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LMLipman Elite user Falls Church, Va. 443 Posts |
I’ve been hired to do an hour of walk-around magic for children at an event this weekend at a foreign embassy here in Washington, DC. Here’s my concern:
Typically, when I do walk-around for adults, I go up to a small group of people, do a few tricks and move on to another group. I may do the same or different tricks for the next group, but all told I may only do a half dozen or so tricks the whole time. But when walking around for kids, I find that the kids follow me like the Pied Piper. They want to see everything I’ve got and keep trailing me from group to group. I don’t plan to bring an hour-worth of new material to walk around with. When they see me doing a trick they’ve already seen, they become very rude, often revealing the ending our outcome. Any thoughts how I can keep the kids from following me around from group to group? (I’m thinking duct tape…) |
Wes Holly Special user Cincinnati, OH, USA 644 Posts |
This also drives me bonkers. It's mostly in scenarios where the parents feel safe letting their kids run around without the need of close supervision, like at restaurants with a kid's playroom or if you are in the kid's area of a festival. In these situations I haven't found a solution, unless the solution is not be in those situations.
But they see you as an attraction, something there for them, just like the moon-bounce and other games. Of course they are going to want to follow you around, it's fun. What if ... ... not going to another group right away? Maybe if you have a little "lag" time between groups the children would find something else to do. ... if you can't beat'em, learn how to use'em? Instead of being the "chase-ee", be the leader. Make a game out of (?) How many people can I show this trick to... ... (I'm out of ideas - It's your turn) wes holly |
Alan Munro Inner circle Kentwood, Michigan, USA 5952 Posts |
I come prepared to perform an hour long set, under those circumstances. I perform it similar to what a busker does. I set up a table and a prop case and have at it. I've been known to coach the kids, if they seem like they're about to give away the ending. Even if they do give away the ending, I just give a facial expression that indicates that they're wrong, or I'll change the ending.
If there's a buffet line, I'll often work that, so that the kids will be more likely to stay in line and not follow me around. Then, I can do a shorter set, later in the hour. |
keeblem Inner circle Essex, UK 1167 Posts |
I have to say I'm not keen on doing walk around for children. Can you do balloons? I find this can pad things a little.
Mark |
Al Angello Eternal Order Collegeville, Pa. USA 11045 Posts |
Lorenzo
The best advise that I can give you has already been given by my friend Alan Munro. Walk in, set up, do a 60 minute show, pack up, pick up your check, and go home.
Al Angello The Comic Juggler/Magician
http://www.juggleral.com http://home.comcast.net/~juggleral/ "Footprints on your ceiling are almost gone" |
Ken Northridge Inner circle Atlantic City, NJ 2392 Posts |
Plan A
Have a solid 10 to 15-minute set prepared with a big ending. After the big ending say, “That’s my show. I’m going to take short break and go look for some other people to entertain. Have a magical day.” That may or may not work. Plan B Plan B is much like Alan suggests. You know all of those effects that you don't do very often? Get them out, have fun with them, teach them a simple trick, just be their friend. Chances are the kids will really like that and report back to their parents, “Hey, that magician is cool!” Mission accomplished! There is more than one way to satisfy you’re clients. You don’t always have to WOW them.
"Love is the real magic." -Doug Henning
www.KenNorthridge.com |
LMLipman Elite user Falls Church, Va. 443 Posts |
Quote:
On 2010-07-28 16:24, Al Angello wrote: I suggested that too. They want strolling. |
David Alexander Special user 623 Posts |
There is no rule that requires you to take every gig that comes in. I know times are tough, but you should take gigs where you can show best. What you describe sounds awful.
There was an agent I pursued some years back…the best in my area. I wanted to work for him as I knew he’d get me good gigs and more money as he had several resorts locked up. I sent him stuff for over a year and he never called. Then I got lucky. I did a terrific show at a country club that used him from time to time. The club manager called him and recommended me. When he called he wanted me to do something that I knew wouldn’t work. The money was good; the venue a yacht club, but I knew what the client wanted would not work and told the agent so. I turned down the gig. I told him that I like to give value for what I’m paid and as this was my first gig for him I wanted it to be a winner. He’d never had an act turn down a gig before. Two weeks later he called with a gig for more money, one I could work and succeed at. I became his “first call” magician for several years. Saying no thanks and explaining that you cannot deliver your best work in the structure they want might cost you a bit of money in the short term but you won't be involved in something that is frustrating and where you show badly. You never know how many potential buyers there are that you'll kill off by being seen in a poor situation. |
TheAmbitiousCard Eternal Order Northern California 13425 Posts |
Quote:
On 2010-07-28 14:43, LMLipman wrote: If you're doing strolling for kids, you're doing a stand-up show for kids Come prepared. I use pouches at less formal strolling events and I always use a Cellini type pouch (apron) because kids love to get close and with that pouch they cannot see down into it. Kids love billard ball magic. They love getting balls pulled out of their ears; each kid a different color, or out of their noses. Bring things that play big like ninja rings, prof. nitemare, etc. Because for all intents and purposes (ok, how many of you thought it was "all intensive purposes"? Be honest!)you ARE doing a stand-up gig, like it or not.
