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Tate Loyal user NC 211 Posts |
Well, I had a call from a church that wants a magic show on Halloween. There's just two restrictions. I can't say "magic" and I can't say, "Halloween". Oh, and of course, no card tricks. I wanted to ask her, "Why did you call a magician?"
Okay, seriously. I've done shows where a disclaimer was requested at the beginning and that's fine. But this time they really want all references to "magic" taken out. No magic wand, no magic words. Okay, I can do that. So here (finally) is the reason for my post. I'm going through my different acts and selecting "non-magic" effects. Things like; Gene Gordon's Whiz Quiz, Bongo Hat, Axtell Drawing Board. (Ok, it's magical, but not magic.) Does anyone have any suggestions for other "non-magic" entertainment? Tate |
Al Kazam the Magic Man Inner circle Living in Perth Western Australia 1042 Posts |
I'm a bit interested to know why they're celebrating Halloween in the first place, and then asking a magician to come, but you're not allowed to have any references to magic or magic words etcetra. Seems like a dilemma to me. I hope all the kids don't come dressed up as vampires. HA, only kidding, but wondering.
If I come up with some non magic effects, I'll be sure to post. All the best, JoJo Just got a flash. Paper balls over the head. No magic or magic words there. I do it as an eye test for the kids who come up to help. All in a very soft sort of funny way. It works great if the kids are on your side.
Magic guy in Perth Australia
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RiffClown Inner circle Yorktown, Virginia (Previously Germany) 1579 Posts |
The paper balls over the head is a great idea. Rope tricks come to mind. Yes they are magical but you don't need to say magic or any magical words to convey the effect. Add a confused look and you have an appropriate comedy routine. Rubber band effects also could be useful.
You could also do the rope effect where the volunteer wears a jacket and escapes.
Rob "Riff, the Magical Clown" Eubank aka RiffClown
<BR>http://www.riffclown.com <BR>Magic is not the method, but the presentation. |
Andrew Loyal user 285 Posts |
Perhaps I'm mistaken, but it sounds to me you can do magical routines, but simply not use the word "magic" or "Halloween" when performing. Only the patter need be changed and not the effect.
When performing for churches, I tend not to use the word "magic" as this has in the past been a stumbling block for some present. Andrew |
Tate Loyal user NC 211 Posts |
Thanks for the help so far.
JoJo - Yes, you're right, they're not "celebrating Halloween." They're having a "Harvest Festival!" Andrew - I didn't make my thoughts clear. Yes, I could do magic and avoid saying "magic." But I decided to avoid any problems and create a program of "non-magic" routines. I see this as a challange. After all, I consider myself an entertainer - let's see if I can entertain without using magic. So, does any one else have any suggestions? |
DanTheMagicMan Regular user Edgewater, Maryland USA 139 Posts |
Hi Tate, I recognize you from Kidabra!
I think Rocky Racoon is a good fit as well as other routines with puppets. Also, many of the "kids see/magician doesn't see" type of tricks work too: Bakery Bear, Sammy Smith's blooming bouquet routine, wilting flower are a few that come to mind. I guess the comedy wands are out!
Dan The Magic Man
e-mail:[email]info@familymagicshows.com[/email] web site:www.familymagicshows.com MagicEvents.org - View or subscribe to upcoming magic events and birthdays. |
sdgiu Elite user The Boonies, NC 456 Posts |
Tate
The Non-Halloween thing seems to be throwing people, since my church is doing a Harvest Festival type thing also, I think we're on the same sheet of music. Therefore, I'll try to enlighten those who are interested, but confused. The idea is to give kids an alternative to attend in place of Halloween. We usually emphasize being thankful for the Harvest, usually an old time idea, but it works, and gives us a reason to give the kids candy/treats, i.e. sharing the harvest. In the past, I've been to them where the kids dress up as bible Characters, but recently the kids haven't dressed up at all, and don't seem to miss it. It's a good idea, and alternative. Hope that explains it to everyones satisfaction. Godspeed Steve |
GlenD Inner circle LosAngeles, Ca 1293 Posts |
Steve, my church does the same thing and this Sunday is when it is going on and yours truly will be doing some strolling "magic" for the kids. Probably I will be approaching very small groups of kids and doing a trick or two, maybe three at a time. If they hold still for a bit and are interested or if a little group gathers, I will be prepared to do a few additional tricks. I have been given no disclaimers so I am planning on doing "magic" tricks. Some will have a message, some will just be for entertainments sake.
