talkmagic.co.uk

More for childrens magic, though some things can apply to any form of magic:

When I try to work out routines, I make notes on how many children I will need for each routine and for the show. I then mark down the number, and whether I want to use a boy or girl, or some of each, in each routine. I also try to work out what type of person I would prefer to use for each routine. I try to work out the one I want to use if there is a birthday child there, but I won't stick with that if I feel they would be better for a different routine. I know you can only choose from who,s (or whom's there, with all the other factors of how to choose someone to help.

I'll try to give an example to see if it makes more sense.
I used to have Pizza To Go, which had a paper chefs hat to put on the child. I had ayounger boy helping, who just didn't want the hat, so I just said not to worry and put it away. Since then, although I have got rid of that prop for other reasons, I do use a hat in the show. In working out the "ideal" child to pick for that routine, I have a mental note of the size and age of the person I would prefer to try to use. I also do a drawerbox routine, where it is empty until after the child has done the magic and THEY open the box. This is one that my "ideal" child, would be a younger one, as their eyes light up with amazement and exitement more, as THEY have made so much appear by magic. Better for them and the audience. (AND ME!)
The same goes for wands. I gave a silly wand to a younger child, who took about a minute to carefully push it back in, each concertina piece at a time. The reaction that got just from the parents for the AHHH factor, was enough to decide which age to aim at for this prop. Whether that will happen again, or even if I can prompt it, I don't know, but I haven't lost out if not, but a big plus if it works out.

Does anyone else have in their mind the age, size or sex of the child, while you are routining, then choose as close as you can, depending on behaviour and your experience, or do you just rely on experience to decide on the day?

I will stress again, I do know you can't decide who to use until the day, but do you have your "ideal" helper in mind for any parts of the show?

I do... a spectator that can palm a card and get it into their pocket so they can just reach into it and get it again. Also one who really wants to participate in the magic, and wont screw things up. Might have to take a look at your way too though.

I love working with the purdy gurls. They the best.

themagicwand wrote:I love working with the purdy gurls. They the best.

And by which of course I'm talking about females aged over 18 who have nothing to do with kids parties!

HenryHoudini wrote:I do... a spectator that can palm a card and get it into their pocket so they can just reach into it and get it again.

That would be very useful!!

HenryHoudini wrote: Also one who really wants to participate in the magic, and wont screw things up.

Agreed, but again, I would do that anyway. Surely someone else must think along the same lines. What about when you see a very short and a very tall person in stage magic? Is that just "coincidence"?

themagicwand wrote:

themagicwand wrote:I love working with the purdy gurls. They the best.

And by which of course I'm talking about females aged over 18 who have nothing to do with kids parties!

Hahaha, my girlfriend was with me when I was filming some magic in the mall, and she totally bitched me out because I only pulled pretty girls over to show tricks.

I have kind of said this before, but in bars, clubs and pubs I always aim for small groups - I dont tend to look for specific spectators but do go for certain types of groups - either a small group of 'blokey' guys, normally there is a 'loud mouth' who wants to proove you wrong. The other thing I get asked to do is go over to a group of hot girls (with guy mates or just a group of girls) with my single mate introducing me. This way I get to do my magic and amaze them and my mate gets to do this chat up thing where he manages to pull one of the fit birds...courtesy of me