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MagikDavid Loyal user Cincinnati, OH 297 Posts |
Even though I've done many shows through the years (mostly kid's birthdays, Cub Scout banquets, Stage Shows, etc.), I've never really put together a close-up (adult) show. I would like to hear from those who might have some ideas on how to routine such a show. I've been performing close up (casually) for friends and relatives for years, and have accumulated many great effects. However, I've never really been able to get a handle on a cohesive presentation that resembles a "performance."
I'd like to hear some suggestions on things like: * How important is it to tie one effect to another * How to jump from one catagory to another in a smooth way (i.e., rubber band effects to card effects) * How important is it to rate each effect for impact or 'wow' factor and should that rating influence where it should appear in the routine. * Should my show be routined with an underlying theme? (i.e., 'illusion vs. reality' or 'seeing is believing' or 'magic from anything') As I've mentioned before, I have a lot of great effects to choose from... which may be my problem. I don't know where to start... or how to pick and choose. Should the picking and choosing be my first step to putting a routine together, or should my first step be to establish a theme... then pick and choose the effects based on theme? Help!!!! Dave
One good thing about being wrong...
Is the pleasure it brings to others. |
Jaz Inner circle NJ, U.S. 6111 Posts |
Excellent questions that I think only you can truly answer.
My opinions. Q: How important is it to tie one effect to another. A: Because of the next question I'm guessing you mean, for example, tying a penetration effect into a transformation effect or production into a vanish. In this case some tie in better than others. Q: How to jump from one catagory to another in a smooth way (i.e., rubber band effects to card effects). A: I like to try and do this to some extent. One set I do is Ghost Bills, Traveling Cash and CMH using bills then introducing elastics and ending with them. Using a matrix effect as a bridge between coins and cards works well. There are effects like 'Bound to Fool' by Sanky, 'Bandarama' by JC Wagner as well as others that use elastics. There's no real need to blend a whole show together. Use those 'in between' moments to chat with the audience. Q: How important is it to rate each effect for impact or 'wow' factor and should that rating influence where it should appear in the routine. A: Have you ever rode a roller coaster? Build your act something like that. Decide where you want to take them. Do you want to start with an upward climb, then yank their brains this way and that and end with a big rush or.. give them a shocker, ease off then shock, shock them again and end with something memorable by not a real shocker. It's there for you to build. Q: Should my show be routined with an underlying theme? (i.e., 'illusion vs. reality' or 'seeing is believing' or 'magic from anything') A: There's a discussion going on right now at the Café about doing a redneck magic act. Funny theme but something that could work. Because of our props gambling themes work. The "underlying theme" for all magic is 'entertainment'. |
MagikDavid Loyal user Cincinnati, OH 297 Posts |
Thanx Jaz,
Your opinions have helped me a lot, and are greatly appreciated. I'm glad that you didn't just suggest this book or that one for the answers (surely, there are many good ones on this subject.) Instead, you have stimulated my common sense for the answers. Until now, most of my shows have been parlor or stage magic. Long ago, I structured these shows with the elements you mentioned. I realize now, that the same elements and structure can be applied to the close-up show I want to develop (should have realized that before.) I believe the most valuable comment you made was at the very end of your post, "...The "underlying theme" for all magic is 'entertainment'"... WOW... That was the light bulb that hit me upside the head!!! Thanx again! Dave
One good thing about being wrong...
Is the pleasure it brings to others. |
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