Hello guys,

I just have a question. What is the ideal number of tricks to be performed at a 30 min kid magic show. The age group 7-10 yr old.
thank you

-Sterling

The key word is "PERFORMED." In that case I use 4 effects, sometime I will get to 5 but rarely. Remember that it takes at least twice the performance time for the patter and the best programs are themed to a story that the entertainer tells while performing minor miracles.

Peter

I would say 6 or 7. Please keep in mind that kids do not have a long attention span.

Jean-Marc

Jean, you don't do a lot of kid's shows. Yes 3 to 4 yr olds you have to move a little faster on but he specified 7 to 10 yrs old. That age group, first of all, looks to see the secrets, they try to spot you, so the story is a form of misdirection. Also you pop the effects up quickly so it happens all of a sudden and they don't start to pay attention to your hands as you make the "secret moves" and catch you that way.

Peter

Hey Peter,

I respect your opinion, thanks for respecting mine.

Jean-Marc

They said it and I'm going to have to agree more with paddy in that performance is key especially with that age group. It should be a lot of fun.

I agree, but would like to add...

I dont think a lot of tricks should be added for the sake of having a lot of material. I agree that patter and good story telling can make or break an effect. I have read a suggestion that if you perform as a magician and not a children's entertainer who performs a mixture of juggling, magic, balloons etc. then the children will expect to see some awesome magical moments. Due to this expectation a sufficient amount of effects should be presented. Again, it depends on the tricks. Some effects are used as warm ups and others naturally demand longer time for build up etc. I am also developing a routine and these are factors I am keeping in mind.

Paddy makes a good point not to use too many tricks. However, perhaps keeping it in between, not too much and not too little, is the best thing to do, especially for the older crowd. Then again, everyone has a different style!

Have fun!

Thank you guys for the input!. The reason why i was asking was because i usually do restraunt walk around magic and for adult party's. I have been asked numerous times to start doing kid partys as well.
-Sterling

LOL! Imagine doing the needle through arm trick at a kid show.

Sterling1,
For an half hour show four tricks should be enough. Don't try to cram a lot of tricks just to be showing tricks. Now this age group..how should I say it, can be alittle smart alec. But if you make it fun they will get into it and have fun with you.
If you try to be just a tricky magician they'll try to find you out. Have fun yourself and relax. As I have said before, have a good warm up first to get to know them and them to know you are going to be fun.
Best of luck

Is there any book/DVD you would recommend that look more into the preformance side of kids shows, patter, routine building ect..

Thanks,
Mike

you couuld always buy peanut butter and jelly illusion...

Anybooks, Videos, or DVDs by David Ginn. He is very good IMHO.

2 or 3 probably

HAHAHA...Michael...I told you that you wouldn't find anything much better than David's Material.