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Sir Loyal user 212 Posts |
Hi friends,
I am an officer in the U.S. Army who has just been nominated as Master of Ceremonies for our brigade social next month. I was told to be "entertaining." As the MC, I will have a captive audience of more than 600 people. Today I was thinking to myself, "This would be a fantastic opportunity to perform an amazing demonstration of mentalisim." The catch is I've never performed mentalisim before, let alone performed for so many spectators. I am, however, an ambitious optimist. The question is this: Do I dare perform an amazing demonstration of mentalisim for the first time in front of 600 people? We only live once and I've been in situations that were more dire. If you were in my shoes, what is the one feat that you would perform? I just want to perform a single demonstration. I know the temptation to reply sarcastically is nearly irresistible here, but please, serious responses only. I'm in a bit of a time crunch and if I am going to succeed, I will need to start practicing immediately.
"By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes."
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Mark_Chandaue Inner circle Essex UK 4191 Posts |
Not a sarcastic reply, an honest one that may ultimately be unhelpful. I would perform the effect that I most enjoy performing and that I am most confident of performing and that would play well to a group of that size ideally without the need to bring volunteers forward. I do have specific effects in mind that I personally would use but the key parts here are "that you enjoy performing, and are adept enough and confident enough to perform". I would not want to learn a new effect for this purpose unless I had a very good lead time to refine it.
Mark |
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Sir Loyal user 212 Posts |
My background is bizarre magic performed for intimate gatherings. I'm definitely in unfamiliar territory by attempting this. These events are traditionally rather dry and I'm looking to change that perception. A great effect to break the ice and kick off the evening would really go a long way.
"By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes."
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saysold1 Eternal Order Recovering Cafe addict with only 10798 Posts |
Do you have experience as an MC ?
Diving into mentalism for an upcoming show sounds kinda risky to me. I was just hired (discussion in the tricky business section) to do a Mentalism show for an awards ceremony next month for 400 and then emcee the awards. This will be a first time emcee event for me - for similar reasons as you mention - to "spice" up the awards. For me this won't necessarily be a walk in the park and I'm full time as a Mentalist. If you don't do Mentalism regularly I personally think you might consider performing something you are already familiar with in magic. Mentalism isn't about the effects it's about the knowledge, acting, persona and much more. It sounds like you anticipated some critiques. Good luck!
Creator of The SvenPad Supreme(R) line of aerospace level quality, made in the USA utility props. https://svenpads.com/
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saysold1 Eternal Order Recovering Cafe addict with only 10798 Posts |
If you've never been an emcee you might want to focus instead on a book to help you be a great emcee. I found this one to be excellent:
http://www.theeiinstitute.com/ei-institu......ian.html
Creator of The SvenPad Supreme(R) line of aerospace level quality, made in the USA utility props. https://svenpads.com/
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Nestor D Special user France (Paris) 830 Posts |
Why not do some great bizarre magic ?
You just need a piece that will play big enough : séance inspired effects might be good... First question, do you want peolples on stage with you ? (otherwise there are some great opener out there) Second, what are you able to perform that could be put on a stage ? (you will be much better if you stay in you skillset) |
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Sir Loyal user 212 Posts |
I have a background in public relations, and I've MC'd events in the past. Fortunately, I have no problems entertaining people.
The issue with performing bizarre magic is that this is definitely not the venue. When I was deployed, I did a lot of card magic because it was light-hearted, portable and generally made folks happy. As a result, I earned a bit of a reputation and it would not seem out of the ordinary for me to do some magic for this crowd. Bizarre magic is sort of contrary to the mood I'm seeking to create. But, as you all know, bizarre magic and mentalisim are close relatives of each other and it would not be too much of a stretch change my colors for an evening. I was thinking that a mind reading effect or prediction would work well. I am seeking to obtain a new effect though because all of my current props either look ancient or evil.
"By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes."
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jstreiff Special user 701 Posts |
If this is the first thing you are doing that night as emcee, you want to grab the audience in an entertaining way. Since you are not a mentalist, it must be simple. This is, by definition a 'major effect' as Bob Cassidy would say. With a large group that suggests a PF. Easy to do with little experience, grabs the attention of the group yet allows each audience member to focus on their own thoughts and observe the outcome as a group at the same time. Major issue is how to frame it for maximum effect.
John
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Anthony Jacquin Inner circle UK 2220 Posts |
Bypass the mentalism and instead use suggestion. Do magnetic fingers and immediately stick everyone to their seats. They won't forget this and it will definitely end in laughs all round.
If you need any help let me know. Anthony
Anthony Jacquin
Reality is Plastic! The Art of Impromptu Hypnosis Updated for 2016 Now on Kindle and Audible! |
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RicHeka Inner circle 3999 Posts |
Perhaps this.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6syJvJAnZQc If you shop around there is an even larger version [11 x 7inches] It is technically easy to do. When it is is presented properly...it can get a great reaction. All the best. Rich |
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Nestor D Special user France (Paris) 830 Posts |
PF or suggestion would indeed be a good fit for your situation
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Magical Dimensions Inner circle 5001 Posts |
I retired from the Army many years ago and these type of events are meant to be as fun as possible. A few good jokes and simple magic might be the way to go. Theme it to the events that are current in your area/unit/Brigade.
Will there be uhhhhhhh Grog to drink for the unlucky few? Fun and simple is the way to go as an MC. Nothing to deep and time consuming. Ray |
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Dr Spektor Eternal Order Carcanis 10781 Posts |
Whatever you do - the effect/theme etc. you choose must match the goals/objectives of the evening - I MC and speak a great deal - you must have a reason to do anything to it is relevant to the audience. IMHO
"They are lean and athirst!!!!"
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TonyB2009 Inner circle 5006 Posts |
This is not a vanity project. You have been asked to entertain 600 men. So entertain them. Keep it simple, and experiment some other time would be my advice. Do simple direct fun magic. Perhaps throw some mental magic (not mentalism) such as the Invisible Deck. As an MC you will have very short periods in which to work. Nothing is worse than an MC who rambles for fifteen minutes through a boring presentation. So don't fall into that trap. This is a gig for inside your comfort zone.
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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Slim King Eternal Order Orlando 18036 Posts |
I have a self working version of Beyond Banachek, where they all end up flipping the bird ... Would that work?
THE MAN THE SKEPTICS REFUSE TO TEST FOR ONE MILLION DOLLARS.. The Worlds Foremost Authority on Houdini's Life after Death.....
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Rolyan Special user I'm fencing in my land; so far there are 590 Posts |
"He Who Dares, Wins" is the motto of the finest special forces team in the world.
Go for it. |
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Sean Giles Inner circle Cambridge/ UK 3517 Posts |
Quote:
On Apr 13, 2015, Rolyan wrote: Del and Rodney? |
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George Hunter Inner circle 2017 Posts |
One effect comes to mind that is reasonably easy to learn, enjoyable, plays well-though it involves one spectator up front with you. Take a look at Shawn Farquhar's "Sheer Luck" comedy book test.
George |
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Rolyan Special user I'm fencing in my land; so far there are 590 Posts |
Quote:
On Apr 13, 2015, Sean Giles wrote: The creme de la menthe of comedy. |
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Trois Special user Myrtle Beach 594 Posts |
Try something by Mick Ayers. He has some marketed items and he also writes for MUM magazine. Perhaps one of his routines will work for you. Nothing too difficult , mostly material based on presentation. Good luck.
Not clever enough to come up with something orginal, or did I.
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