|
|
BIlly James Special user 991 Posts |
Hi folks,
I haven't ventured into this section of the Café before, so I'm hoping you guys can help me out. I perform mainly in schools with an assistant. I'm looking at adding a production of either myself or my assistant at the start of the show. My audience is generally in front of me, but it would be beneficial to have an illusion that could work surrounded (just in case). It would also need to be fairly transportable (back of a station wagon). I'm looking for any suggestions you can throw my way of a really good production that fits the above criteria. Cheers Billy PS I haven't decided on a budget (hopefully something farily reasonably priced) but if I find the right type of illusion I don't mind paying for it. |
mvmagic Inner circle Has written 1322 Posts |
You could take a look at Mark Parker's book, there is one illusion that would fit you nicely but the name escapes me right now and not being at home can't check. Its a smallish box on a cart, "sliced" into sections. It is put together and an assistant appears and as a kicker a 2nd assistant can also appear. Or it could be done as a slicing effect: assistant enters, is sliced, exits unharmed and then another girl appears.
Is it neccessary to be a production? Making yourself appear is a great idea, but many magicians (not saying you do this) produce the assistant in grand manner and then she's got nothing to do but hold some props, which I find rather unlogical in a way. It kind of flattens the situation, as she appears from thin air and then just holds a tray or something-I feel the production should lead into something equally fascinating. You might have more bang for the buck by doing something other than a production, like Modern Art which is a great illusion when properly built (by owen Redwine) and properly presented, and is surroundable.
Sent from my Typewriter
|
BIlly James Special user 991 Posts |
Quote:
On 2005-04-19 04:29, mvmagic wrote: Thanks very much for the advice. I shouldn't have used the word assistant, it is actually my partner, the show falls evenly on both our shoulders. I'd never thought about how illogical it is to produce an assistant who then just carries on a tray, but considering it I totally agree. There was an illusion in a Jim Steinmeyer book I used to own. It involved a trolley with 3 boxes and a die which continued to grow in size. Are you familiar with this and if so would you consider it suitable. Thanks again Billy |
mvmagic Inner circle Has written 1322 Posts |
Yes, its from Jim's "Device and Illusion" and is called small packages. It would be very suitable, as it is surroundable and in all a great effect, not overly difficult to build either. It very nicely combines a logical routine with the surprising appearence of your partner. And you can always customize it a bit, altering maybe the design of the cart for example. Just keep in mind that it is supposed to be a real-world item instead of a fancy "magic box", thus the nondescript appearence.
Sent from my Typewriter
|
Bob Sanders Grammar Supervisor Magic Valley Ranch, Clanton, Alabama 20504 Posts |
Billy,
There are plenty of things that work and meet your requirements. Take your time and shop around. Make sure it fits the rest of your act. Good Luck! Bob Magic By Sander |
Spellbinder Inner circle The Holy City of East Orange, NJ 6438 Posts |
The archway illusion is nice, but skip the smoke as long as there are two of you working as a team. Performer A comes out, walks through the arch, picks up a large foulard and momentarily covers the archway. The foulard is immediately lowered to the ground- nothing seems to have happened. Once more the foulard is raised and immediately lowered to reveal performer B. If you want to make one for less than $10, check out our PVC pipe version. It's cheap enough to use a couple of times to decide if the illusion works for you. The plans also include a version that can be done surrounded.
Professor Spellbinder
Professor Emeritus at the Turkey Buzzard Academy of Magik, Witchcraft and Wizardry http://www.magicnook.com Publisher of The Wizards' Journals |
ssucahyo Inner circle 1954 Posts |
Agreed, MODERN ART is best. I have tried it, always get success. I think Mr. Steinmeyer never makes us disappointed.
|
Father Photius Grammar Host El Paso, TX (Formerly Amarillo) 17161 Posts |
While it can't be done in the round, Arabian Tent is easy to do, cheap to build, and breaks down flat and small enough for ur station wagon. Works fine on stage and good way to produce a magician at the start of the show.
"Now here's the man with the 25 cent hands, that two bit magician..."
|
Spellbinder Inner circle The Holy City of East Orange, NJ 6438 Posts |
Don't forget Bryce's Screen ( Paul Osborne has plans: http://hamiltonholtinc.site.yahoo.net/ha......en1.html )
It fits all your criteria, and can also be used as a backdrop for the rest of your performance.
Professor Spellbinder
Professor Emeritus at the Turkey Buzzard Academy of Magik, Witchcraft and Wizardry http://www.magicnook.com Publisher of The Wizards' Journals |
eb02 Special user 680 Posts |
You may try Victorian carton house, easy to carry, easy to build, paint it nicely and you are ready to go. Look also on http://www.creativemagic.org/victorycubes/ they should release it soon and it could be nice as well.
Eran
Eran Blizovsky
www.magic4business.net |
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Grand illusion » » Illusion advice please???? (0 Likes) |
[ Top of Page ] |
All content & postings Copyright © 2001-2024 Steve Brooks. All Rights Reserved. This page was created in 0.02 seconds requiring 5 database queries. |
The views and comments expressed on The Magic Café are not necessarily those of The Magic Café, Steve Brooks, or Steve Brooks Magic. > Privacy Statement < |