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Cory Gallupe Inner circle Nova Scotia, Canada 1272 Posts |
Hi. My suit case is very messy. I don't have that much stuff in it, but I still have major trouble when trying to move on from one trick to the other. I have to put one thing away, then go searching for the other thing, then everything gets messy, its falling out of the case and its nothing but a huge mess. I want to be able to smoothly move from one trick to the other without hesitation and without searching for 60 seconds. And I want to be able to put the trick away with no problem right after Im done with it. How do you guys do it? Do you make it custom and put little shelves in it, or do you just throw all the stuff in, then when you are done with that trick, just throw it in ANOTHER case? Then set it back up after the show? It is taking me forever to find the tricks I neen and put them back. I am looking for a case that has pockets and compartments so I can put cards, coins, and other props in and know their whereabouts and when going from show to show, it doesn't get moved around. What do you guys use, post pictures and where to see them. Or just tell me what you do to make the cases neat, and to STAY that way! I need help as soon as possible! Thank you. -Cory.
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mrmystic Regular user Chicago 200 Posts |
Cory, there are several things you can do, depending on the size of the case you are using. If you are using a large suitcase, which it sounds like you are, you could put the smaller stuff into a plastic bin like you would find at k-mart. They come in all sizes. For your bigger items, try a colapsing milk crate. They fold down to about one inch thick, but can be opened in a second to full size. Set that next to your case when you open it then ditch props in it as you use them. After your show you can quickly put them back in reverse order and your next show is ready to go. If you have tricks that need to be reset, leave them on top and have them ready to reset. I use a rolling duffel case with solid walls. It is like a nice looking trunk with built in wheels and handle. I have my magic in a smaller bin on top and still have room for all of my juggling equipment underneath. I do the magic part of the show, then lift out the bin and do the other half. I can carry the whole show in on one load and all I need is a chair to set it on. Wheel it in, lower the colapsing handle, lift it onto the chair and start the show.
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Cory Gallupe Inner circle Nova Scotia, Canada 1272 Posts |
Well, I know figured that Tupperware is my new best friend! I keep my mini routines in those and other things while they are in storage, but that still doesn't quite solve the problem with my case. What I am going to do is look around and buy a new one.
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jamesgreen2 New user Jim Green 7 Posts |
You need to use side tables for each major trick, so there is no waiting between tricks which is no-no for professional magicians. I use several large ATA cases you can purchase at Academy sports for less than $50.These are rubber lined,and after each trick you can ditch your tricks for re-set.
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Simon Bakker Special user the Netherlands 587 Posts |
Elmwood magic used to sell the 'Slim line close up case.' One of my better investments so far. You can store four decks of cards and it has a lot of little compartments for coins, rope, spongballs, etc.
Keep in mind that its really a close-up case. Larger props won't fit. It looks very nice also. Simon |
Andrew Richmond Loyal user Birmingham - UK 252 Posts |
The key thig is to get rid of the stuff you do not use often enough to warrant being in your case, I know I know it can be hard saying goodbye to those little effects that make us feel safe.
Once this is done pop into any hardware store and get an organiser that is used for nuts, bolts and other bits, this is perfect for coins, thumb writers, flying key and depending on size possibly esp cards and even bike decks. This can sit in your case and you can catagorize items into act one, act two etc.. A.R.
"Take a card any card!"
"Why?" "So I can find it." "Why?" |
Jaz Inner circle NJ, U.S. 6111 Posts |
I'm don't know the size and type suitcase, how many props you have or the size of your tricks but
Tupperware and other type containers come in a variety of sizes. Containers for the tricks can be separated and held secure by upholstery foam or something similar. If your act is basically the same every time this is fairly easy. Stuff like rope and other props can be put in freezer bags. Label everything. There are collapsible containers you can use to toss used props into. A Google search will find a variety of different types ranging from 1 1/2 Gallons a up to 30 or more. |
Cory Gallupe Inner circle Nova Scotia, Canada 1272 Posts |
Alright, I got a new case, it is very clean and tidy. It actulally looks like there is barely anything in there. But is is enought to do my shows. As far as I know, I have been doing much better with in between tricks. Most time it now only takes about ten seconds. My secret: I ditch the stuff after Im done with it in my old suit case!
This has been helping very much. I have been busy lately but every day of the week this week I am practicng a different show or routine. I will see how it goes and teel you guys about it! |
Paolo Venturini Veteran user Lucca (I.) - New York City 385 Posts |
Personally I don't use a case, neither a table, and I still available to perform 30 effects (if I like, but I don't need): my jacket is provided with 25 pockets on both internal side, plus the other external.
I keep the effects in the same pocket, so without a blink (even without look at) I can choose the appropriated trick I need to perform, or put away with the same speed. I just keep a small case just in case I need some refills of emergency. I know, the tailor is more expensive than the jacket, but it work for me... Paolo Venturini |
ConjuringCoach New user Seattle, WA 17 Posts |
I would agree with Paolo. It is so common to see a magician with tables everywhere. I think it would leave a much greater impression if the magician pulled everything that he needed for his routines from 'thin air'. If that is not possible even pulling things from pockets makes more sense simply because in the end the audience would be left with a similar impression in that they did not see boxes of stuff.
As magicians we should try to distance ourselves from 'ourthings'. Ourselves are hired...ourthings come and go but only serve to highlight our own abilities and talents. Minimize the emphasis on those things and your show will be better. Thanos
You cannot depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus.
~Mark Twain |
Cory Gallupe Inner circle Nova Scotia, Canada 1272 Posts |
Well, I have sme big props. For walkaround, or resturaunt magic, that would obviously be the case. I would probably bring my suit case in case I went thru the whole party, and I need more material. But other than that. I would keep the tricks in my pockets. But for ful length shows, that is what I use. Anyway, Ive had quite a few shows lately, and the cases are working great! Now I just got to get a half decent table. I am going to make something like a eureka table base, but it is going to be a music stand. Like the ones for holding music books. Wes Petty came up with that brilliant idea. Actually, I am about to leave the house right now for a haircut, while Im out, Im gonna drop off at music stop. Wish me luck!
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