Hey Everyone,
I wasn't really sure where to post this topic but this is kinda at a moments notice. I have just booked my first ever kid show and this one is real its not for friends or family its actually a stranger. I am freaking out I am not sure what to do or what to bring. I have a routine in mind that uses hat tears, the stiff rope, some coin stuff, but I do mostly close up cards. I don't really have kid show material, if there is any one out there that performs for children and wouldn't mind giving me advice for dealing with strangers and any effects they use that is entertaining. Thank you so much.
-Amelia

MagicDiva,
Personally, I dislike children, and avoid doing magic for them like the plague that they are, but you should check out "The Little Darling", a forum on this site that is about performing for children, or repost there.
As for your jitters, Everyone is "Freaked" their first time. It can't be helped, but you can decide how that will effect you. Try to remember that no matter what happens or goes wrong. your life won't end, or angry torch carrying villagers won't drum you out of the magic community. I think what makes us nervous is mostly dwelling on failure. Keep in mind that the day after your show, you'll have gain knowledge, experience, and the title of professional. Besides that, your life will be as it was the day before, no matter what.
Hope I helped a little, and have a great show! After this one, you'll never have to do a first show again.
Nando

Greetings,

Please don't take this the wrong way, but why would you book a paying show (or any show) without having an act!? Maybe should you consider letting a more qualified kids show magician do the show?

Unless the show is a ways away and you'll have plenty of time to practice. But if the show is one week, I wouldn't do it.

I think anyone that performs for a living would agree with me.

Just a thought.

I agree with Jason. The client is (theoretically) paying for a polished professional entertainer. In the long run you are only hurting yourself and the perception of magicians in general if you do a show for which you are unprepared.
Sincerely,
tr

Thanks for the advice everyone. I have done magic for kids before but they were people I knew, what is making me nervous about this show is the fact that it is for strangers. I know how to entertain children, I was a babysitter for years. I should have been more clear in my first post I just wanted to know what some of the magicians that perform for children do to prepare for a show and what they perform? Or any advice they can give me about doing my first show for strangers. Thank you for informing about "The Little Darlings" forum. I usually only check out the close-up forums on here. My fault, I should have done a search, but thanks again everyone.

As a children's magic specialist I find it really annoying (nothing personal) when people book a children’s show without being prepared.

This goes back to the idea that you can do anything because they are just kids, and adds to the stereotype of the bad children's magician.

PLEASE don't book a gig unless you are ready for it and if you don't think kids are your venue, don't do it!

I know a couple of magicians locally who do not do kids shows period. So when they get a call, they refer to me, as I will refer bar shows to them (I don't do bars or nightclubs)

MagicDiva,

You said you have done children's shows for friends' children and played well. If that's the case, just do what you did for them, the same way you did it.

Don't mess with hat works.

Cards and kids, however, usually don't work because kids have trouble remembering which card is which. If you're going to use cards, try alphabet or color cards instead of playing cards and work in a story to go with the tricks.

Hat tears - kids love them. C & R rope, plays well, balls over the head IF you get the WHOLE audience to PROMISE (make them raise their little hands and SWEAR) that they will NOT TELL how this is being done and LISTEN for the kid who tries and remind him or her, gently but firmly - "You PROMISED!"

Anything with the kid's name appearing on it plays well - kids love to see their names on things. And above all, be visual, and funny.

Best of luck - I avoid kid's shows after having done them off and on for years. They can be wonderful and they can be the worst nightmare you can imagine.

Stay on your toes, keep thinking and keep MOVING! A moving target is harder to hit!

Lee Darrow, C.Ht.

Have you done this show yet magicdiva? If so, how'd it go?

Did you get kicked in the shins?

Hi Everyone,

I just wanted to state that I did the show and it was one of the best performances I have ever done. I never had so many 7 year old marriage proposals. All of the kids enjoyed the show. The show lasted an hour and afterwards we played games. The parents enjoyed the show too, they said I was a lot more entertaining than "Dora the Explorer" which is a children's television show. Most of them said they were going to refer me to friends and family. I can't wait for my next show this is one of the best feelings ever. Thanks for everyone that gave me advice!

~Amelia

MagicDiva,
Congratulations!!! I've been doing kids shows for 39 years and still have a blast doing them. At the right ages they STILL BELIEVE. To see the utter awe in their faces is worth everything. First I've heard about playing Games with them...what kind???
Your fellow Birthday Party Animal,
Aragorn the Magician

Well done amelia, hope your next is as good, even better

Thanks!
I had a great time performing, after all I'm just a big kid myself. Yeah after the show I just played games like red light/green light, duck duck goose and mother may I. The kids had such a great time and loved every minute of it. By the end of the night they wanted to come home with me. It was great! Thanks for the support fellow Magi...WOo hoo I feel great!

~Amelia

Well done!

Beating Dora is quite a feat. Make sure you send a thank you note and get some comments for your marketing. I think we have another kid show convert in the making. Frank