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Pakar Ilusi Inner circle 5777 Posts |
Just comparing notes here...
I'm sure it depends on the Illusion Routine itself, but GENERALLY, how long? Thanks for any and all input...
"Dreams aren't a matter of Chance but a matter of Choice." -DC-
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Grandillusionsmagic Loyal user 270 Posts |
To long to figure out.
I spend hours a day working on different aspects of the show and as I get new ideas I go get the illusions out of the shed and try it out, if I like it then when my assistant comes to practice, we try it again, then we work on all the illusions. we run through each one once or twice, then go to another and come back later. Jason Byers Jason@Boisemagic.com http://www.Boisemagic.com |
Father Photius Grammar Host El Paso, TX (Formerly Amarillo) 17161 Posts |
Too much is never enough. Back when I did stage illusions, we practiced thousands of times before going on stage, and kept practicing between shows. When we were setting up, we would practice. It depends a lot on the particular illusion and how critical timing is in it (like in the case of a double exchange). Timing to music. How it looks to the audience. (have assistants, other magicians who know how it is done watch and tell you). We often ended up changing bacground color, music, order of presentation, etc. due to the comments we got from such sessions. And most important have your assistants who are not involved in the illusion and other magicians who know the illusion watch from every conceivable angle to see if anything is getting flashed. You think you know angles, but often you don't. In example, only a couple of weeks ago I was at Lance Burton's show, and sitting on the far right aisle on the main section about 5 or 6 rows back. I caught two different flashes during illusions. They were quite visible. Not , true, as a magician who knew the illusion, I knew what to look for, and possibly an audience member wouldn't notice, but you never know. I feel in the case of Lance's show simply moving the illusion back about 3 feet would have kept me from seeing it. Something worth knowing.
"Now here's the man with the 25 cent hands, that two bit magician..."
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gumbimagic Veteran user Too busy performing to have more than 312 Posts |
I would agree with Photius on the Lance Burton show. The first time I saw him I was in the balcony ....show was great. The second time I was on the third row if I remember right, on the right side as well. Same issues I saw things I shouldn't have been able to see. I am not an expert on large illusions. I did however learn how a few illusions are done at the show. So maybe tapeing your show from every posible angle at the venue before presenting is a good idea, if possible.
Wonder if anyone has told him he flashes from certain areas of seating? |
Deke Rivers Loyal user 216 Posts |
Rehearse? You guys rehearse?
I'm from the Blackstone, Jr. school of illusion. Buy it today, perform it on TV tonight. |
M-Illusion Special user 549 Posts |
Quote:
On 2005-03-16 19:35, Deke Rivers wrote: Those were the days! I remember training dancers from scratch the day of a show. Brings back fond memories. But then again, on other occasions, I remember working for months to perfect an illusion. |
Father Photius Grammar Host El Paso, TX (Formerly Amarillo) 17161 Posts |
LOL, I think my cousin, Harry, Jr. , practiced a little more than that.
"Now here's the man with the 25 cent hands, that two bit magician..."
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Rip New user Ireland 57 Posts |
Rehearsal should be a never-ending thing.
Certainly a routine should not be performed live until the execution and choreography are second nature and you no longer have to think about them. At that stage 100% can be given to presentation and connecting with your audience. |
Deke Rivers Loyal user 216 Posts |
Of course, I'm joking.
I break it into pieces. First, we practice the method/technique. When that goes smoothly, so the darn thing works, we move on to step two. Step two is developing the routine: music, moves, script, etc. Then we work the illusion into the routine. Finally, the rehearsal comes, which is doing it all over and over until there are no mistakes. This process may take a week, it may take a month. We may be able to practice and rehearse each day, or maybe only once or twices a week. |
Nick Wait Inner circle Lichfield, UK 1042 Posts |
I start of by practicing the method and techniques once, I soon as I can get do them(doesn't have to be smooth) I begin rehearsing. I refine both my technique and routing in one blow. I get them smooth. As for how long I practice. I practice until I feel it can be no better then I practice a bit more. After this, I'll practice each illusion/trick in the show at least once a day.
Nick |
Osiris Special user 610 Posts |
Quote:
On 2005-03-16 19:35, Deke Rivers wrote: Actually, Houdini was known for doing that long before Harry, Jr. and too, Harry Jr only said that as a joke 90% of the time. Unfortunately, few get it... that is to say, they think that's how it really works and then they scream, cry, rant, rave and feel the world is full of idiots because they aren't being recognized for the "creative and talented artists" they think they are. David Copperfield's Las Vegas warehouse has a few dozen 18'+ tall mirror panels that allow him and the crew to practice routines regularly. The Penndragons poured hundreds of hours into their Sub Trunk before ever presenting it live (same with their version of the Broom Suspension and most all other materials I know they've done over the years). The bottom line is, how good to you want to be at what you do? Are you satisfied with being able to pull it off or would you feel better about things if you had the ability to completely spellbound your audience... even if it were a group of trained and very seasoned magicians... something that Norm Neilson, Shimada, Johnny Thompson and any number of others tend to do DAILY! Knowing how a trick works and knowing how to present an effect are two entirely different different critter. Unfortunately many an ignoramous who dabbles in this stuff fails to see that difference and prides him/herself in taking half-meassures and as we all know, that will avail you nothing! So, the ball is in your court. If you are content with being the same kind of second rate performer so many tend to rellish being, then don't practice more than an hour or two the day of your shows. On the other hand, if you really want to build a name for yourself you need to stop being so timid and COMMITT to things, investing yourself into perfecting a half-dozen to a full dozen bits and NOTHING ELSE for the next year or two. Once you have those routines down pat, begin adding to your arsenal by experimenting with one or two new bits or variations to the one's you've been doing. Your goal is always one of improvement, not clonedom or doing the same C*R*A*P your wannabe compatriots keep clinging to. Personally I love and respect magic far too much to sit on my hindside and play with my deck... |
Father Photius Grammar Host El Paso, TX (Formerly Amarillo) 17161 Posts |
Very well said!
"Now here's the man with the 25 cent hands, that two bit magician..."
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