Summer is finally here, and as a magician you know what a busy time this can be.  Maybe you are too busy to even read this article.  If so, Yeah! For you!!!  There is just something about an outdoor birthday party for a child and hiring a magician to be the entertainment.  The possibilities are endless.  If you haven’t marketed yourself as a child’s magician, now is the time.  Parents are booking this entertainment now, so make sure you put yourself out there into the pool of other magicians and you may find that you have more gigs than you know what to do with.

As you are working your summer parties, keep a few things in mind to make it enjoyable for you and for them!  First, ask the parent to schedule you at a place in the party where the kids are able to sit and enjoy.  At the end of the party is not good…there is too much excitement about the new gifts, too much high sugar cake and soda in their bellies, and also some kids might leave early and this creates a distraction.  At the very beginning is a little early, as some kids come late, and everyone is just getting adjusted.  After food, and before cake and ice cream and presents is a great time for your show.  Suggesting this to the parents will be extremely helpful, as they have no idea, unless they have done this before.

If you can bring an assistant, do so.  Your assistant can help control kids, pass out coloring sheets, and a good assistant can also face paint at the end!  Kids love this and it’s a good way to earn a few extra bucks for your show.  Also balloon animals are a huge hit.  If you don’t know how to do them yet, learn.  This will help create a memorable and fun experience for everyone.

The most important thing at your kids shows is your attitude.  Great customer service goes a long way, and remember the kids and their parents are your customers.  It doesn’t matter if you are an incredible magician.  It does matter that you are courteous, prompt, and fun.  Parents will refer you too all their friends not because you were an outstanding magician, but because they like you.

Why is it that the first image that comes into someone’s mind when they think of a magician is pulling a rabbit out of a hat?  This image is used consistently when advertising for magicians.  Pulling a rabbit out of a hat has got to be the most famous magic trick of all time, yet no one really does it anymore. Where did this come from?  And why does it persist as the most used visual image for magicians?

Many magicians of yesteryear pulled many a rabbit out of a hat.  One of the main reasons was that the tall silk top hat was a main staple in any gentleman’s wardrobe in the Victorian Era.  It was very easy for a magician to borrow a gentleman’s hat and perform a magic trick.  Nowadays most men, if they wear a hat, it’s usually a baseball cap and there isn’t much that a magician can easily do with one of those, especially with a live bunny!

Why the bunny you might ask.  Well, in general rabbits are very calm and quiet.  This makes then very easy to hide, move, and produce.  And their small, soft bodies make them easy to hide in a magician’s coat.  Think of how difficult it would be to conceal a larger, squawking animal.  Bunnies were also very easy to get back in the 1800’s.  Quite often they were used for food, and so they were quite plentiful.

The image of a magician pulling a rabbit out of a hat has stayed popular mainly because it’s easy to display.  In one image the trick can be captured.  Unlike other magic tricks that would require at least two images to convey.  Such as restoring a cut rope, would require an image of the rope cut, and then one of the restored rope being produced.  If you think about, this would be the case in most effects.

Pulling a rabbit out of a hat really isn’t done anymore simply because it is too famous.  This minute a magician produces a top hat, the audience suspects this timeless trick.  And one big reason that magic works is the element of surprise that is involved.  If we know what the magician is about to do, it is less amazing.  And much more difficult to perform.

Of course, using a bunny during this time of year, around Easter, could be a creative addition to your routine, especially for a kid’s show.  Finding creative, non-traditional ways to produce your furry friend is the key.

Most children love magic.  They seem to buy into magic tricks so much easier than most adults.  They haven’t yet been tricked or taken in their lives and so they aren’t as guarded as most adults when it comes to the unseen!

Then there are children with disabilities.  Most of them don’t enjoy their physical therapy routines as much as would be beneficial.  So there have been many studies done on the impact of teaching children with disabilities magic tricks as a form of physical and mental therapy.  And what has been found is a winning combination.

The studies have been amazing.  One doctor at the Tel Aviv University, Dr. Dido Greene, PhD, and occupational therapist and PhD of psychomotor development in children, worked with professional magicians to develop some simple yet effective magic tricks that would double as therapeutic exercises for children and young adults with motor disorders that effect one or both sides of the body.

