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TJ Fritts New user 22 Posts |
In my routines I use a lot of humor and I have at times used the resulting laughter to cover a "move" that I needed to make. In the repertoire of most performers, is this a common thing? I confess, I've studied and from what I can tell/identify, most magicians who do comedy tend to do their sleights clean and let the laughs just flow as they happen. I have two theories for this. First a performer could worry that using a sleight during a laugh is too obvious, or nobody thought of it before. I find the second option incredibly unlikely.
While the thought of using a moment of mirth to "hide" something is a handy technique, I still do lots of gesturing (talking with my hands) while performing and using focus pulling to keep people looking where I would like them to look. Is it considered a faux pas to use a giggly moment for misdirection? I've seen it so infrequently that there must be something wrong with it and I'd love to know what it was before I bumble into it on my own. |
Sealegs Inner circle The UK, Portsmouth 2596 Posts |
Hi TJ Fritts and welcome.
Using comedy as a means to facilitate a move is a well known and written about ploy Juan Tamariz has a whole lecture about the various uses of comedy to enhance and strengthen one's magic. In general, moves are best covered but misdirection (or guided direction even). One of the most useful techniques is to utilise the moment when an audience collectively relaxes. Laughter usually is a good indication of such a moment as it is often derived from the release of theatrical tension. So don't shy away from using this or any other tool to help your magic. The fact that you've seen it used so infrequently is more likely to do with the difficulty many performers/magicians have in creating genuine comedic moments and generating laughs. Comedy is not easy for many.
Neal Austin
"The golden rule is that there are no golden rules." G.B. Shaw |
TheAmbitiousCard Eternal Order Northern California 13425 Posts |
Yup. A very standard and well chronicled technique.
it's a shame this forum isn't used for topics like this more often. As usual, it will get shoved to the bottom with the other worthwhile topics, to make room for more nonsense.
www.theambitiouscard.com Hand Crafted Magic
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Dick Oslund Inner circle 8357 Posts |
Yup! "When they're laughing, they aint looking!" is a very good "rule of thumb".
I've been "at it" since 1945, and, it's one of the first "rules" that I learned, as a teenager. I'm in total agreement with Neal and Frank. --Especially, Frank's second paragraph!
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magicgeorge Inner circle Belfast 4299 Posts |
The first time I heard this mentioned was in David Williamson's DVD when he pointed it out during his explanation of his cups and balls. It's very true in close-up. People look up to meet each others eyes to share the laughter with there company. I'm not sure if it works as well on stage but they'll definitely be concentrating on what you hands are doing more if they are bored.
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