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Well in a couple of weeks I get to put my performance to the test. I am a cub scout leader and the theme for April is magic. I only have about nine kids in my group. I was thinking of doing a few rope tricks; cut & restored rope-I know about 3 versions and professors nightmare. Some rubber band stuff; crazy mans handcuffs, thumb penetration and linking rubber bands. Then I might finish up with some balloon modeling. It will only be about a 20 minute presentation. Any other suggestions would be great. I dont have many props, so I am looking for stuff with everyday items.

Thanks,

Big D

Healed and Sealed Coke can effect would be good to use...its an everday object and is very visual, kids always love this ! I perform it for my younger cousins and they love it, they then get to drink coke afterwards.

Yea, I was thinking about throwing healed and sealed in there just because its a highly visual illusion. I haven't performed it in a while though, so I probably need to do it in a mirror a couple of times first.

Thanks

Good luck old bean! I'm sure 'twill be fine. My advice is stick with the stuff you're most comfortable with that way you can spend your time concentrating on the presentation, 20 minutes isn't really that much time to fill once you get on a waffle...

Stick with what you know, having said that sponge balls are always brilliant for kids.

I thought about picking up some sponge balls, but I have never really used them before. How long does it take to get good with them?

Thanks

Big D

if you're any good with coins, then sponges wont take long at all . Most of the principles of coins work with sponges only alot easier.

I'm also doing a cubscout show in April. I'm gonna do Prof. Nightmare, Comedy D'lites, Funny little trick with beans, and exploding lightbulb to wrap it up.

I often perform for Beaver Scouts (younger than Cubs, 6-8) and I have found that there are 2 ways to approach the performance:
1. Do kids magic - I have done balloon model predictions (can't remember exact name of effect) and silks in change bags.
2. Do adult magic with a chidlren's twist - I performed the Electronic Release escape recently and added some silly jokes and humour and they loved it. Appearing cane always goes down well - and Professor's Nightmare.

So basically, you can do anything as long as it will hold their interest. Be funny and natural - you'll be great!

That's my main concern is keeping their attention, my group is pretty hyped up most of the time. I think with a magic show though I wont have that problem. I already thought about putting a kids twist on most of the tricks, I came across a story called "Baby Elephants Dream" that goes real good with professors nightmare. I think I have enough to go on since it will be a short performance, but am still open to suggestions. Maybe there is something I havent thought of.

Thanks for the help and support
Big D

Ill have to second the Spongeballs for kids.. They are very visual and thats what kids want to see, as well as something they can explain easily. eg Multiplying Balls

Well my performance for the scouts went better than I expected. I have learned that my weak point isnt in my performance, it is my patter.

I think they liked the fact that most of what is did was close up so I was less than 3 feet in front of them. I started things off with 3 versions of the cut and restored rope, then I did a rope and ring trick and professors nightmare. Then I followed up with some rubber band stuff.

I have to do another performance next week. I think I will do some card magic and some balloon modeling.

Has anyone found effective ways to work on their patter other than a during a performance? I feel stupid adding the patter when I am just practicing by myself, but maybe thats what I need to do.

Thanks,
Big D

Practice it with a friend or family member. That's what I usually end up doing besides practicing by myself.

practise your patter when you're practising is the best way to do it. You might feel like a bit of an idiot to start off with but people soon get used to you talking to yourself.

Lady of Mystery wrote:people soon get used to you talking to yourself.

Or call the men with white coats and big butterfly nets.