talkmagic.co.uk

Hi,
I said before I'm a school teacher and I have to do assemblies several times a year. I like to do things a bit different, and am toying with the idea of magic in an assembly. Anybody ever seen a teacher be brave enough to perform magic like this? I already showed a few kids some tricks in my form once in a while (cards and close up stuff). Just wondered how it might transfer to the "big" stage so to speak of 250 14-15 year olds. I'd like to hear what some of our younger contributors might think to the idea? I guess it depends on the theme under discussion, but there must be loads of possibilities.
I know Vic_vdb mentioned that in a recent post concerning his upcoming Gospel Magic Day.
I'd appreciate any suggestions. Am I brave or just plain stupid? (Don't answer that!)
Thanks
Derek

I think it's a great idea!
I'm 16 and I think it would be quite cool! Seeing a teacher performing like that.

I'm actually planning on performing something in an assembly as well..

StEvEbO!

Derek, it's a great idea!

However, given the size of your group, you may need to work on some new stuff. Card work is always great (my favorite), but in an assembly situation, close-up isn't really an option. Regular card tricks won't go over too well, since too many people won't be able to see the cards. You'll need to think "big" in order to include everyone who's watching.

Have you given any thought to what kind of performance you want to do? Did you want a specific theme or something along those lines?

The problem with stage type shows, is price. Larger effects cost TONS of money. If this is a one-time shot, you won't want to invest in pricey equipment and props. However, if you intend to keep this going, you might want to start checking out some of the stage-oriented effects that are out there. If you need ideas/help/suggestions, by all means let me know. I'd be glad to offer assistance.

We have done workshops within schools and used magic as a vehicle to teach anything from anti drugs to dealing with issues like bullying. The kids and teachers love it so I think you should go for it.

Hi Derek (et al),

I use magic in school assemblies on a regular basis and find that it is extremely well received. So much so that I have a couple of teachers who I have taught some stuff which they've used in classroom and assembly settings.

The street cred of the two of them has gone up, but there is a downside as one has been asked to start a magic club for some of the kids who are interested because of them (more work and we have to put on stuff that avoids disclosure until the 'I just want to know how it's done!' element have given up or become really interested.

Do it. You'll not regret it (unless it goes wrong and even then, handled right you look even better ) and most importantly - it communicates in a way that gains and keeps interest.

PM or MSN me if you'd like to talk about some routines or if I can help in any way.

Vic

I had a teacher that performed magic for my class. It was quite cool. I would suggest getting some stage magic tricks though. A little bit easier to see.

Thanks for your suggestions and advice all of you. I'll PM some ideas and see what you think.

Demitri did you get my PM ? It says it sent but just stays in my outbox. Otherwise I'll email on AOL, I'm on there too.

Derek

Maybe you could saw one of your Kids in Half, I'm sure that something similar has crossed your mind once or twice

yeah derek thats a cool idea.... what school in sheffield do you teach at??

... followed by a quick vanish in a ball of flame

actually all my pupils are always extremely well-behaved and very polite

Hi Ben. someone else from sheffield. actually i teach in featherstone now but did training at tapton in sheffield.

you go down the magic shop in town ever? see you there sometime

derek

Maybe you could saw one of your Kids in Half

How about doing this longways?

theres always misers dream sequence with a jumbo finish its visual auditable and needs only one slight to perform ok two if you want to do a double production.

cut and restored rope / skipping rope.
jumbo card change useing the flap principle, quick easy and very visual.

slideing die box is a reasonable invetment and you can always have a silk load ending in the school colours if the have school uniform thease days.

markwilson complete course in magic has some good make at school magic stage props as well as a good grounding in a braod range of magic well worth the investment (it was my bible all threough school).

ive done shows at schools, best things to do is get the kids involved, and the head teacher, really make it bright and even learning, do not do i what i did and wear a green jacket with black top hat becuase im afraid you look like a dancer lol. - thats why now i wear all in black.