|
|
Go to page [Previous] 1~2 | ||||||||||
LMLipman Elite user Falls Church, Va. 443 Posts |
Having just read all of these posts, three things jump out at me:
1.) You get better, or "think" you get better, with years of performances. 2.) The performer mentioned in the original post wasn't very good. 3.) Other than putting in the years, how do you get a "strong show?" I agree that one probably gets better with years of performances. I've only been doing this eight years, part-time, and I believe my show is much better than it was. But how "strong" is it? How does one measure that? The performer mentioned in the original post may be at the beginning of his 20 years. He may be no worse than those of you who have performed for 20 years were at the beginning of your careers. My big question is how does one make a show stronger? I know magicians who have been doing basically the same show for years. Is it stronger? Maybe they do a weak show more smoothly, but it's still a weak show. I think the video suggestion, which I've heard and used in the past, is a good one. But might there also be a way of getting other, objective feedback, criticism and coaching? |
|||||||||
The Great Smartini Inner circle 2280 Posts |
Larry,
I agree with your point that, after many years of doing the same show, your show is smoother but could still be weak. If the show is smoother then it is getting "stronger" and of course would become even stronger/better if program changes are made. You also recommend the use of objective feedback/criticism and coaching. This is a process that I've used over the past couple of years by attending Mystery School with Jeff McBride/Eugene Burger/Larry Haas. I think that one needs to find a coach/guide/mentor that you trust and for me the Mystery School format/staff really fits. I'm of the mind that one of the best ways to improve is to seek out the best possible training/education in your chosen field. The next thing that I'd like to do to make my show stronger is to attend a workshop with someone like Avner Eisenberg where I can work on movement/mime/stage presence. Interestingly enough I just heard from him this morning and it looks like a workshop might occur in my area as soon as spring 2009. Working with a magician friend could work but they may be too harsh and/or they may be to kind in their assessment of your show. You need someone who's going to tell you what they honestly see. The best way to improve is to have an honest assessment of where you and your show is right now. Once this has been determined then you can make a plan to move forward to make your show stronger. For me this will involve more video taping which I will likely send to Eugene or Jeff. I'm fortunate that my teaching partner has formal training in theatre and has acted/directed plays for a number of years. I'm constantly asking him about ways to make my show better. jeff |
|||||||||
Dynamike Eternal Order FullTimer 24148 Posts |
Quote:
On 2008-12-15 18:41, todd75 wrote: Be more specific. What exactly did he do wrong? |
|||||||||
The Great Smartini Inner circle 2280 Posts |
Dynamike,
Some of the things that Todd noted were: "I saw an assembly performer today that did everything wrong. I don't know the performer on a personal basis. I only know of him! As I watched his program today at an elementary school, I was reminded of when I first got started in the business over 20 years ago. I had no music, I had no script, I did not dress professional, I had no audience control, I would fumble over my words, knock props off of my table and I could go on." One nice thing about seeing a bad performer is that it reinforces all of the good things that you do! Although they can sometimes make it hard for good shows to get booked as the client has had a bad experience booking a magic act. jeff |
|||||||||
Chrystal Inner circle Canada/France 1552 Posts |
As the years have flown by I sometimes cringe at memories of performing in earlier times. Granted the monies I charged reflected my experience and everyone has to start somewhere. I now am at the point where I do less shows, charge more and still make more than I did when I first started.
It's not just refining your props, costume, carrying cases, mic system but the flow of patter becomes more natural. It's also anticipating in advance what you know from years of experience what the reaction of the audience will be and various comeback lines you use as a result which to the audience seems to be ad libbing. It's knowing from experience what works and what doesn't in terms of booking, timing, crowd control and developing contacts and networking. It's always continuing to learn and never developing a big head but encourage younger magicians, sharing expertise with others, and always remember what it's like to be a kid. For 5 years I performed full time, other times I've had other jobs to hold my interest - and I never argue as to who is the more professional - the full timer or weekend warrior. Magic has given me the opportunity like the other poster to purchase 3 properties, follow my eventual dream of operating an animal rescue for aged/special needs pets and allowed me to travel across the planet. I never take it for granted and feel blessed to have this talent and like to share it with others. It's allowed me to make an old person smile in a care home, make a child in a wheelchair laugh and have small children hug me. I would have done it for free just for this experience. Chrystal |
|||||||||
todd75 Inner circle 1277 Posts |
Have you ever seen a performer that simply does not have a clue as to what they are doing? They make the show up as it goes? We've all done that starting out as we simply did not know otherwise. This is the difference between an amatuer and a seasoned performer.
The assembly performer that I recently saw was not prepared in anyway. He made up the show as it happened. Nothing was scripted! He did not know what he doing from one moment to the next. I know now that in order to be a success, you have to make your show the best. I am not talking about fancy props. I am talking about everything. The way you dress, your music, where you stand, how you treat your audience members, etc. etc. etc. I did my first library show 14 years ago. When the librarian hired me and saw my show for the first time, she was not all that impressed. I was not prepared and it showed. However, she continued to book me and still does to this day. She never gave up on me. I now exceed her expectations everytime I perform at her library. I know this because she tells me. The point is this....look at your show. Look at some of the best performers in the world and ask yourself, what is it that they have that I don't? Then go out and make the same thing happen for yourself. I am now doing over 600 shows each and every year and I don't say that to impress anyone. I have been successful because I learned from my mistakes and took action. I make sure that my show is top notch in every single way. I know my music in and out. I know what I am going to do in every show and in what order I am going to do it in. I know my show left and right and it shows. This is what we all need to do. |
|||||||||
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » The little darlings » » How strong is your show? (0 Likes) | ||||||||||
Go to page [Previous] 1~2 |
[ Top of Page ] |
All content & postings Copyright © 2001-2024 Steve Brooks. All Rights Reserved. This page was created in 0.02 seconds requiring 5 database queries. |
The views and comments expressed on The Magic Café are not necessarily those of The Magic Café, Steve Brooks, or Steve Brooks Magic. > Privacy Statement < |