Stage magic / kid magic

Jan 11, 2011
150
0
Yo dudes.


Just recently my teacher found out i do magic. Now he's asking me to do a gig at his kid's.

I have no prior stage experience. I have been doing street for 5 years, but no stage.

But I'm 15. Does it make sense? Kids doing kid magic for kids? With no experience?

Please advise.

Should I take it up?


Thanks.
 
Apr 14, 2011
192
0
I'd take the gig. I'm 14 and I would definitely take that opportunity. Stage magic is not that different from close up, if you'd believe it.
 
Apr 2, 2011
44
1
Germany
I'd take the gig. I'm 14 and I would definitely take that opportunity. Stage magic is not that different from close up, if you'd believe it.

Of course you should. I'm also 14. And you could also do close-up. I think you'll do it in the class room. Cards are always good. ;)
 
I've been exactly the same situation. Got a phone call for a kids party (it was my first one) turned up and realised it was my headmaster (we were both as surprised as each other), needless to say, as awkward as it was, the kids loved it and I gained experience with what kids respond to and what they don't.

I was 15 at the time and only ever really did card magic so it was a big challenge for me. I worked around the whole stage problem by suiting in to my style, so I got them all to sit in a semi-circle with me in the middle and did some sponge, coins, some simple ESP stuff as it's just shapes to them, and even got away with a few visual card effects.
 

RickEverhart

forum moderator / t11
Elite Member
Sep 14, 2008
3,637
471
46
Louisville, OH
Sponge Bunnies or Balls, Cut and Restored Rope, Vanish a silk with a TT, Stratosphere, D'Lite's if you have the proper lighting, A Change Bag Routine, Cups and Balls, Magic Coloring Book, Hippity Hop Rabbits, Linking Rings, Pen through Dollar, Tea Kettle Trick, Break a way wand, Peanut Butter and Jelly trick, Vanishing deck of cards (this is the one that is about 5 bucks in almost any brick and mortar shop). Something with a jumbo coin perhaps. Torn and restored newspaper.

These are just ideas and some of the effects that I use. By no means do I want you to go purchase a whole new set of props but if you don't have anything at all like these...hmmm...you may want to reconsider the gig. 7 year old kids do not want to watch card tricks, and color changes for a half hour.

You basically want very visual effects with things appearing or disappearing. Card tricks for kids that age are probably not going to be much fun. I wouldn't do more than one card effect. Attention spans are very quick at that age. Your show shouldn't go over 25-30 minutes for this particular age group. Have helpers and get the kids involved. You need to laugh a lot and show them you can have fun but also you must be in complete control as well.

Let me know if you have specific questions. Reality One is a specialist in this particular type of gig as well.
 
Apr 14, 2011
192
0
how much stage magic do you perform anyway?

I'd take it. It's a great learning oppetunity for you. Pass or fail you'll walk away with a valuable experience.

Not that much, but I have performed at a few birthday parties with around 20 or so kids (Same as he is being offered)
and it was pretty awesome. I did some sponge ball, card transpos, ACRs, a few coin things (coin bite) and ended with a bill through dollar.


7 year old kids do not want to watch card tricks, and color changes for a half hour.

You basically want very visual effects with things appearing or disappearing. Card tricks for kids that age are probably not going to be much fun. I wouldn't do more than one card effect.

Very, very, very true.
 
Oct 20, 2008
273
0
Austin, TX area
How much time and money do you have to prepare? I would look at that limit first -- but not just as a limit. Let it guide you into the first choices.

My experiences come from making the best of my own parlor material on a table I've set up wherever it landed. Use color, keep moving, no creepy Blaine or Criss Angel pauses, and have fun.

Rather than detail it all out - I'll offer advice instead if anything I have performed for the little ones around here comes up. Otherwise, try this: Big motions, bright colors and spectacle mean a LOT more than impossible. You know how we normally cover up the little motion with a big one? Forget that. Make big motions to keep their attention.

Alright. Cards. Don't. If you need to then work in the $3 card frame. Not the $1 silver deal that's barely larger than the card. That one breaks. The three dollar red one will suffice. You get to destroy something and no one is going to ground you. THAT is magic to a seven year old.

a few coin things (coin bite)
I'm curious. This goes well in with "breaking things" philosophy, but it's also rather small. How well did that go over? It seems it could have gone either way.
 

RealityOne

Elite Member
Nov 1, 2009
3,744
4,076
New Jersey
The best idea is to take things you know and props you have and develop them into a routine. So, what effects do you currently perform? What resources (books, DVD, etc) and props do you have? Also, do you have a budget to get some new resources and props? The answers to those questions will help us work with you to develop a show.
 
Apr 14, 2011
192
0
If you need to then work in the $3 card frame. Not the $1 silver deal that's barely larger than the card. That one breaks. The three dollar red one will suffice. You get to destroy something and no one is going to ground you. THAT is magic to a seven year old.

I'm not sure what you mean by the $1 silver deal. But Coin bite went over fairly well as I had some quarters handed out and told the kids to try and break them with their hands. I said I was so strong I could bite it in half. I did coinbite and they were floored.
 
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