The Eclectic Collector

Kidabra Live Library Sessions 2-DVD Set

Library themes change from year to year. What remains constant is the desire of libraries to attract tons of kids through their doors over the summer and have them leave with a stack of books. The smart performer develops a program that helps them achieve that goal on both fronts.

Tthe Session is hosted by the incomparable Steve Taylor, whose tips and stories of performing in libraries are worth many times the price of the DVD set. Featuring routines from Barry Mitchell, Ken Scott, Jim Kleefeld, Rick Hubbard, Julian Franklin, Bruce Amato and Chris Frings.

After the performances, go behind the scenes for explanations and then enjoy the bonus features of Steve and longtime library show pro Mark Daniel as they discuss set design ideas for the show and then join a round robin discussion by several of the top pros in the library market led by Ken Scott as they talk about the ins and outs of this unique venue. The KIDabra Live Sessions Double-DVD set is a fabulous idea generator to spark your imagination. Join many of today's top KIDshow and Family Entertainers sharing between them a wealth of routines and tips. The Sessions are designed not as shows to simply sit back and watch, but as brainstorming jam sessions. A performer with repeated and careful study will glean valuable info and tips. Above all, enjoy and learn from different approaches and styles. Recorded Live at The KIDabra Conference 2007, a 2-DVD Set. $45.

Magic Around the World

The Dog-Gone GOOD Magic Show DVD

Watch as Jim uses commercial and original magic in an exciting and entertaining program that has played hundreds of times and has enchanted and delighted thousands of spectators. See how well Jim handles children, draws in the adults in the audience, and provides his clients with a quality event. It is particularly fascinating to see how Jim has taken commercial effects and adapted them to fit his theme and his style. Join kidshow performers from all over the world who have benefitted from Jim's lectures, training and expertise in crafting a theme show. 60 min DVD. $35.

Reading Is Forever DVD

Using both commercial and original magic, Jim transforms carefully selected tricks and effects into educational routines. See the Compass Trick, Bookworms, Newspaper Tear, a Dove Pan and more transformed into meaningful stories that each combine a magical ending with a valuable lesson. You will garner some terrific performing and show structure tips from one of the country's top school show professionals. 60 min DVD. $35.

You Are the Star DVD

This educational magic show about character is a perfect example of how to create the kind of program that schools want. It incorporates fun with learning - that means REAL entertainment mixed with REAL educational objectives. Designed and written by a master educator, this program really helps children learn and remember positive character traits. It is partly based on Taking Part, Jim's nationally-known social skills program, a teacher's publication used in schools all over the country. In seven magical routines, Jim explains and demonstrates the Six Pillars of Character, and provides a succinct wrap-up.

Careful selection of effects and clever transitions from one routine to the next make this show fun to watch. Students learn and remember the lessons by participating in a contest with the teachers, by interacting with the performer, and by watching surprising magical conclusions. With much comedy and lots of audience participation, this show has become a real favorite of Jim's school clients. 60 min DVD. $35.

Dragons and Dreams DVD

Dragons & Dreams is a perfect example of how to produce a themed magic show. Jim uses Crown Jewels, Wizard Hat Tear, D'Lites and more in a clever homage to fantasy literature. His Attaboy Knight routine is very novel and Dragon Egg Wizardry is truly a unique individualized prop, custom created just for this show. Jim's hilarious closing puppet dialogue with a literature-quoting, smoke-blowing dragon has to be seen to be believed. Parents, librarians and children all over have highly praised this show as one of Jim's best.

Watch as Jim blends old and new magic, & adds original creations into an exciting and entertaining program that has enchanted and delighted thousands of spectators. See excellent examples of how to handle children, draw in the adults in the audience, and assure clients of a quality event. It is particularly fascinating to watch how Jim uses transitions from one effect to another to create a show that flows effortlessly toward a fabulous conclusion. 60 min DVD. $35.

Reading Is Magic DVD

Reading Is Magic This program is more than just a "magic show," and more than just an "assembly program." It is a clever combination of fun and education that weaves specific books and authors into magical plots. Jim explores books like The Three Billy Goats Gruff, Caps for Sale, and Alice in Wonderland. He teaches vocabulary like "redundant," "dialogue," and "residue." He defines and shares genres of literature and clarifies the difference between fiction and biographies. He explains the use of "graphic organizers," an educational teaching tool used in classrooms. All this and more is woven into a program that has kids shouting, clapping, and laughing while they learn.

Watch as Jim blends old and new magic, & adds original creations into an exciting and entertaining program that has enchanted and delighted thousands of spectators. See excellent examples of how to handle children, draw in the adults in the audience, and assure clients of a quality event. It is particularly fascinating to watch how Jim uses transitions from one effect to another to create a show that flows effortlessly toward a fabulous conclusion. 60 min DVD. $35.

Lewis and Clark Magic Program

More than a book - an entire program!

