There should be no food or drinks during the show. Where this is impractical, such as at a banquet, please do your best to keep food/drinks out of sight as much as possible.
Why? The WonderPhil Magic Show can keep the kids focused, engaged, and laughing; however, this is difficult when they're getting up for more food, when someone is passing in front to serve, and especially difficult when someone has to clean up the spills that innevitably happen.
Remember as well, sticky fingers means they can't help hold a prop during the show, and even more importantly, I want them laughing a LOT, and so let's keep choking hazards out of their mouths when that's happening!
For most environments and situations the children should be seated on the floor and for larger groups, sitting in several narrow rows is better than one long row.
Time and again this has proven to be the best arrangement for keeping all the children focused on the show and having a great time. On the floor, they're all looking up, but in chairs, they're in each other's way. Chairs/couches also tends to result in more fidgeting and restlessness.
Young children who are just starting to crawl or walk have a tendency to make their way into the performance area during the show. While this is of course a distraction from the show, it can also be dangerous if I don’t see them, or if they get into the prop box. If there will be children this young amongst the guests, please do your best to discourage them from doing this as a safety measure.
Please remind the other adults that even light chatter — or loud chatter in an adjoining room — can distract the children from being able to enjoy the show.
I promise though, the adults will have a wonderful time if they decide to watch the show along with the kids.
When really young children are watching, adults are naturally tempted to encourage them to react. This is very well intentioned, but tends to disract the kids more than it helps. Instead, the best way to encourage younger kids to react and engage with the show, is for the adults to simply react and engage the way they want the kids to do, and they'll quickly learn to play do the same.
It’s often a good idea to let guests know there will be a magic show at the party, to ensure they will be on time. I always try to accommodate unexpected situations, but my performing schedule for the day does not always allow for delayed show times.
I’ve found a lot of parents feel it’s best to ask the kids to quiet down whenever they speak during the show, but remember that the show is designed to get the kids involved. They will call out to correct my “mistakes”, and to say “It’s in your other hand!” and that just makes things better.
The only time I ask that an adult step in is if one of the guest’s actions begin to distract others, or are completely out of context from the show.
Photos of the kids’ faces during the show are priceless, but please take photos and video from behind the kids or off to the sides of the performing space. Being in their line of vision, especially in front of or behind the performer, will ultimately destroy the wonderful moment you’re trying to capture!
Please do take photos and videos during the show. If you post photographs to social media though, please use the #wonderphilmagic, add @magicintoronto to the comments, or simply “www.MagicInToronto.com”.