Howcast
The best source for fun, free, and useful how-to videos and guides.
Time for Ballroom Dancing 101! Learn how to ballroom dance from dance instructors Aaron Mitchum and Kristina Reese in these free Howcast dance videos.
What’s more fun that drinking booze in a bar? Mixing alcohol with the bar games in this Howcast video series.
Planning a seaside escape? Make the most of your time in the sun, sand, and surf with this Howcast video series.
Want to be a drummer? Learn how to play the drums with the beginner drum lessons in this Howcast video series.
Don’t miss this belly dancing 101 video series, featuring instructor Irina Akulenko. Learn how to belly dance so you can shake it like Shakira in no time!
Tip the odds in your favor with these betting guidelines.
Learn how to identify birds in this Howcast video series about birdwatching.
Turn off the TV and get the family involved in a good old-fashioned parlor game; the rules are all here in this Howcast video series.
Don’t go into the woods without the camping equipment advice and tips in this Howcast video series.
Learn how to do card flourishes and sleight of hand tricks with the step-by-step demonstrations by magician Michael Patrick in these Howcast magic videos.
Professional magician Ben Nemzer reveals the secrets behind some very cool magic tricks in these Howcast videos.
Learn the basic dance moves needed to dance anywhere — from clubs and school dances to Bar Mitzvahs and house parties — with these Howcast videos.
Learn how to spin records professionally or just for fun with the tips in this how to be a DJ video series from Howcast.
Learn how to do some easy magic tricks that can be performed at the dinner table with these Howcast videos.
These yo-yo tricks will take you from walking the dog to a three-leaf clover and around the world.
Calling all filmmakers! Learn how to make a movie with the filmmaking tips in this Howcast video series.
Don’t get on a plane without the flight information in this Howcast series about air travel, which helps you make the most of your time in the sky.
Celebrate autumn with the great ideas in this Howcast video series.
Dealing with bored children? Entertain them with the children’s games in this Howcast video series.
Become a guitarist with the guitar lessons in this Howcast video series for beginner guitar players.
Have a happy Halloween with the ideas in this Howcast video series.
The new year isn’t going to just ring itself in; make this New Year’s Eve a night to remember with the ideas in these videos.
Don’t take harmonica lessons with just anyone! Learn how to play harmonica with these Howcast tutorials featuring legendary musician John Popper.
Let hip-hop dance crew Def-C show you how to dance like Beyonce, Chris Brown, Diversity, Jabbawockeez, and other artists in these dance videos.
Howcast will teach you how to perform the most popular hip hop dance moves for kids with free video dance lessons full easy-to-follow instructions.
Learn how to B-Boy Dance with these free video lessons. Learn B-Boy footwork, freezes, power moves, burns, and more from NYC b-boy Victor “Kid Glyde” Alicea.
Attention, aspiring actors and actresses! Break into show business with the tips in these Howcast video.
Become a star by learning how to get onto a TV show; the insider advice is all in this Howcast video series.
Learn how to beatbox from beatboxers Jflo and Kid Lucky in these Howcast videos.
Learn how to belly dance from Middle Eastern dance expert Irina Akulenko in these Howcast belly dance videos.
Learn how to take a camping trip — from setting up your campsite to avoiding bears — from seasoned camper Heather Menicucci in these Howcast videos.
Make May 5th the most fun fiesta ever this year with these Cinco de Mayo recipes.
Plan your Labor Day weekend with a little help from Howcast.
Find new ways to celebrate Mardi Gras and enjoy Fat Tuesday with the tips in this Howcast video series.
Learn how to celebrate Oktoberfest — even if you can’t make it to Germany — with these Howcast videos.
Hooray for the red, white, and blue! We’ve got everything you need to pull off the perfect Independence Day bash..
Celebrate the Day of the Dead with help from this Howcast video series.
Learn how to dance with a full library of free dance videos in every style. Don’t hit the dance floor until you check out these Howcast dance tutorial videos!
Learn how to dance in a club! Dancer/choreographer TweetBoogie shows you the hottest dance floor moves in these free Howcast videos.
Learn how to dance bachata with the help of Latin Dance Company Joel Salsa in these free Howcast dance videos. Great for beginners, intermediate, and advanced!
Learn how to dance ballet! Professional ballerina Maegan Woodin will have you pirouetting to The Nutcracker in no time with these Howcast dance videos.
