Ideas Needed for an adult show

[kippteacher1]

I typically perform at kid shows, but have been hired by a family friend to perform at a fundraiser for about 30 adults. There is no money available to pay a performer, so I'm doing it as a favor for free. However, I have no idea what tricks to do for that type and size of audience. I have a lot of tricks but wouldn't mind purchasing a few more if it would works really well for this gig. I have 45 min to amaze . Any help you can give would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[strudles]

I typically perform at kid shows, but have been hired by a family friend to perform at a fundraiser for about 30 adults. There is no money available to pay a performer, so I'm doing it as a favor for free. However, I have no idea what tricks to do for that type and size of audience. I have a lot of tricks but wouldn't mind purchasing a few more if it would works really well for this gig. I have 45 min to amaze . Any help you can give would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Having never really performed much for adults myself (other than my parents, since I'm only 14) I think a good triumph effect (especially a visual one) would serve you very well. Also, try looking into some of the effects from the Daniel Garcia Projects (I would recommend his "Nacho Momma's Triumph," "William Tell," Garcia's coin through glass routine which name escapes me, the invisible deck or some impromptu variant (make sure you have a reason to put away the deck to swap for another one). Card tricks that utilize lapping can be incredibly strong too, (for example a card is sandwiched between two others, you toss the "three" cards onto the table and they're just one. This is just an example, the more cards you make vanish, the more the spectators' jaws will drop to the floor)
I don't know your style, however. Being a card (and rubber band) man myself, I will generally list card tricks.
I hope I'm not too late to help,
Peter.

 

[RealityOne]

So here is the rub - What I would perform for adults isn't the same as what you should perform. Everybody has different skill levels, different presentation styles and different preferences. A lot also depends on your age. Are you 16, 26, 46 or 86? Further, it all depends on what type of fundraiser it is. Will you be giving a show or strolling? Are you the only performer or are you competing with other events?

The other factor is how much time do you have to prepare for your show? Two days, two weeks, two months?

The problem with agreeing to perform a show you don't have is that you don't have a show to perform.

 

[strudles]

So here is the rub - What I would perform for adults isn't the same as what you should perform. Everybody has different skill levels, different presentation styles and different preferences. A lot also depends on your age. Are you 16, 26, 46 or 86?

This makes a lot of sense. For example, being as old as I am, it wouldn't make sense for me to reference alcohol humorously since it not only would be awkward, but the spectators would start to doubt my mother and father's parenting skills. Also, I stink at coin magic. It wouldn't be feasible at all if I were to expect to go around doing the muscle pass any time soon, or ever, for that matter.

 

[timmyr]

I say vanishing

I have always loved vanishing effects so I believe you could perform the raven since it requires very little skill. Also you could try out decoy I think it is incredibly visual and I feel like adults would love visual stuff but hey I'm only 14 so I might not be right.

 

[Steerpike]

Why did you book this show when you didn't have an act ready to go?

You know what? Nevermind. I've asked that question dozens of times before and never gotten an answer that didn't irritate me. Instead, tell me what you actually have.

 

[Craig Browning]

R-1 and Steerpike both have a point but since you are doing this show gratis I'll give you a small break. . .

Try routines like Paper Balls Over the Shoulder, they are fun and suck up time in a fun way. If you're familiar with it there is the Blackstone Pick-Pocket act that is super simple to do (it's all about acting and some slight misdirection -- I couldn't find a clip maybe one of the other guys here would have one. . . hint, hint. . .)

I do not know your inventory or repertoir let alone your skill set but if you IM me I'd be glad to help you figure out a few things that may work for you.