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NJJ Inner circle 6437 Posts |
What is your favourite 30 second opening effect? I just noticed that it takes almost 10 minutes for anything magical to happen in my act and I'd love to have something happen in the first 30 seconds that is MAGICAL!!!!
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andrew martin Veteran user 394 Posts |
Dove production
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Smoke & Mirrors Special user 506 Posts |
What is happening during that 10 minutes?
Seems hard on young kids to wait that long for anything! Are you "clowning" during that time? I like to have magic happening right away: I usually start with Cane to Silks (very visual) and I produce my bunny FIRST instead of last. Several reasons; bunny can get to his "home" quicker without waiting on me, and the kids are already VERY impressed from the beginning. Also, I noticed I used to start with clowning or magician-in-trouble right away and I quit doing that because it seems to me the kids first impression was that I was not a knowledgeable magician but instead I was a flop and they kept that impression through the whole show even IF I finished strong, they assumed I was still that "flop" they saw the first trick. Now I validate myself first and get into "trouble" later, they seem to find that funnier anyway, but assume I will save the day after all. aaron |
Eric Leclerc Inner circle Ottawa Ontario 1185 Posts |
Thumb tip and silk routine.. diamond cut... I ask if anyone has a pink silk..gets a laugh and produce it then go into "this is the first trick I ever learnt" adults or kids shows, I use it to open.. Just so clean and powerful..
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NJJ Inner circle 6437 Posts |
Thanks eric and andre
aaron - I begin the show by setting up my character, introducing the premise of the show (which has a formed narrative about my missing rabbit) and setting the children at ease. I too am considered a 'flop' by the kids and FAR from a knowledgable magician. The magic happens DESPITE of my abilities not because of them! The kids feel that THEY are the magical ones, not me. But I think that it is important for SOMETHING magical happen in the first 30 seconds or so so that they KNOW plenty of magic will happen. |
Jizmagic New user 85 Posts |
I open every show with silk to cane. I start by telling the kids that as a magician I need to have "the magician's uniform" - I tell them I wear black pants, a black shirt, black shoes (all of which I am wearing), and I have a black cane (as I'm saying this, I have a bright red silk in my hands)- the kids all scream out that "it's not black - its a red scarf!" - I do the silk to cane and say "Now I'm ready to start the show!"
May the magic be with you!
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todsky Inner circle www.magicstore.ca 2354 Posts |
I do a silk production-transformation opener, using a TT, cane to silk, mirror glass and change bag. Lots of colourful visual action right from the start.
Todsky's Magic Shop: over 15,000 tricks, books, DVD s and Card decks. www.magicstore.ca
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NJJ Inner circle 6437 Posts |
Seems like a lot of people use flashy 'traditional' magic as an opener.
Do many people do more 'warm up' style effect such as silver sceptre? |
reaper New user 62 Posts |
I use Dirty Pool from Simply Harkey. It ties in with my imagination themed show, and it shows the adults watching that I can wow them too.
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The Great Smartini Inner circle 2280 Posts |
I often use Bowlarama from Kevin James for a larger group and for a smaller group I use a routine by Matthew Johnson which is a poetic story about a magicians first trick using the little used What's Next prop...check this one out it's very very good and it gives the routine a purpose...another thing you might consider is just using a running trick/gag like a Lota...I sometimes use this as an opener for a birthday show with coloured food colouring as I talk about my show and this being a party and we can have all the juice we want...talk some more about the show and the best thing is this is a party and we can have all the juice we want...and repeat...kids need something to keep them going for this long
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Sammy the Kid Veteran user Southern Illinois 314 Posts |
I open with a TT and rainbow streamer. I walk out as if I'm about to introduce myself and pause with a curious look at the air in front of me and ask if anyone else sees that. That what? That rainbow right there (point with both index fingers in an arcing motion away from each other). Right where? Right there (bring hands together and pull the rainbow streamer partway out).Fold it back in hands and "blow" it back into the air, invisible of course. Reach out and grab it again before it gets away. Pull it partway out and stuff it back in to left hand. Then "throw" it in a long arcing toss and be sure to watch it as it almost hits the ground and "catch" it with the right hand about ankle level. Pull all the way out and steal TT back on and then continue....
Hope this helps, Sammy the Kid |
todsky Inner circle www.magicstore.ca 2354 Posts |
Quote:
On 2005-05-11 20:18, Nicholas J. Johnson wrote: What is 'silver sceptre?"
Todsky's Magic Shop: over 15,000 tricks, books, DVD s and Card decks. www.magicstore.ca
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magicgeorge Inner circle Belfast 4299 Posts |
Silver Sceptre is a silver rising wand, do a search there have been several discussions about it.
Quote:
On 2005-05-11 20:18, Nicholas J. Johnson wrote: I use "warm up" style effects to start my shows. I use silver sceptre in my second show. In my usual show I use an adaption of "yell up for kids" which is a multiplying ball effect, it has the advantage of being eye-catching traditional magic while at the same time also being a warm up style MIT routine. I think the problem could be if you want something magical to happen in the first 30 seconds then it will have to be quick and flashy. 10 minutes may be a little too long for no magic to happen but a 30 second time-limit will interupt the getting to know you, warm up part unless it's done quickly. I don't actually think you do need to do something magical in the first 30 seconds to prove that lots of magical things are going to happen. What about instead of doing 10 minutes before you start the magic include a warm -up style effect as part of your warm up after about 4 or 5 minutes? George |
Smoke & Mirrors Special user 506 Posts |
Quote:
On 2005-05-11 17:58, Nicholas J. Johnson wrote: I agree, and the kids in my show do most all the magic as well. I just think that can be done without the magician seeming stupid or lousy. Sorry if I am not picking the right words! Since I changed from the "bumbling" magician I get far more compliments from the kids and more requests for repeat performances! I think the kids and myself respect each other far more now than before. BUT - I'm still young and finding my style, you have alrready determined your style and what works best for you. Wish I could see your show! aaron |
Hobie the Magical Hobo Clown New user Niagara, Ontario 68 Posts |
I use the Color Changing Shoe Laces. They were made by magic supreme but now I think the only person that has them is David Ginn. It's a great trick
One Mustn't study a magician to closely,
Never look up his sleeve, Never look under his hat, Just sit back and let him do his act. |
JamesinLA Inner circle Los Angeles 3400 Posts |
I open with a control warm up that delights them then we practice clapping/shouting when I come from behind my curtain, then my real opening is miser's dream with jumbo coin kicker.
Jim
Oh, my friend we're older but no wiser, for in our hearts the dreams are still the same...
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sspanks Loyal user Atlanta GA 241 Posts |
Play with a small silk and wammo the silk has vanished and you are standing there holding a cane ... looking just as shocked as the kids.
-stephen |
Amazing Magic Co Inner circle 1711 Posts |
I open with a cane to silk streamers followed by a paper tear to mouth coil. This is all sequenced to music.
Dan. |
NJJ Inner circle 6437 Posts |
Quote:
On 2005-05-12 09:20, Smoke & Mirrors wrote: When I was younger people associated being bumbling with just being crap. My answer was to create a clown character (red nose and all) so that I could hide my age. |
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