Tate, I think you will do fine. Are there any expectations they have with what you will be doing ? Do they want messages or gospel effects or just fun and a good time? Give them some fun and put a few smiles on their faces and if you get a clear message across then you will have succeeded. Sorry that I can't recommend much in the way of non-magic things to do. I am limited to close-up and some stand up stuff, I do not do any puppet or clown type of things (intentionally anyways!). God bless and good luck. GlenD
"A miracle is something that seems impossible but happens anyway" - Griffin
"Any future where you succeed, is one where you tell the truth." - Griffin (Griffin rocks!) |
BroDavid Inner circle America’s North Coast, Ohio 3176 Posts |
I use a number of gimmick effects - not so much in strolling - but when I have to be "up front" in a stage or parlor type setting. They make it easy, and they certainly don't get confused with "magic"
I use a spring skunk for a message about how people see us, and how God sees us, as I swap it with an albino Rocky. I also use a stiff rope to demonstrate faith and use Peter walking on water as the illustration. The spring animals are the closest I get to Clowning and Kids magic, but all ages seem to enjoy them and the stiff rope. I don't think you need to say magic or magical even as you perfrom. You only have to say this is an illustration, or demonstration, illusion, or say "Look at this", or don't even explain anything, just start into the routine. Pray for Wisdom and Courage, and let God lead you in what you do. Obviously you want to adhere to the Church's wishes as much as possible. But don't let yourself get too bound up over it. You have the right desire in your heart. Now go and do it. At the end of the day, if God is pleased, then you have done the right thing. If the Church is pleased, that is good too, but not as necessary as whether or not God was pleased. If they take exception to something, and you have earnestly and honestly tried to meet their criteria, but for some reason, they don't agree that you did....Oh Well.... you tried. And as long as God knows that, and is pleased, that is enough. What is the worst that can happen? It is that you did not Honor God! It isn't whether or not you said "magic". (Which you will attempt not to do). Maybe that Church will not invite you back. Maybe they will. But more importantly is; Did you ask God's help. Did you do your best to keep your word? And Was God Glorified. And in my experience, if you Honor God, you will get far more requests to perform. Don't pressure yourself too much. Do right, Honor God, and Let God handle the pressure. BroDavid
If you stand for nothing, you will fall for anything.
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Tate Loyal user NC 211 Posts |
I wanted to let everyone know how things went on Halloween.
The show was very well received. It was in a gymnasium, with the kids gathered down front and adults in the back. Yes, the adults talked during the show, but they talked while the Pastor was making announcements, too. The show was pretty much as I wrote in the first post. (Drawing board, Bongo hat, Wiz quiz) I also used a running gag throughout the show, starting with the comic mindreading "NO" card. (You know. "Sir, do you know what word in on the back of this card?" "No." "You are absolutely correct!") Later I had someone call out a number between 1 and 100. "Would you be amazed if I had your number on the back of this card?" On the back of the card I had "Your Number" printed. And I finished up with the two sided "Baby" card. The woman who hired me met me after the show. She was thrilled with it. The funny thing is, during the show I must have seen at least a half dozen "Harry Potter" costumes in the audience. One of them on an adult. Thanks to everyone who helped. Tate |
Digital Backlot Regular user So. Cali 115 Posts |
I love your ending, heehee, the Harry Potter thing is funny. I go to church and many of the older ladies want me to show them a new trick each week (keeps me on my toes).
I find it funny when churches dumb down a child as if they don't understand what reality is. If they're a good church, they'd be talking to their children on a regular basis about what fantasy is, since it's on TV every second of the day. |
RevJohn Inner circle Oregon City Oregon, Oregon 2473 Posts |
Tate,
Thanks for filling us in on how it went. Glad that it went well, and you felt good about the performance. John |
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