SeptOct_2013

WORKING WITH A PARTNER:
SECRET
SIGNALS!
Photographs: Tim “Sawdust” Laynor
Feature: Ann “Tuttles” Sanders
Position 1: Use your right hand to hold the card when the
object is hidden under the container to your right.
Position 2: Use both hands to indicate the object is hidden
under the middle container.
Position 3: Use your left hand to hold the card when the
object is hidden under the container to your left.
Page 10
THE SET UP
Prepare instructions for a hideand-seek
bit of entertainment
and print them on an index card
or envelope. You will also want
to include an introduction for
your partner – revealing to your
audience, in grand fashion, your
partner’s ability to read minds.
Position three (3) containers on a
flat surface.
Provide an object (i.e.: large
pompom) that can be hidden
under the containers.
THE PERFORMANCE
Read aloud the introduction of
your partner. Have him/her make
their grand entrance.
Select a volunteer from the
audience.
Next read the guidelines your
partner and the audience
volunteer must follow in order to
perform the trick.
Ask your partner to turn their
back to the containers or place a
blindfold over their eyes or, if the
location allows, wait in another
room.
Have the volunteer hide an object
under one of the containers.
Ask your partner to turn and face
the containers or remove the
blindfold or return to the room,
whichever the case may be.
As part of your rules you can
include your partner to look at,
but not touch, the containers.
You may also wish to ask your
partner to gaze into the eyes of
the volunteer that hid the object.
(This is the perfect opportunity
to use lots of showmanship, in
combination with mystical magical
clown powers, to identify which
container has the hidden object.)
THE SECRET SIGNAL
While written instructions are not
necessary to perform the trick,
it is essential to have a card or
envelope as the signal prop.
So as not to draw attention to
the card or envelope, hold it in a
relaxed fashion throughout the
performance. To disclose which
container has the concealed
object, simply hold the card
to match the position of the
container where the object is
hidden.
(See photos of positions 1 – 3)
For the example, a pompom is
placed on top of the container
to demonstrate which suggested
signal you would give for the
specific position. When the trick
is performed remember to have
the audience member place the
object under the container.
Ann “Tuttles” Sanders
The New Calliope