Green Seeds Recycling Routine

Good Seeds is one of our sponge ball tricks using a green growing ball and eight ½ inch balls.  Its very easy to do and another great use is for a recycling message.  The trick is available on our website and the routine is below.  Link for trick is at the bottom.

(Show small balls)  I call these green seeds.  They remind me of what happens when we start making greener choices in our daily lives.  Some might say we need to make big changes right now to save our planet.  (Show growing ball, which has been turned inside out)  That would be great if we could, however, most people don’t like making big changes.  If the option is big change or no change most people would choose no change.  It’s sad but true.  However, everyone can do little things.  (Show eight balls as you discuss eight points)

Little things like change from an ordinary light bulb to a florescent bulb as they burn out is a small doable change.

Turning the water off while brushing your teeth is easy to do and a good change.

Putting the correct garbage in the correct recycling can is easy to do.

Turning the air conditioner temperature up a few degrees to save energy is easy to do.

Taking a stack of old newspapers to a recycling center once every couple months is easy to do.

Buying food in larger packages to reduce the amount of packaging used saves money and helps with trash reduction.  Easy to do.

Choosing products made from recycling products when possible is easy to do.

When we make some small changes and those are added to the small changes of others (push small balls into growing ball as you perform the turn inside out) something magical happens.  Working together we make a BIG difference in our world. 
Barry Mitchell

Good Seeds on our site

THINKING FOR A CHANGE #1

12 Part Series

My objective is to inspire you to think.  Not just to think as an exercise but to think for a change in our world.  A change toward excellence in entertainment.  As I reflect on my career so far and lifetime goals I’ve discovered that my thinking is focused in changing the face of magic in three areas.  I desire for magical entertainment to be more positive, more creative, and more entertainment based.  I’ll cover these categories over and over in the months ahead through these articles.

Let’s begin with a look at making magic more positive.  I was booked for a couple days of programs in OK for the Salvation Army.  I admit that I was ignorant of what the Salvation Army is and what the members do.  Basically, I knew they raised money at Christmas, operated thrift stores, and helped those in need.  Therefore, spending a couple days at a Salvation Army conference was a great opportunity to learn what these giving people were really like.

I learned that members of the Salvation Army churches are good people with huge hearts for others.  I learned about the powerful positive influence the SA has on the world.  And I even learned something about the world of entertainment.  That’s the knowledge I want to share with you as we think together for a change.  My SA experience gives me more evidence for why the positive approach is always best.

During a conversation with one of the high-ranking officials of the SA I was told about the Army hiring Jay Leno for one of their meetings.  Obviously he wasn’t available when they hired me.  Yes, I refer to Jay Leno from The Tonight Show.  Even he has to do gigs on the side from his regular job.  That sure does make me feel better about my career.

When Jay was being considered for the show there were concerns about his ability to play clean for the family friendly audience of SA members.  The organization was about to put up big money, and I mean big money, to fly Jay on a private jet for 2 hours of comedy.  Jay Leno personally called the gentleman who was telling me the story to ease any concerns about the show content.  Jay assured him that his show would be much cleaner than anything he might do on the Tonight Show television show.  Jay went through his act joke by joke so the SA representative would be comfortable with the content of the program.  Jay went on to explain that he understands what clean comedy is and that he would never do anything to offend his audience especially when doing his road shows. 

I was very impressed to hear about Mr. Leno’s high standards of clean comedy when working with family audiences.  The high-ranking official went on to tell me that Jay delivered on every promise and it was a great event for everyone.  He felt it was worth every penny they paid to have the famous Jay Leno.

So what did I learn from this conversation?  I suppose one might think I learned the importance of playing clean.  Actually, I already knew that.  However, I was impressed with Mr. Leno for recognizing that what makes it on TV is not necessarily what families want to see.  What I really learned was the importance of following through on the promises we make about our shows.

The SA representative said Jay delivered on every promise and everyone had a great time.  How many times have we, as performers, made promises to split their sides with laughter, blow their minds in amazement, or offer jaw dropping thrills of illusion?  But do we deliver on these promises or do we just steal the audience’s time away from a boring TV show?  It isn’t easy to entertain people.  If it were easy we wouldn’t be able to command the high fees that we all believe we are worth.  No, the truth is there is skill and experience necessary to truly entertain an audience.  Not just really nice props.  The first skill necessary is to be honest with yourself and then your audience.  Be honest enough with yourself to make only promises about your entertainment that you can keep.  And be honest enough with your audience to deliver on those promises.  When you begin to truly do those two things in your career you’ll begin to notice a slight change in the wind of fortune coming your direction.  Now that’s a positive change.  Until next time keep thinking for a change. 

Barry Mitchell

Published in Kidabra Journal  www.kidabra.com

Treasure Trip Eye Ball Idea

Something neat always happens when I work conventions.  I will be talking with someone about the way they use my products and they share their really creative idea.  All I can think is, “Wow I want to try that and can I share it with others.”  Most are happy to share.  A very nice lady at Kapital Kidvention in Washington DC area shared this creative way she uses the Conradi tube with my Treasure Trip Silks.