Learn how to dance burlesque from professional dancer Elizabeth DeGennaro in these Howcast dance videos.
Learn how to dance like Michael Jackson to all his hit songs from professional dancer Robert Taylor, Jr. in these Howcast dance videos.
Learn how to dance the merengue step by step with professional dancers Ernesto Palma and Crystal Rodriguez in these free Howcast dance videos.
Learn how to salsa with these free video dance lessons featuring professional salsa instructor Jorday Rivera. Great for beginners, intermediate, and advanced!
Learn how to dance Cha Cha with these free Howcast dance videos. Add a little Latin flair to your dancing with these easy step-by-step instructions.
Learn how to dance to reggae dancehall music with the easy dance moves demonstrated by Str8FramYaad in these Howcast dance videos.
Learn how to DJ from Rock and Soul instructor / professional DJ DP One in these Howcast videos.
Need to speak with a foreign accent? Learn how to do a convincing one with the help of dialect expert Andrea Caban in these Howcast videos.
Learn how to perform coin and card magic tricks from magician and mentalist Jason Suran, who walks you through the steps in these Howcast videos.
Celebrity magician Matt Wayne reveals the secrets behind 22 coin tricks in these Howcast videos.
Be the life of the party at your next social gathering by learning the easy card tricks in this Howcast video series.
Amaze friends and family by mastering the easy coin tricks in this Howcast video series.
Want to be a magician like David Copperfield? Start by mastering the easy magic tricks in this Howcast video series.
Let choreographer Jarrieth Patterson show you how to put together hip-hop dance moves for great hip-hip dance combos in these Howcast dance videos.
Learn how to do hip-hop dance moves like Running Man, Dougie and Spongebob from dancer Charlene “Chi Chi” Smith in these Howcast dance videos.
Attention, Riverdance fans! Learn how to Irish step dance with these free video lessons featuring the acclaimed Irish dance company Darrah Carr Dance.
Pole dancing is sexy, fun, and provides a great workout. Learn some pole dance moves from NY Pole Dancing owner Wendy Traskos in these Howcast videos.
Learn the PSY Gangnam Style 강남스타일 dance, how to twerk, and dance moves by Ciara and Nicki Minaj from Tweet Boogie in these Howcast dance videos.
Learn how to do street dance moves like turfing, krumping, locking, and bone breaking, plus a few cool hip-hop moves, with these Howcast dance videos.
Learn how to do the Argentine tango with professional tango dancers Ana Padron and Diego Blanco in these Howcast dance videos. Great for beginners!
Learn how to do awesome yo-yo tricks from four-time US National Yo-Yo champion and 2006 World Yo-Yo champion Paul Yath in these Howcast videos.
Learn how to make the most of concerts, music festivals, Broadway shows, the ballet, music recitals, and Comic-Con with these Howcast videos.
Make the most of the cold weather with these winter activities.
Learn how to fingerboard and how to do tech deck tricks in these Howcast videos.
Learn how to gamble at casinos — and win! — with the gambling rules and strategies in these Howcast videos.
Make the most of future hotel stays and vacations with the advice in these Howcast videos.
Before hitting the shore, check out the advice and tips in this Howcast video series.
Learn how to hula hoop from hooping expert Natalie “McFancy” Wise in these Howcast videos.
Learn how to do top jazz dance moves and dance routines from popular movies and Broadway shows with choreographer Liz Piccoli in these Howcast dance videos.
Here’s a quick and easy guide on how to Krump dance for beginners, full of free video lessons taught by professional choreographer Jamal Cumberbatch.
Learn how to Latin dance with these free video tutorials from Howcast. Learn to do Latin dance moves like salsa, samba, zouk, bachata, and more!
Hip-hop dancer Matt Steffanina teaches you hip-hop dance moves in these Howcast vidoes, plus how to dance like Lady Gaga, Chris Brown, Justin Bieber, Usher, Beyonce, and Rihanna.
Learn how to line dance in these free video lessons that are great for beginners. Champion line dancer Robert Royston teaches you all the right moves!
Let champion pool player Andy Segal teach how how to pull off trick shots in these Howcast videos.
Learn how to parkour from pro Ann Kaczka with these Howcast videos.