Tricks using sponge balls, rubber bands, and paperclips were taught to these patients, where they could practice slight of hand movements.  Ten minutes of practice a day showed significant improvement in their motor skills enough to warrant further testing and treatment.

Another benefit of teaching magic to these patients is the benefit of laughter.  The magic is fun and entertaining allowing these patients to laugh and have fun.  There are many studies showing the benefits of laughter.

Although most of these diseases can’t be cured, the fact that magic can enhance their quality of life is a huge benefit.  Never underestimate the power of magic!

These days’ parents spend a fortune on their kids’ birthdays!  And it seems that it’s no longer just a focus on the child and their special day but it has become a competition amongst friends and neighbors.

Many people feel that “my kids party has to be better than your kids party” and thus begins a whole range of expenses, most of which do not have the individual child in mind.

This is sad, because it gets away from the special ness that a birthday was meant to bring.  We say, end this cycle and get back to good old-fashioned “back yard” birthday parties where kids get to be kids!

Have you ever noticed that kids seem to bring fun into whatever happens to be in front of them?  It’s not until we become adults that we feel that we have to “buy” fun.  How about instilling the value into your kids that the focus of their special day is on them!  It’s their one-day to shine, stand out, be adored, and to be showered with gifts.  Their day to not have to take out the garbage, or do the dishes, they can just be a kid and do what they love to do.

Something that makes a good old-fashioned “back yard” birthday party fun and unique is by having a magician perform.  The great thing about having a magician is that it actually stimulates your child’s creativity.  As they see the magician making things appear and disappear, or magically transform in their hands, their imagination goes wild.  They have to actually think about what is happening and their natural sense of wonder will try to figure it out!  This can be really fun for them.

Magician’s for kids parties can set up anyway, outdoors or indoors, and usually don’t need that much space, depending on their act.  They bring everything they need and everyone I have seen does something incredibly special for the birthday child by highlighting them in some way.  Your child being a part of a magic trick will be something they will never forget.

This is also a great way to have all the kids at the party settle down and take a break.  Usually they are so busy running around and playing at a party, sitting down to a magic show gives them a chance to regroup.  It’s a great ender to the party or something to have done right before cake and presents.

Referrals are one of the best ways to find a good kids magician.  Ask your friends or family if they have seen anyone or have used one before.  Make sure to book far in advance as many of these magicians book up, especially in the summer months!

How would you like a break from the never-ending supply of mindless video games, or the TV shows that steal your child’s attention and imagination?

Teach your child to appreciate and learn MAGIC!  No it doesn’t mean that your child will learn how to make their little brother disappear!  But what they can learn with magic can support them in life in many ways!

One of the greatest things about magic is that it actually doesn’t require spending a lot of money to make it happen.  Many magic tricks that kids can master use everyday items around the house such as loose change, cups or glasses, a handkerchief, etc.

Take a quick trip to your local library and you will find a plethora of books on magic tricks.  With just a little reading and a few hours your child will learn a few tricks that will excite them and have their creativity blossoming.

You can also purchase a simple magic kit at your local toy store.  These are usually full of simple and small tricks that have a big impact on kids.  They actually feel that they are doing something magical once they learn how to master them.  This takes a little effort, and also some patience and teaching from us parents.  But once they learn a few, they will want to keep going.  This will boost their confidence.

Long car rides are a great place for them to practice their magic.  You will be amazed at how this will capture their attention.  Also, if you are going to go see a magician in a performance, having your kids learn a few tricks before hand will have the show have much more meaning to them.  They will love it.

Finally, magic is a great talent for them to express in school talent shows.  Everyone seems to gravitate toward singing or dancing.  Magic is a great alternative that is different and unique.  Who knows, your child just might be the next David Copperfield!

Performing magic for anyone is great.  The look of surprise on people’s faces, the expressions that come out of their mouths, and the overall sense of awe that people display is what give us magicians the satisfaction and fulfillment of choosing this awesome field.  There is just something about being a part of creating this feeling in people that leaves us magicians feeling that maybe we are magical…. maybe there is something special happening here.  As great as it is to perform for adults, nothing compares to the inspiration of performing for children.

