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The Great Smartini Inner circle 2280 Posts |
Perhaps you could add scent or fragrance free performance/performer
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magicbob116 Inner circle 1522 Posts |
In all seriousness... I don't think it should be humiliating to do this kind of effect for kids. What about something like the Sorcerer's Apprentice (toilet plunger on their head)? Does anyone use this? If so, how do you present it so as to not be humiliating. I was considering having the plunger on MY head, but I believe the routine clearly intended for it to go on the kid's head. Did kids not used to be so easily embarrassed? Is it that we've gotten so touchy feely these days? Or did magicians just go ahead and humiliate kids and not worry about it back in the "good old days?"
B. Robert Pulver
The "I Hate Card Tricks!" Book of Card Tricks Vol. 1, 2, and 3 Kards for Kids Sticky Situations Sleightly Wacky http://www.magicnook.com/magicbob |
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MikeRaffone Special user 623 Posts |
If I were a kid, I'd much rather be a rabbit than a toilet bowl.
Some magicians have an unusual talent for choosing the right audience members. The better you can do this, the more you can get away with.
Mike Perrello
DC Area's Leading Family Entertainment Expert |
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The Great Smartini Inner circle 2280 Posts |
I recently reread Seriously Silly and noted that the best age to select an audience helper is a grade 1 student...girl if you want shy and cute and good interactions/more lively with a boy...Lance Burton actually asks for helpers who are grade 1...interesting...I'd go with the Sorcerer's Apprentice on my own head and if a child is embarrassed by being a rabbit then you've either picked the wrong child or they've become nervous and if you've treated them nicely then they could just be politely returned to their seat...with a small gift/balloon/giveaway...and a new child brought up
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MikeBent Regular user Boston, MA 174 Posts |
I haven't had a child that doesn't want to wear the ears or nose......yet. The nose, then the ears are ways of easing the child into the routine, or realizing that you pick the wrong type of child. My backup plan, though I haven't had to use it yet, is to put them on me, not as funny, but a way to get out of the routine without upsetting the child.
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NJJ Inner circle 6437 Posts |
Quote:
On 2006-03-15 21:49, magicbob116 wrote: Perhaps humilate was too strong a choice of words. Some kids do get embarrassed, particularly younger ones. I've had children so shy they would hold the magic wand!!! So its good to have the option of not HAVING to do it on the kids if need be but for most kids they would LOVE it! |
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MagicRabbit Regular user 176 Posts |
I put a feather hat on a 10 year old once and he turned red as an apple.
Some kids just don't like it. I have learned: It's all in the PRE SHOW work. Talk to & find the rights kids. Couldn't be simpler. |
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Steve V Inner circle Northern California 1878 Posts |
If they don't want to take part the magician should sense it and move on to another kid. No harm no foul.
Steve V |
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NJJ Inner circle 6437 Posts |
Of course, there are all sorts of tips and tricks to maximise participation. In my show, the birthday child gets to help so moving on is not an option.
I did a show for ten year olds on the weekend and the birthday boy, despite yelling, screaming and getting right into the show, turned into the shyest kid on the block when he came up on stage. He would even reach into the change bag! So like I said, if the performer finds themselves in a situation with this routine where the child doesn't want to put on the ears, you can quite easily do the routine on yourself with forcing the kid or replacing them. When buying effects, I like to consider the worst case possible and how I would handle it. This tricks passes with flying colours! |
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dking66 Loyal user 261 Posts |
Hey, Ken -
Where did you find the cheap bunny ears to give out at the end? Doug |
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kenscott Inner circle 1869 Posts |
The dollar tree is where I got them. But you can also buy them from http://www.funexpress.com or I think Mike Bent has them and can sell them cheaper too since he is buying larger amounts.
Ken |
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Regan Inner circle U.S.A. 5726 Posts |
Those dollar Tree Stores have a lot of goodies for magicians.
Regan
Mister Mystery
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p.b.jones Inner circle Milford Haven. Pembrokeshire wales U.K. 2642 Posts |
Hi,
I just wanted to say that I would never personaly treat any helper in my act like this effect does maybe kids are different in the states but here in the Uk at least in my area kids would be insulted/and find it demeaning lots would probably tell you to **** off rather than let you dress them up like that! sorry guys but I see it as embaracing the kid in the name of a cheap laugh/ supposed entertainment.I am not trying to convert anyone here you do what you think best but .... not for me Phillip |
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kenscott Inner circle 1869 Posts |
WOW phil! The children MUST be totally different over there. Because kids are begging to do this once they see the other kid do it.
