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Estabrooks New user 65 Posts 
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I easily get excited about new routines and methods. And I often give into temptation and buy the latest "must have" in the mentalism community. The result being that I'm overwhelmed by far too much information. However, I have not purchased one single effect, book, or dvd for the last couple of months. This after getting some common sense advice from a magician friend of mine. He recommanded to stop purchasing any material before I could perform 8 tricks/routines perfectly. And by that he meant truly PERFECTLY. And that I was really satisfied with my performance of those effects.
So my question for the great mentalists of the magic Café: How many effects are you able to perform perfectly with complete confidence? Best regards, Estabrooks |
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Dick Christian Inner circle Northern Virginia (Metro DC) 2619 Posts
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There is a famous story, no doubt apocryphal, but the message of which is no less valid. As he left the theater following one of his performances, it is said that the famous magician Will Goldston was approached by a young boy who announced proudly, "Mr. Goldston, I got a magic set for Christmas and now I can do 100 tricks." Goldston is alleged to have replied, "I do six."
There is a message there for anyone undertaking the study and performance of magic.
Dick Christian
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bdekolta Inner circle Texas 1636 Posts
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I heard that attributed to David Devant.
There is much to be said about mastering one thing - anything - before moving on. It truly changes how you think. |
Philemon Vanderbeck Inner circle Seattle, WA 4697 Posts
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I currently do 7 routines in my hour-long show.
I am constantly polishing each of those 7 effects. Every now and then, I will swap out a routine to keep things "fresh" (mostly for me). The last time I did this was to include the excellent "LUNA" booktest (just because it fitted me so perfectly). As the often-quoted saying goes, "Amateurs perform different tricks for the same audiences; professionals perform the same tricks for different audiences."
Professor Philemon Vanderbeck
That Creepy Magician "I use my sixth sense to create the illusion of possessing the other five." |
Matthew Townsend Inner circle 1302 Posts
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I will usually perform no more than 5 effects. And that's only if I am doing a more stage style show. If I am doing walk around then 2 to 3 effects per table.
don't over do it. Leaving them wanting more is always the best way to end. Peace & Love Matt |
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Dick Christian Inner circle Northern Virginia (Metro DC) 2619 Posts
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Makes no difference who said it, or even whether or not the story is true. The important thing is that it makes no difference how many tricks you do, it's how well you do them that matters. One can easily make a handsome living, and a lifetime of performing, with 8-12 classic effects done better than others do them -- if a few of them are original (and good enough to be "classics" in their own right) that's even better.
Dick Christian
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bdekolta Inner circle Texas 1636 Posts
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Dick - I wasn't disagreeing with you. And I agree completely with your most recent post.
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Dick Christian Inner circle Northern Virginia (Metro DC) 2619 Posts
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Bdekolta,
Didn't mean to suggest that you were. Was simply reiterating what the pros know and the newbies/amateurs are reluctant to believe. It seems to be one of the things we all need to learn the hard way -- and most of us have closets full of the stuff to prove it.
Dick Christian
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Doughlas Regular user Northern California 173 Posts
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I myself perform 7 effects in my hour-long show.
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RileyG Special user Las Vegas 840 Posts
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Quote:
On 2009-07-29 09:30, Dick Christian wrote: Bravo... |
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Tony Razzano Inner circle South River, NJ 1600 Posts
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Quote:
On 2009-07-29 09:30, Dick Christian wrote: Bingo! In my hour long show, I do 6 effects.
Best regards,
<BR>Tony Razzano, Past President, PEA Winner of the PEA"s Bascom Jones and Bob Haines Awards |
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David Rhodes Loyal user 282 Posts
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I have two shows that I do one has seven effects and the other has five. However when I do walk around I have about 10-12 that I often perform, but I will only do two or three to a group then move on.
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ravi Elite user Germany 413 Posts
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Strolling mentalism / close up Mentalism:
7 effects , I will do forever plus 2 or 3 effects that I try out. R.
I N D R I D C O L E
DEAD AnD GONE |
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parmenion Inner circle Switzerland/Zürich 3988 Posts
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Ravi,
7 effects in close-up mentalism is a lot !¨ How long do you stay at the table ?
“I love talking about nothing. It is the only thing I know anything about.”
<BR>Oscar Wilde experimentaliste <br> <BR>Artist pickpocket Professional <BR> <BR>Looking for the best book test in French? send me a PM! |
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ChuckHickok Loyal user 245 Posts
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After 20 years of study, I know only about 12 demonstrations well enough to perform them for a paying audience. I perform the "best" 5 or 6 demonstrations in my current show. Each demonstration focuses a single mental ability.
The "joy" of being a full-time performer is I no longer have to learn new effects each month to show my friends ... I can put my energy into making the routines I know more entertaining and amazing. One way I try to make a demonstrations more amazing is structuring the demonstration to have "multiple moments of amazement" ... and then constantly looking for ways to make the demonstration more fun and entertaining for my audiences. Chuck Hickok |
Roger Kelly Inner circle Kent, England 3332 Posts
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I used to do five or six, depending on the enthusiasm of the audience, with one held in reserve for any demands for more!
You could do a lot worse and save yourself a lot of money on the latest and greatest by purchasing two excellent books by the author of the post above this one! |
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ravi Elite user Germany 413 Posts
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Quote:
On 2009-08-04 07:11, parmenion wrote: No no, never meant I would do all this at one table. :) I do about three things at one table. One quick starter, one longer middle trick and a short closer. My encore is something that leaves the spectator with a souvenir. I think this is important. My magic/mentalism has to stay at the table even when I am gone. Ravi
I N D R I D C O L E
DEAD AnD GONE |
| The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Penny for your thoughts » » How many effects do you perform? (0 Likes) | |
Posted: Jul 28, 2009 07:48 pm 
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