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Leland Stone Inner circle 1204 Posts |
Hiya, Magi:
As a recent poster noted about his "leap of faith" into the world of Strolling Magic, there is a great difference between close-up and stage work. I'd like to expand on that difference and continue the discussion. On stage, I present a character and invite the audience into a make-believe world. My goal is to create the sort of dramatic tension that audiences experience while watching "12 Angry Men": Spectators become invested in a fictitious character they never even see, while they listen to the fictional jury debate his fate. On stage (and in stand-up settings), this is generally successful venture. While strolling, not so much. The problem -- it seems to me -- is lack of context. There is no framework within which to understand the oddness that is to ensue, and thus (IMO) the characterisation is wasted. Yes, this problem could easily be solved by not attempting to present a character, but for me...that defeats the entire point of performing Strolling Magic in the first place. The Magical things I do are not normal, run of the mill, expected and anticipated, and I don't wish their presentation to be, either. Achieving this presentation, without the setting of a stage or stand-up context, has been dicey. So, how do YOU contextualise your character in Strolling settings? Would you appear to others as simply another guest or staff member, at least until the Magic starts, or you clearly recognised as someone...different...the minute you approach your target group? Leland |
gadfly3d Special user 963 Posts |
Generally I don't buy into the character approach to magic, but that may just be me. and with strolling magic I find it even less useful. Here is the deal in my mind-you've been hired to entertain the guests, so just do it.
Gil |
Destiny Inner circle 1429 Posts |
Quote:
So, how do YOU contextualise your character in Strolling settings? Would you appear to others as simply another guest or staff member, at least until the Magic starts, or you clearly recognised as someone...different...the minute you approach your target group? Leland, I think a character adds something even with strolling, but with strolling especially that character better fit you like a glove. Destiny |
BrianMillerMagic Inner circle CT 2050 Posts |
In my humble (or not) opinion, if you can entertain the guests effectively it doesn't matter what character you're doing. No matter if you are exactly yourself or some wild character you've created, the only "character" the audience knows, especially in a strolling situation, is you and all that you are. So you can step into the shoes of a character that is absolutely out of control to you, so long as the audience is entertained and you do your job.
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rick727 Regular user Houston, TX, USA 188 Posts |
I don't really have a "character" per se when strolling, I more or less play myself. Guests recognize me instantly because I am the guy in the tuxedo. Plus, I introduce myself as a magician and ask if they would like to see something cool. Usually the guests know a magician has been hired because the host tells them in advance, so when they see me they welcome me. If they look like they are busy, then I find others to entertain. I also have lines that get the guests involved so that others see the magic happening. For example, I have the spectators say the "magic words" somewhat loudly. That way if people didn't know a magician was present they would know now.
Practice what you present.
Present what you practice. |
Scott Burton Inner circle 1131 Posts |
I love this topic! I am taking that "leap of faith" to close up (which you may be referring to me and my post). So, I can't really add anything to the specific topic of character in walk around, I can comment on the stage stuff.
You see, people seem to really enjoy watching ME. I mean, the more genuine and respectful I am and the more I act naturally in my stage shows and really enjoy the experience, the more than my personality shines. I had comments last night, in fact, that they considered me "a natural" and said that I was "meant" to be doing this obviously. I found this compliment especially powerful since I have, over the last little while, allowed some of my over-the-top performance traits (learned from 20 years of entertaining children) get toned down and allowed my real personality to shine. I was wondering around the tables after my show and had a great time mingling with the guests and they really loved talking with me and I think that if I were to simply add a couple of effects in that I would have been a hit at the tables. For me, my character is ME pure and simple. And people like ME - the real ME. This has been my big lesson of late - let YOU shine and others will be attracted to YOU. Just my thoughts - but I still have a lot to learn. |
Leland Stone Inner circle 1204 Posts |
Hey, Scott:
Yeah, that was your post that started this one off, and I gotta agree with you -- being the best "you" that one can be is the only means of attaining originality. But, unless you really CAN make little red sponge balls disappear, the YOU being presented is actually a character on some level...right? Isn't the "you" shown to the audience exaggerated, altered, deceitful in some way (beyond the sleights)? PlasticDestiny, I think I understand your point. I couldn't get away with a "Diamond Jim Tyler" sort of Old West persona (or "[Drag] Queen Of The Undead," for that matter ) The Wise Guy character fits, but the introduction is troublesome in a walkaround situation. People are sometimes unsure of a "gangster" and his relevance to their enjoyment of a party, etc. That "lack of context" I posted about, above. And actually, that can be a problem whether a character per se is presented or not. |
Diamond Jim V.I.P. Diamond Jim Tyler 231 Posts |
I think you have me confused with someone else Leland.
