The best children's magicians must have the right tools to work for children. Funny stories and plots must be woven with brightly colored props, motivated magical effects and superior presentation skills. Although magic skill level is important, sleight of hand and advanced "moves and subtleties" often appreciated by adults are frequently lost on children. The performer must be willing and able to go with the flow introduced by an enthusiastic child who wants to ask questions, or make input to the plot of a magic effect... and the magician must be prepared to do this seemlessly on the fly. This is a skill that can only be obtained through experience dealing with audiences of young people.
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The premise that runs through my children's show is, "nothing goes quite the way the magician wants it to go." For example, I try to pull a rabbit out of an empty metal tube. Instead of the rabbit, I pull out a skunk! Eventually, we figure out how to use magic to produce a live rabbit. But believe me when I tell you, the kids get as big a charge out of pointing out what went wrong as they do when we actually produce the live rabbit. |
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I do not usually perform magic for children under the age of four. Since magic is about suspending the rules of physics, and children usually don't understand the rules of physics until about the age of four, children younger than four usually will enjoy a storyteller, puppet show or clown much more than a magician.
Attention span is an important consideration for an audience of children. Generally, I suggest to parents that if the majority of the audience is six or younger, a half hour performance is best. For audiences age six and older or if the ages are mixed (some under six but most six and older), either the half hour show or a full hour show works well. No matter what, remember the old show-biz axiom... "always leave the audience wanting more!" If parents want to plan lots of games and other party activities during a party, then the half hour show will fit best. If parents would rather just have a magic show, serve cake and ice cream and open presents, then the one hour show will fit the bill, provided the age range is suitable for the longer show.
References are available for parents who would like to consider having Zappo make their party an event to remember for a lifetime. All references are parents of children for whom Zappo has recently performed. In nearly 40 years of performing magic, nobody has ever taken advantage of my money back guarantee: "If you are not completely satisfied with my show, then there is absolutely no charge!"
To book a show, send an e-mail to Zappo, or call him at (925) 676-2776 to reserve your date. It is best to book Zappo about one month in advance and two months ahead during the Holidays.
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