Hello. This time I like to talk a little about closers. Since I don't work only in theater environment with assistands etc, and I have different kinds of shows I like your opinion for closers for the solo performances.

Solo acts can be done on stage or sometimes at different environment like surounded, parks etc. A major factor is to be lightweight and easy to transport.

- 6 doves cage vanish I think is a great closer. it play very nice to music and can be performed anywhere.

- stool levitation is good closer too. (a negative factor is that it need stage to be performed since the angles are very strict.)

- Floading table is a good closer too. it place very nice to music and also is an amazing effect that can give a good climax as a closer.

- I belive zombie ball can be used as a closer too.(great when you carry a small bag to the show.)

- chair suspension is a good closer for kids show where at the end you levitade the birthday kid.(What I don't like is that you need a helped for this effect and in my opinion is best to be alone on "stage" when you close the show.)


QUESTION: What other effects do you think is good for a closer for the solo performance? Please help me in the proces of brainstorming. I am mostly interested for closers that can be used almost in any environment BUT IF U FAVE SOME GOOD IDEAS FOR STAGE LET ME KNOW TOO.

Costume Changes! They can be tricky, but some of them are very simple. Some can even be done surrounded depending on the cover you use. Infact, I just read yesterday in Magic Magazine about a couple who's finale was a no cover costume change! They work well everywhere!

Derek Merdinyan

I guess the couple you're talking about is David and Dania. Here's their website. http://www.costumechange.com/#intro

Yes, that's a cool costume change! I like a girl production from a S*** b***. they can play anywere when you use a cloth that has wires in it so it covers all 4 sides.

I would say make yourself vanish. Don't bother with a curtain call, just leave them wanting more. (Just make sure you've been paid before the show, though )

I would consider a vanish not to be closer material, it ends on a downer, the objects gone and... no and, it's over.

Levitations are also more mid-material, they're just not strong enough to end on.
You should use your best material to finish on, and your second best to open.

The finale's that people will remember are the huge and pretty productions. Butterfly's, snow-storm in China, or if you don't have a broom, then a large production prop or two, 6' silk...

If you don't do productions (why are you on the manip page?) then a restoration is 2nd choice.

Paul

Not all great closers are suitable for all environment. It would be great if you could first indentify the different environment you will be performing most of the time.

Then select those that meet the environmental challenges such as angle problems, back stage setting up problems, closed or open environmental challenges, etc.

I personally find my self agreeing with James Tong a lot these days. It does depend on the environment. The closing is one of the most important parts of any magic show as well as the opening.