Advice for Kids Parties

Randomwrath

Randomwrath

May 8, 2008
1,081
0
Cumbria, UK
Hey my mate and I are just starting out with doing magic at kids parties etc. We've done a load of magic before, but this is our first 'paid gig' so does anyone have any advice on how to present it etc and we need to know if you need to sign a legal contract saying 'I won't set small children alight' when using flash paper?
We're going to be performing for 4 - 10yr olds. (to start with)
Oh and we DO have an act and a plan etc, we just need advice or tips please...
Thanks :cool:

EDIT: oh and does anybody know of some good cheap books/ebooks for kids magic tricks?
 
ThrallMind

ThrallMind

Dec 4, 2007
1,074
2
www.thrallmind.com
Flash paper really catches their attention. However, first I'd ask the person hosting the party if they mind fire being used in your act.

As far as effects, personally for kids shows, a Cups and Balls act always gets good reactions if you work it with the right patter. Sponge balls are a must. Strat-O-Sphere I believe is underused. Same goes for Rocky the Raccoon. The Professors Nightmare also never fails. You can find it in most beginners "Learn Magic" books. It's simple, but it kills with kids.

The best tips I could give are set up a magic table to perform everything on. Then, hang a ditch bag off of it. Whenever you are finished with an effect, throw everything in the ditch bag. This prevents kids from messing with your props, and also makes sure you don't have the performance area cluttered. The table also helps set a barrier between you and the kids which in most cases, they will not cross.

Here's a biggie: Avoid card tricks. Too many chances for kids to mess with ya. Things that can happen include, but are not limited to, not picking a card in the manner you choose, not placing the card back, knocking the deck over if it's sitting on the table, and even crushing the card they picked. Also, card tricks generally don't register for younger kids. What I mean by that is they may not understand what has happened. That's not good. If you feel the need to do a card trick, do something such as The Magicians Insurance Policy. Just change the patter around a bit to fit kids.

Also, if you have one or can get one: never, EVER underestimate the power of the change bag. Mix it with candy to give away as a closer, kids will love you. Get permission to give the candy away first, though. Parents may not want the hyper kids. And never do it first, they will be spending all their time worrying about who got what color or flavor, and crinkling the wrapper paper.

Lastly, make sure you involve the birthday child in many of your effects. Even if it's just having them come up to wear the special "Magic Hat" to help make the magic happen.

Well, I gotta run, and that's about all I can type for now. Hope this helps!
If you have any more questions, feel free to shoot me a PM.

-ThrallMind
 
R

RichmanMatthew

Jan 23, 2008
1,055
1
Suberbs of Philadelphia
ThrallMind said:
Flash paper really catches their attention. However, first I'd ask the person hosting the party if they mind fire being used in your act.

As far as effects, personally for kids shows, a Cups and Balls act always gets good reactions if you work it with the right patter. Sponge balls are a must. Strat-O-Sphere I believe is underused. Same goes for Rocky the Raccoon. The Professors Nightmare also never fails. You can find it in most beginners "Learn Magic" books. It's simple, but it kills with kids.

The best tips I could give are set up a magic table to perform everything on. Then, hang a ditch bag off of it. Whenever you are finished with an effect, throw everything in the ditch bag. This prevents kids from messing with your props, and also makes sure you don't have the performance area cluttered. The table also helps set a barrier between you and the kids which in most cases, they will not cross.

Here's a biggie: Avoid card tricks. Too many chances for kids to mess with ya. Things that can happen include, but are not limited to, not picking a card in the manner you choose, not placing the card back, knocking the deck over if it's sitting on the table, and even crushing the card they picked. Also, card tricks generally don't register for younger kids. What I mean by that is they may not understand what has happened. That's not good. If you feel the need to do a card trick, do something such as The Magicians Insurance Policy. Just change the patter around a bit to fit kids.

Also, if you have one or can get one: never, EVER underestimate the power of the change bag. Mix it with candy to give away as a closer, kids will love you. Get permission to give the candy away first, though. Parents may not want the hyper kids. And never do it first, they will be spending all their time worrying about who got what color or flavor, and crinkling the wrapper paper.

Lastly, make sure you involve the birthday child in many of your effects. Even if it's just having them come up to wear the special "Magic Hat" to help make the magic happen.

Well, I gotta run, and that's about all I can type for now. Hope this helps!
If you have any more questions, feel free to shoot me a PM.

-ThrallMind
Click to expand...

I have fooled adults with Strat-O-Sphere. I was fooled the first time I saw it. It can be used for all age levels.
 
adjones

adjones

Sep 3, 2007
2,562
0
Europe
Before you even think about doing a kid's show... get Seriously Silly by David Kaye (Silly Billy). It'll help you immensely.
 
adjones

adjones

Sep 3, 2007
2,562
0
Europe
Flash Paper is a bad idea. Kid's see you lighting things on fire, they try to copy you and be like you... house catches on fire, and you're technically to blame. Don't use flash paper or fire.
 
J

JamesAV305

Dec 10, 2007
204
0
i 100% agree with ThrallMind's post. I would use flash paper if you can work it into an effect. I dont think you are going to have any problems with that. Kids no not to light stuff on fire... im sure they have seen their parents use a flame before or seen it in a movie, i dont think you have to worry too much about converting any 10 year olds into young pyros. lol But at the same time i wouldnt just light it to light it. I dont personally use it in my shows but if i performed an effect that uses the paper i certainly would.

As far as cards go, i agree, dont use them. There are very few exceptions to this rule. I think that i walk that fine line but i've had others tell me im wrong. So its up to you. I one did an entire 30 minute show for 10yr olds with nothing but cards (it was all i had). The trick is, if your going to use cards, is to NEVER do a pick a card trick or anything of that nature because kids have no concept of cards. Card magic relies on certain expectations you have for your audience. They have to know how impossible it is to say, find a card out of a deck of 52. If you do use them you should do effects like a signed card to pocket, or maybe a mental photography deck. Anything REALLY visual that doesnt rely on their concept of cards. Any kid can relate to things appearing and disappearing.

The effect i closed my show with (the time i only had cards) was Zemiel's Rose (spelling?) By: Darren Brown it is an effect where a selected (and signed if you want) card is found after a full deck vanish and multiple card productions from a seemingly empty hand. Once you find the card you flick it and it disolves into rose pedals. Instead i used Skittles like the comercial where everything the guy touches turns to skitlles. I adjusted my patter and they loved it. (anytime you can give out candy do it) Sorry its so long but i hope this helped.
 
adjones

adjones

Sep 3, 2007
2,562
0
Europe
You guys apparently don't have any common sense. The kids WILL try to copy you, and quite possibly may end up hurting themselves and/or others. Fire in a kids show is a BAD idea.
 
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