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Paul Rathbun Inner circle Michigan 2543 Posts |
I do a magic show that educates on bullying and the negative effects it has. I end on a positive note of what the qualities of true friends are supposed to be. My show has a few laughs in it, but mostly it is a serious show about a serious topic. My reading show I do is full of funny interactions with volunteers and gags. When the reading show ends there is an energy in the air and a lot of conversations that express excitement about the show. However, when I end my bullying show the mood in the room is very solemn and quiet. It makes it hard on me because I truly do want to educate on bullying and I want them to take it seriously. I just wish there was more positive energy in the room immediately after my show ends. There is some overlap in the tricks I do for my bullying show and my reading show, but I leave out a lot of the gags in the bullying show because I want them to take it seriously. I could easily put the gags and bits of business back into my bullying show but my concern is that it will detract from the important message. So my question is:
Does comedy belong in a bully show?
https://www.penguinmagic.com/p/9160
Sleightly Better Magic Reviews - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9rkXnNp8CxftN-rxU_WcbQ |
Ken Northridge Inner circle Atlantic City, NJ 2392 Posts |
Hi Paul,
I absolutely believe there is no reason why you can’t have comedy intermixed with a serious subject. In fact, I think it is imperative that you do, especially as a magician/entertainer. If the schools wanted all serious content they would ask a local cop to come in and scare the heck out of the kids. I end both my bully and drug abuse shows with a good feeling routine with triumphant music and lots of volunteers, illustrating if we work together on this problem we can produce some amazing results. I hope that helps.
"Love is the real magic." -Doug Henning
www.KenNorthridge.com |
Paul Rathbun Inner circle Michigan 2543 Posts |
Ken,
You have helped me immensely on my bullying show in the past. Your opinion is very valuable to me and I was hoping you would chime in on my thread. Thanks for your help in the past and now. Best, Paul
https://www.penguinmagic.com/p/9160
Sleightly Better Magic Reviews - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9rkXnNp8CxftN-rxU_WcbQ |
TommyJ Inner circle Foxboro, MA 1750 Posts |
I don't do a bully show but I would have to agree with Ken. I wouldn't make the entire show a hilarious show about bullying but there is no reason you can't have fun at the same time.
"Keep the Kids Laughing!"
https://www.tommyjamesmagic.com/store |
harris Inner circle Harris Deutsch 8812 Posts |
Humor can be helpful both in handling a bully as well as shows on the subject.
Of course with both situations one must use it wisely. "Scared Straight" was used a lot in the past. It to has its moments and importance. Sometimes humor can escalate the situation. Knowing when and how much...priceless. Harris laughologist and nearly normal reader and righter
Harris Deutsch aka dr laugh
drlaugh4u@gmail.com music, magic and marvelous toys http://magician.org/member/drlaugh4u |
MikeHMagic Inner circle 1007 Posts |
When they're laughing, they're learning.
Mike "Gus" Harvatt
"Bullwinkle that trick never works." |
Michael Baker Eternal Order Near a river in the Midwest 11172 Posts |
Not yet mentioned is the fact that because comedy strikes a hard contrast with the serious moments, it serves to make them more important by association.
~michael baker
The Magic Company |
Paul Rathbun Inner circle Michigan 2543 Posts |
Thanks guys I really appreciate the feedback.
https://www.penguinmagic.com/p/9160
Sleightly Better Magic Reviews - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9rkXnNp8CxftN-rxU_WcbQ |
MaxfieldsMagic Inner circle Instead of practicing, I made 3009 Posts |
Unfortunately, comedy shows and Hollywood movies tend to direct their comedy at the victim. The laughs can be easy when directed at "nerds," or any of the usual stereotypes. This, in turn, subtly reinforces the image of the bully as the "real man," or "popular girl," whom kids will want to emulate more than the pathetic outcast who submits to the torture.
But if you can find a way to turn the comedy onto the bully - in the same manner that Twain, John Stewart, Jonathan Swift, and others use targeted, biting humor as their weapon of choice - you may influence the kids' perceptions on a fundamental and subconscious level. Good luck with it - sounds like a great project.
Now appearing nightly in my basement.
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Mindpro Eternal Order 10587 Posts |
Sometimes you need to understand the difference between if you are an entertainer or a speaker. Yes there is room for humor in both, but it must remain secondary and never overshadow the message. There are times, especially with elementary kids, that I disagree that if they are laughing they are learning. I have experienced times when the laughter is taking away their attention span from the message and the point.
To me the answer if you are incorporating comedy, is balance, and knowing where it is in the right place and appropriate and where it isn't. Also be sure you know the interests and expectations of the Principal or parent group hiring you. At a recent PTA conference this exact topic came up in a session, and there were a few topics where their preferences were not where yours as a performer might be. Part of being successful in any business in knowing, understanding and delivering the needs and interests of the client. |
harris Inner circle Harris Deutsch 8812 Posts |
Yesterday and this morning, I shared 4 workshops on puppetry, I included a 2 scripts on bullying. The first the "victim", escallates the situation. The second they diffuse it. It of course has humorous and serious side. Comedy rule 62..Don't take yourself too seriously...follows # 61..Anything is funny as long as it is happening to someone else. Bystanders are a big part of why bullying continues. Seeing something wrong and speaking up -- priceless. Of course timing and your own personality will determine where and when you speak up. At times speaking up could get you hurt or even killed. Supporting the victim (and educating both the victim and bullies) is important.
Harris laughologist and nearly normal reader and righter
Harris Deutsch aka dr laugh
drlaugh4u@gmail.com music, magic and marvelous toys http://magician.org/member/drlaugh4u |
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