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firenmagic New user Birmingham, Alabama 97 Posts |
Had a call today from a parent that wants a magician-sure, no problem.
We discussed price, theme, location, etc. etc. At the last minute, she states she wants country music playing during effects-oook...no problem. Then states she would like some "country" magic tricks. Other than rope effects, any ideas here?? Thanks, AC |
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TonyB2009 Inner circle 5006 Posts |
Say no.
If you are a patter act, then you don't want music interfering while you perform. If she does, she had no appreciation of what you do. So say no.
Check out Tony's new thriller Dead or Alive http://www.amazon.co.uk/Alive-Varrick-Bo......n+carson
http://www.PartyMagic.ie |
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Kevinr Inner circle 1854 Posts |
Agreed.. Don't try and be everything to everyone.
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danfreed Inner circle West Chester PA 1354 Posts |
Yeah, this gig sounds like more trouble than its worth, and she doesn't get what you do. Say no, or tell her you can't but you'll be happy to do your regular act. I bet she'll say OK and hire you anyway.
Dan Freed
AKA The Amazing Spaghetti https://www.magiciandanfreed.com/birthday-party-magician-for-kids http://thecaricatureartist.com http://danieljayfreed.com |
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Ed_Millis Inner circle Yuma, AZ 2292 Posts |
Sounds like she saw someone else's act and wants you to do basically the same thing for less money.
I saw a fair performer who had a complete "on the farm" act, and it was good. Not something you'd whip up on a weekend, though. Ed |
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Bluesman Special user Florida 567 Posts |
I think this would take away from the show you have now.
You don't want to do a weak show. When you could had done your best show. Greg |
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firenmagic New user Birmingham, Alabama 97 Posts |
Appreciate it-just called to cancel when I was told, "well, just do your normal thing."
Go figure.. AC |
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Bluesman Special user Florida 567 Posts |
Quote:
On 2012-01-18 17:14, firenmagic wrote: This is great! |
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TonyB2009 Inner circle 5006 Posts |
Good result. Enjoy it.
Check out Tony's new thriller Dead or Alive http://www.amazon.co.uk/Alive-Varrick-Bo......n+carson
http://www.PartyMagic.ie |
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RJE2 Veteran user 383 Posts |
I think you should have tried to accommodate the lady. I think a performer should be able to respond to these types of requests.
I don't think adapting your act should be that difficult. Rather it should be seen as a creative exercise and something that is fun. Developing, creating, mashing, fusing routines should be a skill that we all develop. This is another reason why I personally disagree with having just "an act," or one set show, unless you are in a position to be able to make a living from it alone. I think it is advantageous for performers to have a repertoire of material that they can choose from and choreograph for a client. I believe it will increase the number of shows you will be doing and keep your creative juices flowing. My 2 cents. |
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MichaelCGM Inner circle Oklahoma City 2286 Posts |
Quote: A themed show takes a great deal of work. It's not something that one simply throws together when a client calls - unless it's a high-pay gig and there is ample time (weeks, months) to develop the show. Merely having material that one can stick together piecemeal at the ring of a phone is not professional. A high quality show, that leaves the client bragging about you to their friends, takes careful scripting and rehearsal.
On 2012-01-18 21:33, RJE2 wrote: I think you should have tried to accommodate the lady. I think a performer should be able to respond to these types of requests. I'm not saying that themed shows are bad. I perform semi-themed shows, while some top pros have several differently themed shows that they've polished and have in their arsenal. However, the way you appear to be describing what a performer should be able to do is not consistent with quality. But, that's just me. |
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The Mighty Fool Inner circle I feel like a big-top tent having 2140 Posts |
"Country magic tricks"???
Like what? I mean...as long as we're here some people may as well toss out a few ideas...
Everybody wants to beleive.....we just help them along.
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RJE2 Veteran user 383 Posts |
Quote:
On 2012-01-18 22:47, MichaelCGM wrote: Michael, I think that there are performers here that can adapt existing routines into a theme and do a very good job at it. I believe that the performer's ability to entertain will ensure that quality, and that quality is not just found in a routine that is honed over years of repetition. I believe that a performer can have routines that they can put in and take out of their shows as they wish. I think that a large repertoire of routines becomes a resource for the performer to call upon when desired. I also think that the larger and more established the repertoire, the broader the performer's knowledge base and the easier then to adapt a routine to a particular theme drawing on that knowledge and experience. I think that if we can personalize routines, then we should be able to theme them. |
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mr shiney Loyal user 266 Posts |
Quote:
On 2012-01-18 21:33, RJE2 wrote: Most pros are to buzy to put the time in to change his act for ONE show as a bussiness man you would not be getting a good return for your time. Now if it was for a booking of say 10 jobs over the summer that would be diffrent and worth putting in ALOT of time Im one of the guys that just has one act and I'm lucky that I do get enough work, I would have turned that job down in a heart beat because if I had made the changes The chances are the act would have suffered and would have lost future work from the people watching. A lot of entertainers take what ever work comes along and I think in the longer run you hurt yourself saying you will do anything EG. Say if you do a two year old party and the room is filled with 30 of them, the chances are the show would not go very well (for me it would not) So you have just made £150 (quick buck) but all the mums leave thinking "that was not great we wont have him", not "he did ok considering they were only 2 bet it would be really good show with 5 year olds" This approach works for me and a lot of others |
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TonyB2009 Inner circle 5006 Posts |
RJE2 the woman asked him to have music playing through his show. That is not a theme, it is an imposition.
