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mark1991 Veteran user Boston, Lincolnshire, England 311 Posts |
Hi there,
I have been asked to perform at a care home for people with learning difficulties, and I am a little unsure what to perform. I have a good repertoire of tricks both for close-up and stand-up but I'm not sure that they are suitable for them as well. I do: Close-Up Coin Routine Card Routine Sponge Balls Mystic Chips Stand-Up Change Bag POMPOM POLE Cups and Balls Professor's Nightmare etc. Any help or advice in doing these sorts of events would be greatly appreciated! Many thanks Magical Mark Watson (mark1991)
http://magicnewstelevision.com/mn/magicalmark
Magical Mark Watson - Christian magician, juggler, puppeteer, all-round entertainer and lover of Christ! |
blink_inc Loyal user Hamilton 278 Posts |
I have NO experience in this but may I offer some suggestions.
Anything that changes colour. Big visual effects. Spongeballs are probably great. Mouth coils. Silks. Pom Pom poles would be perfect. Things that they can interact with safely and without damaging your props or risking ruining the effect. Jumbo coin production. I am going with BIG, VISUAL, EASY to comprehend. I can't really give you much more than that without knowing more specifically the types of disabilities you may be dealing with. Perhaps a phone call and meeting with one of the workers a few days prior to go over your show and discuss the effects and their suitability. I would love to hear how it goes though. Best of luck, Will//
I am a Sankey addict....please, help me!
My name is Will, my company is Blink, an experience in transposition. |
markis Veteran user 379 Posts |
I agree with what blink says. I have a son with autism and those are exactly the effects you want to go for. Avoid the long winded story telling tricks as well. If your clients have sensory issues like autism you may also want to avoid loud sudden noises like a balloon popping, etc
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mark1991 Veteran user Boston, Lincolnshire, England 311 Posts |
Hi there,
Thanks for all the help guys! It really has meant a lot to me that you could help! I didn't want to be insensitive about anything, but I just needed some good advice - which you have both given me! Many thanks Magical Mark Watson (mark1991)
http://magicnewstelevision.com/mn/magicalmark
Magical Mark Watson - Christian magician, juggler, puppeteer, all-round entertainer and lover of Christ! |
richull New user 10 Posts |
I have performed for this crowd before the other guys are right about what to do I wanted to let you know not to be discourage while performing they here and see you and are having a good time they just don't so it like we are use to.
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blink_inc Loyal user Hamilton 278 Posts |
I am interested in hearing how it goes.
Please either post or PM me with the effects you did and overall reactions from both spectators and management. Will//
I am a Sankey addict....please, help me!
My name is Will, my company is Blink, an experience in transposition. |
Dr. Eamon Inner circle ------------John Dream------------If you can Dream it, you can Do it! 1317 Posts |
Keep it visual and don't forget HUMOR! (I totally agree with Will about the effects.)
Miscalling items and colors are great for interaction with your public, Here I have the RED bal (While having the bleu ball in your hand) will cause them to shout NOOOO its the RED ball and There is nothing (or no egg) under my arm etcetera… I think you will know what I mean… create your own fun and easy presentation… don’t forget: Presentation is everything in magic!!!! The interaction is very important, keep your effects simple and visual, combined with some slapstick like mistakes your can make during your performance you will do a great job… GOOD LUCK! John |
Bill Nuvo Inner circle 3094 Posts or 2742 Posts |
I do a show every year for an agricultural fair. It's a VIP show for people with various degrees of challenges from mental to physical. I do my standard stage show with juggling (very visual), puppetry (rocky racoon), magic (appearing bowling ball, straightjacket escape). I have had nothing but compliments and almost everyone wants an autograph afterwards. By far it is really my favourite group to perform for.
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Staceydeani New user Saddle Lake, Alberta 2 Posts |
Quote:
On 2007-03-14 23:42, blink_inc wrote: I have a fair amount experience with special needs shows, and I agree with everything, except the mouth coils. any productions/disappearing items should not go into body orfices (mouth, eyes, ears, nose). trust me on this one.<personal experience> Any color changes, Visual high-impact (sponge balls are +++, colorchanging Rabbits++), I use Rocky Racoon also <with a warning about handling animals in the wild, of Course!). I like asking the crowd if they want a little card trick, or meduim or big card trick, and usually big card wins, so I use the jumbo bikes, and do a 2 card monte, or such.
"Pain Heals, Chicks Dig Scars....Glory Lasts Forever!" -Sean Falco (aka Keano Revees, in The Replacements)
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pghdude80 New user Pittsburgh 72 Posts |
Mark,
I'd be interested to hear how it goes as well. Maybe you could create a new thread once the show is done and let us know? I'd like to hear what worked for you and what didn't. Best, J |
shakes New user 59 Posts |
Hello,
I agree with all the previous posts, the only thing I would probably add also would be to do a sucker routine with one of the workers, the kids might get a kick out of that... Put up a post to let us know how it went, I'm very interested Best of luck |
Justin Style Inner circle 2010 Posts |
When you arrive at the facility, you need to size-up the situation. You might have a program planned out in your head but at the last minute might have to change it a little.
Just go with the flow. Don't rush, take your time and most of all, just be a nice person. Try to have fun and treat everybody with dignity and respect. The rest is easy. You don't have to be the world's best magician. Just go there with good intentions and you will be surprised at how well it will go. I am willing to bet that you won't even get to do all the stuff you planned... Good luck and keep 'em coming! |
RonCalhoun Special user Independence, KY USA 599 Posts |
My favorite audience in the world is mentally retarded adults. I have performed for a local group for a number of years. They appreciate everything. In fact, I had a DJ once tell me that if he played the ‘Star Spangled Banner’ they would all get up and dance. My advice is to keep everything simple and just enjoy being with these wonderful people.
Founder Heroin Doesn't Care. Find us on https://www.facebook.com/heroindoesntcare
www.heroindoesntcare.com |
zappyjingles New user 33 Posts |
G'day, G'day
I have 2 special needs sons and a daughter who is also special. I know the boys would love you just being there. The excitement will overwhelm you and their appreciation never ending. They have so much unconditional love to give. Thier zest for life just fills the room. You will be a huge hit and they will love you. Yes Big, Bright and simple is definately the way to go. Ring ahead and ask questions the carers are the most loving and generous people always willing to help you in any way they can. They also want this to be the best experience ever. Good Luck you will be fantastic. |
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