I'd tend to go along with the guy who wrote about you being booked 'as seen' and therefore not changing the show too much. On the other hand I also like to put different endings into some of my tricks just to throw the kids who think they know what is going to happen. Then again no show I do is exactly the same as any other as I vary the tricks/presentation depending on the audience response.

I'd like sidetrack to another persons comment about only bringing polished tricks into their show. I don't think that is possible, it takes an audience to polish a trick. As a person coming from a juggling background I tend to bring a new skill into my show each year, I have the skill practiced and can perform the tricks smoothly but it is the audience reaction that teaches me how to perform it.

I'm not trying to pick a fight with anyone here with that last remark. It's a comment on how my performance is developed not theirs.

Nigel

Nigel:

Not a problem at all. It is ok that we can agree to disagree. =) That is the beauty of the Café. Let me clarify a bit more as I may not have stated my opinion as best as I probably could have.

I agree with you 100% that you can not totally have a polished routine until it is audience tested for a while. With that I agree with you. You simply MUST get it in front of an audience to fine tune the routine and find out what works and what does not.

I guess what I am referring to are those magicians that we all know who have a paid performance in 1 week but have no real show at all for the market they booked the show for. They are the ones who buy a trick and the next day go out and try to perform it. They try to perfrom without any practice or thought or homework on their part to rehearse and figure out a routine that best suits their own style and meets the client's needs. This is more of what I am referring to.

I have seen too many magicians, and even some of my magic students, who get into this bad habit. It is hard to try and force ones self into really studying an effect, developing a routine that works for them and then finally putting it into the show to test it out. Too many want to just dive in with the trick without giving it enough thought.

I hope this clarifies a bit on my statement earlier. I too do not mean to come off as arguing by any means. Just wanted to take this opportunity to clarify my opinion a bit more. Thanks. =)

Kyle

Eddie Loughran writes: "For repeat shows I do a very similar show because I've been booked on the show "as seen". . . .If certain signature effects aren't included the children, and their parents can feel cheated. They actualy look forward to some bits, and like to know what will happen to an assistant."

Exactly.

If you do a dog-and-pony show and are booked for a kids' party, you don't show up with a Punch and Judy show! You have been booked on the basis of what you have done and the client expects to see that.

That said, I do three different kids' shows for repeats BUT (very important BUT) I tell the client that I will be doing a different show, if they booked me on the basis of a previous show.

In three decades, it hasn't failed me yet.

I agree with Peter and it is key that he stated the difference here between being booked for a show from someone who saw you and being booked as a repeat show for the same client.

When I am booked as a repeat performer for an event, I will ask the client whether they would like one of my other shows I have developed or if they would like what I did last year. I let them make the choice, but I offer them both options. It is up to the client as to what might better serve them.

Kyle

I'm always tweaking my show but the base has been established. My rabbit is continuely doing some of my "adult" material being the mindreader he is:)

My nickel.

I think it is important to always Tweak and hone your show. That is one of the best ways to constantly learn in magic and grow. You always evaluate every performance and learn from mistakes made or from success gained.

Kyle