To RockThisTown...I used a few card productions in a kids' show before, but it was just producing a jumbo fan from a silk twice in a row. Card productions are great in their own right, but are very repetitive and kids can get bored with them.

Listen to sluggo, he knows his stuff.

Also, with kids, think what they like. Big, colorful, and visual.

In response to the escape question, I'd listen to paddy.

No offense meant to DavidTheCryptic, I just don't think escapes are a good idea during a children's performance.