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AdamChance Special user 656 Posts |
I'm planning to start looking for bar/restaurant jobs as a table hopper soon. I don't really have many tricks for kids, so I recently bought the magic coloring book and the matching blank coloring book.
I'm just wondering what are some good methods for switching in the blank book at the end? My only idea at the moment is to have an opaque bag... put the magic book away... then say "oh, do you want to have a look at the book?" and then take out the blank one. I feel like if I can make a convincing switch, the trick could fool the parents also. I assume the parents would have some idea of how the trick is done, but then if I allow them to examine the book after, they'll be pretty confused. |
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neemdog Loyal user 231 Posts |
Check out Silly Billy's presentation for the Coloring Book...not sure where you'd watch it--if you can find it, you'll see that he creates a reason to get the book away from the kids--it's a logical presentation, and that way you don't have to hand out the book. Also, since this is one of your few effects for kids, I'd say don't worry about the adults. As far as I know, kids believe in the magic and don't really want to check the props to find the gimmick. If you definitely have to switch it out, your method is already clean enough IMHO.
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jay leslie V.I.P. Southern California 9498 Posts |
I used to set it on a 24 inch silk, on a table then flip the corner of the silk up and over the book
And surprisingly... there was another book underneath that could be slid out This is more of a timing issue rather then trying to make the switch into somet kind of a reputation maker. I can speak from experience. The switch is dome on the offbeat rather then telecasting that you are "up" to something. Putting the book in a bag screams "Hay,,,What else is in the bag" Keep in mind the Standard Operating Procedure for switching pens on penetration effects is to put the pen in your pocket and if someone asks to see it then you give them the "good" pen. And keep a straight face. Sometimes less is more. If you go out of your way to prove that you didn't do anything then you will make the audience suspicious. Many times I would switch the book and say NOTHING. People will pick-up the book, on their own, and fool themselves. They think they have caught you until they flip the pages- then you get credit for real magic - as opposed to Look at this normal book that I'm going to hide for a second then show you the same book that I just hid... and there is a perfectly good reason why I did this but I can't tell you.
Jay Leslie
www.TheHouseOfEnchantment.com |
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Christopher Lyle Inner circle Dallas, Texas 5698 Posts |
You plan to do this in a restaurant? Where would you put the coloring book?
In Mystery,
Christopher Lyle Magician, Comic, Daredevil, and Balloon Twisting Genius For a Good Time...CLICK HERE! |
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Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
While there are no hard and fast rules I would not personally do a coloring book in a bar.
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
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MeetMagicMike Inner circle Gainesville Fl 3501 Posts |
They do make smaller coloring books that would be in some ways better for restaurant work. The switch would certainly be easier. Don't switch and say "oh did you want to look at this". If you do a switch just switch it as you seem to be seaching for another prop and then casually set the book down on the table.
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Christopher Lyle Inner circle Dallas, Texas 5698 Posts |
Adam,
IMO, performing the Coloring Book in a restaurant is just not a good idea. It's a prop that should be reserved for you show. Remember, in a restaurant, your goal should be getting your name and face out there so you can book more work (where your coloring book routine would be a good fit). That said... Why do you feel the need to switch the book? Don't run if they're not chasing you. Another reason why doing it in a restaurant isn't a good idea. In your show, you don't pass out your props to be examined. In a close up situation, it's expected. I have fooled children and adults with the coloring book and never once has anyone come up to me after the show and said "hey...let me see that thing!" It's a coloring book. It's a normal object that exists in the rhelm of the real world. There would be no reason to examin it. It's not like some odd looking magic prop. Keep it simple and don't over think it. My 2 cents!
In Mystery,
Christopher Lyle Magician, Comic, Daredevil, and Balloon Twisting Genius For a Good Time...CLICK HERE! |
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jay leslie V.I.P. Southern California 9498 Posts |
Quote:
On 2013-08-21 22:16, Christopher Lyle wrote: And even then... did Houdini have people examine the elephant?
Jay Leslie
www.TheHouseOfEnchantment.com |
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twistedace Inner circle philadelphia 3772 Posts |
I wouldn't do the coloring book either. In addition to everything said here, it could easily get wet/mucky at some point - especially if you pass it out. Think of a family restaurant. They're full of kids and ketchup fingers. There are plenty of wonderful effects for kids in a restaurant. The sponge bunnies are awesome for all ages in a restaurant. Some other things kids love are pulling coins from their ears, coins across, repeated forcing of the card while telling them not to pick that specific card, correctly naming a thought of color of crayon, repeat card on the forehead, and the chop cup.there are so many more. Remember when entertaining kids, it's about being fun and funny. It's not about the trick being a fooler- although it is important too!
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Christopher Lyle Inner circle Dallas, Texas 5698 Posts |
To further what twistedace said...
"It's not about the steak...it's about the sizzle!" -Danny Doyle That one statement 6 years ago changed how I looked at entertainment!
In Mystery,
Christopher Lyle Magician, Comic, Daredevil, and Balloon Twisting Genius For a Good Time...CLICK HERE! |
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Dimitri Mystery Artist Veteran user Israel/Ukraine 355 Posts |
I also think that it is not appropriate for table hopping and that there is no need for switching.
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chrisontour New user 66 Posts |
I think the switch in a very casual manner is VERY strong... I agree with switching the book and saying NOTHING...don't call attention to it... simply make the switch and leave it out for them rack their brains with.
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AdamChance Special user 656 Posts |
Thank you for all the replies and advice.
