Magic Tricks

If you are a children's entertainer and do kids shows, and you don't have this 2 dvd set, then you are missing one of if not the best material on the market. I've had this dvd set for years and I always love referring back to it. Chris Capehart teaches more then just tricks, he teaches you how to construct routines, and why to do it that way.

When you watch Chris perform, you can tell that every prop he brings out make sense, and his explanations for them during the routine make sense as well as the entire routine he does with that prop. As far as the actual material on these dvd's, well they are top shelf and I use most of this material to this day. Here's some brief thoughts on each:

Cards for Kids:
This is one of the few effects I don't do. However, Chris has a very nice way of taking Card tricks and making them work for kids. Card tricks don't usually work for kids, but if you apply Chris's routine to your show, it will actually stick. I don't do this routine simply because I've got another great trick I do in it's place, but regardless, this is still worth your time in learning it.

Rating: 9/10

Miser's Dream:
This one is not explained on the dvd. If you want to learn this routine, you have to buy his "Misers Dream dvd" which I highly recommend. However, the performance you get on here is nothing short of fantastic and a must add to your show. I have the Misers Dream dvd, and this is a staple in my act and never fails to get the kids going:

Rating: 10/10

Coloring Book:

This is a gem. I used to shy away from this routine because almost every kid I showed this too, has seen it before. But with Chris's routine, that won't matter, because you are presenting it in a different way, thus making it still a fooler. It fills up the stage, gets multiple volunteers involved, and it's super simple to perform.

Rating: 10/10

Matilda and the Lota Bowl:

This is a nice running gag throughout your show. It takes the classic Lota bowl/vase and turns it into a running gag that never fails to get the kids screaming (literally). This is a nice gag you can do throughout your show, that is also magical at the same time.

Rating: 10/10

Sponge Balls:

This routine is simple and funny. It takes up minimal pocket space, and you will fool them every single time. This is another routine I don't do, but I love Chris's presentation with this.

Rating: 8/10

Hopping Spots:

This routine flat out rocks. The prop for this is insanely cheap and it pays for itself countless times over. I use the less expensive version of this, and it still kills. You can draw this out as little or as long as you like, and it's got a built in kicker ending that always gets them.

Rating: 10/10

Botanica:

This is the ending to the Lota Bowl running gag. It brings all of it to a nice conclusion, however I don't think some parts in this particular routine are necessary. Overall though, it makes sense, and brings the Lota Bowl full circle.

Rating: 7/10

The Rings:

This is another trick that isn't explained on this dvd. If you want to learn this routine, you have to buy his dvd "The Rings". With that said, this is a MUST routine to learn. This plays well in all shows, from kids to adults, and is a staple in my act today.

Rating: 12/10 Simply Remarkable

Change Bag:

This is also another routine that isn't explained on the dvd, however it doesn't need to be. We all know what a change bag does, and how Chris uses his in his show, is truly motivational. It makes me want to use a change bag and see what kind of tricks I can come up with. I also love Chris's routine.

Rating: 10/10

Fraidy Cat Rabbit:

Once again, this routine is not explained, and like the change bag routine, it doesn't need to be. If you have the prop, all you need to do is watch the performance, study it, and start fooling the pants off of everyone that sees it. I absolutely LOVE this trick and it is a staple in my kids show to this day.

Rating: 12/10 Absolutely fantastic

Chris also gives some nice closing thoughts and tips on props and routining your show at the end of the first dvd which is nice.

On dvd 2:

The Silk Vanish:

This routine is fabulous. It is pure eye candy and wonder, and has a nice visual ending. I do this all the time and it really kills.

Rating: 10/10

The Incredible Shrinking and Growing Head:

I use this as an opener for my kids shows and it really rocks. You do have to make sure you're at the right distance otherwise the trick won't work for some in the audience. I've developed my own patter over the years for this routine and it's just an opener you can't beat IMO.

Rating: 10/10

The Interview:

This interview is worth the price of the set. It's over an hour long (I think) and Kozmo is the one asking the questions and he doesn't miss a beat. Chris tips things you normally wouldn't expect a pro to tip, which is the real advice on making money doing kids shows, and what you should be making if you've got a great show. He also gives fantastic advice on routining your show as a whole, and what it takes to be a true entertainer in the business. Just invaluable advice.

Rating: 12/10 Spectacular

Overall Thoughts:

You need to get this dvd set. Once you get it, study it and learn how a true entertainer performs, you will become one of the top childrens entertainers in your area. The kids I have performed for absolutely LOVE these tricks on this set as I use most of them in EVERY kids show I do. It has truly changed my magic career for the better, and I can honestly say I'm a better performer because of it. Do your career a favor and get this set, you won't regret a penny.