Favourite tricks to teach spectators

[Ammusionist]

I like to keep a couple of simple effects in reserve to teach spectators if they ask "How do you learn that" instead of "How did you do that"

Younger kids get taught the Jumping Elastic Band and older spectators get a mind reading trick using a locator to indicate the chosen card. (Not sure what it's called)

Do you think I should be doing this?
Do you do this?
What's your favourite to teach?

 

[Justin.Morris]

I think there is a time and a place for this sort of thing. For the most part if you explain things, it destroys the enjoyment for them. Most of the time I perform another trick that makes them think they will learn something and they they end up being entertained by more magic instead. My ambitious card is what I can move into because I have a presentation that pretends to teach them what is happening. Then I use Ammar's Little Hand when I am doing coin work.

 

[WyattSB]

older spectators get a mind reading trick using a locator to indicate the chosen card. (Not sure what it's called)

Thats usually known as the Key Card principal.
I like to perform card to mouth with the group arranged so that at least some of the people, usually those standing further back can see what happens, while the spectator pushing the card in still gets drawn in. Its fun to catch someones eye at the back while you do the move and then work it so that everyone notices its in your mouth except the one spectator, makes for an entertaining couple of minutes.
Very similar in concept to paper balls over the head, as much as I'd like to, I've never got around to performing that one myself.

 

[Josh Burch]

Most of the stuff that I teach is puzzle or bar bet based. I perform the Bob Neale puzzle knot but I never teach a spectator how to do it. I will teach them how to tie a knot with one hand or show them if they fold their arms and then grab the ends they can make a knot.

 

[Justin.Morris]

Most of the stuff that I teach is puzzle or bar bet based. I perform the Bob Neale puzzle knot but I never teach a spectator how to do it. I will teach them how to tie a knot with one hand or show them if they fold their arms and then grab the ends they can make a knot.

That's a great idea

 

[Ammusionist]

Thanks for the replies guys.

Josh Burch - I usually have a couple of corks in my vest for hecklers. I show them the corks passing through each other and get them to try it... then leave them with the corks and continue the routine, going back to the heckler every couple of minutes to re-demonstrate it and pass him back the corks. I've had hecklers completely distracted for 15-20 minutes this way and the audience loves it. It's a bit more fun than giving them a 260Q and asking them to inflate it!

Justin Morris - I completely agree that explaining your act will kill it. This is a little different.

Just to clarify - I keep a couple of simple tricks for after a show. You know, when some bright kid seeks you out - the one that didn't take their eyes off you for the whole performance, and says "I really want to learn how to do this. Where do I start". Giving them a small head start with an easy trick and then pointing them to their school library is a great help for them. I have had kids come up to me a year later and show me some wonderful effect that they've found on their own and thank me.

If you decided to keep one trick, not to perform but to teach the potential next generation, what would it be?

 

[Tower of Lunatic Meat]

Crazy Mans Handcuffs seems that it could fit the bill here

 

[mrcheeseman]

If I were to reveal something, it would be something extrememly simple. Such as this trick.

 

[Colin]

I've been working on a card routine where most of the magic happens while the spectators are handling the cards so they feel like they are making things happen though nothing is actually being revealed. It has been going over really well with everyone I have preformed it for.