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Randwill Inner circle 1914 Posts |
I hadn't done the Gene Anderson Newspaper Tear in a long time. I've been doing close-up exclusively for a number of years. A friend asked me to do a little show for her kindergarten class. I'd rarely performed for children but knew that for 5-6 year olds I needed quick, direct effects. I thought the Newspaper Tear fit the bill.
After flash restoration happened one little boy said, "It's folded." This got me thinking. It's probably apparent to any audience that the restored paper comes unfolded when it appears. So what exactly is the trick for them? The trick SHOULD BE that I tore a newspaper to pieces and magically fused the pieces back together. Instead I suspect they are thinking the trick is; he made the pieces disappear and made a folded copy of the same newspaper appear. Not the same thing. Like I said, I hadn't even performed the thing for adults in a long time, but when a kid sees it that way, I don't know. Maybe it plays better from a stage. (I was standing in front of them as they sat on the floor.) Maybe I did it poorly. Or maybe it's an old trick that 21st century sophisticated eyes see through and should be retired. Thoughts? |
MTaylor2002 Regular user 196 Posts |
I used perform the Gene Anderson Newspaper Tear on a regular basis (I'm concentrating now on mentalism and occasionally card magic), but I never had a problem with this effect and I never heard anyone offer any type of explanation -- much less the correct one -- as to how it was done. To this day, there are still a handful of people who, whenever I run into them, will say, "I remember you. You're the magician who did the newspaper trick. That was amazing," or words to that effect.
My suggestion: Practice until you know you've got it down, perform it, and don't give it another thought. It's a winner. |
olivertwist Special user Nashua, NH 588 Posts |
I think David Kaye (Silly Billy) makes a good point when he says that with kids it's not the magical conclusion that matters, it's the fun you have on the way. If you plan to entertain children you will find lots of good information in Kaye's lecture notes or his book. If you make them laugh throughout the build up, they will not care so much about how it is done.
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Bill Palmer Eternal Order Only Jonathan Townsend has more than 24312 Posts |
Randwill:
All I can say is that you are at the same stage with the newspaper tear that you were when you did Twisting the Aces or the Ambitious Card for your first couple of audiences. If you are just now making the transition from close-up to larger magic, you need to realize that you have to make adjustments in everything. First, you are selling your magic to a bigger group, across a larger playing field. You need to adjust for that. If you are doing the canned patter with the Anderson tear, then you may get that reaction. I eliminated two of the tears, so that I actually fold the pieces up from the bottom when I clamp them in place. This accounts for the folded condition of the paper. Here's a counter-question. If you have a bunch of pieces in your hand, that have fused together, how would they rematerialize? Would they fuse together as a very large piece of paper suddenly? Or would they fuse together in a folded package. Don't take remarks from children so seriously. Sometimes when they say things, the things they say do not mean to them what they mean to you. You pull out a rope. Some kid will yell "I know that one!" You may not have even decided what you are going to do with the rope. The kid recognizes that you are going to do a rope trick. Just do the trick.
"The Swatter"
Founder of CODBAMMC My Chickasaw name is "Throws Money at Cups." www.cupsandballsmuseum.com |
Dean Dill 1947 - 2015 248 Posts |
Someone told me one time that they tore up the newspaper and restored to the comic strips. Maybe to kids that would be more fun and you can just use it as a throw away. I have never done it that way but it might be fun to try and see what they say.
My solution to Randwill is to make sure the paper you tear is also folded in the same way. That way there is no discrepency. I fold my outside paper in 16ths before it assemble it. I have never had that problem since I have done it that way. I can't see anything wrong with having a paper with creases in it. They just assume you folded it to travel with. Of course I unfold it before performance. Hope this helps, Dean Dill |
Shane Baker New user nigh on 20 years and I've made a measly 81 Posts |
In New York, you'll see people reading the Times on the train using what they call "the subway fold" -- paper folded in half lengthwise and once or twice more horizontally, all to avoid flapping edges in the face of the person sitting next to you. Perhaps this could be of use in developing a routine as well as putting those folds in their minds... I don't know, say, paper gets in the neighbor's face anyway... Perhaps you notice someone reading the other side of your paper, so you tear off a half for him as well, then more for someone else... Lots of possibilities, though I have to say I like Mr. Palmer's answer quite well, too!
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magicmanfrank Inner circle 1127 Posts |
I have been performing the GA Newspaper tear for ages,
and it NEVER Fails to astonish! I, however do not use a standard size newspaper. I always use a Tabloid size paper, usually "The Enquirer" as it opens itself to unlimited comedy potential! Also, the smaller paper size is MUCH Easier to handle that a standard size newspaper.
The Early Bird may get the Worm, but it's the SECOND Mouse that gets the CHEESE!!!
Frank Thurston www.FrankThurstonMagic.com https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Magic-of-Frank-Thurston/116625117910?ref=nf |
magicmanfrank Inner circle 1127 Posts |
Also I forgot to mention that my Tabloid Tear is indeed also folded up,
as I carry it in my inside coat pocket before peforming.
The Early Bird may get the Worm, but it's the SECOND Mouse that gets the CHEESE!!!
Frank Thurston www.FrankThurstonMagic.com https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Magic-of-Frank-Thurston/116625117910?ref=nf |
p.b.jones Inner circle Milford Haven. Pembrokeshire wales U.K. 2642 Posts |
This got me thinking. It's probably apparent to any audience that the restored paper comes unfolded when it appears. So what exactly is the trick for them? The trick SHOULD BE that I tore a newspaper to pieces and magically fused the pieces back together. Instead I suspect they are thinking the trick is; he made the pieces disappear and made a folded copy of the same newspaper appear. Not the same thing.
Hi, I have debated this many times, I think most people know that the newspaper if folded and the trick to most spectators is simply how well you swapped them without them knowing/seeing, I mean people are not stupid, maybe I just know lots of clever people but this is definetly the way they think which is why I don't like the trick much. Phillip |
Drs_Res Veteran user 325 Posts |
I think that the torn edges seen when the paper is being restored is what gives the GA tear it's strength.
They see the torn edges dropping down, and then they are gone, fused back together in but a moment, right before their eyes. At least, with the proper timing and movement, that is what should appear to happen. I just love that tear done correctly.
( / ) The Bunny
(O.o) Add him to your signature. (> <) Help him rule the world. /_||_ Prosper at his side. Scott |
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