My daughter had her first show last night for a retirement community. This was not for a nursing home, but a retirement community... for the younger crowd here, there is a difference.

Just thought I would share the experience.

Performing for the elderly, is very much like performing for young children. You need to have big visual magic. They really seemed to like her silk work, her story/rope routine work, her ring work, and a few other very visual changes she did in her routine. Like children, you cannot get too over-complicated.

Another must, a sound sytem. You must have some kind of microphone system for them to hear.

That crowd is one of my favorite to perform for. Especially when the elderly bring their grandkids. You get 10 times the more laughs and applause. It sounds like your daughter did a very good job.

You're also very right about the microphone issue.


Best,
Adam

Adam,

Like you, my daughter really enjoyed this performance. A lot of elderly people do not get enough interaction with family and people visiting them. She really enjoyed the smiles on their faces and the applause. When they came up to her afterwards to talk, and congratulate her, I know my daughter's smile and comments were genuine and heartfelt. She talked about them the whole way home.

It is these feel-good moments that are the true magic.

P.S. One person had actually seen her perform elsewhere and told her that she is just getting better and better with each performance. To her, that really meant a lot.

GREAT!!!! Retirement communities, centers and nursing homes all need entertainment. As you said Kristen they are like kids. Keep it short, keep it funny and keep it clean (no sex references just like a kids show) and you will be booked solid just doing that venue.

Been there done that. http://www.penguinmagic.com/discuss/vie ... ment+homes

Congratulations to your daughter! I still do these shows occasionally, and this venue is what defined my professional career as a full-time entertainer. I began doing these shows exclusively full-time at age 16, and here I am today going on 17 years as a professional. It is definitely a unique venue with a lot of unique requirements, but can be very rewarding in many ways. Although I prefer Retirement Homes over Nursing Homes, but I don't discriminate. As stated, everyone can use quality entertainment.

Stick to effects that do not require too much concentration and memory if possible. Some of the key elements you need to adhere too are basic, big, colorful, visual, and brief. Nothing too long and drawn out.

Old people are soooo much fun to perform for...I love to do AARP meetings...they are always in such good spirit and the play along well with jokes.

AARP is for people that are ONLY 50 or above! THAT IS NOT REPEAT NOT OLD!!! Over 80 is old. I am 63 I should know the difference. EDITED KID!

Paddy...sounds like you're in denial

No, that's a river in Egypt.

ROFL

that really made me laugh

Never refer to the eldery as "old." Only "young punks" do this. I knew this at age 12.

why, they wont hear you anyway

When you refer to a fifty year old car...do you refer to it as elderly? No...it's either Old or it's and Antique...so I'm just going to start referring to "Elderly" people as "Antiques"

da*n politcal correctness!

OK Kyle, I was just kidding about that. I didn't think anyone would take me seriously and start to get PC about it.

Yes we are OLD F**ts, it took us a long time to get there and we really should be proud of making it.

I was just kidding also! There isn't much I take really seriously...especially on this forum!

Oh paddy...almost forgot...wal-mart is having a big thanksgiving sale on depens...make sure to swing in and save yourself some money