|
|
jondark445 Special user 716 Posts |
Hi,
I recently was at a magic show where three children's magicians each did a piece for their act. Each and every one of them used "See, Don't See" in their act. One of them used it twice. Two questions: 1. Do you feel "See, don't see" is being overused as an easy gag to get children going? 2. What's the most creative way you've seen "See, don't see" used in a magic act? --Jon |
Andy Wonder Special user Auckland, New Zealand 747 Posts |
It sounds like in this situation the 3 acts were not integrated into 1 complete performance. Even though they were viewed in succession they were not designed to be presented that way. The 1st performer should have been the one with the competent personality & skillful flashy magic effects that get the ohhhs, ahhhs & wows. The middle guy could be the friendly uncle the gets the kids helping doing the magic themselves. Then the final guy could be the goofy style with all the Magician In Trouble Syndrome & Look Don’t See Happening.
The events in my show occur in a particular order for a particular reason. I use different types of jokes at different stages of the performance. With my style I seldom use any goofy humour early in my show but I will sometimes use it later on. It is like when you see a circus. The clowns always come out in the second half because their style is essentially a parody of the other acts. You never open with the clown act. It does not make sense. In the same vain I use a straight magic wand without any gimmicks early in my act. Later on when things start to fail & go wrong I use the breakaway wand and part of the Magician In Trouble Syndrome. Look Don’t See, works well for me at this stage. You can also use it early on to bring out some reactions & encourage the kids to begin participating for groups that need a bit of encouragement. I think the key is to use it for a reason or purpose rather than just arbitrarily peppering it throughout your act. I don’t know if you can say exactly how much should be used. It will depend on your character and the age of your audience. You will have a sense for when you are overdoing it. It does, however, need to be believable. That is important, especially with older children. They can tell when many magicians are faking "Look Don’t See", and I like to hook them in with it. It also needs to support the objectives you have for that segment of your show. One reason I like using "Look Don’t See" is that it gets laughs without me having to degrade my character by being silly. For example you can play it very seriously without resorting to physical slapstick or funny voices yet still bring the house down with laughter. Of course then if older kids realise you are stringing them along it then becomes silly again.
Andy Wonder, Auckland, New Zealand
|
todd75 Inner circle 1277 Posts |
I use the blooming bouquet as a "you see but I don't" and also as an opener and crowd control method. I think these routines are great when working with younger children.
|
rossmacrae Inner circle Arlington, Virginia 2475 Posts |
Nesting Wands - "Billy, please take the magic wand..." [Billy's to my side, I don't look as I hand him the wand and come back to my front with the remaining wands]
2nd time - "Please take the magic wand." 3rd time - "Young man, take the magic wand..." 4th time - "LOOK, KID, TAKE THE MAGIC WAND!" [I usually don't use the 5th, but look over at Billy and express surprise] "Where did you get all of those? Did you put those in there?" [asking various audience members] "Did you put them in there?" [and ending with what started as an inspiration one day, pointing accusingly...] "It was THE BABY!" |
todd75 Inner circle 1277 Posts |
Nesting wands is also an excellent "see, don't see" routine. Also check out Run Rabbit Run, Book Worm & Pizza Digitation. These have all been in my show at one time or another and they all work great. Go for it....
|
Rupert Bair Inner circle ? 2179 Posts |
Isn't it look, don't see?
Matt |
Cheshire Cat Special user Wilmslow, UK 941 Posts |
Like Todd, we've had very great success with floral routines over the years.
|
Tom Stevens Veteran user Australia 361 Posts |
I noticed at one point that I had many "Look, Don't See" segments in my show, because it's so much fun for the kids. However, I've cut down a bit, because it's all the same trick, really, and I do have to consider the critics in the back who will be potentially booking my show.
|
Rupert Bair Inner circle ? 2179 Posts |
The kids know I'm blind(ish) because when I go to read my magic spells book I have to wear my giant specs. They laugh when put them on so, I tell them I'm so upset I will never wear them again. I use it a lot in my show. I think it gets stronger rather than weaker.
Matt |
Bob Sanders Grammar Supervisor Magic Valley Ranch, Clanton, Alabama 20504 Posts |
Quote:
On 2005-01-23 19:04, jondark445 wrote: Jon, "Overused" has at least two values. For an audience at that stage of development, with little experience seeing magic acts, and in a group setting, I don't feel that it is overused. I think it fits well. On the other hand, I also think that many kids' magicians need more tools in the toolbox. So my answer is "No" and "Yes"! (Well that's got to be better than a "definite maybe"!) To me the master of this technique was a young David Ginn. Although I am nearly 60, I'd be a kid in his audience anytime. Bob Magic By Sander |
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » The little darlings » » See, Don't See (0 Likes) |
[ Top of Page ] |
All content & postings Copyright © 2001-2024 Steve Brooks. All Rights Reserved. This page was created in 0.02 seconds requiring 5 database queries. |
The views and comments expressed on The Magic Café are not necessarily those of The Magic Café, Steve Brooks, or Steve Brooks Magic. > Privacy Statement < |