I know there have been threads about backdrops, but I couldn't find any and none have been created recently, so I created a new one.

I mostly perform children's birthday parties with an occasional larger venue like a community Halloween party. So I have held off on getting a backdrop. But at Kapital Kidvention this month, I saw Jeff Jones put up a backdrop in moments and I was hooked. I bought one and it arrived Friday.

I used it in my show Saturday at an assisted living facility for a 91 year old woman. They put me in front of an ugly metal staircase. The backdrop hid much of the staircase and focused the eye on my performance.

Today I used it in a small house where they put my in front of a large window. As soon as I put up the backdrop, I heard the birthday mom go "Wow." I later heard other moms talking with her and raving about the backdrop (and saying nice things about me, too.)

I was a bit nervous about the assembly. I saw Jeff do it in a matter for seconds (it seemed,) but I knew he'd done it thousands of times. Except for a trial run at home Friday night, this was the first time I'd ever done it. The backdrop went up in about two minutes and I put it down and packed away in its carrying case in less than five minutes (extra time to roll up the curtain in a tight roll, like a sleeping bag.)

I'm really happy I took the plunge. I only know of one other kids magician in my area who regularly uses a backdrop, so this helps set me apart. As one of the moms said, it makes it look like a home theater. Jeff was very easy to deal with and helped me make a good selection of colors.

Nice. Very nice!

I looks good Larry....I've been tempted to get one too.

I own 2 of Jeff's Backdrops and have been using them for many years. They hold up really well and Jeff's Customer Service is outstanding.

Rodney

Is the black sash (the thin band of cloth) needed to make the set up work?

Could it be removed? It seems out of place to my eye.

Which size is this?

Thank you.

-Mary Mowder

I love Jef's backdrops, and use mine at nearly every performance. With very little practise, you'll be putting it up in about 30s, and taking it down in less than a minute. SO easy!

The reaction from the mom is typical - folks are astounded at how quickly the performing area is transformed into a theater.

In my opinion, it makes a huge difference - not only does it help to focus attention on the performer, but it also means any photos or videos that are taken look amazingly professional. So many venues have piles of chairs, or clutter, sometimes there's a pool table or similar behind you - or the ubiquitous basketball net hanging over your head! In an instant, the backdrop works it's magic, and suddenly, there's a special space just for you.

I also put all my boxes etc, behind the backdrop - as well as certain props, and larger items I want to keep hidden, like "Bigger Wands".

They look really good with a pop-up banner on each side too, like having theater wings. Lots of entertainers now have this arrangement.

Mary, the sash and curtain stay accents are Velcroed on, thus removable and interchangable. My JJ backdrop is red with black accents. I change them to green for Christmas shows and white & blue for 4th of July.

Welcome back Skip. It's been a couple years since you were here last. I hope that it wasn't health issues that kept you away.

Does it sag? It looks like it sags in the middle and the swag in the middle looks a bit bunchy. These do not seem to look as good in real life as they do when they are steamed and pressed on his web site.

Powermagic- no they don't sag in the middle that is where the stand is. which by the way would drive me nuts. I would never want my stand it the center like that.

but I am not going to get into what and why I don't like them. they work well for some and for some events.
I love my back drop and after 14 years it has never let me down.

sam

Put those tables in storage. They are too collectable to roaming around.

Website to purchase?

http://www.magicbackdrops.com/MagicBackdrops/Home.html

Larry,

I have a question for you and PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE try to understand I'm just talking in general here since I just spotted this thead.

My next comment isn't so much directed at you, but for others who use backdrops.

While I can certainly see why these would be a great item to use in certain situations, mainly stage shows, do you think it's overkill at birthday parties? I'm not necessarily saying it doesn't look good; it's just that something like this just seems totally out of place in someone's home.

Any thoughts on this? This question is really meant for folks who use these types of backdrops.

Thanks,

Gerry

Larry,

One other thing. I understand the photo you presented here was just to show everyone your backdrop. I understand that.

Also, I could see why someone might want to put a picture like this on their website, too. I get that point as well.

Thanks,

Gerry

Gerry, I kind of agree with you about this back drop
my bigger concern is that unless you are always playing a big place this back drop has limitations.

you need a certain amount of space height and width to use this back drop. and don't get me wrong I think they are great for stage but for the guy that needs some thing that can fit anywhere I don't see it being the solution. it is a quality back drop just not one that would meet all the demands I have.

my back drop can set up any where! period!

while my curtains on my back drop are not of this nature, meaning theatre looking, they are fun and do indeed change the look of the room but they are not so overwhelming as this one is.

just my thoughts

sam

Three benefits, both major:

1. Makes a tremendous first impression - less work to win the room, especially the adults
2. Helps the kids focus on the show - blocks out all distractions behind you
3. All pictures of your show will be framed by the same background - every picture will look professional and consistent

I've never ever ever ever ever had a show where I couldn't comfortably set up the backdrop. It requires about three feet of space from whatever's behind you, and that's it. The small one is adjustable up to I believe 8 feet high and 10 feet wide, and the big one 9 feet high and fifteen feet wide, but either can set up smaller (shorter and narrower) if need be. And it literally takes less than a minute to set up and strike.

Please don't share these thoughts with the other performers in my market.

I use a jet set (a telescoping T bar set up once used for photo shoots) which is about 6 1/2 feet tall by 6 feet wide. I can extend the sides a little but I usually don't.
It takes about 5 min to set up (my curtains are pre-threaded on PVC segments, one on each side. which slip over the top poles).

It does make the area look more special.

Kids often ask what they are for. I tell them it is to make the area more like a theatre show or just to look pretty depending on who's asking.

It is nice to have all the photos taken both during and after the show in front of the back drop.

Larry's is wider, taller, more stable, more "fancy" and faster to set up. Also more expensive.

Either way, I think a back drop looks nice.

-Mary Mowder

It looks good Larry, but be careful what color costume you wear when using it.

Sam - Can you share a picture of your backdrop? How does it compare in costs, set up time, and weight?