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raymond.truong New user 5 Posts |
Hiyo guys.
I've been booked for an 8 year olds party. I'm curious as to find out peoples experiences of doing 8 year olds birthdays. Most of my experience has been for 4 year olds. Do people think the same kind of gags will work the same? Silly things like pretending I've lost my hat or squeaker gags. As well as what magic have people used? Right now my set is basic, 3 shell game Misers dream, Cut & restored rope, Thumb tip, Some fibre optics, colouring book, invisible ball gag thingy, cups and balls. When I do 4 year olds I mostly do silly little gags and act like an over enthusiastic smiley crazy man. Would this approach work well with 8 year olds. As a aside, if people wanna recommend good resources on childrens novels that would be great. Hugs and kisses Raymond |
raymond.truong New user 5 Posts |
I would like to add that I'm hella nervous of working with kids and I'm also worried my 4 year old approach may seem "condescending"
Thanks again folks |
A Birthday Magician Regular user 191 Posts |
Take a totally different approach for 8 year olds...it's a tough age to work to...I would not do my normal 4-7 y/o show for 8 and above...I would suggest not acting silly...just be the normal you...talk to them and treat them like you would a young adult. Don't do colouring book
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The Great Zucchini Inner circle 1347 Posts |
I perform for 7-and under, but when I see older siblings in a crowd of 4 year olds, sometimes for fun, I throw out cool pop culture references-Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift, throws out a 'cool' vibe to them.
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Al Angello Eternal Order Collegeville, Pa. USA 11045 Posts |
It is all a matter of delivery the 8 year old's will respond to a magician who communicates to them on their level.
Al Angello The Comic Juggler/Magician
http://www.juggleral.com http://home.comcast.net/~juggleral/ "Footprints on your ceiling are almost gone" |
MichaelDouglas Special user Portland, Oregon 766 Posts |
Welcome to the Magic Café Raymond. I'd suggest that you review the sticky posts at the top of this forum. They contain some recommendations on specific tricks as well as training materials for this age group. Also use the search function and search the Little Darlings forum for threads that discuss specific tricks for your age group as well as advice on how to build a show for that age group. You'll find lots of great information.
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raymond.truong New user 5 Posts |
Hey guys thanks for the replies.
Michael, my searching of this area has led me to believe that there wasn't much on this topic. Maybe my searching is bad. A Birthday Magician, thanks for your input. Al Angelo, can you describe to me exactly what is the "8 year old level." Probably a hard question to answer. I guess I can't act like a spaz, but in terms of character etc, what would 8 year olds respond to? Thanks guys. |
Mary Mowder Inner circle Sacramento / Elk Grove, CA 3659 Posts |
8 yr. olds are very easy.
Much easier than 4 yr. olds. It is easier to keep their attention, they are still sweet and open to fun. They understand what you are saying. I wouldn't do the shell game (For four yr. olds either). If nothing else letting everybody see would be a problem. A big YES to Misers Dream. They like colorful Magic and simple riddles, fractured nursery rhymes and visual Magic. Magic to music can work well if the Music is good and not too long. It can be beautiful music and does not have to be "Barney" style (which is bad for their brains). Have some Magic that involves the group. (Beads of Prussia is one I like) I have them make a repeating pattern in the tube so they call out the next color and the kids put them in. (don't give the beads to little kids who may eat them and tell them they are NOT candy). They LOVE a gentle test of their intellect i.e.: Don't worry if you don't get it, this is VERY hard. If I mix red paint and blue paint what color will I get? Honestly, you can do this, they are so much fun. -Mary Mowder |
curtgunz Special user Only 99% of users have more than 784 Posts |
Quote:
On 2013-02-27 15:25, Mary Mowder wrote: Yes. Look don't see type stuff works very well. The kids love to catch you messing up so Hippty Hop, Pizza Box, Die Box stuff works great.
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Wes Holly Special user Cincinnati, OH, USA 644 Posts |
Quote:
It can be beautiful music and does not have to be "Barney" style (which is bad for their brains). Barney music is bad for my brain as well ... |
Mary Mowder Inner circle Sacramento / Elk Grove, CA 3659 Posts |
LOL
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Dynamike Eternal Order FullTimer 24148 Posts |
Quote:
On 2013-02-27 06:19, raymond.truong wrote: Raymond, it is not about the trick, it is about how it is represented. The magic tricks you listed can be presented for a 8 year old party. The Coloring Book can even be presented at an adult party. I know the style you have seen it done before. Well that style and patter will have to be changed for adults. Using the Shell Game at a kid's party is no problem if presented right. Most people seen it presented only one way. You will have to be creative and turn that technique around for kids. One way the 3 Shell Game can be presented for kids: "Kids, I always have bad luck when placing this pea underneath a nut shell. Whenever I put it underneath one, it reappears under another. Let me show you what I mean...." Another way the 3 Shell Game can be presented for kids: "Kids, I heard birthday boys can do magic on their birthday. John, since it is your birthday will you please come here? I will put the pea underneath this nut shell. I will make it hard for you by mixing up the shells. Point to the shell the pea is under. You are right. Now wave your hand over to see if you make the pea appear underneath a different shell. Wow, you are a magician, John, you made it appear underneath a different one." Raymond, I can understand you are use to performing for younger audiences. If you have the desire you will sit down and put together an act for 8 year olds. You will have to be creative and flexible. No one can explain it to you over the internet. We do not know your personality. We can not see your flaws. We can tell if you are nervous or shaking. If you are truly interested, do not rely on others to make the decisions for you. If you think the that type of audience is too strong for you, pass it to someone else. Some magicians will charge a low fee to perform at a whole new age group until they get use to it. It is all in your hands. Good luck. Posted: Feb 28, 2013 1:36am And Raymond, remember every 8 year old audience is not the same. Sometimes you will have to present yourself differently even though your next show is the same age as the previous one. There can be a heckler or two in one of the audiences. The next group might be disciplined from A to Z. One of my biggest mistakes about 15 years ago is I was not presenting myself right at the birthday party for one of Anita Baker's sons. That audience was mature as can be. I got few reactions from the children. |
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