some basic sleights such as the French drop and use this to make small objects disappear only to produce them from behind their ears. There is a plethora of magic that can be done with everyday items. Look at Karl Fulves for books that specialize in this type of entertainment...
Cardamagically, Dom
We don't stop playing when we grow old...we grow old when we stop playing.
God is enough, let go, let God. Gal 2:20 "Anything of value is not easily attained and those things which are easily attained are not of lasting value." |
Stapper New user the netherlands 91 Posts |
Great!
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pradell Special user Alaska 560 Posts |
The Jawdropper's DVD/VHS set has lots of material for this impromptu type of situation including some of the things you describe. If you have run out of material, you might want to purchase this set.
:magicrabbit: |
mysterrio New user USA 14 Posts |
These are all great suggestions. There are many books and dvd and today even online videos available. I think the type of magic you are looking for is easy to find and the suggestions above are awesome. I am happy to see that you are doing basic magic - it is the most fun and entertaining!
Mr. Mysterrio
http://www.EntertainersResourceCenter.com |
mahucharn Elite user 418 Posts |
I enjoyed reading that very much. Gregory Wilson's On The Spot is always a good place to start. Also, you can use a sv*****i deck for kids, works all the time (though it's not quite impromptu). I've also found that Jay Noblezada's Sponge! routine hits quite well (instantly resets). You could also do the classic self levitation trick, though in my experience I have found kids start to pick it up at around age 13ish.
Napkin effects are always nice, but I prefer using a red silk with a th**b t*p. After rereading your post, I apologize that none of my suggestions are prop free with the exception of the self levitations. I know an object through table type effect that is completely impromptu, PM me and I'll send you the instructions. Good luck! Jordan |
jakubr Veteran user 326 Posts |
Sound really good. There's section for kinds performers on Reel Magic video-magazine. I guess, you could find lots of material there if you wanted.
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twm Regular user of wine. 109 Posts |
Thanks for all the suggestions. That will really help to recharge the batteries! I'll be doing a more planned act with the same group for a birthday soon, and that will be very different, but I like magic to just happen when they are around, so really value your thoughts and help.
@YellowCustard - I've got Mark Wilsons book on order from the library, so look forward to seeing that. @Jordan - no apology needed. I always try to carry a prop or two with me, so all suggestions and ideas are welcome. To all others, I will certainly follow up the suggestions and make sure that if the same thing happens again in the near future, I will be ready with a few more. |
SimonG-97 Special user 508 Posts |
Have a look at karl Fulves self working table magic, its all pretty much little tricks for times like that but not to much more than that.
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Cipher New user 50 Posts |
Mark Wilson's book usually gets a nod, but Joshua Jay's Complete Course in Becoming a Magician flies under the radar. It's a good book (albeit somewhat similar to Wilson's book) that has a whole chapter on impromptu magic and also a chapter on dinner table magic. The tricks in Jay's book have a "modern" feel to them, and the book also includes a DVD that features demonstrations and explanations for some of the tricks in the book. Both books compliment each other well, and I would recommended picking up both.
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idomagic Loyal user Denver, CO 255 Posts |
Highly recommended and only $7.00
Quote: On 2011-04-26 11:25, SimonG-97 wrote:
Chad Wonder (Chad Wonder Magic, Inc)
Past President SAM 37/IBM 131 (Mile High Magicians) www.idomagic.com www.iDOMAGIC.dev |
Mark Jarvis Regular user 172 Posts |
I like to perform the vanishing silk for children. I use a red silk and a T Tp. I push the silk into my fist, have them wave their hand over the silk, and POOFFF!!.... a miracle has happened. Then make it reappear or ditch.
An oldie but still a goodie.
Mark Jarvis
The Magic Of Magic Solon, Ohio The Magic Is In Your Hands http://www.themagicofmagic.com |
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