ohh ok.
so pull it out fastly and keep it in the air and walk around alot and put in a little acting?
it will make it look longer?

act like you are confused. You want it to look like it is magic for you also. You have to look just as surprised as they do. Then pull it out slowly, but not too slowly. And when you pull it out, keep it in the air as long as possible to make it appear bigger then it really is.

Its kind of confusing, but film yourself doing it and watch. See what works for you.

Ben Winter

Ok i understand!
thats what i was picturing in my head.
I went online and seen some people doing it.
i completely understand

I haven't performed this opener ever (or any opener yet for that matter ), but I thought up what I hope is a good opener:

The anouncer person (sorry can't think of the right term) starts introducing and ends off with "And without further ado, the magic show!" (I'll tell him in advance to say that)

I walk on stage with the disappearing cane and a suit and tie and start dancing, with a Broadway Show type of background music. After a few seconds I stop look confused, turn off the music and say "Wait a minute, did that guy say Magic Show, I thought he said Broadway Show. I'm so sorry for the confusion, let me change into my magic costume." I take off the suit and tie and make the cane disappear.

Of course in real life I'm going to make it much longer, and have the kids participate in it by asking them what he said and them screaming back magic show etc.

So that's about 5 hours of my waking time thinking about my routine, tell me what you think.

I like it but i don't think I would do that.
maybe because I am only 15.

The opener is a way to define the rest of the show.

~Athos

You don't have to present yourself as a serious non-mistake making magician. They enjoy watching you goof things up too. When the trick works it's usually done with the help of the kids.
I usually try it myself, mess it up then bring up the helper that then gets it done. Get er' done!

Hey guys, I'm going to suggest something here.
Pick up Dan Harlan's DVD "Magic show in a briefcase: Birthday Show"

He uses a simple TT and silk as a warm-up/game, and presents a great routine with it as well.

There are several other effects and ideas on the DVD that will be of help as well.

And, of course, there's the booklet "Comedy Warm-Ups for Children's Shows" by David Ginn, as well as his "Bringing Home the Laughs"... and the wealth of information to be found in his book Professional Magic for Children and the Kidbiz book/video series.

All the books and DVD's mentioned are excellent choices and I would recommend getting all of them.
But as we all know most of the hacks that keep coming on here and asking a 100&1 questions will never get one of them. They'd rather do it the fast & easy way, get just enough info that makes them think their ready and put on of half butt show.
Quit buying the magic stuff and spend as much as you can on the above mentioned material and you will have all and more questions answered.
Posted for the millioneth time!

I am ordering seriously silly now
cant wait till it comes in

another good opener for a kids show would be sponge balls, then use a clown nose instead of a ball and put it on

I think someone should have read the recent research on clowns?

what? I dont get it.

It made the news a few weeks ago. Research shows that a high percentage of kids *and adults* are afraid of clowns.