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truesoldier Inner circle 1191 Posts |
Hi Guys
I have been asked on a number of occasions if I would ever consider doing children's birthday shows. In the past I have not gone for it, however the prospect of mixing in some children's shows with walk around adult events is starting to appeal to me. The reason being is that it would be very different keeping things interesting and also it would enable me to do some stand up parlour type effects that I love such as silk to egg and the Benson bowl etc. I understand that everything has to be fun and it's a good idea to mix in some games as well. However, I do have some initial questions and would really appreciate your help and opinions. 1 I am considering buying the seriously silly book or dvd. My questions is, is it better to get one or the other or both. 2 What other great books or dvd's on the subject do you recommend. 3 I once saw an effect as follows and would like to know the name of it. Performer shows an empty tube and a book. The performer then puts the book on an adults head, they then put the tube on top of the book. Next they crack an egg into the tube and ask the audience if they should remove the book. After lots of fun and byplay the performer removes the book leaving the tube on top of the adults head. After lots more fn and byplay the performer makes some magical gestures and lifts up the tube but the egg white and yolk have disappeared. 4 I know that the obvious answer to the following is a NO due to health and safety, however are there any circumstances when the needle through balloon could be played for a children's birthday party. Or is it simply to dangerous and the effect is best left to an adult audience. 5 What ratio should the magic to games be? 6 Please could you provide some suggestions as how best to open a kids show. 7 Please advice on how bes to close a kids show. 8 Are there any other pointers that you could share. Many Thanks |
Al Angello Eternal Order Collegeville, Pa. USA 11045 Posts |
Boy the book, forget about the DVD. Read it from cover to cover, and David will answer most of your questions.
Al Angello The Comic Juggler/Magician
http://www.juggleral.com http://home.comcast.net/~juggleral/ "Footprints on your ceiling are almost gone" |
Robin4Kids Veteran user Lower Alabama 396 Posts |
Wow! Sounds like you need to get some help from the pros!
1/2. Silly Billy is certainly a good start. There are plenty of great books & dvds out there that give you complete shows. Would suggest you get several since every trick in someone's routine may not appeal to you, but you can swap out with tricks that fit you better. Other great birthday magicians you may want to check out would be Tommy James, Danny Orleans, Ken Scott, David Ginn and many more. Not only will they give you help on your routine, but most have helpful hints on the birthday business. Danny Orleans has a live presentation tonight (May 26) on Penguin about entertaining kids. If you can view it, it should give you a great deal of insight into children's magic shows. 3. This is the Comedy Egg Can which is available from most suppliers. 4. I have done this for kids and don't see any danger as long as you control the possession of the props. A warning of don't try this at home may be appropriate. 5. You don't have to include games in your show unless you want to do it as added services. 6. See 1/2 7. See 1/2 8. Make sure you understand the nature of your audience with kid shows and be prepared for a whole different set of challenges. If you don't really love to be around kids and the uncertain behavior that comes with the territory, I would think hard about getting into the birthday magic show business. Good luck! |
truesoldier Inner circle 1191 Posts |
Thanks guys, I really appreciate your help and advice.
Robin, thanks for the in depth answers and suggestions, I really appreciate it. There was a time when I would have said no to this, but have really warmed to the idea and being a bit child like myself (Lets face most magicians are) I think I would enjoy this. I understand that it's a totally different ball game then performing for adults, however I guess it's like everything else, you have to try to be as best prepared as possible and always be open to learning. Naturally, I want to spend several months putting things together before I say yes to anyone. That's the reason for all the questions. Thanks so much, I really appreciate it. |
jay leslie V.I.P. Southern California 9498 Posts |
Itwouldn't hurt to look at Youtube videos and get a feel for the tempo, timing and pacing, in addition to various routines.
Jay Leslie
www.TheHouseOfEnchantment.com |
Al Angello Eternal Order Collegeville, Pa. USA 11045 Posts |
No matter what do not buy a lot of single function big box tricks, because you will be the one lugging those big boxes around from show to show.
