So, I'm working on The Project (and The Other Project) and in the course of scripting and blocking and outlining it occurred to me that I am setting very specific parameters and limitations to what sort of "paranormal" things I (or my character) can do.

... well, when your magic show name has "the Adequate" at the end, you're clearly setting the bar pretty low.

What sort of limits do you put on your performance persona? What sort of amazingness is just out of reach, or flat out not something your persona / character is capable of?

AND... who feels that setting limitation to your abilities lends credibility? Who thinks it doesn't? Who wants pie?

I want pie, and I have very firm limitations.

Parameters aren't limitations they are boxes to hold credibility and understanding.

Not having them will be very limiting.

I would also like pie; cherry and Dutch apple are particular favorites.

For me, parameters are more intuitive than consciously and specifically worked out. I review material and make a judgment on a case-by-case basis -- "Yes, that would work for me -- no, that would not work for me."

I understand that it would make sense to set the parameters and work within them, but as I've said, for me it's a more intuitive process.

Rory

I found it helped me sort out what sort of things I could do in performance by setting limits. It started with the (inevitable) rhetorical question "Can you tell me the winning lottery numbers for this week?" ...

My answer turned out to be, "Yeah, if I could be in the same room as the ball machine about three minutes before they picked 'em... but I don't think they'd let me do that." Maybe it's a more complicated version of Max Maven's "Oh I'm not that good," casual disclaimer, but, even if I never use that answer in performance I have it in my "backstory"...

This is what happens when you start out as a theater geek and THEN become a magic geek.