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close_up_act Special user Idaho Falls 773 Posts |
I performed some magic effects for a group today and after each trick all I got was dead silence....i got a couple of gasps and oohh and awwws but no applause....when I finished and started to leave out of the room; each and everyone of them started cheering and clapping....is this normal? should I not do my tricks in the order I set them up? this happens alot...need some advice on this.
J Rodriguez
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Ted Danger Regular user San Francisco/Utila 106 Posts |
Where these normal tricks you were doing?
"One may say the eternal mystery of the world is its comprehensibility." Albert E.
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nucinud Inner circle New York, New York 1298 Posts |
People do not know how to react to live magic. I find this reaction to be common.
At least they applauded at the end, that means they liked you. Sometimes you just get a thank you or a quick compliment. Do not take this personally, just do your thing and have fun.
"We are what we pretend to be" Kurt Vonnegut, jr.
Now U C It Now U Don't Harry Mandel www.mandelmagic.com |
Scott F. Guinn Inner circle "Great Scott!" aka "Palms of Putty" & "Poof Daddy G" 6586 Posts |
Sounds like you're doing a great job. To me, that's about the best thing that can happen: stunned silence after the effects and applause and appreciation after the show.
"Normal" is in the eye of the beholder, but to my mind, this is the ideal that I work for.
"Love God, laugh more, spend more time with the ones you love, play with children, do good to those in need, and eat more ice cream. There is more to life than magic tricks." - Scott F. Guinn
My Lybrary Page |
Father Photius Grammar Host El Paso, TX (Formerly Amarillo) 17161 Posts |
You are doing just fine. People are used to taking cues for applause from others. You ever notice in an audience once someone starts clapping, others start clapping. There were just no cues for them. There are a few techniques to signal to an audience that it is time for applause. Pausing and opening your hands, a slight bow (but let them see your face) will often signal the cue for them.
"Now here's the man with the 25 cent hands, that two bit magician..."
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close_up_act Special user Idaho Falls 773 Posts |
Thanks for the info guys...i was pretty worried there...and as far as normal tricks....i didn't do anything geek magic if that's what your referring too,,, a couple of card and dollar tricks....i performed for a training class where I work, when I saw them today they were all smiles and wanted to see more, so I guess you guys are right I did do a good job.
J Rodriguez
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Maestro Special user 801 Posts |
Be sure to smile too... sometimes when you're in the moment and so focused on how other's perceive you, it's possible to get stuck inside your head and not realize simple things like that. Although sometimes it's better to remain serious, depending on the effect, if you step back slightly and smile it's clear the trick is over.
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Danny Diamond Inner circle Connecticut 1400 Posts |
Reactions vary as much as people do. I have had quite a few silent reactions to my magic - which can be tough to gauge. They may be silent because they don't care about what you just did and are not impressed. they could be silent because they are in disbelief of what they just saw, and may be trying to get a grip on their mind after you did something impossible. Or maybe they are silent, because they are not aware that the trick has ended.
Magic is not always as clear cut as other forms of entertainment. Sometimes, if you had a spectator who helped you out in the trick for example, it's helpful to end with something like "give yourself a hand, you did a great job" - this line makes gives them the applause and makes them the star (but the table next to you doesn't know this - they only know people are clapping, as a result of something you have done).
You don't drown by falling in the water;
you drown by staying there. - Edwin Louis Cole |
close_up_act Special user Idaho Falls 773 Posts |
I like the line " give yourself a hand",,thanks I will definately use that
J Rodriguez
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Dynamike Eternal Order FullTimer 24148 Posts |
Keep up the good work.
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Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
Here is what you have just learned. The difference in being a "magician" (a guy who can do some tricks) and an entertainer(the guy who gets the room energetic and moving and laughing and applauding).
There could not be a better distinction. You have just made it. So what if you fool them, if they don't let that emotion out and show it? The guy who does mediocre magic, and gets the crowd to react to it is the guy working like crazy! Nothing wrong with being a magician. But a trap many fall into is trying to be "unique" being unusual, being something different. Not always a good thing. I have tricks I never do for people as they don't get a strong enough "verbal" reaction from people. It has to be a fine blend. Your not necessarily doing anything wrong mind you. It sounds as if they are entertained especially if they are applauding when you are done. BUT they have to be taught how to act as an audience. The key is to get (depending on the venue between 4 and 400) people acting like 1 audience. You need to manipulate them to do what you want. To look where you want and when you want, then to react when and how you would like. That is the key and generally not as easy as buying some tricks and books on magic. You sound well on your way though, as you notice the happening. Many just simply ignore that it is happening. I admire self aware people.
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
JamesTong Eternal Order Malaysia 11213 Posts |
Quote:
On 2007-08-31 15:18, Dannydoyle wrote: I agree with Danny here. It is because of YOU that the whole place is alive, enjoying themselves and being entertained. The man/woman paying the fee would want that in his/her restaurant. |
close_up_act Special user Idaho Falls 773 Posts |
Thankyou danny and james , well said,,i feel a lot better now and have more of an understanding on how or when to control my audience..
J Rodriguez
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