Al Angello The Comic Juggler/Magician
http://www.juggleral.com http://home.comcast.net/~juggleral/ "Footprints on your ceiling are almost gone" |
jay leslie V.I.P. Southern California 9498 Posts |
For me, personally Al... the more junk the better unless the show is in a park, then everything rolls-in on one dolly.
"He who has the most toys when they die.... makes it difficult to sell them at one time"
Jay Leslie
www.TheHouseOfEnchantment.com |
truesoldier Inner circle 1191 Posts |
Thanks J, that's a great idea. You can definitely learn a lot by watching other great performers. (Actors, singers dancers and all other art forms study the greats in order to learn and improve there art)
Hi Al Angelo, That's a great point you raise. My idea would be to pack everything in a small briefcase or small wheel case (that can also act as a table). I have to do this as I don't have a car so need to able to pack small, play big as the saying goes. |
Ed_Millis Inner circle Yuma, AZ 2292 Posts |
This is also covered in Seriously Silly, but it bears thinking about. When you say "kids" it conjures up (no pun intended!) different images for different people. And "kids" vary greatly across the years.
I once had the 8-11s pulled into a routine when the lone 4-year-old walks up to me, declares "you're boring!", and walks off. And I've had the 5-7s laughing and going along with me, and the 12s are huddled around their phones. Crafting routines that pull in an entire audience spectrum can be difficult. I know I'm still working on it. Ed |
The Mighty Fool Inner circle I feel like a big-top tent having 2140 Posts |
1) Get the book
2) It would be easier to just surf various routines on youtube 3) The comedy egg can!! I used to own that! Only it's not a book, after you put the card on his head and crack the egg in (and warn him not to move too much or he'll get an egg-shampoo!) remark that you cant remember the magic words, and you wrote them down on a card somewhere....you can guess the rest. 4) I don't do that effect, not because of safety, I just think it's blah. 5) Games are more of a custom among UK kid's magicians. Here I wouldn't really worry about it. 6) That's a pretty heavy question. For the 3-7 crowd you need to get them laughing right away. you'll need to come up with a routine that suits you, but the most popular opening effects seem to be silver scepter, miser's dream, 5-card-repeat, off-the-meter, and TT vanish. Remember, you need to come up with a FUNNY way to do these. For the 8-12 set, you need to 'WOW' them straight off. Appearing cane, appearing silks / flowers, or maybe a dove effect if you have one. Laughter still is good to have, but with the older kids, FIRST establish yourself as a magician. 7) I'd recommend something big & visual like throw-streamers, snowstorm or (as another poster on this forum once put it) "Produce a rabbit....and your work is done" 8) As long as you keep the LPM rate high, you need not fear the failure of a dozen effects.
Everybody wants to beleive.....we just help them along.
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jay leslie V.I.P. Southern California 9498 Posts |
LPM, Is that the often presented: Languishing Pathetic Monotone?
Jay Leslie
www.TheHouseOfEnchantment.com |
Al Angello Eternal Order Collegeville, Pa. USA 11045 Posts |
LPM is an abstract concept, but I have practice it religiously for years. Once I had a club owner tell me to have more LPM's tomorrow night or find anoter line of work.
Al Angello The Comic Juggler/Magician
http://www.juggleral.com http://home.comcast.net/~juggleral/ "Footprints on your ceiling are almost gone" |
plink Special user 661 Posts |
Old, buy valuable for its approach is David Ginn's Kid Biz. The fun is more important than the particular trick.
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Karen Climer Veteran user Orlando, Florida 324 Posts |
I have Silly Billy's book and DVD. If you can only get one, get the book. I also recommend Danny Orleans new DVD. Those two resources are the best there is regarding children's shows. If you are doing younger kids, I also recommend the Great Zucchini's DVD.
There are plenty of other resources out there. Many others are good and even excellent, but those are the top three for me. |
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