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61magic Special user Sacramento California 775 Posts |
This is an interesting post which had a lot of attention back in 2004 when the post started. Fast forward to today where many of us were hit pretty hard with the downturn in market with COVID shutting everything down.
There were times where I would have taken an outdoor show just to keep in performance practice before a live group. In any case I have done many shows over the years in outdoor venues like fairs, carnivals, company picnics even backyard birthday parties. I learned something from each and everyone one of them. This experience helped me to develop an act which could be performed using most of the same effects with some changing to fit the venue to reduce the outdoors problems. Even indoor venues have their issues and rarely ever "ideal" conditions which have to be accounted for. I did outdoor because I love to perform for people and not for myself in front of a mirror. Just a couple of thoughts...
Professor J. P. Fawkes
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Russo Inner circle So.California / Centl.Florida / retired Florida 1167 Posts |
Stages for Out Door Shows - I've done one on a low railed trailer for a Party Shop (they have / would recommend me for Parties )- also using an low open backed box'd or regular truck, which also was able to use of a 6 fold screen as backdrop - just be careful of Vol. coming up to asst you. Parking lots, Picnic Grounds - etc. Best to all Magi, Ralph
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Dynamike Eternal Order FullTimer 24148 Posts |
I perform outside a lot. What I like about outside is less to travel. No basement or upstairs to go to. But I cannot set up my backdrop because of the winds. I always must find a shaded area for my pets. And so the sun will not be in the children's eyes.
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ezystreamlive New user Australia 35 Posts |
I perform outside alot- my kids show can be done anywhere.
only conditions is they have a backup plan if it rains. and now we are in lockdowns- when that's nearing the end they only allow 5 people at homes but groups of 30 in parks- so I got no choice the only thing about performing in parks is if the performance area is a long walk from the car park, but as I am on a motorbike Sometimes I drive into the park if theres no cops around. but getting back to the original post you got a call from a daycare? that would be semi outdoors in their back playground why wouldn't you do it. they are enclosed wind is minimal. performing outdoors on a nice day is great. |
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vincentmusician Loyal user Toronto 266 Posts |
To be honest, I do not like it. However, with Covid, when the weather is good, I get a lot of outdoor Picnic and Backyard Magic Shows. Customers do not realize that it is more difficult to perform outside but I have developed a Kids and Adult Show for outdoors. If hot I also ditch the Fancy Clothes and dress a lot more casually when I perform outside in hot weather. Cheers!
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RNK Inner circle 7528 Posts |
Agree with others here. I actually do an annual daycare event were I am stationed outside. The only thing that gives me trouble sometimes when performing outside is a stable back-drop when it's windy. I do go without it sometimes but I like the aesthetics of having a back-drop.
Check out Bafflingbob.com
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Billybonkers Loyal user Diamond Bar L.A 251 Posts |
I perform inside, outside, front yards, back yards, driveways, in garages, in font of garages, in the street for block parties, on grass, on gravel, on concrete on astro turf. I do everything I can to make it work, no Ego or demands. I tell parents that they have enough going on hosting a Birthday party without the magician giving them more work, I'm there to make their life easier, not more difficult.
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Russo Inner circle So.California / Centl.Florida / retired Florida 1167 Posts |
- Agree with above. For 50 years,Outside, never needed a backdrop. Just open my folding case/table ( 4 self made, with different decor for different occasions) and perform . Fun fun fun.
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KC Cameron Inner circle Raleigh, North Carolina 1944 Posts |
I dislike outdoor shows, but I started doing magic again after a 2-years hiatus due to covid and I am now doing birthday shows outside.
Problems: 1) Wind blowing props and being a distraction 2) potential for props getting dirty 3) often too hot or cold 4) Sun too bright 5) Bugs 6) outsiders joining the party 7) Other distractions (play equipment. cars planes, stray dogs, other vendors, etc.) 8) often I need a PA 9) Backdrop doesn't work b/c of wind and dirt 10) Often if done in a park there is a long pack-in and out. One local park also has horrible parking, often taking 15+ minutes to find parking. Traditionally I do a lot of shows, and outside I often don't have access to power so I have to use a battery-powered PA. I need extra batteries just in case they die. Doing several or more parties a day, this is inevitable. I also bring my parrot, and being outside presents some unique challenges too. |
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danfreed Inner circle West Chester PA 1354 Posts |
There are some potential advantages to outdoor parties though, it depends on the situation. Sometimes indoor parties are hotter than outside, sometimes noisier, sometimes crowded, sometimes harder to get your stuff into the show space, often down steps. Sometimes outdoor set-ups are quicker and easier. I always say in advance if it's outside the kids and I need full shade in a level area.
Dan Freed
AKA The Amazing Spaghetti https://www.magiciandanfreed.com/birthday-party-magician-for-kids http://thecaricatureartist.com http://danieljayfreed.com |
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KC Cameron Inner circle Raleigh, North Carolina 1944 Posts |
True, but "sometimes" is the key word. Unless I know of an issue, I will always prefer indoors
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Jerry Hornak Regular user Northwest Connecticut 132 Posts |
I always said, cheerfully, "If we do it outside, I'll need a level spot in the shade. Level, so my table won't fall over, and in the shade so the children won't get sunburned."
This let them imagine the disaster of a magician's table falling over, as well as parents complaining about their sunburned kids. Most of the time, they'd go out of their way to find a good spot or put me in the open garage. The worst was when they said, "No problem, we have a tent set up!" I just knew it would be an 8' x 8' canopy on skinny legs that the grandparents had already claimed, alongside the cake. Then I'd find someplace under a tree on my own and use the blocks I always had with me to level my table.
Making Happy Memories for Children since 1980!
https://JerrysMagic.com |
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KC Cameron Inner circle Raleigh, North Carolina 1944 Posts |
I like the sunburn and table comments. Thanks, I'll use those!
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Jerry Hornak Regular user Northwest Connecticut 132 Posts |
Please do! It made me sound like I was more concerned with a trouble-free show and safe children than with my own comfort.
Of course, in the dead of summer, I'd always follow that up with the quip, "Of course, A/C is always nice, too," said in a humorous tone. A lot of times, they'd agree and have me inside where it was nice. Those few times they didn't care about anyone's comfort? Eh, it was just one show among many. Life goes on.
Making Happy Memories for Children since 1980!
https://JerrysMagic.com |
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