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magic4children Regular user Cheshire UK 127 Posts |
Yesterday I got to test pilot the newest acquisition for my show, the Silver sceptre. Wow what an effect, the reaction from the children was amazing and instantaneous with a little work from me. I believe the success of this trick lies in its animated comedy defiance of the magician; there is nothing funnier to a child than the "magician in trouble".
I remember getting a hocus-pocus magic set as a child and in it was the rising magic wand trick; it was made of plastic that was totally black. I clearly remember dismissing this "rising magic wand" as being a bit obvious and maybe not as exciting to do all learn is the other tricks in the set. Now 25 years of magic experience later, I once again realise one of the truths of magic "there's no such thing as a bad effect, only bad presentation". I would be interested to hear your experiences of effects you thought were weak but when you change the presentation, they became highlights of your repertoire. |
jackturk Elite user 463 Posts |
I think a light switched on in my performances when I started
putting effects together into routines. I don't do that many single tricks - even the strongest effects get even better when blended into a great beginning-middle-end mini-show. My example is Run-Rabbit-Run, which is a prop I had for years but never really used. But I came up with a storyline about an opera singing rabbit who's going to put on his costume backstage to sing a great song for you kids. Of course, he's not interested in singing or changing costume. I added a bit more magic by bringing him out in a Himber wallet (his leather limo) and then, at the end, when he disappears from the prop, I say he snuck back into his limo when we weren't looking - and he reappears in the wallet. The bit kills in person because it has a clear plot line, a nice little kicker at the end, and I sell it big time all the way through. So my two cents: - mix individual tricks into greater routines when you can - sell the heck out of what you do The old adage is that we're actors playing magicians. That means the tricks are just stage props... the other elements of great theater are a quality script and serious acting. --Jack
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Potty the Pirate Inner circle 4632 Posts |
I agree with the Silver Sceptre - my opinion of it was always that it was a so-so effect, ideal for younger kids. Then a 13 year old (quite smart kid) approached me after a 4-year old's party and asked how it works! I was very surprised, as I thought it rather obvious.
Of course, it's all in the presentation, as you say. Other effects which I initially regarded with a little skepticism, before I found they play great are: Barry Mitchell's Flag-O-Matic (mis made flag machine). This quickly became a staple routine. Flying Carpet. Although I still don't suggest this for kids older than 5, I have been amazed at the reactions from parents, many of whom are absolutely floored by the Flying Carpet! (Floored by the carpet - heh heh!) Vanishing Bandanna. For a while there, everybody was doing it, and I thought it was pretty basic. Then I saw a guy perform it, and was astonished at how effective the vanish appears. I've since put this back into many of my recent shows. Having now seen several other magicians perform this, it's clear that you need an inherent sense of mischief and fun to make it work. The original tape version is by far the best. The later versions got too long-winded and boring. There are significant pauses even on the original recording, and it's essential to FILL these moments with your inept attempts to follow the instructions. This is one effect that it's really worth sitting down and writing, and then recording, your own script. (Get someone else to read it, or use a daft voice, etc). OK, it's a good idea, but I still have to do that! Magic4Children, are you new to the Café, or an old member resurfacing? I like your question.......in our workshops/sheds/prop rooms, we have plenty of unused items that can provide great entertainment. I love to spend an hour or two in mine, just taking out props I haven't used for a while, and re-thinking how I might present them in a show. Potty |
magic4children Regular user Cheshire UK 127 Posts |
Thanks for the reply Potty the Pirate
I am new to the Magic Café but not to Magic. Your reply shows maturity in your magic and I look forward to further meetings on the forum. I have just visited your website and your act looks totally Fab, loving the character and I see you have invested wisely in some “kick bottom” props, love the Woolfs magic workmanship. see you around Potty. |
Ed_Millis Inner circle Yuma, AZ 2292 Posts |
Jack, I have to agree with you. I loved rope magic in the beginning, and found a ring and rope routine that was great (by David Eldgridge, hopefully still available from Brad Burt).
But it didn't sit right with me in a kid's show until it became the story of my little dog Ringo who would never stay on his leash. Now everything makes sense, both to me and to the kids - a whole lot more than "Watch me put this on a rope. Now watch me take it off." Ed |
c.mcbrien New user Chicagoland 52 Posts |
There is an effect in my show, with an eight minute routine, called "Tyler's Silken Saga". It's an old British fav that's amazingly funny and really helps set the mood for the show! It IS in the acting, however. By itself, there is NO trick or illusion that can be called 'art' or 'theater' even in the loosest sense of the terms.
"Drama and ego are great for the stage, but when I'm off the stage, I drop all that crap..and don't put up with any!"
http://www.chrismcbrien.com |
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