Hi guys and gals quick question (or maybe not). I want to start doing a 30 minute show at a retirement home. I have a solid cards routine. Good rope and cups routine as well. I want to be prepared for the show and was wondering how much backup material should I have? Should I bring enough to put on an hour or 45 mins? I know variety is a must and I hope that by bringing more material if something flops I can just pick up the pieces and move on since I haven't done many of these type of shows. So any suggestions would help. Thanks.

A silk vanish is good also.
30 minutes might be long enough
for a retirement home show.
todd

Bring some close-up/tablehopping stuff. A large part of this kind of show is giving of yourself to those who may be lonely; sitting and chatting with them. A good way to get them to open up to you is with close-up magic one on one.

I agree with Spellbinder - close-up material is always good as a backup. Nevertheless, I wouldn´t aim at more than 30 minutes for your main show. That is quite a bit to start with, for you, but also for the elderly clients. It is a tough job to get their attention for 30 minutes. Don´t overdo it!