Magic Trick Goes Wrong the Enchanted Laboratory Busch Gardens

I feel for him.

http://youtu.be/Z2NEZyZcFfI

Wow, now I know why I do not like dicing, slicing and chopping routines!

Seriously though, I too feel bad for the guy.

~Nanci

Ouch.... At least they had a voiceover to play in that unlikely event.

I wonder who made the prop?

Gerry

Whoever made it would never admit it.

Jimj

I feel for him also, as the same thing happened with my Lester Lake (not a spring though). (Once in 32 years with the same unit isn't bad though!)

I do check mine out now before shows, and with the weather and humidty swings here in Montreal, I bring it out of storage into a more climate controlled area before I use it and then repack it, just in case!

Blair

P.S. As a note I found the "victim" to be a little young for this effect, I do use young folks, but I prefer slightly older.

A railroad engineer/train driver once told me that for 99.999% of the time, his job was one of the easiest in the world. Where his real skill and training came in, was on the rare occasion when he was miles from anywhere and something went wrong. He had to know how to make things safe on and around his train and, where possible, how to make emergency changes or adjustments to the equipment so that he could move the train to a position where he could get assistance. Similarly, soldiers are often taught how to strip down and re-assemble their mechanical equipment while blindfolded, so that they can do so without thinking in an emergency.

The history of magic is littered with horrific disasters, which include incidents involving some of the very finest and most practiced performers. This should serve as a warning that things can and do go wrong. Every illusionist should be prepared for an emergency and think what they could do and say when their equipment malfunctions or if someone becomes trapped, hurt or injured. I know, illusionists who advise stage hands of a 'key' word that can be used to indicate an emergency without panicking the audience.

It is not a nice thought, but these are facts that must be addressed. It is far better to consider these points when practicing than it is to stand on stage in front of an audience thinking, "What do I do, what do I say?".

YouTube is littered with minor incidents that have been turned into disasters, just because of the way that they were handled.

In a case such as the one being discussed here, the first priorities must be to reassure to 'assistant' while using ones knowledge of the workings of the equipment to release them. This should not involve shaking everything violently. Reasurance is vitally important, particularly when an untrained memebr of the public is involved. A trapped and distressed individual will be difficult to deal with and could cause themselves serious injury.

Everyone who uses volunteers must try to select those who are appropriate in terms of age and apparent ability. The very young are far more prepared to accept the 'magic' but, when distressed, they are more prone react in all sorts of unpredictable and sometimes extremely embarrasing ways.

Excellent words of wisdom to live by ...

Steve

I don't get it. The kid's head clearly stayed on. Where was the magic part?

:P

Hey Gerry,

You would be surprised who made the illusion, but these things happen with the best of props. You always have to take care, and be ready.

(The show was produced by a known name in the magic biz.)

B