There is a lot of discussion regarding social distancing entertainment in the UK. Things are returning to ‘normal’ as I write, and people are beginning to talk about upcoming parties and business gatherings.
Of course, one of the most important factors is entertainment. Up until March 2020, performing as a close-up magician was a large part of my job. Hopefully, things will gradually return to normal, but it may take some time. Would a close-up magician make everyone feel at ease? Typically, people are required to pick a card or touch the magician’s props. Is this something that people will want to do so soon after lockdown?
Ideas for Social Distancing Entertainment
As you may imagine, I’ve had a lot of free time over the last several months, so I’ve come up with a few ideas for how you can still have fantastic magic at your event. I’ll put a handful here, along with a quick description of how each one would function.
Stage Magician
A stage magician or illusionist in India is the appropriate answer for social distancing entertainment as long as individuals are seated separately. It means that everyone can marvel at the wonder from a safe distance. In the earlier days, I would usually enlist the assistance of volunteers to assist me on stage. I can still do it as long as everything is done from a safe distance and safety precautions are used.Simple things like asking individuals to wash their hands with antibacterial gel as they rise and leave the stage will go a long way, in my opinion. Keeping props to a minimum is also important. This type of show will benefit greatly from mind reading.
Not so close up magic
During a cocktail reception or in between dishes at a meal, close up magicians are a popular choice. Naturally, we’ll have to wait and see how these events unfold to determine what can and cannot be done.A close-up magician can set up a separate table where people can come and see them perform from a safe distance. Everyone could be a safe distance away while still being close enough to see amazing sleight-of-hand magic.
The handling of props would be the most significant distinction. All of the workarounds have already been devised. You don’t pick a card; instead, you think of one. I’ll tell you which card comes to mind. Amazing! Instead of signing a card, I can ask someone to offer me a word that I can put on it, and we’ll all know it’s one-of-a-kind.
Then you know it was the same card if it appears in my wallet. There’s a workaround for almost everything. For the past few months, I’ve been doing a lot of magic and mind reading in my online virtual Zoom magic show. I know it works because the reactions have been fantastic. If you haven’t already done so, download Zoom and contact us. It’s incredible.
The ‘Socially Distancing’ Room is a well-kept secret
The Secret Room is one of my favourite things to do at parties. This is when I set up a room and invite people in to watch a magic show. Typically, the show only allows 5–10 individuals at a time. This is arguably the most straightforward method of social distancing entertainment.
People can still enter the room, and as long as the seats are properly arranged with sufficient space between them, everything will be fine. Depending on how many groups we have to go through, the programme can last anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes each time.