PART ONE
KIDS MAGIC
COLIN UNDERWOOD
PROFESSIONALTECHNIQUES AND TIPS TO ENHANCE CHILDRENS PERFORMANCES
This started out to be a simple two-page article and has now blossomed to a more involved subject . I have compiled what I have personally found to be of value for me and the techniques and theories are all fully worked and integrated within my own performances . I sincerely hope that these techniques will enhance and improve your performances . If only in that they get you thinking deeper about your shows .
1 . Surprise
This is vital in children ’ s shows . The surprise might be at the end of a routine but I recommend having smaller sub endings or surprises throughout the routine . Children react favorably to unexpected outcomes . Change your routines to add in a kicker or twist to the ending . E . g . Instead of magically baking a cake , you produce a rubber chicken .
2 . Suspense
Building a routine , with the use of suspense will increase the surprise . This can be applied to your shows whether you are a clown or a magician . Theatrical techniques such as voice work , acting ,
“ music and lighting will help create the suspense . E . g . when you are ready to lift the lid off the dove pan , first pause , then creep slowly towards it , use facial expressions and lower your voice to create the drama . You can lift the lid a little then slam it down again with a scream , pretending to get a fright , before revealing the production .
Hold your applause cues a fraction longer than what feels normal , the public are trying to assimilate the magic and need time to realise they must applaud , magic is very different to skills such as juggling where , once the trick is complete , they applaud directly .
It is recommended to train the audience from the beginning that you expect applause . You can show displeasure at the audience in a comical way that you expected applause or wanted more than you received . Once this fun two-way approach is achieved you can then start to play one section of audience against another . There are also various stock lines one can use but I suggest caution in their use . These should be said with a huge smile on your face . I do not suggest using some of the rough comedy club lines to be applied
CHILDREN REACT FAVORABLE TO UNEXPECTED OUTCOMES ” in children shows . I found children just do not care for skill compared to adults . I used to perform my juggling and used the following technique quite successfully . I used to say the magic way to stop the juggling is to clap . The children got it and clapped . I then said it ’ s not working , clap louder . Which they did . The mothers in the next-door room having tea and cake could hear their little darlings clapping for the entertainer . Meanwhile I was guiding them . I use a well-known technique in a lot of my shows derived from my street show experiences , this is called the clap and cheer technique .
Here you get the audience to clap and make a noise to ensure more people come to the show . I have adapted this to introduce myself . I do a low key introduction or if introduced by MC or CEO and wasn ’ t a great intro I will then go into this technique . It is a great way to start the show , more recently I have played one section of audience against another when demonstrating me juggling .
I have also used Bill Abbot ’ s Five card opening trick , successfully as a way to ensure applause .
64 VANISH Magazine www . VanishMagazine . com