These outdoor shows can be lots of fun and a big success, or they can extremely taxing and frustrating. I'd like to share a few outdoor show tips that have helped make my life easier.

The biggest factor to deal with at outdoor shows is, not surprisingly, the weather. Rain, wind, bright sunlight and hot temperatures are just a few factors to take into consideration when planning an outdoor show.

When a client calls about an outdoor show, I always inquire about the show performance area. Is there a stage? Does the stage have a canopy? Is there power nearby? If there's a covered stage, consider yourself lucky!

Many times, the client will want you to work out in a grassy area, or even on a parking lot. This type of setting can really present a lot of problems.

If there's no stage, try to define a performance area. I use a rope line to indicate the stage area. I also try to find an area where I can have several trees or a wall behind me. Having people standing behind you during the show is distracting to both you and the audience. I don't use my portable backdrop system outside, since the curtains are blown by windy conditions. I always try to get permission to pull my vehicle up close to the performance area. I want to have the van close by, in case I have to quickly get my props out of a sudden rain storm. Keep in mind, that if you do pull your van into the performance area, you many not be able to get it back out until the event is over and the crowd has left. I have even parked my van just behind the performance area, to provide a sort of back wall.

Finding a readily accessible power supply can also be difficult outdoors. I used to carry several long extension cords to deal with this problem. However, two years ago I found a better solution to the lack of power: a battery operated sound system. There are many types to choose from. I, as well as many other performers I know, have had excellent success with systems made by Anchor Audio. Check their web site for details.

I also bought an inexpensive battery operated cassette recorder to provide background music. Now I have a complete sound system that can work anywhere, even without a power outlet.

It is a good idea to pack several plastic drop cloths in case you can't get all the props out of the rain quickly. These plastic sheets can be thrown over equipment and secured with masking tape if necessary. Also, when working outdoors, pack extra towels. When you're soaked, and the props are getting wet, you can never seem to find enough dry towels.

Besides rain, the wind is another big factor when trying to perform magic outdoors. The delicate, sophisticated type of magic has to be sacrificed in favor of more durable pieces of equipment.

When deciding on outdoor show material, try to find props that are wind proof, angle proof and and can be seen by a big crowd.

My favorite outdoor show trick is the linking rings. It meets all of the above criteria, and the sound of the clanging rings helps to draw a crowd. The only slight drawback is that on hot days, when my hands start to sweat, the rings can be a bit difficult to handle.

Other tricks that I have used successfully outdoors would include an arm chopper or guillotine, most rope tricks, a rabbit production from some sort of a box or tube, the fraidy cat rabbit, and other durable props.

Silk magic is difficult to do outdoors. However, a routine with silks and a change bag, where the silks aren't set down to blow away, would probably be fine.

One I tried the mis-made flag routine outdoors. When I dropped the blue silk, a gust of wind came up and blew the silk into the audience. Another time, I tried the crystal tube, where three separate silks are placed into a clear tube, and come out knotted. At the climax, when the silks are blown out of the tube, another gust of wind came up and blew these silks into the audience.

You'll find that for some strange reason, even on calm days, when you try silk magic outdoors, the wind will suddenly come up at the most critical time. Sponge ball magic can also be difficult if the wind is blowing.

Be careful if you're doing any type of trick where you place a large card against a display stand. These large, lightweight cards will be blown away with just a light wind.

Working outdoor shows requires several compromises. You may have to eliminate some of your best material, and instead substitute something that works better in outdoor conditions.

With bright sunlight, check your production boxes and other tricks that use the black art principal. With strong light overhead, your square circle gimmick tube becomes painfully obvious. Strong light behind you may also expose hidden packets or devices.

The warm, bright outdoor conditions also are a factor in my choice of costume. I usually wear a more casual type of costume when working outdoors. I want to look "showy," but I also want to be comfortable. I normally wear more formal attire for indoor shows, but outdoor picnic shows can really take a toll on tuxedos and patent leather shoes.

For outdoor shows, I like to wear a colorful vest, black trousers and black tennis shoes. The vest is comfortable, draws attention and is easy to clean. The tennis shoes are also comfortable and don't get ruined from parking lots full of stones and gravel.

You'll find that outdoor shows require a good deal of thought and planning. If you try to present an indoor-type of show outside you'll quickly encounter several major problems. However, with a little planning and a few changes, you can present an entertaining and effective show outdoors.

I hope these suggestions will help you to have a successful summer show season. I must admit, I'm happier doing my shows indoors, but sometimes we have no choice but to perform outdoors. Our audiences are waiting to have a good time, so it's up to us to deliver even though the conditions may be far from ideal. I wish you the very best this summer!

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