Garceau is planning to do a kids magic show in a hospital

Garceau writes: 'What I'm struggling with right now is how to routine a kids magic show, for the children's hospital in my city. There are many sites online suggesting a different approach, but they often contradict each other. I'm not sure where to start, how to organise the introduction, the middle and the conclusion of the show. Because of that, I seem to postpone forever the creation of a dream.'

I think, to be honest, the first thing is not to worry too much. Children in hospitals would appreciate the smallest of tricks, even a simple coin vanish or card trick would make their day.

I am not a children's magician although I have got many friends who are. For creating a routine, I would start with something simple and funny. It would need to be a trick that does not take very long, can be funny or have fun patter applied to it and instantly lets the kids know you are going to be fun to watch. The Growing and Shrinking Head Illusion is a great opener. However, I am not sure what sort of performance you are doing; this would be for a group of kids ideally. It can work one on one, but the reactions are amplified by a group seeing it at the same time. Rather than a one on one situation, you could perform something like Lolly off of Chaotic DVD by Keiron Johnson where you produce a lollypop. Something quick, visual and fun to open with that establishes you as a magician.

Always make sure you communicate with the children, children's magic shows are as much about controlling the children as they are about entertaining them. You need to keep their attention and also keep them in check.

In your situation, wanting to go to a children's hospital, I think there is a lot more leeway with how you perform. The children will not be well, and so they won't be hyped up on sugar and adrenaline from the bouncy castle (or whatever other entertainment may be at a kid's party)! As this is the case, I would just concentrate on being kind, polite, and making sure they had a great time. Make sure you treat each child as important and just have fun yourself. It can be very rewarding doing something like this so make sure you don't overcomplicate things to the point that you cannot enjoy it yourself.

I have listed a few blog post links just below I think would be helpful for you, check them out. You can also read our blog for lots of advice and tips about performing, it is all free!

Interview with Childrens Magician Mike Fairall

Arriving and leaving a magic show for kids

The difference between a magic act and a magic show