Performing to kids is very rewarding because 1. they have no clue on how you did it 2. you get a big reaction when they are amazed and 3. it gives you practice, if the kids can see what your doing so can adults.      

Well spoken, just like our signatures. :)      

wooop wooop :)      

OMG is that you with Vinh in your DP??? did you meet him!?!? HOW!?      

He came down to Melbourne, it was an honour meeting him :D      

Awesome!      

Are you serious? What are they like in person?? I met some people online before and they are just awkward...      

oh and Asian Copperfield I totally agree with you on your point! I think that performing to kids is probably the most rewarding thing ever. The look on their faces are just priceless      

Yep met the whole crew, Vinh, Jeff and Lenny it was FREAKING AWESOME!!!!!!! if your meeting someone online dont be afraid to approach them because by the end of the day you might become friends. :)      

Jacky.. We will pay you the bribe money later ok... LOL thanks so much for those kind words my friend! But this is a great topic :D I really think that you are spot on there, I remember the first time I performed to a group of young kids.. ohh I cant even describe the look on their faces it was pure SHOCK lol it was actually quite funny now that I think about it but it is just a wonderful experience for the kids and you as the performer.

     

:)      

Hey Scott,

"Children's Magic" is generally considered to basically be a dedicated branch of magic, because as you've encountered, you can't use your normal approach.

There's lots of info out there much better than I could possibly give, but I'll try to convey the basics for you! There's a pretty standard lineup of proven material when it comes to performing to children (Magic Coloringbook, Spongeball routines, Lots of vanishes and reveals, etc). But if you're interested in straying from the beaten path, then it's important to realize the common themes behind these tricks.

The biggest one is that all the tricks are very very visual. When performing for older spectators, I personally prefer a very cerebral presentation, I like to deceive the mind rather than the eye. However with kids, usually you want to do the opposite. Even if someone is not paying attention, if they catch something disappear, or change colors, out of the corner of their eye, they'll be impressed/surprised/whatever. So that's a method by which you can keep their attention, because it only requires a small amount of it (compared to something like ACR or something where you have to follow it pretty closely)

Another theme is usually how quick a trick is. For children, you don't want something that's long and drawn out, because even kids with good attention spans still get bored at superhuman rates! So try to do self-contained tricks, instead of long routines.

And possibly the most important is to do tricks that the kids can interact with. You'd be surprised how often you take the most distracted, loud, obnoxious kid in the room, select him as the volunteer, and he becomes your biggest fan! Kids love when the magic happens in their hands, or "because of" them, or responds to their suggestions.

Those are just a few generic tips, hope it's a bit helpful!
Alex
strat      

On SOMF there are several years worth of posts full of advice from FULL-TIME professional children's magicians, I learned everything I know from those guys, I can't take any credit at all.      

i love performing to children...it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy and inside. the look on their faces are just pure gold, it reminds me of why i love magic so much!