Did you ever notice that children see the world differently than we do?  Who knows what really goes on in their heads!  But there is a whole world of things that children see that we as adults do not.  When was the last time you held a leaf and thought it was the most interesting thing you’ve ever seen?  Or when was the last time you took a trip to the grocery store and noticed every little tiny holiday decoration that was up for display?  If you have small children, you know what I mean.  In their world everything is magic.

Because of this natural sense of wonder that children possess, performing real magic for them can be a blast!  Make a coin disappear in front of a child’s eye, and have it reappear out of their ear and just watch their reaction.  It’s like kids don’t look for the trick, or think that they are being “taken”, they simply enjoy with their natural innocence and wonder.

At the same time, if you are a children’s magician, prepare for them to see things that you would not expect them to see.  So if your tricks are not polished, they will let you know.  Misdirection works beautifully with kids….even when you are not using it.  They will see any flaw or any set up.  Making their tricks simple and perfect will create a wonderful time for all.

If you are not a children’s magician you are missing out.  It is without a doubt one of the most fun and fulfilling opportunities for a performing magician.

With Halloween right around the corner, many magicians get super excited!  It’s a great opportunity to bring out your skills.  And also incorporating magic into this already spooky and creepy holiday is a great way to impress your friends or guests at your home on this eerie night.

There is an element of mystery in the air at Halloween that has people want to believe in ghosts, ghouls, and the undead.  It’s fun and brings out our sense of child-like naivety!  So if you are a magician, go to town on this great day and milk it for all it’s worth.

Being a wizard at Halloween is a great place to start.  Dress up like an ancient wizard, and you have a great backdrop for your tricks.  Create a beard out of cotton, wear a long black gown, and don’t forget some type of impressive hat!

Greet your tick-or-treaters with a magic trick.  Perform a card trick or coin trick right there in their hand.  They will never forget it!  And be prepared, you will have repeat attendees, as well as neighborhood referrals all night!  This is a great opportunity to practice your repertoire.

Getting into character is a must on this night!  Whether you choose to be the evil “black magic” spell caster type wizard or the Harry Potter type wizard, go all out in your performance!  You will have fun, not to mention the fun you will create for the kids.

Then the next, act like nothing happened.  Pretend that it wasn’t you at your house.  The kids will get a big kick out of this.  And they won’t quite know what to believe.  Then wait till next year.  Your house will be the favorite in the neighborhood.

Many professional magicians find that performing for children is a rewarding and lucrative endeavor. Entertaining children, while not what most magicians set out to do in the beginning can help you not only pay for those expensive illusions that your heart desires.

It can also help you hone your performing skills in a way you maybe never thought of. Kids’ shows can be extremely challenging. So the experience that this can bring you as a magician is priceless.

You must admit, there is nothing that compares to the sound of a child’s laugh. Whether you are a parent or not, there is something inside that says “all is right with the world” when we hear a child laugh. So when you get that thunderous applause, or uncontrollable giggling from a group of 7 year olds, you know you have done a great job.

Children don’t fake it like adults can. They will flat out tell you if you are a success or failure. So the key for any working magician in this environment is authenticity. Be yourself, have a good time, do your magic well, and they will love you.

There are two important points to performing children’s magic. Firstly, children don’t already know how to respond in a live performance. So you have to teach them. For instance, kids don’t know when it is appropriate to clap, or even what it is for in a live show.

Teach them by saying things in the very beginning of your show like “Wow, this is a great audience. I wonder how loud you can clap!”. Then say “Excellent, now that is what you should do when the magic is really good.”

Secondly, a huge key (if you want those referrals) is to perform not only for the kids, but for the adults as well. What do you think makes Disney movies so successful?

Practice adding lines and jokes that are clean, but also appeal to the parents in the room. You will not only win over the kids, but you will find your voice mail filling up with requests to do little Sally, Timmy, and Kaitlin’s next birthday parties.

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