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Magicsquared Inner circle 1262 Posts |
It's often said that there is too much negativity on this forum, but when it comes to the chair prediction plot it seems that nobody has a bad thing to say about any version that is out there. Everybody loves every version. Even the people who have released their own versions have nothing but good things to say about the other versions. That's great and all, but it's not helping me narrow down my options.
Here's my situation: I'm working with some people at the Upright Citizen's Brigade which is the premiere improv theater here in NYC. I'm working on a show that's going to incorporate mentalism and long form improv. Given that improv relies on suggestions from the audience and the unquantifiable dynamic between the performers on stage, it seemed like a natural thing to try and "predict"or "influence" some of what happened on stage. I'd like to incorporate a chair prediction into the show as well. Ideally I'm looking for something without too much procedure behind it where three or four individuals are randomly assigned a number (or some other designation) and their ultimate positions are identified with the fewest intermediary steps. I've been considering the routines of Patrick Redford, Andrew Gerard, and Paolo Cavalli among others. But I haven't really been able to determine which would be best for my purposes. So can someone please bash one of these products so I can cross it off my list of possibilities? Ok, seriously, if you can't legitimately talk trash about a given routine, can you at least tell me what your favorite routine brings to the table that other don't? Feel free to PM me if you think it would be more appropriate. Thanks for any help you can offer. |
John C Eternal Order I THINK therefore I wrote 12941 Posts |
Only you know what is BEST for YOUR purpose. How many do you own? How many have you tried out on an audience? How long have you been performing chair tests?
J |
Magicsquared Inner circle 1262 Posts |
Quote:
On 2008-05-03 20:56, johncesta wrote: If you went to a restaurant and asked the waiter for a recommendation and he said, "You should order everything on the menu and try it and then you can finish the one you liked best," you'd think he was mentally handicapped. If you turned on Ebert and Roeper and they said, "Go see every movie playing this weekend and whichever one you like the best that's the movie that's best for you," you'd think, "Well, that was useless." For some reason it has evolved on this forum that a very enlightened thing to say whenever anyone asks to compare similar routines is, "Try them all and see what you like." Unfortunately that's moronic advice because it's no advice at all. Obviously I could try every chair prediction and find the perfect one for me, but wouldn't it make more sense to solicit some opinions and then make an educated decision based on the collective wisdom of the group? Now, ultimately I can't substitute anyone's judgment for my own, but that doesn't mean I can't take your opinion into account. If you feel your input and opinion on these effects is as valuable as no opinion at all, then I certainly don't need to hear it. I'm just asking, given the criteria that I stated, if anyone has any suggestions on a particular routine to look into or avoid. |
Magicsquared Inner circle 1262 Posts |
I mentioned this in a PM to someone who offered his input so it's probably useful to mention it here too.
The performance environment is a 200 seat theater with a stage that is surrounded on three sides. What I'm looking for is a chair prediction with as few outside elements as possible (outside of the chairs, the people, and the prediction) and with as little fussing around with the spectators after they choose their seat as possible. Ultimately what I'm going to be doing is predicting certain elements of an improvised scene including who is sitting where at the end of it so as a jumping off point for that I'm looking for a chair routine that may help to those ends. |
Floyd Collins Inner circle Ohio 1633 Posts |
Marc Spelmann One in Thousand very good and has a very strong ending, I think it will fit your requirements well. But there is some fussing around but that is all left up to the spec if they decide to move or not.
No one said it would be easy, or did they?
Check out my all new book "Chicken Scratches" visit my lulu store for more information. http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/thecenterstage http://www.collinscomedymagic.com |
LLL Inner circle 1574 Posts |
I love the Paper plane chair effect in Hector Chadwicks book, however I realize it might take some time to get the book which may be a problem if this is something your doing soon.
The effect is genius in my eyes. The performer throws out a paper plaine into the audience, the spectator who comes onto the stage picks a chair and sits in it. The plane is opened and the colour of the chair the spectator chooses is written across the inside. It also has a second optional part that allows you to know the order in which three other spectators will then sit. Brilliant thinking. Andy
The basic tool for the manipulation of reality is the manipulation of words. If you can control the meaning of words, you can control the people who must use the words.