Learn how to perform bar tricks and win bar bets with these Howcast videos.
Learn how to play African drums and other instruments from the musicians at Wula Drum in these Howcast videos.
Win your next airsoft war with advice from airsoft experts Payton Kemper and Josh Meyer in these Howcast videos.
Want to learn how to play the bass? Bass guitarist John Sutton shows you how in these online guitar lessons from Howcast.
Got a deck of cards? Play one of these popular card games; the rules are all here in this Howcast video series.
Learn how to play chess from Chess NYC in these Howcast videos.
Impress family and friends this holiday season by playing a few Christmas songs on the piano. Paul Sandberg shows you how in these Howcast videos.
Learn how to play country guitar from musician Boo Reiners in these Howcast videos.
Learn how to play popular drinking games in these Howcast videos.
Learn how to play guitar fingerstyle from guitarist Adam Smale in these online guitar lessons from Howcast.
Learn how to play flamenco guitar with these beginner guitar lesson videos from Howcast.
Learn how to play guitar from Ivan Max in these online guitar lessons from Howcast.
Learn how to play heavy metal guitar with these online guitar lessons from Testament guitarist Alex Skolnick and Howcast.
Learn how to play keyboard with these music lessons from Howcast.
Whether you’re new to paintball or an old pro at paintball wars, you’ll find great tips from Pev’s Paintball’s Mike Peverill in these Howcast videos.
Learn how to play poker from champion player Nick “Nicky Numbers” Brancato in these Howcast videos.
Learn how to play the accordion from musician Katrina Yaukey in these Howcast videos.
Learn how to play the harmonica from musician Marcus Milius in these Howcast videos.
Learn how to play the pedal steel guitar with this Howcast video series.
Learn how to play the saxophone in these Howcast videos.
Learn how to play the violin from musician Julie Arzt Becker in this Howcast video series.
Learn how to play the ukulele from music teacher Jarret Delos Santos in these Howcast videos.
Learn how to pole dance — for fun and fitness — from pole dance instructor Mai Yee in these Howcast videos.
Learn how to punk your co-workers with the 13 hilarious pranks demonstrated by comedian Jared Freid in these Howcast videos.
Put one over on your friends and co-workers on April Fool’s Day, or any day, with the funny pranks in this Howcast video series.
Learn how to write rap music and how to become a rap artist with advice from artist development coach Chris Kazi Rolle in these Howcast videos.
Learn how to ride a motorcycle from professional motorcycle instructor Joonil Park in these Howcast videos.
Learn how to samba dance with professional dancer and choreographer Michele Bastos in these free Howcast dance videos. Get ready to samba in no time!
Learn how to set up an electric guitar, whether it’s a Gibson Les Paul or a Fender Bass, with help from Main Drag Music in these Howcast videos.
Learn how to sing with these Howcast videos featuring Cari Cole, who has worked with Grammy winners, American Idol finalists, and rock star legends.
Learn how to slap bass — or improve your technique — with the help of multi-instrumentalist Sam Lipman in this Howcast video series.
Girl bands, boy bands, rock bands — whatever your musical destiny, we’ll be your pro bono manager.
In this guide, Howcast will teach you how to step dance with free video lessons taught by professional instructor, Victor Sho.
Learn how to survive a zombie attack with the tips, tricks, and strategies outlined in these Howcast videos.
Let NYC Outward Bound primitive skills instructor Marko Yurachek teach you how to survive in the great outdoors in these Howcast videos.
Learn how to swing dance from dance champion Robert Royston in these free Howcast dance videos. It’s easy to learn top swing dance moves with these tutorials!
From big blowout celebrations to intimate gatherings, planning a party is easy with these helpful ideas.
Don’t just throw another boring party — adding a theme is a great way to shake things up a bit!
Don’t book your next vacation or plan your next business trip without checking out the travel tips in these Howcast videos.
Learn how to tut dance with free video lessons from Howcast led by pro dancer Jamal Cumberbatch. We make tutting easy for beginners and advanced dancers!
Learn about the best guitar pedal effects created with delay pedals, wah pedals, and more in these Howcast videos.
Learn the best time to go, the top attractions to see, where to get a good meal, and the easiest ways to get around town in these Howcast videos.
Learn how to make the most of a trip to Bangkok with these Howcast travel videos.
