Duck Soup

A dazzling display of prestidigitation! This fun and amazing production is targeted for young and family audiences. The show opens with a colorful, fast paced opening routine performed to music. In just moments an abundance of magic with silk scarves, cards, ribbons and live doves captivates the audience and holds there attention. Next, the excitement and fun build as Tim selects members of the audience to come on-stage and help create the magic. The volunteers find themselves in hilarious situations with lots of surprises and nonsense. Tim always manages to bring out the most of a child’s personality drawing upon there natural reactions to the situation and their sense of wonder, surprise and emotion. An audience participation favorite is “Duck Soup” a hilarious trick with a lesson about following instructions. Things really get amazing when one or more of the large scale illusions is presented such as the “Broomstick Suspension,” an amazing defiance of gravity; “Twister,” 360 degrees of twisted humor and “Metamorphosis,” Houdini’s famous mysterious masterpiece.

Incredible magic, music, movement, comedy, audience participation, live animals and special effects are skillfully woven together into an experience that will blow your mind and tickle your funny bone! This show is presented in two formats. A 45 minute version for schools, libraries and other mid-size venues. An expanded one hour theatrical version is available for theaters and performance arts centers.

Performing Arts Centers, Schools and Libraries

Their most recent body of work in schools and performance arts centers has been in conjunction with Theatreworks USA  – New York, NY.   Since 1997 they have a been a part of their “guest artist ” series.  With over 200 presentations in  139 venues in :  IL, TX, UT, CA, IN, NE, ND, KY, MI, OH, PA, MA, CT, NY, NJ, DE.

Technical Needs

The 45 minute version:
Performance space needed:  16’ deep x 20’ wide
Load in and set up time: 60 – 90 min.
Strike and load out time : 45 min.
Special needs:  A 6’ or 8’ table.
A small waste can
1 electrical outlet within 50 ‘
Sound system:  We provide.
Background Curtains: We provide a portable backdrop.

 

The one hour theater version:
Performance space needed:  20’ deep X 24’ wide minimum.
Load in and set up time: 2-3 hours.
Strike and load out time : 60 minutes.
Special needs:  (2) 6’ or 8’ tables.
A small waste can
1 electrical outlet within 50 ‘
Sound system:  We provide our own or can patch into your system.  When we patch into your system, our rack and patch point needs to be backstage.  We need 5 channels. 1/4” or XLR inputs.
Background Curtains: We have a 18’ x 40’ drop.
Lighting:  Scenes we typically request:
General wash
Amber wash
Medium Blue wash
Downstage special

“The Balsters were wonderful to work with – cooperative, appreciative and respectful of our time and theatre” … “ we were impressed with there organization and planning” … “The show itself was terrific. They skillfully entertained nearly 1,000 patrons ranging in age from three to eighty.” “ our experience with the Balsters was entirely positive.” “ We recommend them to any presenting organization.”
Annette M. Thompson
Public Relations / Program Coordinator
Ellen Eccles Theatre / Capitol Arts Alliance
Logan, UT

“To spark a child’s curiosity and sense of wonder is a wonderful gift; a gift that you deliver to children across the country with your light-hearted performances.” “ I found your magic, as well as your on-stage presentation, to be very professional and age appropriate…a magic show that all ages could enjoy. Thank you.”
Darla Meeker
Luther Burbank Center for the Arts
Santa Rosa, CA

“Your performance is a visual pleasure and the active pacing holds everyone’s attention, from the 4 year olds to their grandparents. “ “Your attention to details such as costuming, the use of brightly colored props, the fog machine and confetti all added to the magic of the performance. Your rapport with the audience helped to keep them vitally interested throughout the program.”
Priscilla J Johnson
Performing Arts Coordinator
Longwood Gardens
Kennett Square, PA

“Your show was fast paced, fun and full of amazing magic!  Both kids and adults were enthralled from beginning to end as you skillfully brought off one astounding feat after another.  I was impressed with how you kept the audience fully involved with the performance including bringing several kids up on stage to participate in the show.
The kids left with smiles and I had nothing but glowing comments from parents.”
George Trudeau
Director, Performing Arts
Munson Williams Proctor Arts Inst.
Utica, NY

“ The production featured a variety of impressive magic tricks with cards, coins, animals, and plenty of audience participation.  The overall pace was exciting and well-timed,  and the performers did a wonderful job of keeping spectators of all ages captivated.  “
“The final segment, an escape trick made famous by Houdini, left the audience awestruck.”
Allison Bies
Youth Services Program Coordinator
Shaumburg Township District Library
Schaumburg, IL