talkmagic.co.uk

So, essentially I've picked up a gig for 30 girl guides, from the ages of 5 to 13.
I'm not normally a kids magician, but a friends mum needed an entertainer fast and I'm actually kind of excited to be trying it again.
Anyway, the age range is a concern for me so I wondered if any seasoned performers had some tips for catering to all the kids.
The other thing is the fact is that all of them will be girls.
To be honest my first reaction is who cares, it's only the parents that will notice im not using all pink props decorated with fairies, and im sure the older kids will find it patronising if I do anyway.
But I know that parent expectation is important too, so again any views there will be appreciated.

Sponge balls/bunnies go down well for any age. Card stuff can work especially if you get the older ones to help the younger ones remember.
I wouldn't worry about things being gender specific, more about things being easy to follow for the young ones.
Chop cup/cups and balls is always good with guide/brownie specific final loads perhaps.

soveda wrote:Sponge balls/bunnies go down well for any age. Card stuff can work especially if you get the older ones to help the younger ones remember.
I wouldn't worry about things being gender specific, more about things being easy to follow for the young ones.
Chop cup/cups and balls is always good with guide/brownie specific final loads perhaps.

Just to add, I like using the bunnies as a final load as a call back to the bunnies earlier in the show!

First, the gender question. It is a non-issue. Ignore it. The parents will, too.

Second, the age range. If you play to the fives, you will lose the over sevens. If you play to the 13s (essentially adults) you will lose the under tens. But the fives will keep up with anything pitched at nine or ten years, so they will not be a problem. They will follow enough to enjoy it. The problem will be getting the older teens on board.

I normally begin by doing something quick to show the 13s that they will get something from the show, then I subtly get them on side, by letting them know we have to keep the younger kids entertained, but if they stick go along with you they will still enjoy themselves. Then I pitch the show at around ten years age. Girls are slightly more caring about younger companions than boys (a gross generalization I know, but slightly true), so they will probably get on board, and it will be a successful show. But plenty of laughs - kids love funny.