Learn how to make the most of a trip to Barcelona with these Howcast travel videos.
Learn how to make the most of a trip to Berlin with these Howcast travel videos.
Learn about the best places to go, things to do, and attractions to see on a trip to Boston; it’s all in these Howcast travel videos.
Learn how to make the most of a trip to Dubai with these Howcast travel videos.
Learn how to make the most of a trip to Houston, Texas with these Howcast travel videos.
Learn the best time to go to Hyderabad, the top attractions to see and easy ways to get around in these Howcast travel videos.
Learn how to make the most of a trip to the beautiful Caribbean island Jamaica with these travel videos.
Learn how to make the most of a trip to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia with these Howcast travel videos.
Learn the best time to go, the top attractions to see, where to get a good meal, and the easiest ways to get around town in these Howcast videos.
Learn how to make the most of a trip to Los Angeles with these travel videos.
Learn how to make the most of a trip to Munich with these Howcast travel videos.
Learn how to make the most of a trip to New York City with these Howcast travel videos.
Learn the best time to go to Paris, the top attractions to see and easy ways to get around with these Howcast travel videos.
Learn how to make the most of a trip to Rome with these Howcast travel videos.
Learn how to make the most of a trip to San Francisco with these Howcast travel videos.
Make the most of a trip to São Paulo, Brazil with these Howcast travel videos.
Learn how to make the most of a trip to Seoul, Korea with these Howcast travel videos.
Learn the best time to go to Singapore, the top attractions to see, where to get a good meal, and easy ways to get around in these Howcast videos.
Learn how to make the most of a trip to Tokyo with these Howcast videos.
Learn how to make the most of a trip to Vancouver with these Howcast travel videos.
Learn how to make the most of a trip to Venice with these Howcast travel videos.
Learn the best time to go to Yangon, the top attractions to see, and easy ways to get around in these Howcast travel videos.
Love the circus? Learn how to juggle, ride a unicycle, and throw knives with these Howcast videos.
These birthday party games are bound to keep kids entertained for hours.
Get the inside track on Las Vegas from Sin City expert Mike Myers in these Howcast videos.
Master this game of strategy and skill and you’ll be ready to challenge any chess champion who comes your way.
Hip-hop choreographer Randy Connor breaks down the dopest hip hop dance moves in these Howcast videos. Learn how to bust a groove!
Learn how to break dance with free video lessons from Howcast and Kid Glyde of The Dynamic Rockers. Learn beginner and advance moves!
Motorcycle enthusiasts and beginner bikers alike can learn a lot from motorcycle racer Kenyon Kluge in these Howcast videos.
Pick up some biker tips in these Howcast videos.
Learn five napkin folding techniques in these Howcast videos.
Navigate New York City with ease with the insider advice in these Howcast videos.
Amaze your co-workers with some magic! The secrets to 23 easy magic tricks are revealed by magician Roger “Rogue” Quan in these Howcast magic videos.
As far as we’re concerned, every day is April Fool’s Day when it comes to office life — prank away!
It’s beautiful outside — up for a game or two?
Check out these ways to entertain guests of all ages.
Whether you love parties or hate them, there’s something to learn about having a good time at them in these videos.
Learn a few piano basics in this piano for beginners video series from Howcast.
Hooked on the Pokemon Trading Card Game? Comic Café gives you the 411 on the game’s FAQs in these Howcast videos.
Get your poker face on! These poker game strategies and tips will have you raking in the chips at your next poker night.
Pack up the car and hit the open road — but not before you check out these videos!
Let dance instructors Victor Sho and LaShonna Halloway teach you how to dance at a club with the step-by-step instructions in these Howcast videos.
Learn how to sing better with the voice lessons from singer-songwriter Anya Singleton in these Howcast videos.
Improve your singing with the singing tips in this Howcast video series for aspiring professional singers.
Get your Irish on and have a happy St. Patrick’s Day with the ideas in this Howcast video series.
Survive summer camp with the advice in these videos.
You’ve waited all year and now it’s here: summer vacation! We’ve got your checklist of must-do’s.
Learn how to ward off bad luck and make good things happen with these Howcast videos.
Conquer the wilderness with the survival tips in these Howcast videos.
