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Jaxon Inner circle Kalamazoo, Mi. 2537 Posts |
OK, First of all I know this isn't the video section of the forum. But the rule for the "You aughta be in picture" section is that the video is suppose to be magic related. This video is magic related in the sense that you can learn a lot from it and apply it to your own magic acts. But it really isn't about "Magic".
Secondly, I feel the lesson that can be learned from this video is better suited for this section. Before you watch it let me explain why I think this video demonstrates a very important lesson for magicians. Lately I see more and more examples of magic "Acts" that are thought out with the state of mind of "What's the best trick to blow their minds?" This is the kind of magic we see on a lot of the "Street magic" that you might watch on TV. But in real life performing it is not a 2 minute shot with a camera. You've got to attract the attention of a live audience and keep it there. It doesn't matter how strong the effect is. The outcome of an effect really only takes a second in most cases (The moment it vanishes, appears, floats, etc...). What makes a good performance is the entertainment value. Now it's easy to get caught up in trying to find the right "Magic" to give the audience that special moment. It's easy to get caught up in wanting to find magic effects that "Blow them away". That's where this video comes in. This video does not contain a single "Magic trick". But it does have a feel of some magic performances. And as a magician I want you to concentrate on how much time was put into the making of this scene. Every little detail that seems to flow naturally was planned out. Every subtle action that might have made you giggle or smile was thought out, planned and made the entire "Act" work. These are the kinds of things you should think about when you want to "Spice up" your acts. It doesn't require you to find new magic tricks to perform in the act. If you focus on "How can I make this act more entertaining" you'll get a lot more out of that line of thinking. Anyway, the video is the end of an episode of the Cosby Show. I hope some of you see the point I'm trying to make and how this video illustrates that point. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PeE5pMVigVE Ron Jaxon |
professorwhut Inner circle Posts R US sold me 1353 Posts |
I have been spending a lot of time lately evaluating my performance style.
My goal is to be more entertaining. In the past, I was guilty of simply performing tricks, which most of time is not very magical or entertaining. Many of us fall into this same trap, although some do not recognize it. We all tend to be superstars in our own minds, human nature I guess. There is another thread here on the Café on prop usage. I don't think that matters as long as it is entertaining. I saw a mouth coil routine once that was more entertaining than many stage performances I have seen. Ron, thanks for the topic and link, you have given me even more to consider.
After much soul searching about a signature, I decided not to have one.
TG Pop [aka ProfessorWhut] |
DanielCoyne Special user Western Massachussetts 544 Posts |
This is a great lesson in specificity. Also good to remember the value of slowing down and articulating each moment. Thanks for posting.
-Daniel |
Mike Maturen Inner circle Michigan's Beautiful Sunrise Side 2726 Posts |
Ron...
This is what I have been preaching for a long time...anyone can "do a trick" but not everyone is "a magician". Our art is 10% trick, 90% presentation. If we tell a story, using magic to illustrate it, we will draw in our audience emotionally and "sell it". This is the skill of the top performers that all lay folks can name. Did Sigfried and Roy perform any innovative tricks? Not really. Did they draw millions to their theatre and entertain the masses? YOU BETCHA! Sadly...I don't always listen to my own advice. That is why, as I design and build my new illusion show, I have started with a theme and a story line. Now I am building the show around that. This will include the effects, the costuming, the stage set, etc.
Mike Maturen
World of Wonder Entertainment The Magic and Mayhem of Mike Maturen 989-335-1661 mikematuren@gmail.com AUTHOR OF "A NEW DAWN--Weekly Wisdom From Everyday Life" member: International Magician's Society |
MoonyD New user Sydney 15 Posts |
Wow... great post Ron. Really makes me rethink about everything I know about magic and how I've been performing. I see what you mean by putting time and effort into planning every detail to give it a meaning and sense of entertainment for the audience. Kind of daunting I must admit though xD
Yours Truly
Moonyâ„¢ D. |
rsylvester Loyal user Trying to learn to BP a duck in 269 Posts |
This video is a great lesson. As Daniel said, it's about slowing down and articulating the moment. It's about what you can say with a movement, a pause. It's also about how just an expression can tell a story. Sometimes, when magicians act surprised, themselves, or when the magic seems to take over and the performer is no longer in control, magic is at it's most entertaining. Or simply when the performer seems to having fun, the audience feels that same sense. This clip reminded me of those kinds of moments.
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greymagick New user Spain 53 Posts |
Magnificent example Ron. The point is easily seen. Few times I see so good an illustration of how to construct a good flow for a scene. Attention to minute details, delicate timing, and leaving nothing to chance is what makes a performance great instead of good.
- Grey
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