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Irfaan Kahan Veteran user 346 Posts |
Hello
I have two questions, please; one of them belongs here, the other in the bizarre section - but I don't want to double post. NOOB question: I have a "meeting" with an events planning company on the 19th. They tell me the meeting is for me to introduce myself to their team and tell them exactly what I do. I have a sneaking suspicion that I may be requested to give them a little "taste" of what I do in action. This company does all of the entertainment for large corporations in S.A, therefore it is a VERY important meeting for me. All well and good. Except for 1 small worry that I have. I open all of my parlor / stage work with Michael Ammar's Silk to Egg. It works well, flows nicely from my introductory gags, and sets a nice light / funny tone for the show. In these corporate gigs, the routine, although maybe "slow" at first and possibly "childish", seems to fit very well indeed. So, I have put together a short (15 min) routine for this meeting - the opening effect of which will be the Silk to Egg. My "problem" is this: I feel that the silk to egg will be too "childish" a start for this kind of meeting. They want to see what entertainment I can offer ADULTS. Although my presentation is adult orientated, I feel as if the effect will just come across as the opposite by virtue of the props and effect. What are your thoughts on this? What other openers can you suggest (Note, I'm not buying anything!). Bizarre Question: So, a guy calls me and asks if I can do "black" magic (strolling magic) at party at a club called the Voodoo Lounge. Of course, being me, I said "Sure. No problem". However, there is a problem, as I have almost no clue as to what to do. The show is on the 14th of November so I still have some time. My thoughts so far: Ashes on the palm, Razor Blades and string trick . . . I'm not buying anything, so what I really wanted to know is this: Those of you who have performed at these kind of parties before, what did you? Did you do your normal sets, with perhaps a dark patter? Did you do your normal sets with your normal patter? Did you stick to bizarre effects only? Right now I'm thinking of doing my normal walk around set (with the addition of the 2 tricks mentioned above) with a dark patter theme. What are your thoughts on this? Thank you in advance
I'm a Magician playing the part of an Actor
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HerbLarry Special user Poof! 731 Posts |
My thoughts are when asked if you can perform a certain style, trick, etc. that if you have properly prepared and rehearsed material say yes, if not say no. Honesty, it still comes in handy.
You know why don't act naive.
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acesover Special user I believe I have 821 Posts |
I have thoughts on both your questions. First off at what I would consider an "interview: I believe 15 miinutes is to long. You have to grab them much quicker than that. Fifteen minutes is a short act not a demo or interview...just my thoughts others here may disagree.
You should have really considered your answer on the bizarre situation. Why I say that is that if you have not performed bizzare magic... and I am not saying you can or cannot ..but what makes you think you can? Bizarre is not just being able to perform a maagic effect, but you must become a bizarre individual..if you do not have a character and some sort of show you better start yesterday as Nov. 14 is cominig up quickly. It sounds like a while but it is not. Not saying you should have passed on the bizarre gig but you should have given yourself a cushion of a day or so to give an answer and see if you can put some ideas together. While what you say doing some magic and using dark patter is part of it but not all. If it is walk around think razor blades, blood, "Zorin Horror cutter" posssibly some dark readings for individuals. You can turn most any card effect into something dark with the right patter and character development. Be dark be mysterious. Don't be you. It won't work unless that is your character now and you are a mysterious goth which I highly doubt, because if so you would not have these worries. Best of luck. You can do it. As nike says Just do it. But start now. One more thing. Have there been other performers at this club? If so what sort of acts did they use? You may put together something you feel is good and if yu have an audience that "has seen it all before" you will fall flat. They may be jaded. Voo Doo Club..not sure what to think here. Are you sure you are not a sacrafice for the evening festivities, ha, ha.
If I were to agree with you. Then we would both be wrong. As of Apr 5, 2015 10:26 pm I have 880 posts. Used to have over 1,000
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Irfaan Kahan Veteran user 346 Posts |
I may be a sacrifice. . .
The main reason I said yes was because I had at the time over six weeks to prepare. Ample time, in my opinion, to put together 6-7 effects, especially if they're effects I use now with just different presentations. As for the "interview" / "meeting", I have never had one like this before. So I honestly would love to know what others out there did in similar situations. What would you consider to be a suitable demo of a full act?? Thanks
I'm a Magician playing the part of an Actor
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Ed_Millis Inner circle Yuma, AZ 2292 Posts |
Quote:
As for the "interview" / "meeting", I have never had one like this before. Neither have I - so my thoughts may be enitrely without merit. Quote:
What would you consider to be a suitable demo of a full act?? I don't know that you should try to "demo [your] full act". I would go into this thinking these guys want to know if I can do magic well, so if I rock them in the meeting, they'll have the confidence to put me up in a full show. Maybe at an appropriate point pull out a stack of businees cards and have one float up into your hand. Hand it to one of them and ask him to write down any card any suit. Pull out a sealed envelope, ask one of the others to open it and hand you the box of cards inside. Pull out the deck and show them the written card was the only one turned over. You have just shown them that (a) you're prepared; (b) you're surprising; (c) you can involve the spectators; (d) you can perform a variety of effects. And then bring one full longer routine if they ask to see a demo of your stage act. Like I say, just my thoughts, and worth every penny you paid for 'em! Ed |
DWRackley Inner circle Chattanooga, TN 1909 Posts |
I was just thinking what Ed wrote.
