On Stage, Online
by Magic Gareth

A handbook on the virtual magic show for family entertainers.

I was working as a successful kids entertainer when Covid-19 hit. Like everyone else I saw all of my live work vanish and my income dwindle. I took my kids show online, and it has been pretty successful. I have now performed over 200 online shows and learned lots along the way. So, I wrote an ebook and now I am talking about it.

Now is the time to get online for the future of family entertainment!

• INTRODUCTION
• PART 1: THE AUDITION
• PART 2: REHEARSALS
  • The Initial Setup
  • The Backdrop
  • Webcam
  • Lighting
  • The Internet
  • Which streaming platforms
  • Facebook Live
  • Zoom
  • Plan B: Google Meet
  • Green Screen and the Virtual Background
  • Note for all streaming platforms Canva
  • Music
  • Music Issues
  • Props
  • Pack big, play big!
  • Age range
  • Show length
• PART 3: YOUR SHOW
  • Camera tricks
  • Mirror mirror on the wall
  • So, what effect should I do?
  • Typical show running order
  • Some Tricks for you
  • Germs Can Multiply: The Corona Magic Trick
  • Magic Gareth’s Slap Band Magic Wand
  • What shall we do today?
  • Balloon (or anything) from hat!
  • And the rest
• PART 4: MOVING FORWARD WITH YOUR SHOW
  • Make a Video Advert
  • You are the gap between TV and live theatre
  • Vision for the future: 1
  • Change the way you take business
  • Why selling your show is better than free online or Facebook shows
  • Interactivity
  • Magic Words
  • Vision for the future: 2
  • The client would be silly not to have a virtual party
  • The gift of giving
• PART 5: THE FULL RUN
  • Things to have with you when performing
  • Every child is the birthday child
  • The ‘Mute Button’ revisited
  • Zoom show details (know your shortcuts)
  • Feeling rough?
  • The 10-minute show sleuth - benefits of being early
  • External issues you may encounter when you are LIVE
  • Internal issues you may encounter when you are LIVE
• PART 6: INTERMISSION
  • Funny/stupid/helpful
• PART 7: CURTAIN CLOSE
  • The show is about to finish. How do you leave?
  • Reviews
• PART 8: AFTERSHOW PARTY (or THOUGHTS OF A FORMER MATINEE IDOL)
  • Screen/stage time
  • Good vocal practice
  • Top acting tips for camera
  • Believe in the setting and what you are doing
  • ‘Best Viewing Tips’
  • This is practice for the future
• PART 9: THE AUTOGRAPHS
  • Mr/Mrs Worldwide
  • Troubleshooting
  • What equipment do I use?
  • Useful Links
  • Thanks