Instructions Step 1: Find friends to play with Bocce is the kissing cousin of other games like petanque and lawn bowling, and it’s pretty simple. Grab as few as two and as many as eight people, and divide into two even teams, Team A and Team B. Step 2: Get the right gear Get a …
Instructions Step 1: Distributing writing materials Distribute paper and pens or pencils to players. Step 2: Write the alphabet Have them write the alphabet on their sheets. Step 3: Cross off letters When someone finds a letter on the license plate of another car, he or she crosses it off. Step 4: Say “bingo” The …
Instructions Step 1: Think of something sad Before relying on any gimmicks, test your acting skills by thinking of something really, really sad. Any tears? Step 2: Stop blinking OK, so you’re no Laurence Olivier or Meryl Streep. Try this–moments before you need to cry, open your eyes just a bit wider than usual and …
Instructions Step 1: Know the show Be familiar with the show you’re applying to. It will provide invaluable insight into the different kinds of personalities they’re after, not to mention the kind of personal information or life drama that may give you an edge. Step 2: Follow instructions Follow the application instructions to the letter. …
Instructions : Several states officially bar all gambling, including pools in which the organizer does not profit. Know your local laws before organizing a pool involving money. Step 1: Don’t trust your gut Forget about who you think should win. The Academy consists of about 6,000 industry pros, and figuring out how they are going …
Instructions Step 1: Optimize the seating Arrange seating around a coffee table facing your largest television. If you have smaller TVs, place them where guests could miss the action, like in the bathroom and near the buffet table. TIP: Try to have a flat surface within reach of every seat so guests have a place …
Instructions Step 1: Sift Sift four cups of bread flour into a large bowl with your baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Step 2: Add buttermilk Pour buttermilk into the dry mixture, stirring until dough is formed. Step 3: Knead dough Flour a clean, dry surface and knead the dough for one minute. TIP: You …
Instructions Step 1: Stand in closed position Decide who will be Partner A and who will be Partner B. Stand so that A faces B with his left arm up at a 45-degree angle, and his right hand in the middle of B’s back. In turn, B mirrors A, holding her right arm up against …
Instructions Step 1: Visit a body of water Take a trip to the beach, the lake, or your local pond. All are great places for skipping stones, provided it’s a calm day with few or small waves. Step 2: Find your perfect skipping stone Comb the shoreline for a rock that’s flat, even, has some …
Instructions Step 1: Count out the rhythm Get used to the rhythm you’ll be dancing to by counting it out loud. The beat for basic swing dancing sounds like this: 1 a 2, 1 a 2, 1 2, 1 a 2, 1 a 2, 1 2. Step 2: Stand in open position Swing is traditionally …
Instructions Step 1: Assume the position Label yourselves Partner A and Partner B. A should face B with his left arm up at a 45-degree angle, and his right hand in the middle of B’s back. B should face A with her right arm held up against A’s left, and her left hand resting on …
Instructions Step 1: Rent some videos Arrive at the video store five minutes before closing and agonize over the remaining DVDs: ‘Dora the Explorer’, ‘Bonanza’ and a German movie about people crying. Take all three — now is not the time to be proud. Step 2: Open the champagne Upon returning home, open the bottle …
Instructions Step 1: Be yourself Be yourself. No matter what character you’re auditioning for, it’s your unique personality and charisma that will set you apart from the crowd. Step 2: Prepare headshot and resume Have a headshot that looks like you and a well-organized resume listing your acting experience. TIP: Professional headshots can cost a …
Instructions Step 1: Pick your spot Choose an area on the floor between two pieces of furniture (like your bed and dresser, or desk and chair), clear the space, and put down a blanket for the floor. Step 2: Construct the walls Use your furniture to prop up the couch cushions in a way that …
Instructions Step 1: Gather paper Gather paper that can be shredded—old newspapers and magazines, discarded copier paper, used gift wrapping, or colored construction paper. TIP: If you work in an office, ask coworkers who use hole punchers to save the little paper circles. Step 2: Cut them Turn paper into confetti with scissors, a hole …
Instructions Step 1: Find a table Find a sturdy, steady table on which you can build your fountain. Step 2: Crunch the numbers Figure out how many glasses you’ll need in order to both accommodate your guests and ensure that your tower doesn’t tumble. Each square layer must become proportionately smaller than the last, so …
