What makes Kidz Blitz Live and FX Live the most successful family events in America?
It’s not the Ultimate Kidz Blitz Chicken & Bone Challenge. It’s not the new K.B. Cyclone. It’s not even the T.P. Bazookas. It’s not the parody music, the crazy props, the colorful set, the crowd shouts or special effects.
It isn’t any part of the high-octane event that makes it work so well; it’s how we blend it together. It’s the art of the participation. The energy comes from the way it turns spectators into fully engaged participants.
Here are the secrets that make it work.
Curiosity Factor! The set is designed to create a “what’s that for?” impact on kids and adults. From the minute they enter the room moms, dads and kids are beginning to realize they are about to experience something they have never seen/heard/felt before.
Includes Familiar People in Prominent Roles!Eight people from the host church play key roles in making these events effective. They are introduced like the starting line-up of an NBA team. Familiar faces on stage connect with the crowd.
Gets Everyone on Board BEFORE it Takes Off! You can’t move at high speed until everyone gets on the train. You can’t bring people along in a high-speed event until they understand how it all works. We quickly explain how the Green Tornado times the games, how the scoring works, what the stage crew will do, etc.
Push the Limits! Almost every game or challenge has an element of “Can this really be done?” Kids and parents do things you wouldn’t think they would be able to do.
Never Uses Athletic Ability! Example: it’s not interesting to watch a kid throw a ball into a trashcan. But it is interesting to watch a 6 year old girl defeat a 12 year old boy in Xtreme Hula or watch a 7 year old boy dominate the Cotton Ball Shake Off.
Everything is Abrupt! Music NEVER fades in or out. It starts suddenly and ends with a chop. There is always a feeling that anything can happen suddenly.
No Transitions! Nothing is “introduced.” We would never say, “And next we will witness a game that has captivated kids around America…” Oh please. Just do the game already! Transitions are notorious for losing the attention of the crowd. That’s why we never use them.
No Lesson Time! The message is woven into the games, challenges and shouts. By the time 90 minutes flies by you realize you heard a lot of scripture and Bible principles.
No Multi-Media! Everyone does multi-media; that’s why we don’t. We sometimes use a cool video countdown before the event. But that’s it. Honestly, multi-media kinda bores us. And of course, no clowns, magic or puppets.
Gospel Clarification! We do a short/simple/clear Gospel clarification at the end to sum up the event. This is coordinated with the local church.
There is more but we can’t reveal ALL the secrets. Let’s sum it up this way. It’s not the games, music, props, set or competition. It’s how we blend it together. It’s the art of the participation.
the participation. The energy comes from the way it turns spectators into fully engaged participants.
