Well I got my new Mini Monti's from Jake(fantastic), practiced and rehersed my cups and balls for close up table hopping, first table half way into the routine the kid just picks up the cup which I had already loaded,..........Didn't realise that was audience participation.

Darren...

Going to have a rethink

I would switch to a chop cup. (Jake would be more than happy to sell you one)

I have one on the way from Jake.

Darren...

Someone online offers as "In the Hands Cups & Balls" where the routine is done in the spectators open palm. I cant seem to find it at the moment though.

-todd

1) Don't work on their table. You are invading their space.
2) Keep the loaded items on the side away from the kid. You might have to learn to work ambidextrously, or to do your routine in a way that you can start your loads from either direction.
3) Chop cup.

Here it is:

http://youdomagic.com/products/cups_and_balls_monty_routine

although I think I may have taken liberty with the 'in your hand' statement. Looks like this isn't done in the spectators hands, but does involve participation. I cant seem to find a video of it on the site. Sounds interesting though...

-todd

Also, why am I posting this info here? for some reason I read that you were looking for audience participation....siiighh...I need to finish my coffee!

-todd

Yeah, been there, done that!!

No problem, you just need some "audience management" practice. Don't let the specs get TOO close to the cups, and keep your eye out for wandering hands. When I do the "2-0-2" sequence, I put a finger on top of each cup before asking anyone to "pick a cup." That prevents them from picking them up (innocently or otherwise) and disclosing the setup.

Although the problem is largely confined to kids (who don't know any better), I have even had adults (who should know better) grab cups in the middle of a routine, just "to see what's under them." Ah well, it takes all kinds, I think you just need to learn how to deal with it. SETH

I was thinking of using a ball hammer for a wand,

Darren

I will rethink this and let you all know how it goes, especially with the hammer

Oh and thanks for all the suggestion.

Darren...

A cattle prod will work well, too.

One too many ren faires, Bill??

I like the cattle prod, I like it alot.

Darren...

Oh no. Just enough.