So I've been kicking this idea around for a while. I'm used to freestyling when table hopping and party strolling; I'm not a 3 sets of 3 kinda guy. This is also how I've been approaching my volunteering magic; I go room to room at a local children's hospital.

But lately for my hospital walk around I've been wanting to go in with a 15-20 minute set in each room I visit.

Partly, this is a way to "up my game" and make it a more polished presentation for the kids I visit. I'd like to create a flow of tricks and I'm also doing other tweaks like making my costume more colorful and outlandish so they have a more "visual" experience right from the start.

Another reason is I'd like to pack as much magic and laughter into my visit as possible. I recall visiting Williams Magic here in Tucson and how much fun it was When Emory Sr would just do trick after trick and gag after gag and I would leave there with a blown mind. I'd like to do that for my kids.

For those of you that volunteer in hospitals or other room to room situations, do you ever approach it in this manner?

Well, I guess I'll be the pioneer of this method.

I like where it's going so far; it's really coming together. I'll share more details as I progress, that way if anyone DOES want to try this for their volunteering they have a little insight going in.

Theodore-

I think you are right about this.
While working in such an invironment it is important to stand out as something special and completely different.
That way it might light up the life of people in hospitals.

I have seen magicians and entertainers in children hospitals and retirement homes but the best ones (or most liked ones) were always the "clowns" or funny dressed ones.
There where some that dressed like doctors or in their evening gowns but that might come over frightening so I think the more colourful the better.
As long as you feel comfortable wearing those.

As for the routine I think it is never bad to have a set routine one can get perfection in.
I really would like to read more about your progress.

Jan

Danke Jan!

I'll keep you posted!

The issue I mostly ran into was how well the patient could respond. Sometimes medication or physical limitations hindered their involvement in the magic - either their physical participation or their mental capacity to follow what was happening. A scripted set of routines will still need to be fluid and adjustable.

Ed

I agree Ed. I'm thinking of a modular routine. 1st effect will be short and powerful. That way I can judge reactions and go from there.

Yesterday's visit went great. I really like this approach. I used the day to get used to doing my set, kept it modular and chose an opener that I'm able to drop depending on the age of the child.

I open with Bunny Hop by Bob Solari and have modified it to use a regular chop set with the hat and some bunnies I get from Oriental Trading as giveaways. If the child is too old to appreciate a stuffed bunny gift I go into my second effect as the opener.

One thing I need to consider is magic for Spanish speaking children. I don't speak more than a few words of Spanish so I need to have a few things I can do silently. Got surprised by that one yesterday!

But this is working out great so far!

Good to hear that it worked out so well.
I am sure even though not everyone completely understood you talking, the visual transfered the magic.
But yes, in an hospital it might come handy to have a few tricks not even for the foreigner but maybe also for the hearing impared.
Thumbs up for your work.