I perform the linking rings when i do kids shows and stuff, but i am stuck for patter. I used to use a science patter but i found the kidds didn't understand.

Any good movies or books - or personal opinions that i can use would be greatly appreciated.

try the cellini lord and master of the rings...available on dvd....a steal at only $25...available at most major magic shops

koz

I second the DVD by Cellini as it contains a number of excellent moves.

But you probably already know some moves. So for kids, simply, and amplify!

Cut the number of rings, make bigger motions and give each move a singificance. Science does sound a bit heavey for younger kids.

Another thought just came by, Dan Harlan has a very nice rings to ropes routine as a bonus on one of his rubber band videos. If you have it, it makes a nice light comedy that would be pretty easy to put a patter up for.

BroDavid

Check out my routine, available on video, called Whit Haydn's Comedy Four-Ring Routine.

It was developed originally for street performance back in the sixties, but plays really well for stage, cabaret, and kid shows as well. It has the advantage of being a talking routine, one that always has something happening so that it holds the crowd.

A silent routine will probably not be the best for kid shows. You need to hold kids attention with a tight leash, and only the most sophisticated of artists is able to do that silently. Even on the street, silent routines are very difficult to perform in such a way that they hold the crowd.

The best patter is almost always patter that is the performer's natural commentary on what is going on. Story patter should be kept to a minimum even in kid shows--it quickly gets old do to its lack of immediacy.

When doing a routine like the rings for children, it is almost essential to involve them in some way, either on the stage or in examining the rings from their seats in the audience.

I think you will find that the rings have a natural charm for kids, and that no matter what routine you use you will find them a joy to perform.

I can second Whit's recommendation on his Comedy Four Ring Routine. He performed in Dallas a couple of months ago and it is an enertaining, mystifying routine. I said right then, "when I decide to do the Linking Rings I'm doing this routine." He had a 12 year old up to help him with it, and it was a Howl. I don't think anyone could be disapointed by this routine.
Ronnie

I've seen Whit's routine and it's hilarious. I'd highly recommend purchasing it.

And while you're at it, pick up Cellini's too-- IMNSHO the most beautiful routine in the world.

They're both a bargain at twice the price.

Please forgive me for taking so long to respond. But another good DVD to watch is "World's Greatest Magic's" Linking Rings. It routines from different performers.

Dustin if you repeatedly keep performing the routine for kids you will get more use to it. Everything will fall in place with ease. You will find out your own faults, and repair them.

Whit, do you have plans to put out a DVD version? Video players are going, going, gone out of fashion for many people.

The DVD has been out for a couple of years. It is available at most dealers and on our site: http://www.scoundrelsstore.com

I used this routine in a kid's show with one assistant, a 5 year old girl, I think. She got a great reaction from the crowd. If you are comfortable working with the kids, then you will have a winner.

I'd also recommend Chris Capehart's 3- ring routine, available on DVD.
Mike

David Ginn has a comedy linking rings routine that I used to use when I did a kid's show (and had rings ) It might work for you. It uses the full set of rings and two spectators.

Whit: Your routine is great! Great style and very funny!

I never really had any interest in linking rings until I saw your routine, and now, I am currently learning it.

Thanks for making inspirational magic!

Try to find the book of terry seabrook. in there is his routine he uses for kids.
because terry doesn'tlike children this routine is great.

things are happening to him. ring link when he is not looking etc.

great book to find, reccomended

I noticed Terry Seabrook had a video tape too, "Terry Seabrooke's Magic is Entertainment Video."