Most of us can adapt pretty well. But sometimes the demands of a booker are unreasonable, and we should be professional enough to tell them. In my early days I took a show and the booker insisted on particular things. I told her they were unsuitable for that age group, based on my experience in the business. She insisted, so I complied. At the end of the show she said I wasn't as good as a particular performer they had the previous year (my ex-wife, as it happens). I disagreed. I told the booker that I was every bit as good as the previous performer, but I did unsuitable material at her insistence. I learnt a lesson that day, though I doubt she did! Now I will tell a booker what works and what does not work. I know this because of a decade of doing 300 or more shows a year. They put on three or four parties a year at most, and if they do not want to accept my advice and want to do something I know will not work, they are free to phone around and find someone else. Being flexible and adaptable is one thing. But being a doormat to our bookers is not necessary.
Check out Tony's new thriller Dead or Alive http://www.amazon.co.uk/Alive-Varrick-Bo......n+carson
http://www.PartyMagic.ie |
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harris Inner circle Harris Deutsch 8812 Posts |
Given enough time, I can create themed shows whether it be for kids or corporate.
There are some things I don't do. Country would be rather easy for me, as one of my other hats is as a country musician. Now if they asked for rap or reggae, I don't think there would be enough time, regardless of how long. One thing we do as entertainers is to educate our clients/consumers or agents. For instance if you have a tight 45 minute show, don't give in to a client that thinks they will get more bang for their buck and stretch to a 60 minute program. You might be a red neck if you think, luxury is having two cars up on blocks in your front yard. Harris staying green to grow....
Harris Deutsch aka dr laugh
drlaugh4u@gmail.com music, magic and marvelous toys http://magician.org/member/drlaugh4u |
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RJE2 Veteran user 383 Posts |
Perhaps we are differing on the topic of "theming" a show.
I am not talking about scripting an entire act, although you can if you wish. I am talking about sometimes something as small as changing a line or two in a routine you already do. For example, if you do the Frog Prince silk routine in your show, instead of a princess hearing the frog, it is the lonely farm girl who liked to sit beside the frog pond. Or, when you introduce a prop for a routine, "I was cleaning up the barn the other day and I stumbled across this," then do the routine as you might normally do it. Little things interspersed in the show and you have now accomodated the client. Another simple thing is to change your costume or a part of it. Wearing a cowboy hat and jeans might give you a country look if you wanted. I think, performers being creative, can do this, if they wish. Some of us do, and some don't. It's not a right or wrong issue. I enjoy it and do it regularly. It is a way we promote our act (husband and wife) and our promo reflects it (If you'd like to see, just PM me and ask). It shows a versatility in our performing. It is extremely beneficial to me when an event organizer calls and asks if we can do a show at their themed event and I can say, of course. It also can work well when you have built a large client base and offer them new shows each time when you can add themes to the mix. And, I find it is fun to do! I don't believe any routine is so sacred that it cannot be played with. Some may not wish to do it, that certainly is their choice, but I say don't be afraid of it. As to the quality of the show suffering when a performer makes adjustments, I would disagree with this. I believe that many of us are entertainers who have created routines and bits of business for ourselves already. So why could these same entertainers not be able to adapt routines to a particular theme and not be just as strong in their performance? In fact, why would some not be inspired to combine effects in their creativity to fit the theme. I don't believe this is beyond the capabilities of most of us. Again, I think it is a personal choice. No different than any other. You may wish to turn down the show, or you may wish to adapt. It's your choice. |
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Beowulf Loyal user Thomas A. Lilly 284 Posts |
Basic rule: never try to talk over a singer. So you need an instrumental.
Remedy: Open with Copland's "Rodeo", move on to his "Appalachian Spring", and end with Jean Luc Ponte's "New Country". Encore: "Billy the Kid". Now there's some country music! |
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TonyB2009 Inner circle 5006 Posts |
Quote:
On 2012-01-19 12:23, RJE2 wrote: Read the original post. She was not asking him to adapt. She wanted to PLAY MUSIC OVER HIS PATTER. We can all adapt. But if we have pride in our show, some things are a step to far.
Check out Tony's new thriller Dead or Alive http://www.amazon.co.uk/Alive-Varrick-Bo......n+carson
http://www.PartyMagic.ie |
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RJE2 Veteran user 383 Posts |
Quote:
On 2012-01-19 14:10, TonyB2009 wrote: Nice new logo Tony. I still don't see this as necessarily being a problem. There are some performers who play background music during their entire act and still use patter. There are also venues where there will be sounds or noise competing with your act, like outdoor stages in theme parks, trade or special event shows in large convention halls etc.... So, music playing is not necessarily a game ender. Also, I think pride in your show can take different meanings. It may mean pride in delivering the same way everytime. It may mean pride in taking control over the performance area and creating what for you is the best possible performing environment and then doing your show well as a result. Or, it may mean pride in being able to accomodate clients, their needs, their wishes, their ideas, with a great show without feeling that the client has insulted our artistic senses when they request something different. I still think it is a personal choice. Chose to do the show or not. (Maybe you just don't like Country Music ) |
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