|
|
Go to page [Previous] 1~2~3~4 [Next] | ||||||||||
Mindpro Eternal Order 10586 Posts |
Where have you been doing shows of this type? Not in the Senior market I know. AD's would be fired on the spot.
|
|||||||||
krowboom Loyal user Chicago area 233 Posts |
What is an AD?
|
|||||||||
Al Angello Eternal Order Collegeville, Pa. USA 11045 Posts |
Do not do any card tricks because they have poor eye sight, bad memory, and will not hesitate to argue with you.
If you argue with an old person they will insult you. Do not tell any jokes from today's news because they won't know what you are talking about. When you use audience volunteers go to them, do not expect anyone to come to you. Do big colorful tricks that are easy to understand. Always talk slowly deliberately with out talking down to them. Expect to be interupted so just go with the flow, and make a joke out of everything. You would most likely do better with a 30 minute instead of a 45 minute show. These kind of jobs are usually booked for the 2:30 pm entertainment hour at senior centers, and nursing homes on week days for about $150 a show if you are lucky. I have done hundreds of these kind of shows.
Al Angello The Comic Juggler/Magician
http://www.juggleral.com http://home.comcast.net/~juggleral/ "Footprints on your ceiling are almost gone" |
|||||||||
Robin4Kids Veteran user Lower Alabama 396 Posts |
[quote]On 2013-05-27 16:32, krowboom wrote:
What is an AD? Activity Director |
|||||||||
krowboom Loyal user Chicago area 233 Posts |
Mindpro wrote: Where have you been doing shows of this type? Not in the Senior market I know. AD's would be fired on the spot.
Mindpro, what are you talking about? What do you mean by shows of this type? |
|||||||||
Mindpro Eternal Order 10586 Posts |
[quote]On 2013-05-27 14:12, krowboom wrote: Do an adult show and a little off color humor doesn't hurt either. Do not do a show right after lunch or you'll hear snoring. Try and get a gig after they've had a few cocktails.
[quote] My point was, like Al and Bill Hilly, I have done and booked a lot of these shows, probably between 100-200 (I wouldn't say hundreds like Al which is impressive). And any off-color humor would most definitely not be acceptable, and would directly reflect on the Activity Director who booked you. These positions are very low-paying with a great deal of pressure trying to find appropriate activities and entertainment on virtually no budget. Al's pricing suggestion is quite accurate as most in the Chicago are that we have performed pay $150-$175. They're mostly in the afternoon after lunch with an occasional morning show (usually due to our scheduling and availability when booking with other facilities). There has never in all of my years of doing this have I ever seen alcohol at these events. Senior Centers yes, perhaps, bit not living facilities. Actually I believe it is forbidden to serve alcohol in these places. Unless maybe they bring their own? I too am not a fan of approaching these shows buy doing your "kids show". That is the mentality of a kids performer, not an entertainer. Bill's advice of making references and approaching it from the stars and times of their generation is what I have found best. Do not ask, tell. Don't ask for volunteers, use your skill and knowledge to select who you want to use. Let them work from their seats if possible not having to come up. Do not treat them slow or stupid, they're old and perhaps ill to varying levels. Some will fall asleep, some won't be able to hear, yet at the same time others will complain its too loud, whenever possible use staff members, the AD and like using a Principal at schools, use the Administrator if they are willing and fun-loving. The only similarity to a kids show should be in keeping it squeeky clean. At their age, being from their generation, being that the elderly are usually quite religious and more conservative in views and humor (which is always subjective anyways) don't swear, do racy, topical or off-color humor. Remember the entire success, failure and content will directly affect the Activity Director that booked you. They often share info with other AD's from other facilities. When we work Chicagoland, many of these are owned and operated by the same handful of companies, so word travels quickly through the Senior community good or bad. I've talked before about how we have made pretty decent money arranging tours of these venues. It is all based on having the right, proper commercially clean content performances and presentations. This is what I was stating above. |
|||||||||
krowboom Loyal user Chicago area 233 Posts |
I didn't mean any offense and actually the senior shows I have done were not at senior facilities but at senior centers and churches. One show (sleepover) for the "red hats" in the evening was pretty lively and although I didn't see any alcohol I'm pretty sure there was some before I got there.
