I'm curious to know: when you're doing a sponge ball routine for a group of spectators- say at a table- do you do every phase of your routine with only one spectator or do you sometimes mix it up with others to get more people involved in the magic?

What are some reasons for your way of doing things?

Thanks!

I mix it up with several spectators. Gets more people involved. Especially with kids. They all want to be a part of the magic.
Also- as you add more balls into the routine or change the size of the ball- you are less apt to have kids notice the difference in the load if you are using multiple spectators.
TypicAlly I will use about 3 kids in my sponge ball routine.

Also with sponge balls - you don't need a reason. I just use their hands as my table and go from spectator to spectator. They are all willing- they want to see what it feels like.

I was thinking along the same lines as far as the- "less apt to notice the difference in the load."

Thanks for the reply!

I used to do sponge balls when working tables in restaurants. I decided to change over to the version called "and then there were 4" for the main part of the routine, because they are basically square, and they don't roll when the spectator drops them on the floor.

I have that effect and have been considering using it, wondering where to work it in or do it as a stand alone sponge routine. Thanks for the input Bill, I'll keep that aspect in mind. And thanks for access to the museum, I love the S&S routine!

I have a way to hide my third palmed sponge ball by putting in in my elbow pitt when rolling up my sleeves,

this gives them a very good view on my empty hands and letting them examin the two 'starting' sponge balls very precisely as long as they want,

then I resume once again with the phrase "so nothing up the sleeves' (steeling the third sponge ball in palmed position) and off I go...

I don't recall how I once started with it but it is very deceptive and clean,

enjoy!

Just pulled my sponge wand out of the drawer- that plays so well with kids. I started using it as the kids are being seated for the show. directing them to were they should sit and then pulling a sponge ball from their ears for payment to the show.

I do all the phases, but with as many different spectators as I can engage at the table. It makes the routine more lively and includes as many as possible.
Lou

Thanks for the continued input all-

j- what is a sponge wand?

Here's a sponge wand demonstration for ya: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTjs0ExWmJQ

Well put!