They're not really looking for a movie trailer with excerpts from your show, although you might use something from there if you like. Knock their socks off with something surprising and engaging. I don't think I would do only the card trick, although Ed's post just made me start liking the Invisible Deck a bit more (thanks Ed, I'm stealing your idea!) Find more one thing to do, with an object that you can carry in your pocket or likely find on their desk top. Otherwise follow Ed's advice! On the second question, I'm no help. I do a Southern Riverboat "Gentleman" or an Immigrant Story Teller, but Voodoo is out of my league. Sorry. You might want to trim out just that part of your question and post it in "Bizarre".
...what if I could read your mind?
Chattanooga's Premier Mentalist Donatelli and Company at ChattanoogaPerformers.com also on FaceBook |
magicbobc New user 34 Posts |
Remember it all goes down to presentation. Lance Burton, David Copperfield, and many others have performed the silk to egg for adults and huge audiences.
So you can do it too! I'd say you do a trick you feel comfortable with and you enjoy performing. make it casual. Second question: what you mentioned is ok, when you get there try to feel the environment, analyze it and use it all in your patter, people love it when you connect with them with what is going on at that same moment and place. Improvise a little, but still be prepared. BobC |
Irfaan Kahan Veteran user 346 Posts |
Thank you. That's very helpful.
I think I'm going to go with a comedy O&W type routine - and then go on to Michael Ammar's Signed Bill in Light Bulb. I don't have an invisible deck otherwise Ed's idea would definitely top the list!
I'm a Magician playing the part of an Actor
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Herr Brian Tabor Special user Oklahoma City 729 Posts |
As far as the black/bizarre magic, isn't magic itself bizarre? I'd change some of the patter, maybe use some black cards, and definitely throw in some voodoo card type stuff.
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funsway Inner circle old things in new ways - new things in old ways 9981 Posts |
There are many effects that can be modified by patter and presentation to fit this theme. Anything with black and white can work, like Color Change Poker Chips. I once dyed an egg bag black and ... There is a 'void' trick with black and white cards (Numonic Void?) Afgan Bands with black cloth. Spots on silk effects -- even 'laundry' to get the evil out using a casket or something. Just have a noose at the end of your rope when doing C/R. A home-made change bag can be used for many effects (not those silly commercial ones). In fact, you can get a booklet on Gospel theme effects using a change bag and just change the patter. ANd don't forget a "third hand" and "instant smoke," and Gypsy Monte
"the more one pretends at magic, the more awe and wonder will be found in real life." Arnold Furst
eBooks at https://www.lybrary.com/ken-muller-m-579928.html questions at ken@eversway.com |
Irfaan Kahan Veteran user 346 Posts |
Ken, your knowledge never ceases to amaze me. My ignorance is now aptly demonstrated by the fact that I have not even heard of most of the effects you mention (with the exception of the cards, bags and rope).
Its a pity that I don't have a budget or else I would have probably purchased the sources for the effects you mention - they sound interesting. How about doing the standard gypsy thread, and then use the restored thread in the razor blade trick? That's called inspiration. Thanks (I'm still reading your book).
I'm a Magician playing the part of an Actor
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funsway Inner circle old things in new ways - new things in old ways 9981 Posts |
No, my ignorance of what is now available is in error. Suffering from "Sometimer's Disease", I guess. Apparently Nomadic Void is not longer made (sad) but you can see a video at http://www.thetrickery.com/?nd=showvideo&key=6141 You can make you own if you wish (PM me). Afghan Bands can also be easily made but are available from Daytona Magic for $6.00 for 10. This was originally made with papper strips but a single cloth stip can be constructed with three section that can be torn. "Laundry" effects are a Windsor Dye box made up like a box of detergent.
Have fun
"the more one pretends at magic, the more awe and wonder will be found in real life." Arnold Furst
eBooks at https://www.lybrary.com/ken-muller-m-579928.html questions at ken@eversway.com |
Irfaan Kahan Veteran user 346 Posts |
Better yet, place the razor blades in the mouth. Then perform the gypsy thread. Then put the "broken" strands into your mouth . . .
I'm a Magician playing the part of an Actor
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