talkmagic.co.uk

Oh No!

Just allowed myself to be talked into doing a 20-30 min spot for my local cub/scout pack next wednesday (24/06/09).

For the past 3 years my magic has largely been card stuff performed for adults in pubs and bars so i suspect a 'kiddie' audience is going to be somewhat of a departure and challenge! I'm actually quite nervous about this!

There will be about 30 of them (aged between 8-11) seated on the scout hut floor and I will be standing in front of them. I suspect whatever I do will have to be very visual! My execution of Tivo 2.0, the ID or collectors is just going to be too adult and 'close up' for an audience of such youth and size! I'm thinking more ropes and rings, cups and balls, etc. That said, I don't want to use a table if I can help it!

Anyone got any suggestions for stage effects/games that will engage the attention of the 'little dears' for 20-30mins?

Thanks,

T

What I'd normally say is that kids' magic has very little to do with magic and everything to do with performance - specifically comedy.

But as you need to be ready to go by next Wednesday, stepping right out of your usual comfort zone is probably a disastrous idea.

So what I'll say is Have Fun. Choose the stuff that's fun for you, and the enthusiasm will be communicated to the audience.

Yes, ropes and rings and cups and balls are visual and good, but 8-11 year olds aren't ignorant about playing cards either, so don't shy away from your more entertaining card tricks.

Above all else, remember that kids love to be the focus and star of magic shows. It's never about the props or the trick - it's all about them.

Best of luck!

Pete

TomDom,

I suggest you look at .....

Dye Tube
Siberian Chain Release
Professors Nightmare
6 Card Repeat
Or something else with silks

None are too difficult to master, all suitable for kids sat on the floor.

Kids that age will respond to ID. They also love cards across, if you have a routine. Cups and balls will work well.
One close-up guy who does a kids gig very occasionally walks in front of the kids, tells them that he is going to treat them like adults, so he expects them to behave like... adults. Then he does his regular set. This approach works for him.
Don't underestimate the intelligence of an eight to eleven year old. And don't dread the gig - enjoy it.

I suggest you run for the hills!

Kids that age are fine with cards and most 'adult' magic as long as it's not rude or got an overly complicated plot. I'd just stick with whatever you're comfortable with as you've not got all that long.

Good luck, you'll be fine.

I take it that you are all CRB Enhanced checked? I've been told that its essential if working with children.

Simon

if the bookers are fine about this, that's no problem.

going back to the subject in hand....

tom, What time scale are you talking about?
because you have fallen into the trap many do of accepting a booking, and then realising that they cant do the stuff.

( it would help, if you had them sit on chairs by the way)

Surely when advertising through websites etc, it would be a bonus to tell parents that you are CRB checked rather than if the parents are fine with it.

Maybe I am too paranoid

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/ne ... 978763.ece

SimonChatfield wrote:Surely when advertising through websites etc, it would be a bonus to tell parents that you are CRB checked rather than if the parents are fine with it.

Maybe I am too paranoid

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/ne ... 978763.ece

If you are going to make your living at this, and advertse your services as a childrens entertainer, then yes it is an extremly good idea.
and yes, if you happen to find yourself in the position to do this kind of gig often, its a great idea to have it should someone asks.

but this guy, got the gig, word of mouth, presumably from someone who knows him.

so in this case, you could say paranoia has crept in.

paranoya, created by asswipe rags like the good old sun.

If it's a one off with a Scout group then I'm sure that it'll be fine not to have a CRB as there will be the Scout leaders there. The Scouts, I'm pretty sure don't recognise any CRBs other than those done through the Scout Association anyway.

and you do hear stoys about scout masters too!
I expect they are more carefull than other groups.

My post wasn't any way intended towards TOMDOM, just to help others who may want to work in this area. I think if we can encourage CRB enhanced checked magicians then the better.

Simon

I'm just having my fifth or sixth one put through that I've needed this year. You have to get new ones each time you change job, even if the job is in the same school. The CRB would only be needed if he was going to be alone with the kids.

Thanks For All Your wonderful responses!

I am CRB-d which was done through the scout movement as I regularly help them out with various outdoors and indoors activities. In fact, this all started because on winter cub camp earlier this I did a few simple rubber band effects (from Russell Leed's 'Banding Around') and some mentalism style card effects for the older scouts using cards. As a result I have been 'booked' to do a 20-30minute stint next week with the possibility of a gig at summer camp next month for the adult camp leaders.

Would like to say thanks for the suggestions so far but would appreciate more ideas on what to perform for the 'little dears', though!

Thanks,

T