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thomasbmikkelsen New user 52 Posts |
I have been asked to make a full scale gospel magic show for handicaped adults with intellectual disability - and therefore I need help to build up a meaninsful and fun gospel program. The message must be straight-forward and not too complicated to follow. And the tricks must be very visual without too many props. If anyone has good ideas please let me know.
All the best Thomas (from Denmark) |
Danny Kazam Inner circle 1516 Posts |
Try to find out what level of intelligence they have, then build your show accordingly. For example, if their level is the same as 7 year olds, then build a show that would be appropriate for that age group. Don't look at the disability, but the level they are at.
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Wes Holly Special user Cincinnati, OH, USA 644 Posts |
"handicaped adults with intellectual disability" is a broad category that includes austism, downs and others. You need more information.
1 - Talk with the client about who will be in attendance. Will there be a mix of high functioning and low functioning patients? If there are high functioning patients present they are usually capable of being on stage assistants for routines. Find out in advance who they are so you can call on them during the show. 2 - How long do they want the show to be? Have they ever had a presentation of that length where the patients showed they could keep an attention span for that long? Perhaps it would be better to have have back to back short shows for smaller audiences. 3 - Generally speaking, plan your effects/routines/talking points for a pre-school age audience. There are many similarities between the two audiences. 4 - Depending on the types of disorders (again, talk with your client) some magic effects won't register. Showing a square circle empty and then producing objects from it will not register as a magic trick to some disabilities. 5 - Concentrate on the story/patter and choose effects that work with that, realizing that some in the audience won't be amazed at the magic. 6 - Be entertaining/likable all by yourself. Don't depend on the magic to be entertaining. There's a better chance of holding their attention if they like watching you. 7 - Keep your energy up but go slower. 8 - Assume the reaction. Don't get discouraged if you don't get the usual "oohs & aahhs" you may be used to. There is a good chance that they are reacting that way but are keeping the reactions internalized. I recently did shows for an audience of "intellectually disabled" and the above points are what I walked away with. I hope they will be of help to you. |
thomasbmikkelsen New user 52 Posts |
Thanks! It's very useful.
All the best Thomas |
magicman812 Regular user 121 Posts |
Hey Thomas. Thanks for the question and thank you for your willingness to share your talents with these very special people. The advice from Wes is spot on! I am doing magic shows myself this summer for some of the Joni and Friends camps and am really looking forward to it. My oldest son has special needs, and because of this I have had the opportunity to perform for those with mental challenges over the years. And every time, it has been a blast. When you see their smiles and reactions, I am quite sure that you will be the one that will receive the blessing! Good luck and God bless.
Andy |
John Long Inner circle New Jersey 2826 Posts |
An effect someone showed me years ago:
Have people write their name, with black ink, on a white piece of paper. Then have them write on the same piece of paper, in red ink, some of the sins they've committed. Put the paper in in a bowl, or tube, and pour in some red liquid. If the colors match, the person's sins will disappear, but their name will be visible. The discussion would be about how by Jesus' blood, God still sees/loves us, but no longer sees (takes into account) our sin. Not very magical, but a nice object lesson. John
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funsway Inner circle old things in new ways - new things in old ways 9981 Posts |
Please keep in mind that the term "handicap" is considered derogatory by some (consider the source of the word) as is "retarded" or "simple" -- some may even violate ADA standards.
Many persons (of families of same) with TBI might take offense to terms or actions that implies that they are "less than able" to understand or comprehend what you are doing, while their response may not be what you expect. So, be sure you know exactly what limitations are common to any particular audience and avoid terms and presentations that may be inappropriate.
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