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asgar Elite user 409 Posts |
I want to start doing library shows.I have no idea what others do at the library shows.I am a magician,juggler,ventriloquist,part game guy and balloon twister.I tried doing reading shows too.My objective is to make the children more interested in books and have fun.I know lot of guys here are experienced in doing library shows.Please help me.:):):)
Magic is believing in yourself, if you can do that, you can make anything happen.
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Dynamike Eternal Order FullTimer 24148 Posts |
Axtell sells a book puppet. http://www.axtell.com/bookpuppets.html
Ken Scott has a library marketing DVD. http://www.kenscottproducts.com/LibraryMarketDVD.htm Jim Kleefeld has library and reading marketing products. http://www.jimkleefeld.com/library.html The theme for libraries this year is "Super Hero Magic." |
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arthur stead Inner circle When I played soccer, I hit 1773 Posts |
Asgar, PM me ... we have a terrific PDF book entitled "How To Create A Profitable Reading Program ... On A Shoe-String Budget."
It includes step-by-step instructions on how to add educational substance to existing routines, structure a reading program which gets kids excited about books, plus it has 11 fabulous, audience-tested reading routines, including contributions by Dan Harlan, Sammy Smith, David Ginn, etc. |
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The Great Zucchini Inner circle 1347 Posts |
Ken's marketing Dvd is pure gold, in my opinion for this market. I don't know anyone doing more library shows, then Ken.
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gmsmagic1 Elite user 405 Posts |
I definitely agree that Ken's library material is great stuff, but Zucchini is being humble since he's also a great resource having done a ton of library shows himself. Of course his target audience is certainly on the younger side.
Tommy James also has a couple great reading DVD's worth checking out for ideas that work at both libraries and schools. And there is certainly a good underlying message there. If you develop a strong library show, don't sell yourself short since it will likely work equally well at schools! - Gary |
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charliecheckers Inner circle 1969 Posts |
A couple of things to consider....
The number one thing you can do is offer and present an age appropriate highly entertaining performance. The second most important thing is to be able to be viewed as a audiece draw for the event. The remainder of the considerations fall well below those two in my opinion, but they include things such as offering a themed show, and being able to be easy to work with. |
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asgar Elite user 409 Posts |
Thank guys
Magic is believing in yourself, if you can do that, you can make anything happen.
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asgar Elite user 409 Posts |
Why should a library host a library show?IS it an average magic show,if not what are the specialties?
Magic is believing in yourself, if you can do that, you can make anything happen.
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RebelEntertainer New user John Abrams 73 Posts |
I do about 70 or 80 libraries every summer. It's a market I'm very familiar with...
Here are the keys: 1.) Pack the house - Librarians use their summer reading program (SRP) to get new customers that will come back again and again. 2.) Do a highly entertaining show - Ok. You've packed the house, now you have to deliver. 3.) Most importantly.... Create a portion or your show that will INSIPIRE CHILDREN TO CHECK OUT BOOKS. This is the key. The librarian must be able to meet with the library manager after the show and say "Look how many books were checked out! We gotta have this guy back next year." 4.) Proably the least important, but will get you gigs... Theme your show to fit the SRP. Most magicians will do a "Reading" show. I think this is a big mistake. I suggest that you pick ONE or TWO subjects. And then inspire children to drain that section of all the books on that subject or those subjects. |
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jkvand Special user Johnstown, PA 658 Posts |
Libraries often want to have either a kick-off event to start up their summer reading program, or an end-of-summer event to close it with something special as a reward for the kids. They do the kick-off event to promote their program and draw a bigger crowd, and having a magic show can effectively do that. Typically they want a show that is themed around the annual summer theme, or on reading in general. If you want to get into this market, I would recommend more than just an average magic show, as most libraries are going to want an educational aspect as part of the show. As mentioned above, Ken Scott's and Tommy James' material are excellent resources.
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Starrpower Inner circle 4070 Posts |
I always ask the librarian to provide books that relate to my show or the summer topic, and I refer to them during the show. I will, if possible, work one of the books into the actual show (do a tick with it, indicate that the trick can be found in a book, etc.)
I agree with the above, in this order: Fill the place. Make everyone happy (don't just play to the little ones, or ignore them. Work to the little, the middle and even the adults). Promote reading and books, returning to the library all summer long, & use the titles provided. Meet the theme (although I think this is more of a sales approach. At the show, the above components seems to carry more weight.) Remember, it doe not have to be ALL about reading, books or the library. I think of a theme like commercials on TV: the themed portion only has to be a small yet integral part, not an overwhelming part. |
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harris Inner circle Harris Deutsch 8812 Posts |
Starrpower et al.
I also use books from the library. For me I find it better to hand pick the books, that fit that days programs. I do this after my initial unpacking.