www.theambitiouscard.com Hand Crafted Magic
Trophy Husband, Father of the Year Candidate, Chippendale's Dancer applicant, Unofficial World Record Holder. |
wbzwolinski Loyal user 232 Posts |
I also have had this problem. I no longer do a typical walkaround for kids. I either set up my case and do several "mini" shows at that one spot or take my case and set up at different spots around the area you are working. I always make sure there is some type of lag time in between shows. Depending on what else is going on, the kids who have seen your mini show get interested in something else and move on. You can then start attracting a new crowd. I guess this all depends on the type of venue that you are performing in. I will usually get asked to perform kids "walkaround" at elementary school fairs and, as you say, they all tend to follow you around. Once I performed this way in a school Caféteria going table to table, as I would in a restaurant, performing a few tricks and then sculpting some balloons before moving on to the next table. All of a sudden I noticed a crowd of kids following and surrounding me at each table. They weren't "tied" to a table like they would be in a restaurant and they could not wait their turn. Parents were getting upset with me because the kids wanted their turn and their balloons and could not wait. I finally set up in the corner and performed 3 small shows with balloons in between. I did not come to them, I made them come to me. It worked beautifully and have been asked back every year ever since.
Wolly
Keep it Simple...Play it BIG!!!
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Alan Munro Inner circle Kentwood, Michigan, USA 5952 Posts |
Quote:
On 2010-07-28 17:23, LMLipman wrote: Well...we're supposed to be the experts in our field, if we're performers. I feel free to pass up a gig, if it will be sabotaged by a client's ego. I have experience staging my performances - they don't. Besides, I have to do a good show to get repeat business. A gig, that doesn't meet expectations, can cost me a great deal. |
Mr. Pitts Inner circle David Pitts 1058 Posts |
I'd be inclined to do mini-shows like Ken says, and call it strolling. If forced to do actual strolling, I'd bring a variety of things. I do a lot of different things as a performer so I'd bring my concertina, a couple of puppets, a spinning plate, some balloons, and I'd just play with the kids. Joke with them, teach them a simple trick, make sword balloons so they can sword fight (away from me).. whatever. An hour's not really that long if I bring a suitcaes full of different kinds of stuff.
I think Alan and David offer good advice too. If it's REALLY not going to show you in a good light, decline the gig, it will do you more harm than good. |
jimhlou Inner circle 3698 Posts |
You can keep a group of kids busy for 30 mintues with a ring and chain. They can all take turns trying to get the ring to "catch" on the chain as it falls - if you want, you can even teach them how to do it. I did a strolling gig at a picnic recently and this is almost all I did.
Jim |
MT Elite user 414 Posts |
For walkaround I would do some balloons if you know how to do that. And I would also do the classics like sponge balls. Even though they follow you around, the kids usually don't mind seeing it again. Just a thought.
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Red Shadow Inner circle 1788 Posts |
I have 60 minutes of close-up magic on me at all times for close-up shows. All of which can be done to both children and adults.
I carry them in a double money belt: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?V......MEWNX:IT Which allows me to keep the magic gear close to hand, without fear of leaving my case etc. at the last table. It also stops children from running through the pockets because it is secured to me. I only do 3 card tricks, that last 5 minutes at best. Everything else is a mixture of effects with pens, rings, balloons etc. All of which is examinable, as it needs to be when working with children following you. I often perform at School Prom's, where the same children will follow you throughout the night. There I can only do a trick once and I have to do something different for the next group. Its not my ideal way of working, its just the nature of the business and what is required from me. If you haven't got 60 minutes worth of material, then you can go to a magic auction and buy some more stuff. But personally I would simply look at what props your currently using and find additional tricks to do with all of them. For example, I do Extreme Burn and Invisible Zone. Buy taking one of the bank notes and the pen, I can now do my pen through banknote routine. Its about creating new routines out of the props your already dragging along with you. Steve |
LMLipman Elite user Falls Church, Va. 443 Posts |
Thanks, everyone, for your suggestions. I wasn't worried about being able to do the walk around, but I was interested in any tips you might have for dealing with tag-alongs.
In the end, I mostly performed in one area while people were in line for food and then in the same area surrounded by kids, most of whom stayed for quite a while. I did some rising cards with a Scooby Doo deck, sponge bunnies, copper-silver-brass coins, a rope tie, professor's nightmare, a top change card trick and a few others.
BTW, while I was performing, my daughter was at a table selling my customized versions of James Munton's instant magic book. These are a great way to boost income at such an event. This event was held at the Embassy of Switzerland for their Swiss National Day celebration.
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