Talent shows are a place to shine before your friends, and the performance skills you develop will be invaluable for the important presentations you make throughout your life.

Wunderground Magic has a selection of effects that are perfect for your talent show because they are very easy to learn, look impressive on stage, and are visible for larger audiences. 

	Appearing Cane - Black Plastic A full size cane appears instantly at your fingertips! You will also be able to visibly transform a silk into a cane. It's the perfect way to start your show! Orig: $29.99 Sale: $19.99
	Candy Pan - Plastic You show an empty pan, then begin to add "secret ingredients" - for example,  break an egg into the pan, add custard (mustard), add salt, pepper and other ingredients.  Now cover the pan and "allow it to cook."  When the cover is removed the pan is seen to contain a live animal, candy, silks, or any item that fills the pan - including a cake! $19.90
	Crystal Silk Cylinder A tall, clear plastic cylinder is freely shown and three 18 inch silks are let down inside the cylinder as shown. A metal cover, open at both ends, is then slid down over the cylinder. When the cover is removed, the silks have changed to three REAL ORANGES which can be tossed to the audience. The cylinder can be shown empty at both ends, the silks having vanished completely. No mirrors are used. Orig: $119.99 Sale: $84.99
	Double Color Changing Silks 12" Instantly change the colors of two silk cloths. $14.99
	Flower Box Production The performer displays a paper bag which he opens showing the empty interior. He then reaches into the bag and produces three large brightly trimmed clear boxs with paper flowers inside! Completely self contained. Comes with bag, boxes, flowers and complete instructions. A wonderful production item for talent shows. $24.50
	Hoppin' Spots This trick and routine is a classic and a great laugh because everytime the card is turned around, the number of spots magically change. $14.99
	Magic Coloring Book A coloring book is shown to have all blank pages. Suddenly, with a wave of the magicians hand, pictures appear in the book, outlined in black. With audience participation, the magician takes the trick one step further. He colors the pictures - by magic. Now bright, vibrant colors have filled in the black and white pictures! $9.99
	Vanishing Bandanna Plus Comedy act that's easy to perform. Inside the shipping box is all the props needed for the effect. As you start the effect you notice that they packed the box incorrectly, they shipped a banana in place of the bandanna. - What a mess! $34.99
	Strat-O-Sphere Although there is only enough room in the tube for the three balls, one on top of the other, the ball placed on top of the three magically appears on the bottom or in the center of the stack of three. $84.99

Here are ten tips to keep in mind when putting together your talent show performance.

1. Make sure your props are large enough to be visible to your audience in the back of the room.  Imagine performing for someone standing clear across the street from you.  Props like cards and coins will be too small for them to see easily.  Instead consider big items with bright colors that are easy to see from further away.
2. Make sure your words and movements are large enough as well.  Make big sweeping motions with your whole arm, not just your fingers, and talk loud enough so the people in the back can hear you.
3. Put together your tricks so the effects form a routine.  For example, you could begin by producing colorful silk cloths, transform them to different colors, then use the colorful cloths to color pictures in a book.  Each effect should somehow tie into the one before it.
4. Have a "beginning", "middle", and an "end" to your act.  For example, the beginning should establish your character.  If you're a magician, do some quick magic like making something appear.  The middle should build with stronger and stronger material.  Each effect should be better than the last.  Finally, the end should be a masterful climax that gets the strongest reaction of anything you do.
5. Write out what you're going to say.  Sometimes when you are onstage you get nervous.  Knowing exactly what to say will help you get past this anxiety.
6. Allow yourself plenty of time to rehearse.  First, practice to perfection and then practice in front of your family or friends.
7. Select a character and then dress the part.  Are you a wizard with robe like Harry Potter?  How about a top hat and cape?  If Criss Angel is more your style, dress like a rocker.  Maybe a witch with a Halloween theme?  Or create your own magical style.
8. Watch your time.  Most acts have very limited performance time.  Make sure everything you want to do fits within the allowed time or you may get cut off, and then they'll miss part of your act.  If you only have a few minutes, don't use audience volunteers because they may become confused and slow you down.
9. Bring any tables and other staging equipment you may need.  Don't assume it will be provided for you.  Decorate your tables to match your character.
10. Pack everything so it sets up quickly and can be cleared off quickly when you are done.   If you have a lot of stuff, get help from a parent or friend to move things on and off.  And don't forget to keep everything concealed from prying eyes.
11. Bonus tip:  At the end of your performance give yourself enough time to take a bow and enjoy your applause.  You've worked hard to earn it.

Don't see what you're looking for here?  Wunderground Magic stocks hundreds of effects for talent show magic.  Stop in or call us with your needs.

If you have any questions or concerns about the difficulty of performing these effects or special considerations, contact Wunderground Magic. We will be happy to assist.

© Wunderground Magic, Inc. 2008-2011
16 S. Main Street
Clawson, MI 48017
(248) 280-5925