talkmagic.co.uk

Hi everyone,

I performed my 4th gig on saturday night and it went very well. Here's my write up of it, hopefully someone is getting use from these accounts.

The Venue:
I was asked to perform for a childrens birthday party hosted at a local community center in a neighbouring town, 30 children aging from 5 to 10.
I didn't start to learn magic with any intentions of working with kids or animals. However, when put on the spot for someone (I've known for a decade and whom is quite respected locally) I couldn't really say no. His entertainment had fallen through and at the last minute he tried me. I was reluctant to do so, and openly told him I havn't prepared anything ever for children, and the magic I do is probably a little mature for them, I didn't want to sell him a product he didn't want. Alas, he didn't care and wanted me anyway.

The Bad:
I learnt a valuable lesson saturday night, children may start out sitting nice and calmly, cleaned and primped, but as soon as that copper coin magically changes into a silver one, THE CHAOS BEGINS! Throughout the 30 mins I was performing I was completely swamped, and whilst trying to move around the group to claim some space I couldn't get my hands in pockets for loads and palms though fear of elbowing the kid by my side in the face.
Can I ask any magi who do perform for children, other than blaming the obvious (me, parents, kids), are there any sure fire techniques to keep a seperation, albeit physical or pshychological?

The Good:
Everything! I spoke to Lee Smith beforehand for his advise on the type of material to use. Acting upon it I chose to do a silver/copper coins across, a similar effect using nuts and bolts, A few simplified card transpo's, colour changes and good old cuffs (I'm amazed with myself as to how may different effects can be squeezed into 30 mins with such minimal props).
I did James Brown's 'Pot of Jam' routine to open with which I think is probably one of the best openers ever and it set the right tone immediately. I designated a fist pump and the shout of 'X-Factor' to be the magic words of the night which even the parents seemed to be enjoying and joining in.
I ended with ACR, and then back to the rubber bands for an upper the ladder effect using the AC, very visual and such a fair display throughout it gets a great reaction.
Finally, I'd taken my bow and applause and the DJ started his set again. I took the Birthday girl with her mother to a quiet corner, and performed a special effect for her. I'd been warned by her parents how extremely shy she is and that I shouldn't try to make the center of attention. I also thought it would be bad form to not do something special for her no matter how shy.
Her father called me an hour after the party to thank me for the souvineer cards she'd taken with her, and that I was a big hit with everyone. What a nice touch I thought, to be bothered to call me and say thankyou, even after being paid!

In summary it was a brilliant set I thought, and I may have to change my oppinions on performing for children in future. Don't get me wrong, it's not something I'm marketing myself for, but after Saturday's performance I know I can keep them entertained and talk on their level which we all know is most of the battle with any spectator. If I get stuck in that kind of situation in future I know I can deal with it.
I did prepare as fully as possible with 3 days notice, simplifying moves and patter and I think this is key to my success. Had I gone and done my normal handlings, certainly for a few effect I think interest would have truly vanished without a trace. Thankyou Lee for the advise, it really made the difference.

Thankyou all for reading this, I may write up a few more performances as they come up, but only if I feel they offer something different from these previous four accounts. No need to flog a dead horse is there.
Ky

Thanks for all that, very useful indeed!

Palmo wrote:Can I ask any magi who do perform for children, other than blaming the obvious (me, parents, kids), are there any sure fire techniques to keep a seperation, albeit physical or pshychological?

For me, I always put a white line such as masking tape or even a long white rope on the floor in front of me before I start. At the start of the show I go through a few 'rules' to help keep the children safe and one of them is not to cross the white line unless they are helping with a routine. Not sure fire but it works most times and keeps them in order. Didn't do it at the weekend though but I was performing in a church at their Christmas Fayre so I thought I would be safe especially as I was on the alter. I only had a few kids run up the steps trying to assault me but I will still use my white line there in future.........

Well done by the way.

Palmo wrote: Can I ask any magi who do perform for children, other than blaming the obvious (me, parents, kids), are there any sure fire techniques to keep a seperation, albeit physical or pshychological?

Firstly, you are very brave, for a number of reasons, the first being, my set is very different for 5 year olds....as it is for 7 year olds....let alone 10 year olds!

So you have done very well indeed, especially given you weren't prepared!

The only thing I do to keep the calm is to lay a long white rope along the floor and explain that nobody is to go beyond the rope...unless invited up onto stage!

The other way of keeping the chaos down is making the children feel they are doing the magic, even if it just shouting magic words out...and the more you can invite on stage the better!

And the other way which always ensures calm is my puppet, a dog called Mr.Tippy (tribute to Allen) who will always get their attention, and given he is very shy, the children will need to remain quiet and coax him up from out of the box to see them

Interesting to see the magic went down well, you must have down a fantastic job, as something like an ACR I would imagine is difficult to keep and audience of 5 year olds captivated...unless they are involved of course! My 5 year old son loves nothing more than to blow on the back of a card after a DL to make it change!

Huge congratulations by the way!

When I've performed for children it has either been very small groups (no more than 5-6 kids) or if a big group has been juggling and magic. Small groups I used a table ( very low) and large groups I had a rope that I explained people shouldn't cross- a spinning poi set/juggling club/spinning staff makes the danger of crossing the line very obvious!

Also, I wouldn't do walk around/close up for that many kids. At a birthday party I would probably do a bit of walk around stuff when the kids are sitting around the table.
This is based on a whole 5 performance so take with a pinch of salt

Thanks for the tips guys, the white line seems a favourite, I'll keep that in mind. As for the ACR, I made sure all the kids had to focus to make it happen, they didn't seem disinterested at all, I only did 4 phases though, and then straight onto the rubber band effect so it was only really a 4-5 min routine.
Some great advise on here, as in my previous accounts, so thankyou anyone who has taken time to read this and especially those posting replies.
KP