Watch the routine here so you’ll understand what I’m talking about as I share the simple improvement.
Youtube link

CLICK HERE

As I look into the audience, as if using a spy glass I am showing the end of the tube.  A quick eyed audience might see the split mirror from the end of the tube.  I admit this is VERY unlikely, however, I always move the tube quickly just to cover.  My friend said they she decorated the end cap of the tube to look like an eye ball.  This allows for a slow movement as well as a funny look to the audience and not showing the gimmick inside.  Simply brilliant.  I can’t wait to perform it again with this improvement.  I made a page of eyeball art that can be printed out on adhesive paper.  You’ll only need one eyeball for your Conradi tube but it was easier to make multiple eyes on the page.  I’ll also be packing all my future orders with the stickers.  Email me directly if you would like the pdf of the eyeball art.  barrymitchell@aol.com

Here's the Treasure Trip Silks Link
CLICK HERE

Conradi Tube Link
CLICK HERE

The Open Hand of Prayer

http://www.barrymitchellproducts.com/store/index.php?app=ccp0&ns=prodshow&ref=thehandandeyetrick

This is an alternate presentation for the Hand & Eye Silks from Barry Mitchell Products.  The Hand to Eye silk switch using a palmo ball is one of my favorite warm up effects with both children's and adult audiences.  It's great magic and really simple slight of hand with a little practice of the palmo ball.  The palmo is one of those gimmicks that once you master it you will find a way to use it in every show.  Hope you enjoy this gospel presentation for the props.

DIY Opportunity - If you would prefer to make your own silks I would suggest solid color silks.  Use permanent ink markers to draw your designs and color in.  HOWEVER, be sure to place paper on your table before drawing on the silks.  The permanent ink WILL bleed through the silks onto the table and the paper prevents damage.  Also note that the ink WILL bleed so don't expect crisp lines.  However, for a stage trick it should be fine.  It's best not to wet the silks after they are drawn, the ink could bleed.  In addition folding the silks and leaving them in a hot place may cause the ink to bleed over as well.  I mention all the warnings because there are advantages to having professionally printed silks but some of us enjoy the challenge of making our own magic.

Main Point: A message about prayer

Props: The Hand & Eye silks are usually performed by changing the hand into the eye using a palmo ball.  In this presentation the eye silk is changed into the hand.

Presentation

Recently I had my eyes opened to the miracle working power of prayer.  (Show eye silk and begin pushing it into your fist.)  But despite the helping hand of God in our daily lives, many of us miss the mystery of prayer.  Allow me to give you a hand.  (Produce hand silk.)

Prayer is a conversation with God, not a formula.  But here is a memory tool that you carry at the end of your arm.

When we fold our hands to pray, the thumb is nearest to us.  We can begin by praying for those closest to us–our loved ones. (Philippians 1:3-5)

The index finger is the pointer. Pray for those who teach and point the way for us to follow.  (1 Thessalonians 5:25)

The next finger is the tallest. It reminds us to pray for those in authority over us–national and local leaders, and our supervisor at work. (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

The fourth finger is usually the weakest. Pray for those who are weak and suffering. (James 5:13-16)
(Possible joke if it fits your personality to add humor: This finger is also the wedding ring finger.  So when you pray for the weak and suffering be sure to pray for the married.)

And finally our little finger is our reminder to pray for little ole me.  Ask God to supply your needs.  (Philippians 4:6,19).

If you have ever had a small child wrap all their fingers around just one of your fingers and give a little tug, you know how that feels in your heart.  That child’s slight grip and tug on your finger can’t help but tug on your heart.  In the same way, when we pray, we tug on God’s heart.

Special Thanks:  The idea for this mini sermon came from a daily devotional from “Our Daily Bread,” (www.rbc.org) and a sermon from my local pastor.
Barry Mitchell

Potential Children's Show Formula

Let's open this blog with my children's show formula.  Check it out and hopefully it will give you some ideas to improve your programs.

Barry Mitchell’s Show Formula from the Kidabra Yearbook 2010 Article
I don’t want to say this is a formula for ALL shows, but it’s definitely a great line-up for children’s and educational shows.  I have made a few subtle changes over the years, but the basic formula is still the same.  Here’s one more disclaimer before I get into the points - I don’t follow this for my adult audience where I’ll be doing a motivational speech.  Otherwise, this is it.

OPEN BIG
Illusionists know to open a show with a rapid fire of “bubble gum for the eyes” – one or more strong illusions to establish to the audience they will be blown away.  Since I’m not an illusionist and I haven’t looked good in spandex since college, I look for something that grabs attention quickly and plays as big as possible.  For some, this might be a silk routine set to music with a big production.  Or maybe it might be a production box with a Toyota Prius production.  “Green” is hot now.  Since I’m not a silk guy or a tree hugger, I strive for something like my CAN Opener effect, which is simple and yet big energy for the audience.  Brian South of Creative Magic also has some beautiful pack flat/play big effects if you use an assistant in your show.
The goal of the big opening is to “establish the beginning of a great show.”