Harris Deutsch aka dr laugh
drlaugh4u@gmail.com music, magic and marvelous toys http://magician.org/member/drlaugh4u |
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Karen Climer Veteran user Orlando, Florida 324 Posts |
Like Harris, I also use books from the library. I pick certain books that I use, and ask the librarian if they have that in their library. If they do, I take the book up on stage with me. Also, if they have any how-to books on magic, I take those up on stage.
After that bit in my show, I hold up the book and say, "If you like that story, you can check out the book from the library. I have the lbrary book here, so feel to come get it after the show." At the end of my show, I say, "If you like the show and want to learn how to do magic, here are some books you can check out..." Almost 100% of the time, all of the books that I talked about get checked out. Librarians love it. |
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harris Inner circle Harris Deutsch 8812 Posts |
Sometimes the book finds me.
Last year at a Library Christmas with Dr. Laugh, I again scanned books on the shelf. I found Christmas Crafts. Though it wasn't planned the book was used to transition to the paper pull out tree. I asked the librarian for tape, and green/red construction paper. I'm glad I did, as it was a hit for the youngsters at the event. The top fell off and the "tree" became many things in an impromptu moment. The unplanned top of the tree going timber was fun for both me and the audience. Making each event memorable to both the librarians and their patrons...gets the word about you spread. (much better than a spring cold) Harris reader & righter
Harris Deutsch aka dr laugh
drlaugh4u@gmail.com music, magic and marvelous toys http://magician.org/member/drlaugh4u |
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sirbrad Inner circle PA 2096 Posts |
I have done library shows for over 30 years, and not everything you do needs to be "educational" or reading related. Education is rammed down kid's throats constantly and sometimes they need a break to simply enjoy a magic show. I only do one or two tricks that promote reading which is enough. I used to promote magic books also in the library as that is where I started my journey at age seven, and those same books are still there and rarely ever checked out. The problem though is there are not that many, maybe 7 or 8 total and every kid in the library wants the book then, thus leading to disappointment that they did not get it and will have to wait a long time before it is back in. But these days luckily books can be bought on the internet quickly unlike back in the old days. I do a lot of educational shows, and educational tricks and routines but not everything NEEDS to be educational.
Sometimes kids just want to see a magic show, just as adults do not want to hear about work constantly and want to enjoy a magic show, movie, or whatever recreational activity. I find it annoying when a magician's entire routine is an educational course, or that they think it HAS to be. It doesn't. The kids get plenty of that already and very little if any magic. Fun is important also. A few tricks are fine especially entertaining ones, but the whole routine does not need to be an educational course just because you are at a school or library. If it is fun, educational, and it works that is fine, but it certainly does not need to be educational. A theme is good but every trick does not have to follow that theme. I did full educational shows and I did just regular magic shows, both had the same results. These days I mix it up and throw one or two effects in there according to the theme. Sometimes kids need a break from all the educational stuff though or they will get burnt out and bored. There are great effects that help prevent that and send home the message but there is no need to feel like you have to do that every trick/routine. But if it works for you then by all means continue doing it. It is not a bad thing if the kids are still awake and interested. As long as the kids were entertained and had fun that is what really matters, if they learned something that is a bonus. So I tend do a little bit of both.
The great trouble with magicians is the fact that they believe when they have bought a certain trick or piece of apparatus, and know the method or procedure, that they are full-fledged mystifiers. -- Harry Houdini
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Howie Diddot Inner circle San Francisco & Los Angeles California 3288 Posts |
Quote:
On Apr 19, 2015, Dynamike wrote: Mike and anyone else; I'm curios; what tricks could be associated with Super Hero Magic? I own Jay Mattiola's "Heavy" Would you wear a "Super Hero" costume? |
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harris Inner circle Harris Deutsch 8812 Posts |
My first one is this Saturday.
Been planning these for about 9 months. My outfit is neutral. I add on hats, mask and cape. The cape doubles as a nap mat, while I talk about an early Hero, my kinder fared teacher. The puppets and I will share stories and songs of heroes - with and without capes. Up up and away. H. L. Deutsch.
Harris Deutsch aka dr laugh
drlaugh4u@gmail.com music, magic and marvelous toys http://magician.org/member/drlaugh4u |
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The Great Zucchini Inner circle 1347 Posts |
Howie, I wouldn't wear anything but your normal outfit, pal. Your brand is your brand, and I wouldn't come any differently than that. Speaking of which, I had a mom, recently ask me to put on a scooby doo outfit, for my show, since it was a scooby theme. You can guess what my answer was-I can count on one hand, in 20 years, I've gotten this request, and my answer was always the same. NOOOOOO Waaaaaaaay
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charliecheckers Inner circle 1969 Posts |
I strongly agree with Zucchini. I think it is important to stay true to your brand throughout the performance regardless of the degree you choose to theme the show for the particular client.
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Howie Diddot Inner circle San Francisco & Los Angeles California 3288 Posts |
I can understand the costume.
How many library educational skewed tricks would be appropriate? |
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