DJ |
Leland Stone Inner circle 1204 Posts |
Hey, Jim - Now that we've got that cleared up, how 'bout weighin' in? Your character is very distinct -- how do you introduce yourself? How do you ease the audience into accepting the appearance of your character out of context (that is, at a modern cocktail party, for example, not 1890s Dodge City)? Destiny, same question for you (although I suspect that your character is anticipated and expected at the events for which you're hired). Consensus I'm getting (here and offline) is "be yourself." Fair enough, but the "natural" presentation still has to be framed - placed within a context that makes sense to the audience. How do youse do that one? Leland |
Diamond Jim V.I.P. Diamond Jim Tyler 231 Posts |
Well I am not dressed up as someone out of the wild west. So my audience should not be thinking about Doc Holliday or Wyatt Earp. Typically I am wearing a nice suit and introduce myself as a magician and my name. The name Diamond Jim conjures up images of gamblers, diamonds or riches, etc. These are the things I want people to think of before I do anything. Plus it's easy to remember and fun to say. People always smile when the say my name. And the branding has served me very well for clients, agents, and my product line.
When I was 16 years old and just beginning to do restaurant magic once in awhile someone would tell me of another magician encounter. At the time I didn't know any other magicians so I would inquire as to the performer's name. Nine times out of then they could not remember the magician's name, but they could remember a trick or two they had seen. So I decided then to brandish the name of "Diamond" Jim Tyler to help people remember me and my magic. Once you hear the name it is hard to forget. Name branding has helped to keep my phone ringing for the last 22 years. Yours, Diamond Jim Tyler |
Christopher Lyle Inner circle Dallas, Texas 5698 Posts |
Leland,
You might be thinking of either Lonnie Cheverie...he plays up the western look.
In Mystery,
Christopher Lyle Magician, Comic, Daredevil, and Balloon Twisting Genius For a Good Time...CLICK HERE! |
JordanB Special user dallas, tx 626 Posts |
Yeah, I only know three guys off the top of my head that fit that bill.
Richard "The Cheat" Turner, Lonnie Chevrie, and Jerry Guyer. |
Destiny Inner circle 1429 Posts |
Quote:
Destiny, same question for you (although I suspect that your character is anticipated and expected at the events for which you're hired). Leland, Absolutely correct. Although I'm retiring the vampire character and have been working in 'normal' glamour drag again, I would never work strolling 'cold'. I've done it, years ago, before I was confident enough to 'insist' on some things. Absolutely terrible trying to get an act started and explain what the hell you're doing there at the same time. I do happily walk in unannounced and unexpected to do private parties etc at restaurants and that works well - my first words are generally like "Well we're all here to celebrate Kimmi's birthday. My name is Destiny..." and everyone immediately grasps the situation. The only time I enjoyed cold strolling I was hired for 6 months to liven things up before the show at a cultural dinner show restaurant. I used to come out as a waiter, looking just a little wrong - just enough to raise doubts - and avoid serving anyone but would discreetly check there was salt in the salt shakers, ice in the ice buckets before starting to carry an almost dead plant round on my tray looking for the right spot and watering it. Sometimes I'd sit in a corner and polish my shoes, watching out not to be caught by other staff. Once most of the room were thinking WTF? I would start some magic in the crowd, finish with fire-eating by which time I was edging toward the stage and finally step onstage and introduce the first show. This may sound crazy but many many people still thought I was a wayward waiter, even during the magic and fire, right up till I announced the show and you would see realisation spread across their faces. It was great fun - but you need the right venue. Destiny |
AaronTheMagician Loyal user 291 Posts |
Just wanted to reiterate that Scott is on the perfect right track.
As an example... Even at my worst, people still thought my act was a total hit... because regardless of how I felt about the show.. the people fall in love with my character and the fact that I'm having a blast on stage. People get into the energy and the sincerity. So, along the same lines, when I feel like I've had the best show ever, the people are just that much more jazzed about what they just saw. People love to see other people doing what they love -- it's inspiring, and innately motivating. That's why, I believe, that magic is not just in skill. It's in you. |
Leland Stone Inner circle 1204 Posts |
Wow, Jim, I really got my wires crossed there...sorry about that!
Good posts, guys. Your comments about: 1) Not working 'cold,' and 2) Being oneself and enjoying one's stage time -- then sharing that enjoyment with the crowd -- are well taken. The 'approach,' within character or not, is an ongoing subject of study for me, and thanks for taking time to share your thoughts. Leland |
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