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Carron Special user UK 958 Posts |
I' ve just started doing childrens magic, even though I am only 15 myself. It is going well and I'm earning a fair amount and getting lots of experience. Do you have any advice for me?
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kenscott Inner circle 1869 Posts |
Keep doing what you are doing. Attend some magic conventions if you can. What kind of parties are you doing? If you can get paid great but don't let that be the only reason for doing the shows. Do the shows right now for the experience and fun. But as a rule of thumb don't do shows where there might be a fulltime magician working shows such as libraries. For ex. in my area I was doing a library and one of the young magicians came in and told them that he would do it for FREE. Well I was doing the show for 250.00. Well if a library can get someone for FREE they are going to do it.
Hey have FUN!!!! Ken Scott |
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harris Inner circle Harris Deutsch 8812 Posts |
Here is a suggestion that my nearly normal wife gives to young performers.
Put yourself into your programs. Don't do things that would fit an older performers style. Be true to your interest and personality. She recently put on a workshop on theatrical skills in relationship to magic for our Society of Young Magicians(38) You are the best YOU there is. Keep growing and glowing. Harris
Harris Deutsch aka dr laugh
drlaugh4u@gmail.com music, magic and marvelous toys http://magician.org/member/drlaugh4u |
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magibrad New user Canada 59 Posts |
Hey Tom
Doing children's parties are a great thing, and definetly a good starter for a larger magic career. I, too am 15, and i've been doing children's parties from time to time for the last couple of years, and i've found from personal experience that involving the kids in the show is a great tatic. Get the kids to say the magic words, etc. Dont lose your temper ever. But i doubt i have to tell you that. The thing that gets me all the time is when they think they know it, even when they do know it. I mean, what do you say to that? I laugh it off, but is there a better way anyone knows to deal with it? How much do you charge Tom, just out of curiosity...but anyway, otherwise, keep preforming and do a good job, normally you'll get recommended by other parents! -Brad |
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JSMagic Loyal user Boston 202 Posts |
Hey-Im 14 and also do childrens partys (There should be a section for us young performers)-I 110% agree with brad, the kids love being up there in front of all their friends...which makes the friends want to come up...which makes the parents watch their kids and shuts up all the rude adults! lol at least thats my theory-ANything silly you can think of, do, as they will laugh at almost anything (which we think is) stupid! I put on huge sunglasses for "safety" in the neelde thru balloon....things like that...and from my expierence with kids, the best thing to do is get yourself in trouble...the kids will laugh their heads of if you mess up (Im talknig about on purpose, as it is part of a trick)-the adults will think you screwed up, but the kids love when the magician is in trouble...If you have any questions, feel free to PM me! JS Magic
If a magician is not intending to "trick" a spectator, why is every "trick" called a magic "trick"?
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Carron Special user UK 958 Posts |
thanks everyone youve been really help ful and i'm gonna ask about a junior forum in the Café
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Peter Marucci Inner circle 5389 Posts |
Magicbrad says: "Doing children's parties are a great thing, and definitey a good starter for a larger magic career."
Many magicians thing of kids' parties as (a) a quick and easy way to make a buck; or (b) a good way to start into magic. Sorry, but doing children's parties WELL is about the hardest thing you will ever do in magic. Sure, anyone can do them, but to do them WELL takes every bit of theatre, acting, and psychology you can muster. Street magic might be ranked as equally tough but it's a toss-up! |
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Dynamike Eternal Order FullTimer 24148 Posts |
Keep up the good work. If you feel comfprtable performing for kids, stay in that field. When you think you are performing good, charge a little fee. Keep getting your experience at different locations. Try doing classrooms in schools. And try libraries.
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Vilago Loyal user 230 Posts |
Tom,
Take any show that comes up, assuming you've got a good show. Ignore the comment about not doing an act where a full-time pro might be working, like libraries. I think this was a well-intentioned comment, but as long as your show is good and you're not purposely undercutting the pro, then tough luck. The market will select the best value over time. Go to conventions if possible. I went to Abbott's in Colon after a couple years in magic, and it impacted me tremendously. The advice about keeping your temper is also good, because at 15 it could be hard to keep calm when someone close to your age grabs your props. Have a lot of fun and practice. Read, read, read, read, read, read, read, read, etc!! |
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Zorak Regular user Maryland, USA 114 Posts |
Sorry, but I have a problem with kids doing magic for kidshows.
It is not enough to be able to BUY a few props at the local magic shop, learn the secret and run out and have business cards printed up. It just bugs be when parents buy props for kids, praise them to heaven and hoist them out on the public. Parents, do your kid a favor. Teach them the ritual of study, practice, and mastery of an art. You wouldn't buy them a bunch of paints and canvases and almost immedietely start putting their painting in a gallery. Sure, some dealers will encourage you to BUY anything in their store. You love your kid, and they like magic. There is nothing wrong with that. That's great! Don't inflate their egos and altimately destroy their self confidence by sending them out like sheep amongst the wolves. Kidshows are the last place for them to be. They won't get the respect that is required to get control in order for them to have any possibility of entertaining their audience. We are not about presenting puzzles, but entertaining with mystery. I am not trying to discourage youngsters from taking up magic. I am saying you cannot BUY a magic act. Get your kid into a youth Magic club. Let him perform for family and church members. Don't send him out where professionals are making a living. Do encourage him to read, read, read and practice, practice, practice. I really love kids, but I don't want one operating on me! Love Yuh! Merry Christmas to all!
Magic is in the hearts of children from 1 to 101
Please check out my Website: kiddiekazam.com FREE ORIGINAL CLIPART FOR MAGICIANS & CLOWNS PROP DESIGNS MAGIC CARTOONS all drawn by Zorak |
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Peedlkyle New user I live in my house 98 Posts |
Well what age are you considering a "kid" Zorak? If you are saying 7 or 8 year old, I will agree that they will most likely only know some "tricks" that they just bought. But it is very reasonable for a 14-16 year old doing really complicated and well practised magic in a kid's show.
