|
|
AKMan New user Covington, WA 56 Posts |
Great discussions Danny, Any advice for performing for seniors in nursing homes/assisted living situations?
|
Danny Orleans V.I.P. Chicago 119 Posts |
Hello AK:
I have done just a handful of shows for seniors in assisted living situations. However, having a father who is living in one, and visiting him frequently, I have seen other musical performers do shows/concerts/presentations for the seniors. This of course made me think more about what type of material is appropriate as well as special considerations that must be thought through if you were to be booked in a nursing home/or A.L residence. Also, there is a HUGE difference between senior living communities and nursing homes. The former are made of completely independent people and except for hearing issues and some mobility issues, the audience is normal, just older. On the other hand, nursing homes and assisted living residences have folks who are dependent upon assistance for daily tasks, and may have memory issues as well. In either case, choosing material that is "not too hip for the room" is a good start. Certainly I wouldn't do a children's show for them, but I would choose material that plays big, is very visual and not too artsy. A few years ago, I was flown to NJ by a sponsor who paid me to perform in a senior living community. About 100 of them. No stage. In a well lit meeting room. I essentially did my act for TEENS in which I purportedly explain how magic tricks work. Then I repeat the tricks and fool them anyway. Additionally I performed a magic square. It was very successful. I will ask my friend BILL COOK, a Chicago magician to chime in here. He does LOTS of shows for seniors and can shed some light on this topic as well. |
JR Russell New user 69 Posts |
I regularly do seniors and assisted living shows. Good testing ground for some of my new stuff. One thing that has worked for me was to ask the center to invite kids and grandkids to the show. The kids will steal the show and the adults will have fun enjoying the kids having fun.
|
AKMan New user Covington, WA 56 Posts |
Thank you Danny and JR. I look forward to other great suggestions. The Teens DVD is on my to buy list.
|
Danny Orleans V.I.P. Chicago 119 Posts |
Fantastic idea JR. I can easily picture how that strategy would assure success for you, the seniors, the children who attend, their parents, and most importantly the contact at the center who books you.
|
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » The May 2014 entrée: Danny Orleans » » Entertaining Seniors » » TOPIC IS LOCKED (0 Likes) |
[ Top of Page ] |
All content & postings Copyright © 2001-2024 Steve Brooks. All Rights Reserved. This page was created in 0.01 seconds requiring 5 database queries. |
The views and comments expressed on The Magic Café are not necessarily those of The Magic Café, Steve Brooks, or Steve Brooks Magic. > Privacy Statement < |