I honestly don't see how this is a cheap laugh? Ken |
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Regan Inner circle U.S.A. 5726 Posts |
Well, I haven't used "The Big Bag O Bunny", but I do lots and lots of 'dress-up' routines in my shows. They go over really well, so I don't see why this would be any different. I try to make a volunteer feel like the star of the show when they are on stage, and usually that's how it turns out.
Once in a while I may get one that seems uncomfortable, and I may even change things up when that happens. Sometimes a kid may act eager to come on stage and then become uncomfortable just standing there in front of the audience. What I'm trying to say is, you never know with kids, it can be unpredictable sometimes no matter what you have them doing. Presented in the right way, I do not see Big Bag O Bunny as being demeaning or something that should make anyone feel uncomfortable or embarressed. Phillip, I am speaking from my experience here in the United States. I am not disagreeing with you about the kids in the U.K. because I have no experience there. If it is the way you say, then I would stay away from this routine too. Regan
Mister Mystery
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Skip Way Inner circle 3771 Posts |
Quote:
...sorry guys but I see it as embaracing the kid in the name of a cheap laugh/ supposed entertainment.I am not trying to convert anyone here you do what you think best but .... not for me I personally know Mike and Ken...and I can guarantee you that neither of them would EVER harm a child's self-image or embarrass them on stage. I believe that ANY magic effect or comedy bit has the potential to embarrass or offend the volunteer or spectator. Yet, how many actually do? Why? Is it because the effect or routine lacks the power of embarrassment or offense? Or is it the performer who controls, with careful thought, practice and presentation, the manner in which each effect is perceived? I believe the latter is the case. A pair of ears, a red nose and a Blendo are inherently harmless, inanimate objects. If the performer presents the effect in a "Look what I can do to you!" or "Well, don't YOU look silly!" manner...well, then of course the volunteer is going to fele slighted and abused. Presented in a tongue-in-cheek, look-don't-see, we're-having-fun manner...in which the joke is actually on the silly magi...and the child is made to feel honored and special...well, there you have a fun, photogenic, fun-for-all memory. If one feels that this effect is beneath them or doesn't fit their performance personality, then the only logical choice is to move on. If one has the reputation of embarrassing their volunteers and offending their spectators, then this person has NO business entertaining children. However, if one is successful as a children's entertainer and can draw a self-conscious child into the fun, create waves of laughter and fit in with the children...then this effect is perfect! I, for one, can't wait for mine to arrive!! :o) Skip
How you leave others feeling after an Experience with you becomes your Trademark.
Magic Youth Raleigh - RaleighMagicClub.org |
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MikeBent Regular user Boston, MA 174 Posts |
As with any gag; In the right hands it works, in the wrong hands it doesn't. It's as simple as that!
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Steve V Inner circle Northern California 1878 Posts |
Dang, that routine with the bucket head must be banned in the UK....
Steve V <--is wearing bunny ears and a sponge nose at this moment |
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magicbern Inner circle Hong Kong, China 1220 Posts |
Quote:
On 2006-03-17 12:30, p.b.jones wrote: Phil, I normally agree with what you post but this time I also don't really understand how this could be misconstrued as being demeaning. In Hong Kong I perform for many kids who are British but they never seem to get offended when asked to dress up or partake in effects like Ken Scott's instant MAgician. Perhaps its a provincial thing - but you know your audience best! I just think its a really fun effect and also have ordered it for my shows. I see it as an extension of the old Supreme effect Bunny Tale where the kid puts on a pair of rabbit ears and a cotton tail. It also seems a natural extension to the Turn You into a rabbit wand trick! Anyway, we're not here to quibble on the forum but to share similar and dissimilar experiences! |
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Billy Whizz Special user Plymouth, UK 576 Posts |
Quote:
On 2006-03-17 12:30, p.b.jones wrote: Hi Phil, Sorry mate, but I would disagree here. I've already PM'd Mike to order one (unfortunatly, not in stock yet though) and intend to you it in my show. I've dresses up kids in the past with funny hats and red nose etc., and yes, every now and then you might get a child who is not keen on wearing them, but I would estimate that I get one in every 50 kids - if that!!. I would never force them to wear anything and just carry on with the show. But those kids that do play along really enjoy the fun. They have normally seen whats going to happen at a previous show and are almost begging to be the magicians helpers. Maybe it's different in your area Phil, but here in the South West of the UK, I have no problems. I just can't wait to get my Bag O'Bunny trick. Best wishes, Billy |
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