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taddo New user 49 Posts |
I have performed all kinds of shows but coming up in september is my first show at a nursing home. The residents there can vary from very coherent to not coherent at all. Grant it there will be plenty of staff and family are invited. I figure i will be doing a lot of effects from my kids show. Effects that are colorful and simple. Does anyone have advice or experience with this type of crowd and what has worked for them in the past. thanks
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Wolfgang Loyal user TEXAS 223 Posts |
This topic was discussed about a month and a half ago at the following link:
http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......7&22
"Sure, I do Scotch and Soda in every show. What? You mean there's a trick by that name?"
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drhackenbush Special user 686 Posts |
I do a monthly program at a nursing home/hospice here in DC - they bring in a gaggle of toddlers, too, and it is a multi-generational program. What the residents seem to enjoy the most is the opportunity to be in the company of and be able to interact with, the other residents, the babies, and childrens' parents - mainly, it's a chance to get together on a regular basis for a happy occasion, and I happen to be the facilitator.
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Zack Special user 551 Posts |
I just did my first Nursing Home. It is high on my list of Bizarre experiences. The crowd was comatose...no laughs, no applause. As far as I was concerned, I had just done my worst show EVER. I was skulking out with my props, trying to avoid looking anybody in the eye, when about ten people came up to thank me, and tell me what a great time they had!
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lostpoet Special user 610 Posts |
I helped a friend of mine put on a show at a nursing home last year. It was a different experience for sure. My friend does stage and that’s the majority of what was performed. However, there were some smaller effects, Vanishing Bowl of Water, Head Twister, and Viper Basket. Those all went over pretty well.
I think its great that you are performing there and I wish you luck. If there’s any advertising you can do before September, I’d do it. The more friends and family the better. Again Good Luck! |
Don Wilson New user 46 Posts |
The last nursing home show went well- used colorful tricks: Blendo, Misers Dream, Egg Bag, Botania etc, the ones who were awake enjoyed the show. Keep it simple, colorful and fun.
Don Wilson |
NJJ Inner circle 6437 Posts |
Keeping it simple, colourful and fun is a great idea!
For me, the most important factor is to keep treat the audience with dignity and respect and to not treat them in a patronising and childish fashion. Older people are not children and should not be treated as such. I realise that my words are quite curt but I volunteer as a driver for elderly people and many of the people around them treat them like idiots or infants. Now if you'll excuse me, my high horse needs some oats. |
Dynamike Eternal Order FullTimer 24148 Posts |
Quote:
On 2003-08-13 02:36, Nicholas J. Johnson wrote: That's a good way to describe it. Because that is how I treated a nursing home last year. They called me back this year. Entertaining is important, but it is more important to show them respect, kindness and letting them know you are pleased to be with them. Remember most of them aren't happy where they are. So show them your concerns, friendliness and thoughts while entertaining. |
flourish dude Inner circle from ? But I know where I am going! 1195 Posts |
Use music. You could do a zombie or a linking ring routine to an old song they can sing along with, and they will.
Nothing of the same will bring any change, take action today!
Just taking a step, is a step in the right direction because when you stop working, your dream dies. www.magicalmemories.us |
TheAmbitiousCard Eternal Order Northern California 13425 Posts |
Make sure if you do a nursing home that nurses and family are present in as great a number as possible.
I did one of my first shows ever at a nursing home where many of the patients were wheeled in and were practically comotose, sleeping/snoring, rambling, you name it. When I saw that, I thought... Oh My God!!! Luckily, there were several visiting children, nurses, etc. that were vocal and visibly enthusiastic. That saved the day. I performed mostly for them and all the others got to watch. I'm very glad I did the show but it could have been a horrible mess without an active audience. When I do that type again, I will insist that others be invited and not just hope. I honestly had no idea. Phew!!! Frank
www.theambitiouscard.com Hand Crafted Magic
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