Here are some various methods of ending a show:

1. If you find that you are ending 3 to 4 minutes before your scheduled time, especially at a school, then take time for questions. Focus on the older kids as younger kids will make a comment but probably won't ask a question. Don't tell them how any magic was done.

2. If you find that the audience is VERY close and is dying to get into your stuff at the end, as in a summer camp with summer staff, then use the last two minutes to show them how everything packs up very nicely. I have a backdrop and can be putting stuff away even as I get the next puppet out. Then to end I can show them how the puppet curtain and tripods fold down to a very small size, and even the magic table folds down! Result: I don't have a dozen kids milling about as I try to collapse a stage.

3. Business cards: Let them know that you have a picture of you and the puppets that will be available after the show.

4. Say, "If you'd like to see pictures of the puppets and their friends go to www.tonyborders.com."

For those doing library shows you know that librarians like:

1. When you show up at least 30 minutes early. I get a HUGE smile when I come in an hour early and say that I wanted to do some reading before the show.

2. Send them 2 or 3 full size posters of the show to put on the entry door. Do this at least one week in advance and make sure the date and time are posted. You could even put, For questions visit www._______.com and put your website!

3. Push books during the show. Arriving a few minutes early allows you to pull a few books from the shelf to set on a table in the meeting room. The advantage is that some kids will come in early and you can give them a book to read. And you can let them know these books are available to check out. I sometimes announce, "We have a prize today! Everybody who came to my show and who has a library card gets to check out some books today for FREE!"

4. Find out and push the next show they are having. I had a show on Tuesday and found out that the next Tuesday show was being done by my college guitar professor! The librarian didn't know him so she really appreciated my announcement of how great the show would be. Chances are high that you know someone who is coming. Really push their show! I may mention it several times during my show. "If you liked that magic trick be sure to come back on _____ when Dan the Magic Man will be here. He fooled me with his magic!"

5. Do a 45 -60 minute show. I was thoroughly disappointed when I went to see a marionette show and it only lasted 20 minutes! He stayed to bring individual puppets out and answer questions, but most of the audience left. Each library expects 45 minutes or more. (Parents like less so never go over an hour. I aim right at 45 minutes. If I have time I might say, "I'm going to let you go so you can check out some books, but if you'd like to give the bear a bear hug as you go I will be over by the door." You can use the Axtell kangaroo to give a high 5. (And a low 5). The bear to give a bear hug or a high 5 (some kids are afraid.) etc.

I brought out the Axtell skunk after just talking about castles and kings. A child said a good name for it would be Sir Stinks-a-lot! I agree!

I am doing a library show today about 1/2 mile from my house! I will use some of your advice. Thanks
Ribbons the clown/ventriloquist

Ribbons the clown
Robin Bremer
http://www.ribbonstheclown.com/
www.youtube.com/user/ribbonstheclown
www.RibbonsBelieveItOrNotBlogspot.com

I do this, as well! I give them a coloring page, but of course they need to know what color each puppet REALLY is, right? So, I hand them a 'picture' of my puppets!! They think it's great!

Shari

I was at a library this spring to see a performer. It just so happened that I was scheduled to be there the very next day. Not a word was mentioned about the next day's show, and I must say I was disappointed. We had a good group the next day but when I asked how many had been there the day before very few raised their hand. Think how many more we could have had! Do the library a favor and make their announcement for the next event for them.

Tony, I had never thought of doing this before! Definitely something I'm going to do at my next library show! Thanks!

Shari