Magic at birthday parties

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Permalink Reply by Brandon Smith on February 12, 2010 at 6:58pm

You should perform what you are comfortable with and have been doing for a while. What do you do best? You will want to put that in your show. If this is your first birthday party you may be a little nervous so you don't want to try to combat nerves while trying to remember how to do a new effect. That will only make things worse. Do the things that you already know well and it will help increase your confidence at the show.

That being said and not knowing what you might already have or do I can suggest a few things that you should probably already know. Try a warm up effect with the kids, such as vanishing a scarf in a t*t* while having the kids shout out magic words (either something nonsensical or "Happy Birthday So & So." Fail to vanish it the first few times by telling them the magic words weren't loud enough or someone wasn't saying the right words, etc. This will get them into mind set that it is OK to participate and have fun within the limits you set. You can then use that same magic word throughout the show and have the kids shout it out so they feel like they are participating even if they aren't on stage with you.

I also find that using something to make a gift appear for the birthday child is a nice way to end the show. If you have any sort of production box this can be a good use for it. Also making a gift for the mother that hired you and having the birthday child deliver it to her is a nice touch. I use Micheal Mode's Napkin Rose but any small trinket can work. It can even be produced in the same manner the birthday child's gift was.

Brandon Smith
www.MagicForAnyOccasion.com

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Permalink Reply by Jason Stives on February 20, 2010 at 10:48am

i am also trying to figure out wat 2 wear i was thinking of a suit is tht a good idea?

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Permalink Reply by Mark Williams on February 20, 2010 at 9:59pm

Jason, Sounds good! The manner of dress really depends on your Performance Style. I normally wear a Tuxedo shirt, with a Cumberbund (Either Red or Green), a matching Bow Tie and a pair of Black Dress Slacks. As for shoes, I typically will wear Tennis Shoes. Heck, I want to be comfortable while walking around...plus nice leather dress shoes bother my feet. You will need to determine if you are a suit kinda guy. Maybe just a nice shirt and tie with a pair of dress pants would be better. Unless of course, you need a jacket for hidden apparatus.

Best Magical Regards,

Mark Williams

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Permalink Reply by Brandon Smith on February 20, 2010 at 10:31pm

Mark's right it depends on your performance style. Some kids show magician's have wild and crazy outfits that lean somewhat towards the way clowns dress. Others go more serious and might even wear a sports coat. Some dress as certain characters like wizards or pirates. You need to figure out what you performing persona is. Are you a formal magician doing card and dove work, are you more clown like, are you somewhere in between.

I don't know that I'd go in a business suit for a kids party but you also don't need to dress as a clown either. Dress slacks and a casual button down shirt is usually a safe bet but don't be afraid to dress a little on the wild side if you think that fits your persona. I try to look a little different than just the average guest to the party. I've done birthdays in pirate shirts, sports coats, Hawaiian shirts, short sleeved collared shirts. It depends on the occasion, the ages of kids, and if there is a theme to the party. You can always ask the parent hiring you if there is a certain theme and if they have a preferred style of dress for you. Most don't care however some may expect a magician to look a certain way. By trying to meet their expectations you start off on the right foot to making them happy they hired you.

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Permalink Reply by Jason Stives on February 20, 2010 at 11:02pm

ok thanks tommorow is my show so thanks for the info and advice

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Permalink Reply by Brandon Smith on February 20, 2010 at 11:09pm

Good luck and let us know how it went.

Brandon Smith
www.magicforanyoccasion.com

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Permalink Reply by Phil Tawa on February 21, 2010 at 12:14am

It depends on the age group. Keep it as compact as you can. Coloring book or for older kids sketch o magic.
Lots of cool silk sets. Mouth coils.Spring snakes,spring rocky raccoon. If you didn't already do it and need some more advice track me down.........should be pretty easy.

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Permalink Reply by Jason Stives on February 22, 2010 at 9:24pm

the show was a sucess thanks to all who gave me fantastic advice

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Permalink Reply by Bob Durante on February 23, 2010 at 11:24pm

Parents and kids will loose interest very quick if you do run of the mill magic tricks. In a big town where you have other magicians, clowns,etc working kids shows do your own magic, have your own character so the family feels they are not buying a magic show they are paying to have The Great Weenie or whoever you want to call yourself come and perform. Put your own slant and your own patter to what you are doing and remember to include the birthday child and his or her family. If you can create a trick with a photo op for the birthday child that is a picture they will keep for a long time and it will get you repeat and referral business.

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Permalink Reply by Jason Stives on February 24, 2010 at 6:19am

how do i do tht photo thing

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Permalink Reply by Mark Williams on February 24, 2010 at 10:33pm

Jason, The easiest way to create a Photo-op is to have the Birthday Child assist you with an effect. Perhaps give him a wand to wave as you both say the Magic Words. Have the parents clued in as to when to take the picture. There are many other ways like buying a banner with a hole cut into it. The banner can have a rendition of a Rabbit emerging from a Top Hat. The 'hole' would be where the bunny's face might be (if it were painted there)...instead the Birthday Child's face completes the picture (when they place their head through the hole). Parents will definitely want to capture that moment with their cameras.

Or, something like this:

Best Magical Regards,

Mark Williams

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Permalink Reply by Bob Durante on February 24, 2010 at 11:51pm

Mark you hit the nail on the head. I actually use the Ickle Pickle rabbit wand and a few other type items like this. I finish off my show by bringing the birthday child and the parents or parent up and create some balloons for them then they all pose and a great photo is taken and kept to remember the party. You can make the mom a flower or teddy bear, dad gets the sword as he is the king and you can make the child a party hat or monkey in a tree etc..
People remember this type of stuff and it does get you booked over and over again. You are really showing that you are a family entertainer and you create that warm "FUZZY" feeling for all your audience.

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