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poky2 New user 12 Posts |
I have the role of the Wizard (except I'm a Sorceress) in "Once Upon a Mattress". I'm near Indianapolis, but can't find a magic shop. Wouldn't know what to get if I did. I've never done magic except a floating card trick. I'd like some simple tricks to sprinkle throughout the show. I'm afraid I'll have to buy something online. Any advice would be appreciated. We open in 2 weeks. Or, if anyone lives in the area and could consult and/or loan me some equipment, we could probably adverise you in the program if you are a working magician.
Thanks! Jo |
mouliu Regular user Hongkong/Taiwan 169 Posts |
Jo, there's no short cut.
2 weeks are probably too short to master a completely new effect. So my humble opinion is, if you're able to do floating card trick well, do that single effect only. Practice many many times until you can do it in sleep. 1 single properly perform trick is much much better than 10 messed-up tricks. And, the prequisite is "you're able to do floating card trick well". Welcome to magiccafe.
A novice't reflection: I like watching my audience's jaws drop, but sadly in reality I'm just too busy to enjoy it.
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mormonyoyoman Inner circle I dug 5,000 postholes, but I have only 2440 Posts |
Jo, it's true that there's no short cut. However, you can get some help - some very good help - from FunTyme Magic in Nashville, Indiana. Ed has helped out with exactly the sort of problem you're facing, more than once. Give him a call at 1-800-750-0488 --- and tell him that Chet sent you.
*jeep! --Chet
#ShareGoodness #ldsconf
--Grandpa Chet |
poky2 New user 12 Posts |
I did kind of suspect that I didn't have enough time, so thank you for the candor. But, nothing ventured, nothing gained, so I'm glad I posted. I will go ahead and give Ed a call, Chet. Perhaps he could at least give me some pointers on how to look and act "magical"! Thanks so much!
Jo |
Stanyon Inner circle Landrum, S.C. by way of Chicago 3433 Posts |
2 weeks....Hmmm!
I advised on magic for a production of "Pippin" several years ago and had roughly the same time constraints. When you call Ed ask him about "Color Changing Rope", "Split Silks" (One silk splits into two) and "Color Chaniging Silk". These three are visual and not at all hard to "master" in an extremely short time. As far as the "look", I've always been partial to "Elvira - Mistress of the Night"! Cheers!
Stanyon
aka Steve Taylor "Every move a move!" "If you've enjoyed my performance half as much as I've enjoyed performing for you, then you've enjoyed it twice as much as me!" |
rikbrooks Inner circle Olive Branch, Mississippi 1317 Posts |
Oh come on, for a couple of effects in a show? How about D'lites? She can pick those up in a couple of hours if someone will just give her a hint or two. How about a fantasio candle to scarf?
We can do better than this, we can help her out, don't you think? How about a TT and a vanishing scarf? Gimme a break. How about Lite Flite (with the video)? |
Lee Darrow V.I.P. Chicago, IL USA 3588 Posts |
An appearing 10' pole would be good, use an ad lib to someone on the set "Put this in Staff Parking, will you?" will get a good laugh from the audience and establish the character as a Sorceress... also, pouring crystal clear water into three gobelets and getting three different colored drinks is easy, visual and impressive. I used it myself at Medieval Times during my regular shows there as Court Sorcerer and it plays well to a large audience...
One hint: work with the Director on this and fit the magic to the character that the Director wants the Sorceress to present. Is she ditzy? A hottie? Dangerous? Dishevelled and forgetful? What is her character's motivation as a Sorceress and go from there in your presentation... Lee Darrow, C.H.
http://www.leedarrow.com
<BR>"Because NICE Matters!" |
Frank Tougas Inner circle Minneapolis, MN 1712 Posts |
Also do not forget that there are other actors in the play who can act as secret accomplices. I read once where the highly suspicious main character who always insisted on inspecting props to ensure they were empty was actually the one loading them for the production by the "magician".
It was the context of the play that gave the proper amount of misdirection and the "magician" was given credit for great skill. That, a spell or two and a well timed use of a flash pot can make you an ever loving sorceress star! Frank Tougas
Frank Tougas The Twin Cities Most "Kid Experienced" Children's Performer :"Creating Positive Memories...One Smile at a Time"
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poky2 New user 12 Posts |
You're all so wonderful with your suggestions, advice and support!
(cue music as she wipes a happy tear from the corner of her eye) |
rikbrooks Inner circle Olive Branch, Mississippi 1317 Posts |
Lee, wonderful advise of COURSE, she needs to match the tricks to the part. She's on stage so black sewing thread can be used. A thread that goes to a hook above head then over to just about any item would allow levitation. She could levitate a bottle from across the room. How about levitating another character's hat? How about levitating her own hat? Make it rise off her head, step to the side, let it lower and wave her hand over the hat to that it flies to the table and comes to rest.
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Lee Darrow V.I.P. Chicago, IL USA 3588 Posts |
I like that one as well, Rik! And, of course, pointing to a picture on the wall and having it blink at her is always an easy one to do. Offstage helpers being cheap help...
Not to mention that I always loved that show- especially the Jester's number "When Daddy Did His Very Soft Shoe....!" If you have someone who can really do a soft shoe routine, that is always a show stopper! Lee Darrow, C.H.
http://www.leedarrow.com
<BR>"Because NICE Matters!" |
poky2 New user 12 Posts |
Lee:
We do have a decent dancing jester and an excellent choreographer. Everyone says that's one of their favorite numbers. To utilize my under-utilized abilities, she's got me doing a combo a-la-Fred Astaire up and down the castle stairs during Spanish Panic. I'd love to have an appearing cane to pop out for that, but I don't think they'll spring for that cost. *sigh* How can I work under these conditions? Well, they gave me a wand that flowers are supposed to pop out of. Either I'm too stupid to understand the directions and load it right, etc., or it's just not a good one. Strike one for tricks so far. I'm hopefully getting some D'Lites (Tex mentioned those), though I have no idea exactly what they are and I hope the instructions make more sense to me! I'll take any advice for those! From what I understand, looks like they'd be great for when I'm just standing/walking around. Wish I had a flash pot too...this magic stuff is rather heady and addictive, isn't it?! |
Frank Tougas Inner circle Minneapolis, MN 1712 Posts |
Poky2, Get out a phone book and go to the yellow pages under magicians and/or entertainers. Look for someone who does magic that could act as a technical advisor for the production. Interview a few if you wish. Doesn't have to cost much as technical advisor to a theatrical production isn't bad on a magicians resume. The one you choose will probably be able to rent the equipment you need and train you on it.
Again, a sorrceress isn't so much about doing tricks for the crowd as it is being mysterious and giving the crowd the impression you could do lots of magic. If I lived near you I'd jump at the chance myself - so there has got to be someone similar to me just waiting for your call. Feel free to PM me if I can be of some long distance assistance. Break a leg! Frank Tougas
Frank Tougas The Twin Cities Most "Kid Experienced" Children's Performer :"Creating Positive Memories...One Smile at a Time"
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