When I mean an adult show with a little off color humor I mean it in the most benign way. An example is "I got lucky, I found my way back to the bus". I am not talking about swearing or racy trash. However I do take exception to lumping seniors into a monolithic ultra conservative religious brain dead blob where anything short of Mary Poppins would offend them. I am going to be 70 this year and while I realize there is a big difference between 70 and 85 the seniors I have performed for and this included 60's to 90's were not of the variety you allude to. They were vibrant, lively (age appropriate lively), with it, didn't mind a double entendre in good taste and happy to be entertained. |
|||||||||
krowboom Loyal user Chicago area 233 Posts |
Oh and BTW I am from the Chicago land area and my mother-in-law (passed away several years ago) lived at a facility where they served wine at dinner (at least on Sunday when we would usually visit) and allowed guests to bring in their own wine if they preferred. They had no problem with alcohol. This was an independent living facility. I can't talk for assisted living or nursing homes which of course are totally different.
|
|||||||||
Julie Carpenter Regular user Watford 139 Posts |
Quote:
On 2011-10-28 08:38, jimhlou wrote: I did an after dinner talk/show this week and took a chance on the the growing/shrinking head. My audiencence averaged around 75 yrs old and about half of them could see the illusion. The other half were either asleep or didn't really know what they were looking at. I did some of my world war 2 act, a couple of balloons and a couple of mentalism routines. Very rewarding. |
|||||||||
jimhlou Inner circle 3698 Posts |
Love these gigs. After the show someone always comes up and talks with me - usually they knew a magician, or saw Blackstone live. One lady told me she played the piano while her magician friend did magic - imagine that! A silent act done to the piano!
A magic show is different than their usual activity day singers dancers, and they appreciate it. I too avoid cards, popping balloons, and memory type effects. I have tried the growing/shrinking head, but don't do it anymore. I open with the paper hat tear (to music), do the silk cylinder thing where the 3 silks tie themselves together, milk to light bub to a Sinatra song, the mis-made flag (older guys will stand up when the flag is produced), floating table, and close with a square circle production ending with a 6' butterfly. Jim |
|||||||||
jakeg Inner circle 1741 Posts |
I hate the term 'senior citizens'. In my mind, it's demeaning and it infers that we are different from the rest of the population in a negative way. I generally will say, 'we people of retirement age', or maybe, 'us AARP members'.
I play a senior center the same as I would play any family audience. In a nursing home, if necessary, I wind up working with some of the nurses aides and try to limit my audience participation routines. The only difference between how I present is to speak a little louder and work a little slower so that things have a chance to sink in before moving on to the next phase of a routine. By slower, I mean to cut the beat down to a fox trot, or in some cases a waltz. Now, where's that 'submit reply' button again? |
|||||||||
krowboom Loyal user Chicago area 233 Posts |
Now that we're on the subject I have a "young at heart" show coming up, seniors of all ages. I was going to open with the growing head illusion but are you saying it doesn't work or it's just so so? What about multiplying bottles (10 bottle set), round circle, vanishing Neilsen beer bottle, and sponge balls? Any suggestions for sure fire things that work with seniors? Thanks for the help.
|
|||||||||
stempleton Inner circle 1443 Posts |
This is one reason I oppose having older topics deleted...
I have been asked to consider just this type of show. I think there is a wealth of knowledge shared by all the posters, but I have a couple of questions, the first concerning not using cards. Does this include larger card effects, such as the McCombical deck (jumbo cards) and also Three Card Prince (even larger cards)? Also, about balloons popping. I do a balloon to bunny that older folks seem to enjoy (have done it for church groups, but never for a group of elderly persons exclusively). And would using a dog puppet routine, such as this, be too "kidsy?" http://www.practical-magic.com/component......Itemid=0 Regarding those that would not want to bring up age, my coin in bottle routine points out two items we very seldom see anymore... half dollar and 6 oz. coke bottles. Appropriate? Coin too small? Uhhh... maybe that was more than a couple of questions, but you'll forgive me. If there are others experienced with this type of audience, I'm sure I'm not the only one who would benefit from this thread continuing. Thanks! |
|||||||||
Bazinga Loyal user 277 Posts |
I agree, Steve, there's a lot of good info in this thread.
I don't think I've ever done cards or coins for these audiences, but consider how far away the back row might be from you. I've been in places where it was 60 feet from me to the back row. I do one rope trick and for a distance like that I make sure to use a red or blue rope and hold it up high. I hung different colors and lenghts on a Jet Set stand and paced off about 60 feet to see which ones I could see better. For the coin in a bottle, could you make one with a jumbo coin and a 2-liter bottle? That would give you an opportunity to add some comedy to the bit too. I don't if there would be an issue with popping a balloon, but I use that sheepdog puppet and it goes over great. I also use the Vern bird and a little boy puppet at different times. Just make sure everyone can see it and can hear you. For me a sound system is a must. I use a wireless headset mic. I hope that's helpful. Bazinga! |
|||||||||
TomBoleware Inner circle Hattiesburg, Ms 3163 Posts |
I think you can use cards or coins in a routine, IF you use a younger staff member as the helper.