Instructions Step 1: Start out small Choose attainable goals. Setting the bar too high only invites failure. Step 2: Write them down Write down what you hope to achieve. You may feel silly, but research shows that people who write down their resolutions are more likely to keep them. Step 3: Go public Tell everyone …
Instructions Step 1: Give each player shot glass Set a shot glass in front of each player. Step 2: Fill with beer Fill the glasses with beer, and put a stash of beer within easy reach. Step 3: Play music Put on some music—preferably a lively mix that will camouflage everyone’s increasing drunkenness. TIP: Special …
Instructions : Be careful about accepting work that isolates you from others. Step 1: Check out free listings Check out the employment gazettes that can be found among the free newspaper stands in big cities. They often advertise short-term positions. Step 2: Visit a temp agency Sign up with a temp agency that specializes in …
Instructions Step 1: Decide who goes first Decide who goes first by drawing straws or picking names out of a hat. Step 2: Pick a victim The player who won the right to go gets the ball rolling by asking someone in the group, ‘Truth or Dare?’ Step 3: Ask a question If ‘Truth’ is …
Instructions Step 1: Cut lime into wedges Cut the lime into wedges. Reserve one for garnish, and squeeze the juice from the rest into a shot glass until it’s almost full, or you have about an ounce. TIP: Always use a fresh lime — ready-made lime juice is chock-full of sugar. Step 2: Pour the …
Instructions : Snowballs can be hard or full of ice and in many cases very damaging upon impact. Avoid getting hit in the face. Step 1: Find good snow Find some snow that can be made into good, sturdy snowballs. Wet snow is best. Step 2: Form a snowball Form a snowball by grabbing a …
Instructions Step 1: Ready your song Ready your song for submission by writing out the sheet music — and lyrics, if any — or recording it as an MP3, or on a cassette tape, LP, or CD. Step 2: Create an account Go to the U.S. Copyright Office website — at http://www.copyright.gov — and click …
Instructions Step 1: Listen Listen to the music and make sure you can make out the beat. Step 2: Position body Start with your feet parallel and one foot apart. Your spine should be straight, your abdominal muscles slightly flexed, your knees unlocked, your shoulders gently pulled back, and your chin raised a bit above …
Instructions Step 1: Let snow settle Wait for the snow to settle. It should be packing snow, not fresh powder. TIP: If you can make a decent snowball that stays intact in flight, the snow is ready. Step 2: Form snow into ball Using gloved hands, gather snow and form it into a ball. Continue …
Instructions Step 1: Select an editing system Select an editing system. Not everyone has the budget for an Avid setup, or even Final Cut Pro, but there are still plenty of great options for all types of filmmakers. Final Cut Express is very affordable. Step 2: Load your raw footage Load your raw footage onto …
Instructions Step 1: Make a shot list Make a shot list for your film. Trying to decide shots on the fly wastes time and money. TIP: Storyboard each shoot—that is, sketch out the action and shots in each scene—so you know exactly what you want. Step 2: Make a shooting schedule Make a shooting schedule …
Instructions Step 1: Learn microphones Learn the most common types of microphones, from wireless to boom, and learn when to use them. Step 2: Assign the boom mic Find the tallest person on your set and assign him to hold the boom mic. Give him a set of headphones and a mixer, if you have …
Instructions Step 1: Work with what’s there Before you start hauling lights around, take note of where you’re filming and see if it’s possible to work with what’s already there. TIP: Always set up the camera and block the scene before you start lighting—otherwise you’ll waste a lot of time if you discover you have …
Instructions Step 1: Make a budget Make a budget for what you can spend on gear. If you skip this step, you risk finding yourself with a camera but not enough money for a tripod. Step 2: Consider insurance Consider insurance. It might seem expensive, but it’s nothing compared to breaking a brand-new camera. Also, …
Instructions Step 1: Pick roles Pick the roles you need to cast. Focus on the lead roles—there’s no point in spending too much time casting Background Cowboy Number Four. Step 2: Advertise Put an ad in local talent trade magazines explaining what you’re looking for. Specify whether this will be a union or non-union job. …
Instructions Step 1: Plan an ideal budget Sit down with the director and plan out an ideal movie budget. It doesn’t have to be too detailed. TIP: A budget is typically divided into four cost sections: talent, production, post-production, and miscellaneous. Step 2: Cut the ideal budget in half Now, tell the director you want …
