Why kids are a tough crowd, and why I love it
Once at a six-year-old’s birthday party, the birthday boy was helping me with a trick. When the big moment came, he made the magic happen, not me.
His best friends ran over and hugged him. Then every kid there joined in.
Moments like that are why I do this.
But not every show goes like that.
Kids are a tough crowd
Kids are honest. If they’re bored, you’ll know.
They talk over me. They get up and wander. They shout out what’s coming before the trick even starts.
And a few are always sure they’ve figured it out, and they’re happy to tell everyone, including me.
Kids who have seen my show before lean over to a friend and say, “Oh, I love this one, just wait.”
Age makes the difference
The same show can go two completely different ways. Most of the time, the difference is age.
When everyone is six and up, they settle in fast. When several kids are five and under, it’s a lot harder for the little ones to follow along.
That’s why my family show is built for six and up. Younger brothers and sisters are always welcome to sit with a parent.
Kids want in
The kid shouting out is usually the kid who wants to help the most.
So I start every show with three simple rules that help everyone join in. They’re nothing new to kids, because it’s the same expectation they have at school.
My favorite is the third one:
“If you’re enjoying the show and you like what you see, clap your hands. If you do not, clap your hands anyway, because I’m about having fun, and we are going to have fun together.”
Kids make the magic
My magic is not about me, it’s about the spectator. I want them to be part of the magic and not just sitting back and watching it like it’s on TV.
Kids make the choices. Kids come up to help.
A lot of the time, the magic happens in their hands, not mine.
At a birthday party, the birthday kid always gets involved early. It’s their day.
Why I love it
Kids keep me on my toes. I love that no two shows are the same.
It’s about entertaining people and making those connections. If I have done that and brought a sense of wonder to people, then I have been successful.
Watching kids laugh, join in, and make the magic is why I love performing for them.
Planning a party? Get in touch and tell me who’ll be there.
