Hey everyone! I just wanted to thank you for all the ideas for outdoor backdrops! I had my first 2 outdoor shows yesterday and they went very well. The first crowd was great (127). The 2nd crowd was much larger, but scattered. I had people talking all around, because they had other activities going on at the same time. I won't have that happen again!!
Overall, it was a great day!

I've noticed outdoor audiences have more of a tendency to talk amongst themselves than indoor audiences, must be the lack of confinement of the walls and ceiling.

I find that most members of my audiences are quiet. Except for those that talk in their sleep. The others just snore a little.

I'm talking as a magician and not as a ventriloquist when I say what has annoyed me the most about an outdoor show is the wind. It has blown down my backdrops, knocked down my props, messed with my silks, and almost ruined a great parasol routine I do.
I will not refuse to do an outdoor show but I will change my show whenever I perform outside. I now ask ahead of time as to where I might be performing.

My upcomming outdoor show is going to be tough, there is no access to a mic what to do other then get the kids within 10 feet from my platform...
hopefully they will hear me. Its a family childrens party so I am not to worried but....
N J

N J
You need to get a portable PA system with a wireless head mic. It is one of the
most important items I have bought. I now have 2, just in case one does not work. That is how important I think they are. I also believe it is even more important now that I'm doing ventriloquism.

I agree with, Chris, although for plane flights I'd leave it at home. I love the wireless headset and really couldn't get by with a lapel mic anymore. It tends to feedback too easily. You also need a windscreen on a wireless headset so you don't pop the "p's" or blow when you laugh. It's also good for wind, which is why it is called a windscreen. It's that piece of foam.

I made a headset frame out of a coat hanger and mounted a lapel mic to it... solved the problem quite easily -- and I didn't have to worrry about the lapel mic coming loose.

Hey you guys always seem to come up with some great advice and of course I will be looking into all your ideas...Thanks to everyone for the input.
N J