Instructions Step 1: Decide on source material Decide if you want to write a script from scratch, or adapt some other work, like a novel. TIP: For adaptations, you’ll need to secure rights to anything that’s not in the public domain. Be prepared to pay dearly for the rights to popular books. Step 2: Learn …
Instructions Step 1: Pick a song Pick a song. Ideally, you want one that’s less than 4 minutes long. Songs that tell a story work well, though non-narrative approaches can also be arresting. Step 2: Brainstorm Brainstorm ideas for how you’d like to illustrate the song. And don’t feel you have to be too literal; …
Instructions Step 1: Find a partner Find a partner you can practice with. If you can’t find someone you’re sexually attracted to, just grab anyone. Step 2: Loosen up To learn to dirty dance you’ll need to loosen up. Wiggle around a bit. Get those limbs loose and limber. TIP: Commit to looking silly. Remember, …
Instructions Step 1: Find a good setting Your story won’t work if you’re shouting over street noise or basking in a bright, sunny day. If you want maximum scare impact, find a spot that’s dark, quiet, and secluded, and pick a time when you won’t be interrupted. Step 2: Understand the basic structure Whether it’s …
Instructions Step 1: Don’t let kids eat until back home Ask your kids not to eat any candy they receive until they get home. Let them take along some candy from home, so they won’t be tempted to dig in. TIP: Consider alternatives to walking door-to-door—many malls, town halls, businesses, and schools give out Halloween …
Instructions Step 1: Wear a great costume Buy or make a great costume. No one likes to give candy to kids who think they’re too cool to dress up. Step 2: Hit the streets early Hit the streets early, when everyone is fully stocked. You’ll also be first to the houses where people leave out …
Instructions Step 1: Wear garlic Discourage the undead from wanting to bite you in the first place by wearing garlic around your neck; the pungent bulb is thought to repel vampires because it deters their blood-sucking cousins, mosquitoes. Step 2: Throw seeds If a vampire is approaching you, spill a bag of millet, seed, or …
Instructions Step 1: Talk to it Be confident, firm, and polite, and talk to your ghost. If you can live with it, detail what you’d like it to stop doing. If not, use the same respectful tone of voice to tell it to leave. TIP: Ask the spirit if it wants something. Ghosts may need …
Instructions Step 1: Figure out your priorities There is no single “best seat” on an airplane — all have their pros and cons — so decide what’s important to you. Legroom? Peace and quiet? A quick exit? A smooth ride? Step 2: Check out seats Don’t assume anything about a seat without checking it out. …
Instructions Step 1: Get a car Secure a car with enough cargo space to carry the food, beverages and whatever else you want to bring — cooking equipment, a table, folding chairs, a keg. An SUV, pick-up truck or van is ideal. Step 2: Invite friends Invite your friends, making sure beforehand that everyone will …
Instructions Step 1: Position coin Hold the coin between your thumb and the first two fingers of your hand. Extend the coin out in front of you with your thumb behind it. Step 2: Move your hands together When you have your audience’s attention, move your hands together so that the empty one covers the …
Instructions Step 1: Choose an outfit Choose an outfit. It can be anything from a conservative business suit to a sexy French maid costume — the important thing is that each article can be removed with a minimum of fuss. TIP: Make sure that no item is tight enough to create bulges or leave marks …
Instructions Step 1: Plan the guest list Sit down with a parent several weeks in advance and discuss the guest list. Four to six girls is usually a good number. TIP: Generally speaking, it’s more fun to have a few good friends spend the night than a lot of guests who may not get along. …
Instructions Step 1: Set it up Before your audience arrives, tuck the duplicate card into the bottom of the envelope… And fold the envelope over so the side with the writing is covered. Now put the three cards into the top part of the folded envelope, and stick the whole package in your pocket. Step …
Instructions Step 1: Get partners Get a talented person or two to sing with you, so you can mostly just mouth the words. Or find someone loud enough to drown you out entirely. Step 2: Keep it simple If you’re on your own, begin by narrowing down potential songs by complexity. Look for a simple …
Instructions Step 1: Check wait time Log on to the Transportation Security Administration’s website, www.tsa.gov. In the section ‘For Travelers,’ click on ‘Air Travel’ and then ‘Wait Times.’ Plug in your travel information. You’ll be given the approximate security line wait time for your airport, helping you to plan accordingly. Step 2: Know the drill …
