Hey guys
I'm doing a scout show next month for a couple hundred scouts plus their familys.i would like your input on any special tricks or routeins that would work well with this kind of show.
todd

What's wrong with your current stuff?

Here is one themed suggestion...

http://www.kenscottproducts.com/ScoutMatch.html

Blue and Gold 20th century.
Use the scout pledge to theme the other tricks in the show.

I've done Scout shows for years. The kids and adults appreciate the same stuff that one might do at a regular birthday party (age appropriate of course). I don't theme my shows, but I do drop names and phrases into the patter to make it more meaningful for the audience. Always mention the pack number and try to get the pack leaders involved. Ask, ahead of time, if there is anything special about this particular event or anything that is unusual about it. Then incorporate those things into your patter. It's basically a standard kid's show with some ceremony added. Good luck!

Mike Bent has a mis-made neckerchief routine that uses cub-scout scarves. Along with your regular stuff, it wouldn't hurt to have something they'll regard as "special" for the occasion. When I've done it, it's been been the highlight of the feedback.

Borrowed burned and restored neckerchief.
my favorite

Never let them see you sweat
Don't let anyone distract you, because all the kids think they are smarter than you, and will shout out all sorts of rude things during your show. My best advise to you is put your blinders on, turn your amp up high, and get permission to do BOR.

It can also be a good time to pull out a patriotic routine - mismade flag, patriotic ropes, etc. Values that make America Great can be emphasized as Core Values of the Scouts...

This might help.

http://kpmagicproducts.com/Blue_and_Gold.html

Kyle is a member here and gives a lot of tips freely. Search out his posts. He's a good guy.

- B.H.

Killer Cut by John Kaplan.

A knot trick with a rope.

A safety trick regarding fire.

Rocky the Raccoon.

Wish I could take that advice. Unfortunately, I suffer from hyperhidrosis. Ergo, the reason I wear a cowboy hat.

Thanks to all of you for your advice and wealth of information. I am looking forward to this show.
todd

3 Years ago I did my supposed dangerous stuff for a cub scout pack, my Dagger chest, hand chopper, and the visible sawing through body. 2 years ago, I did a regular show, with things like needle through balloon, linking rings and ropes, McComical card trick, and torn and restored jumbo card, In the news, Floating table, etc..
Then last year I bought a Lester Lake Guillotine. Figuring that, that trick might be too intense to do on a scout, I had my puppet put his head into the Guillotine. All was successful, but after the show the scout master asked me to bring my supposed dangerous stuff from 3 years ago. So on March 3rd. that is what I will do.

Just to expand on Bill's post. This is an ebook devoted to performing for Blue & Golds and also drumming up other Cub Scout business the year round. Lots of good information and I agree with Bill, Kyle is a good guy and always willing to help.

Why does everything have to have a theme? Just do the act that they are booking you for. My act plays for a bday party, a school show, a blue and gold banquet, or a nightclub. One or two routines might go in and out depending on the crowd, but the overall "act" stays the same.

Like Christopher I also pick my new material carefully, and see no need to take out my best material to do a scout routine that will not go over as big.

I've done 11 of of these shows in the last 4 years. Never has the person booking me for the show told me to MAKE my Magic/vent show conform to their theme.

That being said, I will say that I have done little things like having my puppet dress in a cub scout uniform.

I will perform
cut and restore rope
professors nightmare
and ungimmicked linking ropes
needle thru balloon
sword thru neck
appearing 8 foot straw
silk vanish from hand
strat o sphere
and so forth
I usally perform about 25 illusions
in a show

The ungimmicked linking ropes is a trick you don't see every day.