On the other hand, you have different fingers.
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JSMagic Loyal user Boston 202 Posts |
Well Excuse me!!! I'm 14, have spent MY OWN MONEY on books, tricks, videos and have practiced them for 2 years now...Now I finally am getting the confidence I need from this board to get up on stage and start performing and you say kids shouldnt be doing this...I have a job, and I buy all of my own stuff...Plus, theres not ONE magician in my town (at least advertising)-JS Magic
If a magician is not intending to "trick" a spectator, why is every "trick" called a magic "trick"?
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Vilago Loyal user 230 Posts |
I started doing paid shows at the age of 13. I must have been competent, because I got lots of press and repeat shows. The repeat shows are, I think, the best possible measure of one's ability to provide value.
Where did Tom say that Mommy and Daddy bought him some props and now he wanted to make some cash? JS, I think that Zorak misunderstood something. You keep doing what you're doing...that's how I started and I was also the only (advertising) magician in town. BTW, I'm 34 now so I've been around for awhile... |
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Zorak Regular user Maryland, USA 114 Posts |
If you are buying your own props with money you earned, I congratulate you. If you are taking offense because I said you can"t buy a magic act, you may have to think on this.
I know there are young people like yourself who love magic. Some even read and practice very effectively. Again, I say that these are good things. I'm simply saying that a youngster, (especially doing shows for kids) does not command the same respect as an adult. An adult audience would be far more appreciative of your talents and may even think you exceptional, performing such miracles and so young. I remember seeing a young Dennis Haney (now a master magician), performing as a teenager. He did the dancing cane, billiard balls, and card fan productions to music. He was wonderful. It was predominately an audience of adults with a smattering of children. He was the hit of the show. I'm not saying young people can't be fine performers. I am saying that kids will eat most young magicians alive. I am concerned about your future in magic. We need good dedicated youngsters to continue the art. I just don't want you to be hurt. You say there are no magicians advertising in your town. Why don't you be the first, but target the right audience and you will be around alot longer. Good luck and keep on magishing!
Magic is in the hearts of children from 1 to 101
Please check out my Website: kiddiekazam.com FREE ORIGINAL CLIPART FOR MAGICIANS & CLOWNS PROP DESIGNS MAGIC CARTOONS all drawn by Zorak |
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magibrad New user Canada 59 Posts |
Hey All!
peter...you first...I see what you mean. But in no way was i trying to say its a good way to make a quick buck. nor, did i say it was easy. I think thats what makes children's shows so great. They are hard. That makes you more adapt to dealing with larger shows. By applying what you have learned to another type of show. Kids can be difficult but fun, and i agree with you Peter, you need skills to do a good job. And those skills come with experrience. And you can apply those skills into making a career of magic! Zorak- I see your point. But come to think of it i wouldn't be here had it not have been for my aunt who bought me the cups and balls. I learned that trick ,and got hooked, then i preformed for my grade one class. It was then that i got semi-serious about magic, and recently started doing kids shows. I agree that it's tough for a teen to get the respect adults get, but normally, if you keep things at a fast tepo, and dont give the kids much time to make trouble you have very few problems. With adults in the room, you get just as much repect as being an adult in my opinion. But i think that if young magician persever (uh....sp?) thenwe can create good shows, but dont be discouraged by anything, just keep pressing on. -Brad |
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Dynamike Eternal Order FullTimer 24148 Posts |
Tom,
Send me a private message after you finish your next kid's party. I want to know how you did. Dynamike |
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kenscott Inner circle 1869 Posts |
Vilago is right. . . if a fulltime time person is doing shows for a living and you have a good show that you want to do say at a library then you should do it for FREE or not for FREE. There is plenty PLENTY of work out there.
Ken Scott |
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R2 Special user 935 Posts |
I have some advice for you .....
Get out there and keep on doing the best you can.....learn from everything that happens both good and bad..... Do not let discouraging children/adults bring down the show..... Perform for free at first....lots and lots of times....as your show becomes more polished and entertaining then target the paid gigs........above all else give them their money's worth.... Do not set a bad example in your mannerisms or behaviour....for others to have to endure and correct...Perceptions, perceptions..ever and all important.!.. I would suggest routines using ungimmicked items...cups, balls, ropes, cards, rubber bands...everyone enjoys good manipulation acts...using real everyday items.....! Get Mark WIlson's Encylopedia and do not buy "Tricks"...these will limit your presentations and possibly your personality on the platform.. Learn magic from books and respect everyone! |
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JSMagic Loyal user Boston 202 Posts |
Believe it or not, the first book I bought when i first got interested was mark wilsons cyclopedia of magic, and i still have it! i read over his stuff a lot. I also just bought Silly Billys Kid Show Kliff Notes, i think it called so that should help me. Thanks a lot everyone for the confidence to get me up on stage. I have a birthday party to do at a restaurant up on stage and i'll be performing for the whole place, i'll need all the confidence I can get. Also, Its going to be 5 or 6 year olds-How long should the show be? JS Magic
If a magician is not intending to "trick" a spectator, why is every "trick" called a magic "trick"?
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Peedlkyle New user I live in my house 98 Posts |
Zorak, I understand where you are coming from here but I think that that comment is very stereotypical (sp?). I may just be naive being that I myself am young, but I think that a teenager has the same ability to command respect as an adult. I am a very mature sounding and acting teenager. If I give off the persona of an adult, my age doesn't matter. Maybe I just haven't met the right (or wrong in this case) audience yet.
On the other hand, you have different fingers.
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