On Apr 30, 2016, Dick Oslund wrote:
Both Brian and Michael have said it VERY WELL!

I was booked for a college "all nighter", a "few" years ago, to do close up performing. On similar gigs over the years, I had spent the evening (and, morning!) strolling. When I arrived, the client had a big round table with chairs, set up in the middle of a very large room. He had planned on my doing two 20 minute performances every hour. It was apparent that he thought this was the best way to "use" my services.

I sat down, and, the table's eight chairs were immediately occupied! I did a trick, and, the kids applauded enthusiastically I did my #2 bit, and, the applause was louder. I looked up, and there were about 15 people, standing in a circle around those seated. Another routine, and the response was bigger. There were kids standing on chairs, in a second circle!

I was afraid that someone would fall off a chair! I finished the set, and spoke with the student who had booked me, and, had watched the crowd "grow".

I suggested that it would be "safer" to stroll! He agreed, and, we had a fine evening (and, morning!)

The only magician I know/knew who often worked a "Castle style" close up gig, in a separate room from the main party, was Karrell Fox. The client would distribute tickets, with show times imprinted. Karrell's agent had arranged for Karrell to do a series of 15 minute performances. Every one had a front row seat, and, the "system" worked well.

Of course, if it was an affair with a large attendance, Karrell would stroll. He often wore a RED top hat. The MC would announce that "our magician, this evening, will be strolling the room, wearing a RED top hat.

Now, if I may, I'll add just a few additional thoughts to Brian and Michael's posts.

People tend to think that magicians are for the kids! So, it's wise to develop material that can play to kids, too, whether it's a strolling job, or a large parlor, or platform show.

I've never done a "kiddie" show. Many times in working schools, especially in the rural prairie states, I had a Kindergarten through Senior High School audience. My routines were planned to entertain that "mixed" group. If working a family event, I would often have a Kindergarten through Senior Citizen group!

I didn't carry "kiddie props". I used mostly GENERIC props. I did tricks whose effect could entertain almost any age span. My criteria for selecting tricks/routines made this possible. I listed my criteria in my book.

On Apr 30, 2016, Dick Oslund wrote:
Both Brian and Michael have said it VERY WELL!

I was booked for a college "all nighter", a "few" years ago, to do close up performing. On similar gigs over the years, I had spent the evening (and, morning!) strolling. When I arrived, the client had a big round table with chairs, set up in the middle of a very large room. He had planned on my doing two 20 minute performances every hour. It was apparent that he thought this was the best way to "use" my services.

I sat down, and, the table's eight chairs were immediately occupied! I did a trick, and, the kids applauded enthusiastically I did my #2 bit, and, the applause was louder. I looked up, and there were about 15 people, standing in a circle around those seated. Another routine, and the response was bigger. There were kids standing on chairs, in a second circle!

I was afraid that someone would fall off a chair! I finished the set, and spoke with the student who had booked me, and, had watched the crowd "grow".

I suggested that it would be "safer" to stroll! He agreed, and, we had a fine evening (and, morning!)

The only magician I know/knew who often worked a "Castle style" close up gig, in a separate room from the main party, was Karrell Fox. The client would distribute tickets, with show times imprinted. Karrell's agent had arranged for Karrell to do a series of 15 minute performances. Every one had a front row seat, and, the "system" worked well.

Of course, if it was an affair with a large attendance, Karrell would stroll. He often wore a RED top hat. The MC would announce that "our magician, this evening, will be strolling the room, wearing a RED top hat.

Now, if I may, I'll add just a few additional thoughts to Brian and Michael's posts.

People tend to think that magicians are for the kids! So, it's wise to develop material that can play to kids, too, whether it's a strolling job, or a large parlor, or platform show.

I've never done a "kiddie" show. Many times in working schools, especially in the rural prairie states, I had a Kindergarten through Senior High School audience. My routines were planned to entertain that "mixed" group. If working a family event, I would often have a Kindergarten through Senior Citizen group!

I didn't carry "kiddie props". I used mostly GENERIC props. I did tricks whose effect could entertain almost any age span. My criteria for selecting tricks/routines made this possible. I listed my criteria in my book.