They can be the eyes for the audience. Most staff members will play along and acknowledge to the audience that what you doing is real. If need be, keep telling the helper to 'tell the audience.' The staff will soon realize what you doing and gladly help with bringing the audience along. Keep in mind, some older people will see close up magic as 'playing tricks on people' and they will enjoy you 'tricking' the staff. Tom
The Daycare Magician Book
https://www.vanishingincmagic.com/amazekids/the-daycare-magician/ My Blog - https://boleware.blogspot.com/ |
|||||||||
Magician Shaun Special user Huntington BCH, CA 924 Posts |
I recently got booked for this type of show. It is a more expensive retirement home. The activity director called me and they were inviting a preschool or daycare to the event. Unfortunately the Daycare canceled and so the show was cancelled but it is definitely a market I am going to pursue in the near future. I will do my long street act. It plays to adults and children. Has effects that can be seen from a distance and seems to work well for all age groups.
|
|||||||||
harris Inner circle Harris Deutsch 8812 Posts |
Grandparents day and other occasions, make it a great combination for the assisted living residents and their (or neighborhood) grandchildren.
Another type of this show just past....Halloween. Upcoming ...Thanksgiving and Christmas at the Assisted Living Places. Unless it is places like Shalom Plaza...Then Hanukkah and Purim are favorite times of the year. Harris with only 17 days left in his 50's.... and who is going tonight, back in spin class for the 3rd time this week.
Harris Deutsch aka dr laugh
drlaugh4u@gmail.com music, magic and marvelous toys http://magician.org/member/drlaugh4u |
|||||||||
Rainboguy Inner circle 1915 Posts |
I respectfully would have to disagree with some of the "Do's" and "don't's" posted here.......
For my last 2 shows at Assisting Living Facilities, I Opened with Bill Abbott's 5 Card Opener using, of course, my own line of Patter. And I closed with my Card Sword. Card Tricks? Yes. They went over VERY well. In between was The Egg Bag, Botania, Miser's Dream, and Crystal Silk Cylinder to a giant 6 Foot Silk. My best advice to those looking to perform for Senior Citizen Facilites is to "Do A Circuit"....those performing professionally will know what I mean. Another benefit of doing these types of shows is that, for the most part, they tend to be "Daytime" shows, leaving your evenings free for better-paying shows. |
|||||||||
krowboom Loyal user Chicago area 233 Posts |
I recently did a show at a retirement home where the average ages were between 85-90. They all had to be wheeled in. I did my regular show concentrating on mostly visual stuff (flowers from a production tube and similar). I used puppets, told lots of jokes, used volunteers (with a little persuasion) and you know what happened, they were just like any other audience. The ones that stayed awake (I only noticed one sleeping but she was sleeping before the show started) loved it. Those that couldn't hear well still liked it because it was very visual. I think most of all, people this old appreciate your coming in and making the effort to entertain them, a break from an otherwise not so exciting existence.
|
|||||||||
LMLipman Elite user Falls Church, Va. 443 Posts |
I also mostly do kid shows, but I've done a few for retirement homes and assisted living homes. I recently did one in a senior apartment building where my 90 year old mother lives. The crowd was 85-95 and all of them were sharp. They each live in their own apartment.
I find that I can use some of the same tricks, but I approach them differently. I treat all of my older audiences as if my mother was a part of the audience. Big, colorful tricks work every well. I'll use jumbo cards, silks and anything that transforms from one easily recognized thing to another. I also do a little quick mentalism and some humor. The baby picture prediction always draws a laugh. My closer at all of these is a patriotic version of mismade flag and then I turn the flag into a huge American flag and play patriotic music while unfurling it. |
|||||||||
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » The little darlings » » Advice needed: Shows at Retirement Homes (0 Likes) | ||||||||||
Go to page [Previous] 1~2~3~4 [Next] |
[ Top of Page ] |
All content & postings Copyright © 2001-2024 Steve Brooks. All Rights Reserved. This page was created in 0.04 seconds requiring 5 database queries. |
The views and comments expressed on The Magic Café are not necessarily those of The Magic Café, Steve Brooks, or Steve Brooks Magic. > Privacy Statement < |