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felixjr Loyal user 221 Posts |
So what do you do when audiences attack, a gang of 6 yr olds tie you up and burn you at the stake for being a fake wizard? Do you see smiling parents laughing as their son or daughter is distroying your costume?
Ok, I just finished doing a magic show at my daughter's 6th birthday today. Anyway, I think I handled the kids pretty well, but there were two things that surprized me this time. One: while setting up, the kids encircled me and yelled, "You're not a real wizard! You're Laney's Dad! That's not a real beard!!! etc". I could barely stop them by yelling back. I looked to the parents for help and finally stopped them by saying," Well, I guess won't show you any magic then..." The angry hord sat down and chanted for me to start. So I did my show and there was the occasional heckle here or there, but all in all it went rather well. Then at the end, all you know what broke loose, the angry crowd of 6 and 7 year olds returned. One girl grabbed my fake beard and pulled a good handful out of it. I pointed the kid and yelled at the smiling parent, "Who owns this thing?" Then another kid takes a rip at the "Fake wizard who is actually Laney's Dad" and another chunk of beard is removed. Now all these kids still aren't coked up with cake and ice cream yet. "YOU'RE LANEY's DAD, NOT A REAL WIZARD, YOU'RE WEARING A FAKE BEARD!!!" I was this close to yelling back, " Yeah! I'm not a real wizard, this is a fake beard just like the fake beard that Santa wears because he's not real either, just like the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy!!!" Luckily I shot back," Well you're not a real princess!" (It was a Princess theme Birthday) Any advice or comments? Any other Birthday War stories? Funny thing was some kid wants me to perform at his party in a few months. If I do the Wizard costume I will need a new beard. Maybe I'm taking this all wrong, maybe they just wanted a piece of me to remember me by? Thanks Felixjr |
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Billy Whizz Special user Plymouth, UK 576 Posts |
I'm surprised you let things start that bad. The first thing to do when you start setting up is put down a magic line with tape. Tell (don't ask) the children to stay on that side of it. You also need to have a firm discipline with them, take on that teacher style of role if you have to. In all the years I've been performing, I've never had this situation, I just wouldn't allow it to happen.
Make a bribary balloon at the start, and say you're going to give this to the best behaved boy/girl at the end of the magic show. Make it with eyes and say he's going to be watching you all the time, so don't foget to smile as well as behave yourself. Why do you feel the need to dress up, if you just be yourself, you can still build up respect as a magician by doing the same things. |
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Cheshire Cat Special user Wilmslow, UK 941 Posts |
Don't give up the day job.
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Emazdad Inner circle Plymouth UK 1954 Posts |
Don't do magic shows for your own kids parties, I never have. You are not looked on with the same respect and awe by the kids, and the birthday kid, your pride and joy, knows just how far she/he can take you.
You also made a target of your self by dressing up? there is really no need. Once you've gained some experience and learnt how to control the kids then if you feel you nedd to dress up then do so. But not at the start, they wont take you seriously, and will leap ruthlessly on anything they consider fake. As you found out.
Yours Funfully
Clive "Emazdad" Hemsley www.emazdad.com "Magic is a secret, without the secret there is no magic" Remember there are only 3 types of people in the world, those that can count and those that can't. |
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magicjackct New user Connecticut 64 Posts |
I wouldn't say never to do a show for your own kids party, I do them all the time at my childrens' parties at their request.
You just may not be a person that children look at as an authority figure but more of someone as an equal. Then there are always the kids with very poor parental guidance. Sometimes some children are just aweful, and what makes it worse is when there parents are there and they let them carry on like maniacs. Kid shows are not for everyone sometimes they go great and sometimes you just gotta roll with the punches, take a firm stand and do the best you can do. |
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Harv Inner circle I'm building a fence with 1127 Posts |
I've done birthday magic shows for my two boys (at their request) for the last 10 years without a problem. As a matter of a fact I just did one this past weekend for my younger sons birthday. He just turned 16 and had a few friends over to celebrate. I have always done my own kids birthday parties as me...the dad. No costume (although nicely dressed)and no pretense of being anyone but the father. I am dressed as a professional magician for all my other gigs of course.
Cheers, Harv |
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PROFED Loyal user Chicago,Illinois 229 Posts |
One of the most entertaining techniques in performing for children is the magician is wrong and the children correct him(or her). The hanky did not change color, the ball did'nt vanish, etc. Sometimes they give a comment when you don't want it. It's ok. That is'nt a real. . . flower, rabbit, etc. I just say you are right, a real flower would die to soon, or need watering etc. Just relax, maintain control and watch your temper, I used to getupset when they said they have seen it before, know how it's done, etc. Most of the time They are speaking out because they are involved with the process and not trying to be a pain, although you will run into some of those as well.
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Starrpower Inner circle 4070 Posts |
Lay down the rules. I *always* tell them what I expect of them right away. If they atart to misbehave, I mention the rules again and stand there quietly until they settle down. I've never had the problem to the degree you have, but at times they are "wound up" and setting the ground rules really works.
