Hospital Magic :: Help!

[MagicSanj]

Hey Everyone,

This summer I am going to be volunteering at a hospital. There are many options of what I can do such as being an escort or being a nurses assistant...etc. There is also something called a "caring clown" which is just a quiet clown who does funny things to make the patients laugh, however, the clown really isn't funny at all and most patients agree with me, unless they are drugged up or something...

Anyway, I really want to perform magic and the lady supervising the volunteers would definitely be open to letting me go around and perform for the patients, however, my question is, what type of effects are good to perform? I was thinking stuff that is easy to follow such as spongeballs, because I really want to interact with them. I was also thinking stuff like biddle, panic, witness, and anything else that is supervisual. I am supposed to keep a "funny and lighthearted" personality so most of the tricks I do shouldn't be too serious.

On a final note, to those of you who are experienced, is it easy or hard to perform in a hospital in your opinions?

Thanks a lot everyone.

Much appreciated,

-Sanj

 

[splitspades]

i am also going to be doing some magic at my local hospital. i have the same idea as you.
the person said i could also do a big magic show for the kids every once in a while. what i am going to do is some really visual stuff like you said. for example- appearing 8 foot pole, dissapearing cane etc. good luck!

 

[MagicSanj]

i am also going to be doing some magic at my local hospital. i have the same idea as you.
the person said i could also do a big magic show for the kids every once in a while. what i am going to do is some really visual stuff like you said. for example- appearing 8 foot pole, dissapearing cane etc. good luck!

Ah ok, but the problem is, I am not doing the show for KIDS, I also don't have to many gimmicks other than WOW and The Advocate (more of a tool) and stuff like that...

Thanks for the response though,

-Sanj

 

[MagicShadow9]

Well most people are sick and it's probably not a good idea for them to handle your props. I know this may be harsh but you don't wanna wake up a week later knowing you got swine flu from doing a spongeballs routine at a hospital.

Anyways, it's best to keep things simple. Some people may be in a state of shock or depression from whatever disease they have and they might not be able to pay attention as much. Some may even have attention disorders or short-term memory loss. So it's best to make the tricks short and easy to follow.

Hope this helps. See you at Tannens!

 

[Dima]

Sanders' Fiber Optics should play well for any number of people methinks. Card stuff like Chicago Opener and Oil/Waters are always great. Plus a bit of coinage.

 

[William Draven]

I swear to god I answered this thread, or a thread just like it. Try doing a search for it for my full in depth responses, but I'll curtail the information into an abbreviated response.

don't do fire effects period. No flash paper, cotton, string, bills. No fire wallets, breathing, or eating. Hospitals have a lot of O2 tanks around and O2 is VERY flammable.

Don't do tricks that have candy loads that you give away at the end (such as lotta bowls, etc) Some patients may not be able to eat the candy and you'll look bad if the nurse has to take away your gift as soon as it's given.

Do anything that packs small and plays big. Your going to travel a lot, and probably not have a lot of reset time. Sponges, cards, coins, and the like will do well for you.

Be careful about tricks using balloons or doing balloon animals as some hospitals have regulations forbidding the use or give away of latex balloons (making mylar your only option) I'd check with your hospital staff first to clear any balloon effects (like pressure) if you plan to do them.