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At my local pub there is a group of 3 or 4 deaf people. I showed them my colour changing poker chips and would like to do more magic for them but I think it would be very difficult to adapt my routine since I rely so much on 'patter'. I imagine it is hard work pointing and writing things down all the time - but then I like a challenge.

I have seen stage magic that is performed entirely to taped music, with lots of facial expressions and acting - but I wondered how best to perform close-up magic without any 'patter.'

Has anyone had any experience of close-up Magic for the deaf? What works best? any books you can recommend?

any advice welcomed.

[P.S. There is a school for blind children nearby - now that would be a challenge !]

I haven't performed for deaf people; there are effects that don't rely on any patter, for example Jon Allen's The Silent Treatment.

Don't just rely on visual magic either, don't insult their intelligence. Ambitious Card could work well, as could several other 'pick a card' type effects; based on their knowledge of the sort of things magicians do and coupled with some sign language or even just body movement that show what is to be done they'd understand what they are to do.

I was flicking through the channels the other day and came across a magician performing magic for deaf people on the programme 'See Hear'. I think he did a sponge ball routine amongst others.

Short of learning sign language and communicating that way, you really do have to rely on your expressions to stand in for the patter. We all know that an average effect can be made incredibly fun with the right patter, but obviously when performing for deaf people this isn't an option (unless they can lip read) so I think that the magic does have to be good strong stuff.

Whatever you decide, remember, no matter who you are performing for magic is supposed to be fun. Mark Wilson once wrote about how he has performed magic for people who didn't speak his language yet they still enjoyed themselves - it is a universal thing that anybody can appreciate and enjoy.

can't say i've ever performed for the deaf either. but i do most of my stuff in night clubs, which is very similar to talking to deaf people i guess, since they can't hear i word i say. so i do the majority of my card magic with no patter whatsoever, unfortunatly this is somewhat limiting, but getting someone to pick and sign a card isn't too difficult, then a ACR can be done easily enough with no patter. i generally have someone picka nd sign a card, run a ACR for as long as i can keep their attention usually, then go on to sandwich type effects, and usually a card trough whatever-is-available. also fire works very well, but then that's in a rock club, not sure if that's the best thing for deaf people down the pub, but its amazing what you can do with some flash paper and taking the last drag of someone's cig. (and i don't even smoke! the things i do for magic)
or you could try an ace assembly trick, makes me think of the routine on the jeff mcbride card manipulation series, though i wouldn't advise buying it if you already know your cards.
but on that note do you do cards?

A lot of 'traditional' magicians perform(ed) without patter - Lance Burton, Scott Penrose, Slydini etc. As long as the routine is straightforward to understand and is presented well (as it should be for all specs anyway) then the deaf will enjoy your magic as much as anyone else.

i have and for special needs too so i'll give you some advice which may or not help.

cut and restred rope, use a long enough piece so that after you have tied the pieces together so you can put one end under your shoe and give it a good tug to tighten the knot.

sponge balls, useing a purse frame alows you to focus the attention then use basic follow me signs and when you put the sponges in there hand use your other hand to close thiers and turn it over puting there other hand on top, i belive its the sign for security but don't quote me me brains not that good any more, then use finger counting for the multiplying.

colour changing kings to aces jumbo, just point to the red kings and the shapes then change them and again refer to the shapes before reversing to origional pause then change to aces.

change bags, prety self explanitory.

hopping halfs, slightly exagerate the taking and displaying of each coin before ditching it then motion back to your closed hand, pluck an invisible coin from the air and add it to your closed fist before the reveal, for ending simply pluck the invisible coins from your closed fist.

haunted key, simply hand it out and motion for them to pass it around and realy look at it then go into the haunted key routine.
I like to hypnotise my key before i start as it sets the scene then motion that I'm projecting my thoughts onto the key.

bottom line there not stupid they will already be told you coming and wether you have any sign lanquage skills or lack of and thus will accomadate you just remember to smile as an introduction and bow at the end.

just remember its like comunicating with someone from a foriegn contry were you don't know the lanquage, use universal signs for look and exagerate your expressions but above al treat them with respect.

Cardza wrote:I was flicking through the channels the other day and came across a magician performing magic for deaf people on the programme 'See Hear'. I think he did a sponge ball routine amongst others.

I meant to mention seeing him too, but I was called away urgently to the pub He also did a nice bit of D'lite nonsense.

I think that there's some good advice there from Magicdiscoman.

The magic needs to be visual but uncomplicated, routines that don't require a lot of verbal explanation or instructions for obvious reasons. Certain card routines would be ideal but I also think that this is where other forms of 'traditional' magic such as coins, silks, rope, sponge balls etc. would really work well.

It may be worth bearing in mind that due to deafness, other senses may be stronger such as sight so if you have any poor moves then you may not get away with them as easily.