WARM UP
This is my hello and personality opener.  For years I used the “What’s Next,” also called “Dot’s Next,” spot card effect as my warm up.  I love it.  Legend says, which means who really knows, David Copperfield whooped one out to fill time when an illusion broke in a show.  Okay, he probably didn’t “whoop” it out, but you get the idea.  I also use silk switch effects with palmos, dye tubes, and thumb tips.  Presently my favorites are my “Hand & Eye” silks.  However, any color changing silk effect is a great warm up.  Billy McCombs “Half Dyed” is another great example.
The goal is to “establish your personality with a small and memorable effect.”

CHURCH DISCLAIMER
The majority of my shows are children’s church events.  If you don’t do churches, you won’t need this piece of the formula and you can move ahead.
Ah, you stuck around didn’t you?  At church events, I follow my warm up with a few brief lines explaining that all my magic is just for fun and there are no special powers, witchcraft, or Harry Potter.  I use the Harry Potter name because it gets a laugh and there are some people really nervous about children being influenced toward witchcraft due to the characters.  That’s not my concern during a show.  My only concern is to set at ease the minds of those potentially concerned in the back of the room.

AUDIENCE INVOLVEMENT
I use as many people on stage as possible in my shows, so I start early.  I’ve found that my audiences really love my style of storytelling using volunteers.  If storytelling magic isn’t your thing, just insert an audience involvement piece here.
My absolute favorite story to perform is my “Magic Box.”  It’s a very simple light and heavy box, which uses four helpers on stage.  It’s very funny based on how the helpers respond, and how I work with them.  It’s very little magic, but six great minutes of entertainment.  See for yourself on my You-Tube site.  You can see the CAN Opener, Hand & Eye, and the Magic Box that were all taken from a live show.  www.youtube.com/barrym2008
I have other story pieces that accomplish the same goal of bringing people on stage and helping them shine.  Tim Sonefelt uses this same method in his stories as well as Jim Austin.  I’ve seen other performers do this too.  They are just two of the best.
The goal of audience involvement is to “establish a rapport with the audience.”

SKILL TRICK
Audiences love to laugh, participate, and be blown away.  But a great show must include a skill trick and a heart tug.  My best skill trick is the cut and restored rope.  My second best is, okay I don’t have a second best.  When the rope trick doesn’t fit the theme of my show, I insert a puppet.  I guess I think talking with my hand is a skill.  It’s been working for me for years in children’s shows.  I’m not a vent, so I either use a taped script or the puppet forces me to move my lips so he won’t be the only one talking.
The goal is to “establish your ability.”

MORE AUDIENCE INVOLVEMENT
At this point, I’ve done everything necessary to entertain and reveal my skill and winning charm.  If you don’t have winning charm, I suggest you visit your local magic shop.  Most have it available on one of their dusty shelves.
Since most of my shows are heavy with audience involvement, I do more in this section.  If you prefer solo effects, you can use them here as well.  This is also a great opportunity to focus on educational effects in your show.  The time used in your big opening, warm up, audience involvement effect, and skill trick will determine how much time you have in this section.  I usually only have time for one effect here because most of my audience involvement effects run six to eight minutes.
The goal is to “keep the fun moving.”

HEART TUG
This part of my formula will require some explanation based on my different audiences.  For schools, the heart tug moments are built into the morals of the stories.  These moments, in many ways, are more for the teachers than the students.  For family audiences, I sometimes use an effect with a motivational story.  One of my favorites is a trick with a peanut and the story of George Washington Carver.  It’s motivational and challenging.  For church shows, I use this section to lead into a gospel presentation.  My gospel presentation includes a solo effect to help me illustrate my points.  There are many effects on the market to accomplish this.

Many Kidabra members have attended the annual convention in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee and seen the Terry Evanswood show.  If you haven’t, it’s worth the trip just to see Terry.  His show is an example of a perfect show formula.  Terry is the only illusionist I have ever seen use the heart tug effectively.  Most illusionists spin box after box ending with a big animal finish.  Nothing in their show is memorable other than big boxes.  However, Terry understands the power of emotionally touching an audience’s heart.  I could write volumes on this subject, so I’ll be brief in this context.  People will not remember what you say, they will not remember what you do, but they will always remember the way you make them feel.
The goal of the heart tug is to “establish a friendship and unforgettable emotional connection with the audience.”

FUN FINISH
In the past, I would have called this my big finish but I really don’t finish big in my shows.  I focus on finishing with something fun and hopefully memorable.  I sometimes end with an effect that I have hyped throughout the entire show.  For example, if I plan to end with the growing head optical illusion, I will ask the kids after each part of the show if they are ready to see someone’s head grow.  Naturally they will scream they are.  I simply say, “Not yet.”  By the time the end of the show rolls around, they can’t wait to see the growing head.
In many of my family night church shows, I have back of the room products to sell.  My fun finish is the product pitch using an audience helper and rewarding the child with one of everything.  This is great fun, at least for the one kid.  For motivational speaking programs, I also end with a product pitch, but it is very brief and preferably after a pause following the heart tug.
The goal is to “finish fun.”
More info about planning children's programs as well as writing educational content for kids can be found at
www.barrymitchellproducts.com

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