I do not plan on working at a place where there will be many children. I want to work at an establishment where I am performing for adults. however, I want to be prepared in case someone comes in with their kids. so I figured the coloring book is good to have just in case. I would not carry it around with me while table hopping. I would keep it in a bag with all my extra tricks, and just get the "kids" props if I need to go to a table with kids. after I do the switch, I am not going to say "now examine this coloring book". I assume that if I can do a switch and just put the book down within arm's reach of a child, they'll grab the book and start looking at it themselves. or I can figure out some way to get them to look at the book later on without being blatant about it. the switch can be done of the offbeat, maybe while I'm getting ready for a second trick. I do feel as if it's a lot stronger of a trick to have the book examined at some point before you leave the table. maybe not for the kids, but the adults will be like "wtf, that's just a blank book??? let me see that". also, what if the kids ask "let me see that!" ... it would be nice to be able to let them touch it and look at it. and if the book gets damaged, it's not a big deal. I just got one off penguin for $5.50 ... and the blank one was only $4.50... so it's not expensive to replace. plus, I feel like a lot of kids like to call you out on stuff, so it would be nice to end clean so that a smart aleck kid can look at the book and be fooled. |
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themagicguy Loyal user Australia 280 Posts |
Quote:
On 2013-08-22 02:17, AdamChance wrote: You have a lot to learn and a coloring in book switch isn't going to be the answer. |
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MeetMagicMike Inner circle Gainesville Fl 3501 Posts |
AdamChance,
I don't see anything wrong with you plan at all. The coloring book is a great item to keep handy for a large group of kids. (I was about to post that suggestion just before you did). A switch is not necessary but there is nothing wrong with the idea either. Don't let any one discourage you. |
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RNK Inner circle 7493 Posts |
Quote:
On 2013-08-22 03:08, MeetMagicMike wrote: If you get the smaller size coloring books- I think that would work. But to use the regular size coloring book at a restaurant or bar- I have to agree with Christopher- not a good idea. Would definitely take up to much room. They do have a medium size and vey small size book that would work nicely. Heck - for kids- just use the color changing ball to square- kids love it! And if you notice when you reveal the square- the adults eyes usually open wide too,lol! Thimple Thimple by Jeff Hobson is super for kids and adults- you can find it here: http://www.elmwoodmagic.com/shop/thimple-thimble-trick/ Daryl's Akrobatic Knot is great for kids and adults. Bag4 Life is another goodie for both kids and adults. Kids can't believe when you pull the coin thru a closed baggie. Fantasma Ring on String is another good one for kids. RNK
Check out Bafflingbob.com
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mrunge Inner circle Charleston, SC 3716 Posts |
Want to do a knock out effect, good for young and old alike? Get a hot rod!! Adults like them, kids love them.
Show the rod with different colors on both sides. Have the kid select a color. Show that color on both sides. Then magically change one side back to all colors while leaving one side the color chosen. Hand it out and watch them try to figure out what happened. Packs really small, plays really BIG!! Mark. |
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Dimitri Mystery Artist Veteran user Israel/Ukraine 355 Posts |
Adam I think there is nothing wrong in performing it and if you decide to do a switch, why not.
but there are several things you need to consider. 1. is the image of you doing a color change book in a bar/restuarant is the image you are aiming for? 2. do you do kids party? or is one of your goals is to generate bookings for children shows? 3. it seems that you don´t really care about the trick specifically, you just want something that would fit kids, so ask yourself if this is the best idea that you can come out with? 4. are you obligated to do a trick for the children? etc... again, no rules, no right or wrong, just food for thoughts. good luck |
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AdamChance Special user 656 Posts |
Quote:
On 2013-08-22 17:42, Dimitri Mystery Artist wrote: 1. I'm not too concerned about my "image"... it's not like I'm in character or anything like that. however, I want to be viewed as a talented magician. therefore, I want all my magic to be strong... that's the "image" I want. so even if I'm doing a kids trick like the coloring book, it would be nice to end with the blank book just so that I'll still be able to fool the adults and come out looking like a good magician even though I'm performing a kids trick. 2. no and no. 3. I'll do a few other kids tricks like sponge balls / sponge bunnies... maybe something with a silk and TT. but from the reviews I've read, the coloring book is one of the better kids tricks out there, so I think it's a good idea to perform this trick for young children. even though I don't have much experience performing for kids, I think it's a very good trick for young children... so I guess it's the best idea I've come up with. 4. I think so, yes. kids love magic. and if there are kids in the bar/restaruant, I want to be able to do magic for them. and while tricks like the invisible deck are great for adults, I can't see young kids getting too excited about that kind of trick. so I want to have a little set of tricks that I'll do just for the kids. at my girlfriend's office christmas party a few years ago, there were some kids and I did a quarter bite trick. I heard that they still had that quarter (switched one obviously) weeks later and were still talking about how I took a bite out of it. I haven't gotten a job anywhere yet, and I'm not aiming to get a job at a place with lots of kids, but if someone brings their kids and sees that there's a magician, I want to be able to do a good set for the kids show. in my city, I know that there are close up magicians that work at the "Boston Pizza" and that's the type of place I would want to work. It's not really a kids type of place like pizza hut... it's a lot more of a bar type of atmosphere... and there aren't many kids that go... but there will cetainly be a few tables with kids I would imagine... so I want to be prepared. |
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AdamChance Special user 656 Posts |
I appreciate all the feedback... but if more people could just post some more techniques that I could use for a switch, that would be helpful.
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