That and a the threat of physical violence under your breath so the parents can't hear. |
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Ron Reid Inner circle Phoenix, Arizona 2732 Posts |
Hello felixjr:
All in all, it sounds like a good show (like you said) with a couple of managements problems - problems that seems easily fixed. First, I think I'd get rid of the fake beard. If you're sure you want to continue with the wizard theme, maybe you should grow your own beard or be a wizard without one. Having a fake beard seems to be a pretty big temptation to little hands, so I'd get rid of it. Second, be proactive about setting up. Either have an act that's ready to go when you get in the room, or tell the hostess beforehand that you'll need a few moments of privacy to set up. If you have a set up case, you can even set up in the other room, and bring your show (already set up) into the performing room. Lastly, know what the kids are going to be doing immediately after the show, so you can smoothly direct them to that area (backyard for cake/ice cream, for instance). That way, they're off doing their thing and don't have a chance to heckle you while you're getting ready to leave. Having a set up table that closes helps a lot here. Ken Scott has a neat game he plays with the kids while he lines them up to go to the next part of the party. Ken's game is on his video tape. I hope this helps you - sounds like you did a fine job! Ron |
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jonnycardel New user England (lakes) 50 Posts |
I once invested Approx £400 on kids magic ( colourfull box effects Ect.) because I was turning shows down left, right & centre. did 2 kids birthday parties, never again. I had no control at all, total mayhem in my mind, although the parents said it went well and all the children enjoyed themselves.
Magician walks down the road and turned into a bar, da daaa
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Emazdad Inner circle Plymouth UK 1954 Posts |
<<<<He just turned 16 and had a few friends over to celebrate. >>>>
My 13 1/2 and nearly 15 year old daughters would have a fit if I emabaressed them by doing magic for their friends. I'm barely allowed to talk to them.
Yours Funfully
Clive "Emazdad" Hemsley www.emazdad.com "Magic is a secret, without the secret there is no magic" Remember there are only 3 types of people in the world, those that can count and those that can't. |
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Harv Inner circle I'm building a fence with 1127 Posts |
Clive, I guess things are different over here. I'm very close with my kids and I will only perform if they ask...which my 16 year old did (obviously I don't embarrass him.) I did around 25 minutes of close-up and parlour as we were seated around the dining room table and all of it was for their age group. Cards, coins, business cards,rope,cuff escape...that sort of thing. They enjoyed it and that is all that matters.
Harv |
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Emazdad Inner circle Plymouth UK 1954 Posts |
That's right Harv,
I'm very close with my kids, but they are at that stage where they consider it an embassesment if I so much as enter the room when I'm with there friends. It's a teenage thing I'm only good for taxi driving and a walking cash point.
Yours Funfully
Clive "Emazdad" Hemsley www.emazdad.com "Magic is a secret, without the secret there is no magic" Remember there are only 3 types of people in the world, those that can count and those that can't. |
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stu-di-doo Regular user Cumbria, UK 160 Posts |
Hi jonnycardel
I see your description says England (lakes)...anywhere near me in Penrith (Lake District)? Stu Di Doo |
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Emazdad Inner circle Plymouth UK 1954 Posts |
When you do 2-hour parties you and you do the games first, you get to see who the potential trouble makers are. If you get one that plays up a lot, and disrupts the games you can have a word with them during the food break.
It's not something I do often, only on rare occassions, like yesterday. A young lad was a persistent pest, I had to tell him off several times for trying to push, fight and kick the other kids, I knew that if he continued the way he was going, he'd disrupt the show in the 2nd half. So while he's eating I set up the show, go to the table, have a laugh and joke with the kids and take the opertunity to have a word in his shell like. I smile so the parents think I'm being Mr nice guy, Only he can hear what I'm saying, but really I'm explaining to him, what will happen if he so much as moves during the magic show. He was good as gold during the show, and I made a point of praising his behaviour when I gave him his balloon model. By heading potential trouble off like this I saved a lot of hassle during the show.
Yours Funfully
Clive "Emazdad" Hemsley www.emazdad.com "Magic is a secret, without the secret there is no magic" Remember there are only 3 types of people in the world, those that can count and those that can't. |
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felixjr Loyal user 221 Posts |
Thanks Everyone,
I really appreciate all the advice and your stories. I think a lot of this learned by actually doing it. I only performed as the Wizard because it was a Princess party and it fit the theme. But if I was too perform again, I would prefer not to dress up, but keep my appearance as a real person. Ground rules at the beginning of the show is a must and I guess I totally forgot to do that at the beginning of the show. I also think an airhorn would be a good idea, but only for outside use. I also think a lot of learning how to perform for people not only takes practice, but trail and error learning. Its good that we have this website to learn from others good and bad experiences. Thanks again, Felixjr |
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Joseph_Then Special user 747 Posts |
Hey Felixjr, on the brighter side, you should know that even us and/or performers in this thread will meet such situation. But been experienced enough we should have reduced these problems to a minimum.
