Performing as a Children's Magician

As a general practitioner, I do a lot of shows for kids. I do Birthday Parties, School Assemblies, Boyscout troupes... you name it, I do it, did it, and will continue to do it. The one thing that I have learned from being a children's magician, is that it is an intricate art. Some say that it's easier then performing for adults... some are inclined to run screaming as if children are the boogie men. Here is the key my friends: once you have figured out the age mentality of any audience, performing for that audience is just as simple as the next. Performing for Small children (young 4, and 3): One thing is for sure... the four and the three year old love to laugh. I believe that if I had to, I could do an entire show simply by letting my hat fall off of my head. These little ones are just beginning to understand comedy and absolutely LOVE being afforded the opportunity to laugh. So, through his actions, the magician should let the children know they can laugh... moreover... that they are supposed to laugh. Once your there, your in like Flynn. Performing for middle aged children (Old 4, 5, 6, Young 7): They still need to laugh, but here is the place that you can really get the party going with your vast skill as a magic worker. They are easy to please when it comes to magic, LOVE sucker gags, and will fall over with wonder when you hit them with any classic effect. This is a super fun age to play as a birthday magician as long as you know what you are doing. Performing for older aged children (Old 7+): Here it is... the true test of experience. From seven on, they have seen magicians on tv. They know what can be done, and are CONSTANTLY looking for explanations. "It's up your sleeve", "You brought a twin", and just about ALL the time "I know that one" (Very rarely do they, unless you are doing lame stuff, and if you are.. you should take more pride in what you do!). Here, you almost have to prove them wrong by giving them EVERY opportunity to explain how the trick is done... and then in an entertaining way... debunk them! If you treat this age like little ones, they will resent you at every step. Treat them like adults... but also understand the minefield that you are entering. That's it for now, more later. Kids are a lot of fun if you know how to handle them.... kind of like the crocodile used to know how to handle crocs... They can be dangerous... but they are fun creatures to do magic for. Thus spoke the Denver Magician

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