Why do I want to do magic for kids?

When I began performing magic, doing kids shows was not my goal. I write murder/mystery plays and am known for songs about ghosts and monsters. My plan was to focus on adult magic.

But something happened.

I was doing walkaround magic at a farmer’s market and performed a trick for a mother and her two daughters. When I finished, the mother and high school aged daughter smiled, laughed, and were very loud with their enjoyment.

But the younger daughter, around 11 or 12, didn’t move and kept staring at me. Her mother asked her, “did you like it?”

After a moment the wide-eyed girl whispered, “I don’t know how he did it. I don’t know how he did it.”

For the next hour, whenever the mother bought something at the market, the girl would come back to me and give me the change as a tip. I think she did it four times. A crumpled dollar and a fist full of coins. Again. And again. And again. And again.

It became an unexpectedly emotional experience for me and it solidified that I wanted to do something special for this age group. They’re looking for wonder and when you do it right, it can change the way they see the world.

I keep that interaction with me as I continue to refine my kids shows. Balancing moments that create laughter and silliness with those that really connect and stay with them.

So, this is not your average kids show.

The messages and themes within the magic have substance because kids are ready to be challenged with big ideas. My persona for these shows is silly, I get myself into predicaments and often need the kids to solve my problems, but I do not treat them like kids, talk down to them, or make jokes at their expense.

I’ve seen grandparents get a little misty from my kids magic, so keep the whole family in the room. I might suprise you.