But, I do have 1 or 2 parties that is quite bad in kids discipline. I used up ALL the techniques I have but it is still chaos. It will happen to everyone of us once in every 1-2 years. I think that happens to me 2 years ago... As general rule, remember to: 1) Use a marking tape, cone, or whatever to create a boundary. 2) Don't create too much attention by bringing out your props, prizes, balloons, any colorful items on your table. Keep them all hidden away or bring them out only when needed. 3) Don't wear a costume or any mystical character. Don't dressed as a clown, UNLESS you are very experienced performer. Be as 'human' as possible. If you can create an authoritative character (ie. Scientist, Policeman, Doctor look-alike dressing), it would help. 4) Tell the parents beforehand that you might need their help in case of any hecklers. Unless the birthday kid IS the heckler... |
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Alan Munro Inner circle Kentwood, Michigan, USA 5952 Posts |
Kids will point out things that they think are funny or fake in an attempt to appear smarter than most. It usually never occurs to them that the situation is obvious to everyone else.
I suggest ditching the beard. I got rid of a wired lavaliere mike for the same reason. Kids kept feeling the need to point out the mike cable. I switched to a wired handheld mike around my neck and it was so obvious to kids where the mike cable went that they never commented again. Sometimes with spring animals, you may not have a choice but to admit that it's fake, or else kids will insist on shouting until you set the record straight. |
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magic4u02 Eternal Order Philadelphia, PA 15110 Posts |
As stated I really think you set yourself up badly for failure by first dressing up and secondly by doing the party for children who already associate you as their friend's dad.
To the child, you are trying to hide soemthing from them. They want to let you know that they are smart because children at that age want to be recognized and encouraged that they did soemthing right. This is just human nature. By fighting them on this issue and not giving up the fact that your a wizard, only encourages the children to be more rambunctious throgh out your show. The best thing to do if you are dressed up is to simply address the situation and problem in a non combative approach. If your dressed up and a child says that to you, you might say soemthing like this. "WOW!!! you guys and girls are SOOOO goood. You do some good magic yourself. You figured out that I am truely (such and such's) dad. Give yourselves a round of appluase for figuring that out. That is amazing. Now let us all sit down here because even though I am not a REAL wizard, we are going to have a LOT of fun. Now the reason I am dressed this way with the fake beard and the hat is so that I can help you guys use your imaginations. Does anyone know what imagination is? That is right, it is like pretending. So today, I want to pretend to be a magical wizard. But my magic will not work unless you all can pretend you are good princesses? Can you guys all do that? I think you can. If you are good princesses and if I can pretend to be a wizard, we can have a LOT of fun together. So let the magic begin." Something along those lines may have worked better for you. It certainly depends on the situation at hand, but by saying what I stated your doing several things. 1) You are taking immediate control before it gets out of hand 2) Your addressing the problem rather then ignoring it. Ignoring kids tends to only encourage them to be louder and do it more often 3) Because children want your attention and want to know that they are right and search for approval, by you telling them they are correct and that you are proud and amazed they figured it out, gives them this encouragemet right from the start. They calm down because you already know your not a real wizard and you have told them so. 4) By talking about pretending and being princesses, you really are also stating, hey you are pretending to be princesses and I am pretending to be a wizard and it is alright to do so, it is FUN to do so. 5) You are encouraging them to help you out and use their imagination and magic to help you create the magic and make it happen. To young children, this encourages them to want to help as it empowers them a bit more. Just a few helpful hints that I have used in the event that you must get dressed up or wear a costume for children who know you or who just know what your wearing is not real. for me, I feel more comfortable just being myself. my best character I can present to any audience is MYSELF. BUT, it has taken me a great while to just learn exactly who I am on stage and who I am not. Hope this helps. Kyle
Kyle Peron
http://www.kylekellymagic.com Entertainers Product Site http://kpmagicproducts.com Join Our Facebook Fan Page at http://facebook.com/perondesign |
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what Special user Lehi, UT, USA 643 Posts |
I agree that you sould ditch the beard. The kids think that you are trying to fool them into thinking that you are someone that you aren't. Otherwise, the Wizard costume is a great character to perform. I am a hobiest magician and often do shows for friends and people who already know me. I have found that kids will say "You're Heathers Dad!" I respond with something like, "That's true, but today you can call me the magician of mystical mystery," and give them a smile, have them give me five, and continue getting ready. They aren't out to skewer me at that point, they just want a little conversation and to be recognized.
I also agree that an introduction which lays down the rules is an absolute must. I do mine as a poem so the kids know they are being entertained, even though they are listening to the rules. I remember the first show when I used the introduction, That audience (and every audience since) has been much more attentive and cooperative. Enjoy!! Mike
Magic is fun!!!
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