From 2004 to 2006 marked the bicentennial of the Lewis & Clark Expedition, and brought new respect and admiration for this pair of explorers' exploits. Here is the perfect resource for magicians and assembly performers who want to create and sell a fun and educational Lewis & Clark show. This unique package teaches you exactly how to put together the show with tricks and props you own or can easily get. Fully illustrated, with additional pictures, diagrams and art files to make some of the tricks included on a CD-ROM. Also included is an Audio CD with a complete musical sound track for the show. This music was especially licensed by Jim from Pure Quill, a music group who perform 18th Century tunes on traditional instruments. The book includes a word-for-word audience-tested script with all of the preparation, educational information, jokes and transitions. Most importantly, Jim gives you full performance rights so you can perform this show in your area. Book, Music CD & CD-ROM with Art Files. $50.

The No-Bully Zone Program

Jim Kleefeld is now releasing his new educational program, The No-Bully Zone. This 45-minute educational school assembly program is a fully realized project that will enable you to produce, market and perform an important, educationally significant show. You receive a full video of the show, a complete show script, and the performing rights to present this show at schools in your area.

Included in the package:
* 48-page book with the full script, trick lists, and all details
* 75-minute DVD with a live show performance, and explanations
* 45-minute Audio CD with the complete script for rehearsal and memorizing
* CD-ROM with over 80 art files to help you produce and market the show
* trick instructions
* alternate trick suggestions
* promotion and marketing suggestions
* anti-bullying information and research
* resources list
* trick construction instructions
* Jim's full support and assistance through phone and e-mail

No 45-minute assembly program can end bullying in a school. But this one is a terrific way to define the concepts that need to be examined and discussed. It provides an excellent introduction and strong motivation to help teachers, principals and students begin a year-long school-wide program in their building. The No-Bully Zone has eight routines which teach anti-bullying concepts to elementary teachers and their students. Students will learn:
* how to identify bullies
* five types of bullying behavior
* how working together lessens bullying
* how bullying makes you feel
* what to do when you are being bullied
* an acronym to keep you S.A.F.E.
* how to open communication
* how bystanders can help
Each No-Bully Zone Program will be site-licensed to an individual performer for a specific geographic region. Call or e-mail Jim Kleefeld to secure your area. Book, DVD, Audio CD, CD-ROM with Art Files & Performance License - $495.

Because each purchaser is buying an exclusive performing rights license to a specific area, please contact Jim to see if your state or region is available.

Clown Magic

A great magic book for beginners and intermediate performers of all types. This book, published in a trade edition and written by magician David Ginn was fully illustrated with hundreds of line drawings by Jim Kleefeld. It offers many tips, routines, gags and funny business for performers. It is available through most bookstores and regular book outlets. It may be ordered by libraries, schools or individuals. The ISBN number is 0-941599-21-3. Sorry. Clown Magic is temporarily out of print. It may be available through secondary markets such as eBay or abebooks.com. The publisher, Picadilly Press has announced that they will be reissuing the book shortly.

The Contract Book

This valuable reference for entertainers, recently updated, has been in print continuously since it was first published in 1988. It is a compendium of contracts and contract information geared especially for entertainers. Magicians, clowns, jugglers, musicians, ventriloquists and storytellers have all found the advice and information on contract invaluable. Besides a strong theory section on how and why to use contracts for shows, there is practical advice on paper, envelopes and printing.

The book's second section has 12 contract forms suitable for reproduction as is or on letterhead. Each form is supplemented with text that explains its various functions and clauses, such as cancellation or videotaping. There is also a section on booking sheets for keeping track of show arrangements. There are booking sheet examples and a sample cover letter for sending with contract mailings. Softcover. $30.

Magishing Stuff

Subtitled, Ideas and Art for Stand-Up Performance, this book includes sixteen magic tricks in full routines with explanations on how to make all of the necessary props. With detailed illustrations and full patter lines, these can easily be created by most individuals and put into shows quickly. All of the tricks are easy to construct with common materials. The numerous illustrations include full art and graphic designs for the tricks.

In addition to the tricks, there are insightful articles on creativity, give-aways, using assistants and booking information. A wonderfully useful table design concept completes the contents of this very useful book. Anyone with a bit of home handyman in them can make this very practical performer's table that doubles as a display stand and prop case. Many performers have purchased this book for the table design alone. Softcover. $30.

The Volunteer Book

Using audience members as volunteers and assistants can make or break a show. Many performers are very successful at selecting good volunteers and making the most of them. Others, although good performers, often see their show destroyed by someone from the audience acting up on stage. This book is based on the experience of thousands of shows as well as thoughtful study of the psychology of performance.

Chapters give very practical information in such helpful topics as "Preparing Before Using a Volunteer," "Selecting a Good Volunteer," and "Dismissing a Volunteer Properly." There is material on volunteer treatment, using rewards and give-aways and concise guidelines. Anyone using audience volunteers in an act, whether magician, juggler, ventriloquist, clown, storyteller or other, should give this volume thorough study. Softcover. $30.