Does anyone have any tips they would like to share when performing feather flowers at kids parties?

1. I like to perform the flowers at the opening so there will be a longer display of colors.

2. I usually make the flowers appear with music. I am thinking about changing the effect to a humorous routine.

The best tip I could think of is to be sure to take your allergy medication faithfully.

Don't step on the applause. Let them appreciate the bouquet and DON"T shake it. No need to show them how it works.

If producing more than one, do not use individual pots. After the first bouquet goes into a pot, they know another is coming.

Keep them on a table so you can keep them out of other's hands. You strike them into their carrying tube behind the table while in a corner or just do it fast with your back turned and then put them right away.

Richard

Great info, Richard. Thanks.

I use it with Trevor Lewis' opener, using a blooming bouquet. Lots of funny bits of business and it is now visible throughout the show, like you said Mike.

Tip the bloom top toward the audience, especially if they are sitting on the floor.

That is to say don't show them the side view of the bouquet but show them the most colorful aspect of the bouquet.

-Mary Mowder

Mike, being you have an entire act with your flowers, there is no reason why you could not use your music, then in the middle shut the music off and do a feature effect with patter. Then finish with a grand finale to music.

You could also begin your show with a music opening, then do your regular act. In the middle do a patter flower trick or two that fit well together with the kids, then at the end of your show finish with a flower finale.

You need your music to signal the finish of each section. The old drum and cymbal crashes will do the job. You need the Ta-Da to signal the end so you can start speaking, Welcome everyone or Hi Boys and Girls, it is so nice to be here today, I am so happy you made it on time, etc. Now start you patter show. Hope I got the idea across to you.

I have always opened with flowers and closed with flowers with the largest production at the end. My convention act when done for laymen is start and stopped to put in talkers.
Bill is right on the money.
Hit them hard with a short flashy opening. Then talk to them to become human to them. If they like you, you can do anything at that point. If not, pack the bags.

Richard

Great tips from each of you. Bill, your ideas are quite interesting. You gave me a great idea. When I perform the flowers with music, add humor. Make it look as if I was not expecting the blooms to appear. Act surprised and look silly as each one appears. It will not just add mystification, but humor as well. It will cause a lot of interactions. Thanks to all of you for your ideas.