Performance Logistics For My Christmas Show?

[Wolkenlaufer]

Since time will be tight at our annual Christmas luncheon, I've been kicking around the idea of doing a walk-around show (that may not be the correct terminology) from table to table as we all wait to eat.

There will be at least 10 round tables with 8 couples at each one and I'd like to get your suggestions as to which effects would be best in such an environment. My wife will be available to be my "lovely assistant" if need be.

So far, my tried and true Magic Coloring Book :grin:, Spirit Lights and now I'm open to your suggestions.

I appreciate your help!

Bill

[Anthony Vinson]

Bill,

I took a look at a few of your previous posts and understand that you are dealing with some challenges. Here are a few ideas for your consideration:

1. Cards. A couple of easy-to-execute card selection and revelation tricks. I'd imagine you could find plenty of possibilities in books at the local public library. Or if you are able, pick up one of the many for-the-public titles - Joshua Jay has a card book out that (based on what I have read from him in Magic magazine) is probably worth looking into.
2. Sponge balls. Derided by lots of magicians, but loved by laypeople.
3. Sponge bunnies. See number 2 for notes.
4. Mental effects. A "one-ahead" routine, or an ESP effect using common items. Again, your local library may be a great resource. Don't know about Carroll County, but our library here in Pike County is part of a multi-county library system that allows for book borrowing from more than 200 branches. If Carroll has something similar you most likely have the makings of a veritable gold mine of books on the subjects of magic and performing.
5. Humor. Have fun and enjoy the process. Remember that magic is about both fooling and entertaining. I have seen lots of technically proficient magicians, both amateur and professional, who somehow forgot about the entertainment part of the equation.

Hope these ideas help and Best of Luck!

AV

[Wolkenlaufer]

Hi Anthoyn

Thanks for your note. Due to the kindness of several genii members, I have several books on card tricks. The "trick" is remembering them! :grin: But I know that comes from practice, practice, practice. Right now I'm working on "Spirit Lights" and have ordered the 3 Card Monte (the Sucker Cards, where one of the cards has an unseen flap, which makes the volunteer choose the wrong card.)

You know, I had forgotten all about Sponge Balls, and I have some put away someplace. Thanks! I'll be digging them out.

Carroll County has The Pines syste, Anthoyn, so I will be checking there as well, but do you think they'll have the books I see advertised here?

There's one more effect I'm working on which is very simple: the three different color pens, where you guess the color without looking at the slip of paper the volunteer has written the color on. The book is called "Tricks for Your Head".

Thanks very much for your reply, Anthoyn!

Bill

[Anthony Vinson]

Sounds like you are well on your way to creating a sweet little show! The magic books available through libraries won't be the latest, greatest must-have volumes for magicians, but don't be fooled (chuckle), what you can find will be more than sufficient to help you build an entertaining set for your event. I stumbled across The Amateur Magicians Handbook and Harry Lorayne's The Magic Book at the library "way back when" and continue to use moves and tricks from both today. Using the PINES system I have little doubt you can find all the resources you need.

AV

[Xakary]

Hi Bill,
I was wondering what you ended up settling on for your Christmas show. I wanted to second sponge balls for "strolling" magic, as kids (and adults) love it when the magic happens in their hands--it's pretty powerful. Sponge balls are easy to carry from table to table as well. I hope your wife is doing better.

Mike

[Wolkenlaufer]

Hi Xakary

First off, I'm very sorry that it has taken me so long to answer, but my wife and I have been taking care of our friend Marty, who has very serious problems with his heart (ventricles performing at only 10% of their capacity. 60% is normal, and 25% is considered life threatening). He has no family but us, so we've been spending a lot of time with him, most recently at the hospital. The whole story's on the blog.

As for the sponge ball tricks. I have been trying to learn this one: http://www.freemagictricks4u.com/sponge ... trick.html, but due to the arthritis in my right, dominant hand, I can't seem to make it work to my satisfaction, so I'm trying to keep to the effects I have already mentioned.

I do appreciate ALL the responses, suggestions and of course the books and the lights effect.

As to my wife, we've recently discovered that back in the early 90's she took a diet drug called Phen-Fen and this is where her pulmonary hypertension came from. She's now on oxygen, but is doing much better.

Thanks again to all of you!

Bill