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burst Veteran user Memphis, TN 308 Posts |
First, I should say that I adore the chair routine in Hector's book. So far, it is the best chair routine that I have read. It is perfect for the audience size you will performing with. That said, I do not think it may not be good for you. There is certain aspects that may not be good for you. I cannot go into detail. It's just not possible. Let's just say there is some conditioning involved. Also, you should be fully aware that the second phase is done later, and requires you to do another magical effect having nothing to do with the chairs. Without knowing further about what you want to do, time constraints, and more, I cannot really say if it is good for you.
The routine that I think is best for you would be Rick Maue's. It's in one of his recent lecture notes (email him, he'll help you out). There can be a good amount of byplay and comedy that can go on in it. It uses coloured paper balls. Essentially, you predict who is holding a certain colour ball. So I guess that it's more of a coloured paper ball prediction rather than predicting who is sitting where. But chairs are involved. I really see this routine as best for what you need out of it. More people are used, so more humour can come out of it. Be sure to ask Rick if he thinks it would be good for your situation. If you do, PM me and I'll give you a question you should ask him. I don't want to post what that is on a public forum. /paul.f |
human Loyal user 297 Posts |
I think Andrew Gerald's "the color of money" will somewhat meet your need. It's a very nice and quick piece.
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Garrad Elite user 446 Posts |
All the routines you have asked about are very good but if you want something that's simple and quick then Banachek's is probably the way to go, I would not say it's the best but it is one of the most straight forward.
You might say reality is the result of complex negotiations between the observer and the observed. But that is simply a point of view.
Many Thanks Garrad |
John C Eternal Order I THINK therefore I wrote 12941 Posts |
There is also a complete in detail chair effect thread. Most chair effects are listed. A search will turn it up.
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parmenion Inner circle Switzerland/Zürich 3988 Posts |
Quote:
On 2008-05-03 20:56, johncesta wrote: I agree with John. I don't agree with you statement It's not question of " what's the best chair test" it's a question what's your character. What's the best who fit for you. Nobody only you can answer to that. You compare mentalism with order someting in the restaurant So, I know it's expensive but the best it's to get many chair test and look which one works the best for you. Or tell us what's you kind of character,others effects you do in your show and we can help you with more efficient.
“I love talking about nothing. It is the only thing I know anything about.”
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suspectacts Elite user Boston 493 Posts |
I would like to suggest you look through your current library (especially books) and find a chair routine you already own. Or just develop a your own routine based on a couple of the principles/techniques you have already mastered. Remember 'the plays the thing...'
It seems far too often we put WAY too much effort into collecting techniques rather then spend the time developing performances. Remember, to the audience any routine you pick will be judged on the entertainment value you bring to it. Lots of us have seen performers take a piece of magic/mentalism with lots of 'procedure' and turn every necessary step into an opportunity for fun. In fact I would think that could be a schitch in itself, especially at an Improv show. If you really want this routine to go well, my best suggestion is to line up a couple of 'rehersal' shows, maybe at open mics where you can try it out first. That way you have an opportunity to improve it before it's debut at UCB. Best of luck peter PS - PM me if you want a reference to a chair routine in a book you probably already own |
kriskraze Special user 620 Posts |
Magicsquared never asked what was best for his purpose. He was asking for a 'bashings' and presumably recommendations so that he could find the best for his purpose.
I don't know why people are jumping on him. John's comment came across as condescending. I'm surprised he didn't suggest revisiting Corinda to boot. |
Heres Tony Loyal user Orlando 259 Posts |
The good thing about the Marc Spelmann routine is that you have the option to cut of bits of the routine to fit you and your style. It's a fooler. If you are doing a lot of improv you will have a lot of room to let it fly. I've got a couple of bits I do that with music that play very well.
Tony Brent http://www.herestony.com Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show Voted #1 Dinner Show by CW-18 and WESH-TV Channel 2 "Funniest dinner show in Orlando." - Orlando Weekly "One of the best one-man shows I've ever seen!" - Bill Lewis, WYTZ Radio "Let's have a grilled-cheese sandwich" means there's no meat in the house - Tony Brent |
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