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curtgunz Special user Only 99% of users have more than 784 Posts |
Just adding a thought here.
Sounds like you are very careful to pace your act well. I'm guessing you are starting well and ending with a really big wow. It may be that the middle of the act is entertaining and doing what it is supposed to do. A great movie does the same thing. It starts strong to pull you in, entertains you, and makes you leave the theater saying "Wow". Your audience is excited to see you, and if you warm them up right (like David Ginn and others teach) your first tricks will go over great. The middle of the act is solid entertainment. The end of the show is what they remember and tell their friends about. Just like in Star Wars (the original trilogy) or Lord of the Rings; the middle movies "The Empire Strikes Back" or "The Two Towers" are sometimes considered the slower part of the trilogy. But without the solid, entertaining middle, the big finish "Return of the Jedi" or "Return of the King" would not have had the impact they did. Basically, a performance (any performance) will be slowest in the middle. But, your slow part may be better than most peoples big finish.
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mikedobias New user 56 Posts |
I also do a version of the silver sceptre near the opening of my act, because it fits in the flow of MY act. It might not in yours. I use it as an intro to the various comedy wands that I will use throughout the show, and so it works there in the beginning I could also see it working as a running gag throughout the show, or as part of another routine in the show--it all depends. So, it's tough for anyone (without seeing your show) to answer the question.
As Kyle pointed out, structure is important, as are the individual routines and "bits of business" within the show. Lots of books and videos are available on routining. A reference I've used for structuring a show is David Ginn's "Crash Course on Kid Shows" book. Also as pointed out, as you do more shows, your shows will get better over time as you come up with new bits to add to routines. You can only think of so much when you originally script and design your show. Make sure you video some of your shows so you can watch and identify where the weak or slow points are happening. I know it can be painful to watch yourself, but it does make a big difference. |
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MichaelDouglas Special user Portland, Oregon 766 Posts |
In my experience, once I added a lot of silliness with various wands and "bits of business" or comedy lines, it really helped with the 4-7 year old crowd. With a mixed age group audience, when the older ones see the younger ones laughing their heads off, then they find that amusing and also enjoy what's going on. That includes the parents.
Sometimes it's also good with a mixed age group to tell the older kids before the show starts or right at the beginning that some of the tricks are more for the younger ones, but I've also got some fun stuff in the show for you older ones also. I second the previous comment that including a "look no see" routine and a "magician in trouble" also goes over well. I'd also suggest that you check out the dvd and/or book "Seriously Silly" by David Kay and the book by John Breeds about doubling your income as a kids magician. Terry Herbert and Chris Capehart also have some great DVD's out on kids magic. The selection of tricks you use is important. How you deliver them is more important. You know the old concept, it's not the song, but the singer. The song "I will always love you" was recorded twice and didn't make much money. Then along came a little movie called "The Bodyguard" in which Whitney Houston repackaged that song. With her presentation, it was in the top 10 on the charts in that period. I recommend that you spend some time on YouTube and search out kid magicians. Look for recordings of live shows, not promo videos. Study how they interact with the kids. Note what works well and what doesn't. Absorb, adapt, and implement what you learn. I echo Mike's comment that you should video every show you do for a while and study yourself also. Be encouraged, be studious, be consistent. Last |
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MichaelDouglas Special user Portland, Oregon 766 Posts |
Quote:
On 2011-11-20 13:15, danfreed wrote: No, my show is fairly well consistent. I will vary it some depending on the age group. For example, I only use the Axtell drawing board for younger kids. Some of those other changes are just in the patter. I use sound effects during the show, so it doesn't change much. However, I do keep a few items in my case that I can instantly implement as a backup in case I detect something is wrong (interpret that as meaning I forgot to refill my case with a consumable like slush powder) with one of my normal tricks and I need to omit it from the show. To change stuff up on the spot like that and yet get consistantly great results takes lots of skill and experience. My hat is off to you my friend. |
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