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Pakar Ilusi Inner circle 5777 Posts |
DON'T DO IT!!!!!
I'm just kidding (I think) Firstly, I'm still new myself in this wonderful world of illusion performance. But after doing some shows, live and on TV a few times, I can tell you this much... (And of course, this is from my OWN experience... Benefit from it in whatever way you wish.) I recommend that your first illusion be COMPACT AND VERSATILE. Of course, lots of us wish we could tour like Copperfield but he has millions of dollars behind him. I,and most here I believe, don't have millions of dollars. So remember... - A COMPACT AND VERSATILE ILLUSION! - More importantly, have a couple of assistants ready BEFORE procuring the illusion! - Have some kind of funding for the storage, upkeep and rehearsal of the illusion! - Above all, make sure you are really PASSIONATE about performing illusions or the hassles of it will get to you! Trust me on this... And good luck and enjoy the journey. Sorry guys and gals. I've moved this discussion to Secret Sessions. Too revealing methinks.
"Dreams aren't a matter of Chance but a matter of Choice." -DC-
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Osiris Special user 610 Posts |
Hmmm... "advice for aspiring illusionists..."
Brings back memories of the days I helped out with some of the Magic Castle Jr.s... My job, in that I had soooo much access to major prop warehouses, was to give the "kids" a day or two of helping move, repair, ship, rearrange, clean, etc. ALL OF THE ILLUSIONS as well as costumes, packing cases, and everything else that goes with the package. If that didn't burn them out (which it typically did), I'd "help them" by getting them a short 6-8 week gig traveling with regional carnival unit, just so they could earn their chops and see what life is like working a road show. If they survived all of this and still wanted to do illusions, then I'd get serious with them and start walking them through what is realistic/practical and what is waaaay out of the question (for now). It's something you really need to experience to understand and appreciate. It's highly recommended for EVERYONE thinking of doing this side of the job. |
Pakar Ilusi Inner circle 5777 Posts |
That's some pretty good advice there boys and girls!
I wholeheartedly agree!
"Dreams aren't a matter of Chance but a matter of Choice." -DC-
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Bill Palmer Eternal Order Only Jonathan Townsend has more than 24312 Posts |
Sometimes, even the pros have problems. Osiris' post reminds me of something Fred Story told me. Fred toured for many years with his own illusion show. He built his own props and toured with two male assistants, his wife and a female assistant. He had a large "bobtail" van, in which he carried the whole show. As is usually the case with shows of the type Fred was doing, everything remained set up at all times, that is, nothing folded up. Some of it could fold, but folding and unfolding took time.
When Fred got to a venue, he would back the truck up to the stage door, and they would unload everything, putting it in place as it came off the truck. The backdrops and tables came out first, were set up, then the illusions and smaller items, in the reverse order of performance. As each item was used, it went back into the truck, so that when the show was over, they packed the remaining tables and the backdrop, and they were ready to hit the road. One night, his male assistants got behind in their work, and the show got tangled up backstage. Nobody out front knew this, of course. After the show was over, Fred had them unpack the show and set it up, then re-pack it. TWICE! They never messed up again. At least, not that way. My advice to aspiring illusionists. Get a good deodorant.
"The Swatter"
Founder of CODBAMMC My Chickasaw name is "Throws Money at Cups." www.cupsandballsmuseum.com |
Pakar Ilusi Inner circle 5777 Posts |
Lol!
Bill, that's the best advice yet, actually...
"Dreams aren't a matter of Chance but a matter of Choice." -DC-
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Osiris Special user 610 Posts |
Quote:
On 2004-08-08 19:24, Bill Palmer wrote: It's a man's job! (he, he, he) Strong back, strong legs, strong will! It's simply not a job for whimps (unless they have lots of money for paying roadies... most of the "good" illusionist... those that had to earn the title... can't afford such luxaries) The one thing I do love about having been an Illusionist... today I can charge the same price as I did back then and keep most of the cash in my own pocket, vs. paying everyone else and keeping but a nickle for myself. |
Pakar Ilusi Inner circle 5777 Posts |
Can't wait to get there myself...
"Dreams aren't a matter of Chance but a matter of Choice." -DC-
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Starrpower Inner circle 4070 Posts |
ASPIRING, Bill ... not PERSPIRING.
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Pakar Ilusi Inner circle 5777 Posts |
Not perspiring for sure if you're performing "Windshear"!
"Dreams aren't a matter of Chance but a matter of Choice." -DC-
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