Instructions Step 1: Choose a card Have a spectator choose a card, memorize it, and return it to the deck. Step 2: Mark the return point Mark where they returned the card by using your pinky to create a slight space over it. Step 3: Bring it to the top Do a quick shuffle, secretly …
Instructions Step 1: Place coin on table Place a coin on the surface about a foot in front of you and announce that you’re going to perform a magic trick—but don’t say what it is. Step 2: Slide it Casually reach toward the coin, covering most of it with you first three fingers, and slide …
Instructions Step 1: Set up the trick Set up the trick before your audience arrives. Fan out the red-backed deck of cards face up in front of you.Then find the blue-backed card that matches the red-backed card at the end of the deck… Put it face up on top of the matching red card. Now …
Instructions Step 1: Get a partner While belly dancing and ballet can be done solo, ballroom dancing is always done in pairs. Ask a friend to help you out. Step 2: Perfect your posture Perfect your posture. Unlike casual dancing, a ballroom dancer doesn’t slouch or lean on their partner. Both the man and the …
Instructions Step 1: Cradle the deck Use your left hand to cradle the deck from below. With your palm facing up, extend your index finger in front of the deck. Use the rest of your fingers to grip the deck from the bottom. Step 2: Grip the deck With your right hand, use an overhand …
Instructions Step 1: Explain Tell the participant you are going to use mind control to make a card magically rise to the top of a deck. Step 2: Perform a double lift As you’re talking, perform a double lift — that is, pretend you are taking just the top card from the top of the …
Instructions Step 1: Take a large coin Place a large coin on the table in front of you and talk about this amazing trick you know — making a coin disappear from a table. Step 2: Cover the shaker Take a napkin and cover the salt or pepper shaker so that the napkin is standing …
Instructions Step 1: Borrow a bill Ask to borrow a dollar from someone. Step 2: Fold it Hold it up horizontally, snapping it noisily to show it’s whole. Fold it in half vertically, through the head of the president. Step 3: Tear it Start tearing (yes, really tear) the bill at the fold. Go down …
Instructions Step 1: Make sure the fire is perfect for roasting Check the fire and make sure it has areas that have burned down to embers. They should be orange, but not bursting with flame. TIP: Sit upwind of the fire. You don’t want smoke and flames in your face. Step 2: Prepare a fork …
Instructions Step 1: Prepare the crackers Prepare your graham crackers by breaking a long one into two equal squares and placing them side-by-side. Step 2: Place the chocolate on a cracker Then take a piece of chocolate and lay it on one of the squares of graham cracker. Place that on a plate and leave …
Instructions Step 1: Separate the top two cards Rifle through a deck of cards in your left hand as you chat with your audience. Separate the top two cards from the deck and hold the break with your pinky. Step 2: Square the deck in your hand Square the deck and cup it between your …
Instructions Step 1: Know what you’re getting into If you’re traveling internationally, be prepared to encounter a non-Western, or squat, toilet. It’s usually a stall with a hole in the ground that may or may not have a flushing mechanism. Step 2: Don’t expect privacy Don’t expect privacy. Public restroom stalls might only have two-foot-high …
Instructions : Snakebites are serious. Seek immediate medical attention. Step 1: Call 911 Call 911 before you do anything. Or, if you can, drive straight to the nearest emergency room. We don’t want to scare you, but snake venom can lead to amputation of the infected limb if it’s not treated quickly. Step 2: Know …
Instructions Step 1: Research your stops The web is a great���and free—way to research potential stops before you leave. Step 2: Bring an atlas Bring an up-to-date road atlas and check out guidebooks from the library. Try to plot a route that avoids toll roads and big cities, where parking is expensive. TIP: Borrow a …
Instructions Step 1: Get permission to make a fire Check ahead to make sure you’re allowed to have a fire at the place you’re planning to camp. Step 2: Bring along a grill Consider grabbing the grate out of your toaster oven or off your backyard barbecue and stashing it with your gear. When you …
Instructions Step 1: Check the rules Make sure a campfire is allowed at your campsite. Step 2: Find a pit See if your campsite has premade fire pits. If not, you’ll have to make one. Step 3: Locate a clearing To create your own fire pit, choose an area at least ten feet away from …
