I didn't know where to put this question so here I go anyway.
I'm planing on putting together a show but I'm having a problem with the words to open the show with.
I'll be starting with a dove act but before the dove act how do most of you start your show out with words before magic?

Jeff

I wouldn't start with words. Don't say a word......Have someone introduce you...have the lights brought up and win them over with some MAGIC! That will be your best chance to make an impression. Most of all ...Look confident during this opening as that's the time your making that first impression on them and they will remember it.

Best,

Tim

I do something similar to what Tim suggested above. I have pre-show music playing as people are sitting down or gathering to watch the show. Each song builds a bit in tempo and intensity. % minustes before the show I have a simple voice over stating tto take your seat for the show will begin shortly.

The last song builds up the intensity and sets the right mood as the lights start to dim down (if a theater stage show). Then I have another voice over which is a part of my soundtrack. It is simple but builds the anticipation of who I am, what my wife and I are all about and gets them excited about seeing us.

The music then kicks back up as the lights go up, the curtain opens and I step out to do a fast and visual effect that leads up to the production of Kelly with the Blammo Illusion. The idea here is to show them magic and some skill first and get them knowing we are magicians, we have skill and they will have a great time.

After the opener effect, is when the curtains close and I can do both a magical warm up (interactive) with the audience as well as a verbal introduction. It seems to work very well for kelly and I.

Let me know if I can elaborate for you. My pleasure.

Kyle

I will concur with what has already been said. Open silent with a strong visual effect.

You basically have about 30 seconds to say "I am a magician". You must grab their attention and work a miracle.

If you are a good talker as was Jay Marshall or Billy McComb, you can win them over with patter like a standup comedian. But without lots of experience, this is a tough road to go as the visual effect is easier to accomplish.

Richard

For my act, I start with a really strong piece of music right after the voice over introduction (Yes, I have a professionally recorded introduction that starts my show. This is worth it since many times the host or MC may stumble his way through your introduction. Yet, that is the first impression the audience has of you. By controlling the intro, you control that first impression). As soon as the intro is over, I rush onto the stage and get the audience to start clapping their hands to the beat of the music. As the audience gets into it, I move right into my opening effect.

This works for me because the music, the clapping, and me rushing onto the stage all set the tone and energy level for the show. When that is followed immediately with a really strong visual effect, you've established who you are, and the audience is ready to go along for the ride.

Let someone introduce you, you can talk after your opening act or it depends on your routine... it also good to record a voice that is introducing you then followed by the music that you will be using in your first act so that everytime you will have a show only a cd will play continously.i open my act doing my parasol production..

thanks!

Thank you all for your great input I will take them all into consideration

Jeff

Jeff, you are most welcome my friend. Would you be able to tell us some ideas you have for opening effects you are considering? If we have an idea of what you are workingon and what routines you are thinking about, perhaps we can help offer better suggestions and ideas for how to pace it and set it up best for you.

Are you locked into starting your show with the dove act or do you figure you may do something else? If you want to start with the dove act, then it would make best sense to have a voice over intro that is on a cd or on an Ipod as I use in my own shows. In this way you know exactly how long the intro is and can time it so that you can be properly prepared and ready to go for your dove act.

Because of the nature of working with doves, you will want time to load properly and not have to move around so much after you are set. the intro could come on to introduce you and get people excited. after the voiceover ends, the music could really kick in and wait a few beats before the curtains open and your back is towards the audience. The music could then builds as you turn around and hit them with the first powerful and dynamic effect to your dove act.

The after the act is over, you can step forward, have the curtains close behind you and do your verbal introduction and warm up with the audience. This might work best for you if you are sticking with the dove atc opener.

Just a suggestion for you. Let me know if I can be of further help to you. My pleasure.

Kyle

Well I will be sticking to the dove because I feel that dove have a powerful effect on people and they remember it along with the performance.

That certainly makes a lot of sense and is a great way to open the show. I would then suggest trying what I described above. It may be the perfect solution for you and allow you to have a voice over, great music and enough time to properly set up and get on stage whenthe curtains open.

Kyle

Thanks Kyle I have thought about what you have said and I agree, I agree with everyones input. I will go with a voice over and start with the doves.

Thanks
Jeff