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cbmar Loyal user 234 Posts |
What is your definition of an impromptu trick?
Is it impromptu if I use a prepared bill that's always in my wallet? Is it impromptu if I use a larger gimmick that I sometimes carry in my jacket? Or is it only impromptu if I can do it anytime, anywhere, and naked? |
Harry Murphy Inner circle Maryland 5444 Posts |
I believe that impromptu is being READY, PRACTICED, AND WELL REHEARSED to work with items at hand.
I have said it before elsewhere, but I believe that the way to think about impromptu is not what you can “load yourself” up with, or what you can do with the “non-magical” items that you normally carry with you but rather, what you can do with the items that the average person carries on them! And with those items normally found within a given environment (home, bar, restaurant, home depot, walking down the street, etc.). If you are going to do impromptu magic then think about doing solid routines with borrowed items from the spectators! There is little that is more powerful. Think. Do you have a routine for borrowed bills? Borrowed coins? What can you do with a ring, or a pencil, or an ink pen? How about a clean handkerchief, a lipstick (yes lipstick, why use ashes?) All items that many folks carry so why not be ready and practiced (yes practiced) to use them? You could always be prepared to use the paper napkins from a bar top or waiter’s station (or just one from your place setting). In the restaurant, how about a saltshaker or glass, what can you do with them? Honestly, just using those items you could entertain (emphasis on entertain) a small gathering for 15 plus minutes. And that is using NOTHING out of your own pockets. IF you are asked to perform on the spot and you WANT to perform, then there is no excuse for you to NOT be ready to perform a strong effect with items borrowed from the spectator asking for the performance. Borrow a dollar bill and you’re off for a nice multi-phase routine (if you know, have practiced, and rehearsed a multi-phase routine!). A little thought and a bit of practice time with common objects and you are never caught unprepared. Leave the TT’s, the deck of cards, the sponge balls, and hot rods at home, but leave home PREPARED (practiced and rehearsed) to work wonders! The legendary Bob Read made a career with a 12 minute impromptu act (that he could stretch to over an hour by weight of his humor and personality). He could literally borrow (or steal as he would put it) all the props and get on with it. I know, I watched him do it! But then he was prepared, practiced, and well rehearsed!
The artist formally known as Mumblepeas!
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Jaz Inner circle NJ, U.S. 6111 Posts |
I agree with Harry about learning tricks with common, everyday objects and things found in your environs.
I look at impromptu as being either Truly Impromptu or Apparently Impromptu. Whether using normal objects or fekes, to me impromptu is in the eye of the beholder. Further thoughts about impromptu magic are on my Impromptu Magic Pages (IMP) site. |
daffydoug Eternal Order Look mom! I've got 14077 Posts |
Quote:
On 2008-02-01 22:19, cbmar wrote: My feeling is that if it APPEARS impromptu to the spectator, then it is so! Juan Tamirez has an excellent article in Genni magazine about making magic appear impromptu, while all the while their has been preparation that the spectator has no inkling about. The only issue you need to resolve is how much prep you are willing to put in. How much time and effort do you care to take for the effect you desire to create? It's all up to you.
The difficult must become easy, the easy beautiful and the beautiful magical.
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Daniel Nicholls Veteran user UK 390 Posts |
I think it's only impromtu if you don't need ANY setup.
Close your eyes. Open your senses.
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RachelMilano New user United States 83 Posts |
Hi Cb. To your 3 questions.
1. If the prepared bill is somehow switched that would qualify as impromptu I guess. 2. If you carry a thread reel or a raven or something to that effect in your jacket you will still appear to come off as doing something impromptu I think....as long as it appears that way. 3. If you're doing it naked...lol...well, what can I say. Don't get arrested. Lol. That being said still a good post Harry. Good food for thought there. Rachel.
I'd much rather regret something I've done than something I was too afraid to do. Have a great day. Rachel.
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Jaz Inner circle NJ, U.S. 6111 Posts |
My opinions.
1. Yes. 2. Yes. 3. That wasn't a question. With the right attitude, unseen and common looking 'helpers' they with believe. As mentioned, you should learn a few good effects without those helpers. |
astoundingbruce Regular user Burlington, WI (USA) 127 Posts |
Is this just a question of semantics?
“There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact.”
― Arthur Conan Doyle |
daver Elite user Jupiter, FL 436 Posts |
Bruce has it right.
It can refer to unprepared, meaning "you got nuthin' on ya" or it can refer to the appearance you're doing it without any preparation. Remember, we're magicians, we lie, cheat and deceive to entertain, so whether it is "pure" impromptu or just giving the illusion of impromptu is a matter of perspective. This is why I like Gregory Wilson's stuff like from his "Off The Cuff" DVD. An incomplete list from dictionary.com illustrates this: im·promp·tu /ɪmˈprɒmptu, -tyu/ –adjective 1. made or done without previous preparation: an impromptu address to the unexpected crowds. 2. suddenly or hastily prepared, made, etc.: an impromptu dinner. 3. improvised; having the character of an improvisation.
Dave
What's the difference between a magician and a deck of cards? A deck of cards has FOUR suits... |
Koolmagic114 Veteran user 319 Posts |
As stated above.. I believe "impromptu" is in the eye of the beholder. If the spectator you are performing for believes that you have just done a miracle and it appeared to be spur of the moment and off the top of your head.. then it's a impromptu effect.
If you have your prepared bill in your envelope and he spectator does not know it's prepared.. then it's a miracle.. Eddy
Eddy
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Co-Creator of "TAGZ" / "Iced Over" / " TelePad" / "Penigma" www.magicianslair.com |
Glen Regular user 121 Posts |
It only has to look impromtu to the spectators
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airship Inner circle In my day, I have driven 1594 Posts |
I think appearance is the key. As said above, 'impromptu' is in the eye of the beholder.
There has always been confusion among magicians as to what 'impromptu' really means. You need look no further than Martin Gardner for evidence. His 'Encyclopedia of Impromptu Magic' is considered the bible of impromptu ideas, yet there are plenty of tricks in there that require some preparation or setup.
'The central secret of conjuring is a manipulation of interest.' - Henry Hay
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jimhlou Inner circle 3698 Posts |
If you go by the definition, "impromptu" is magic that can be done at a moment's notice with LITTLE or no preparation. IF you stick to semantics, this means your favorite TT miracle, loop effect, extreme burn, etc all qualify. However, you still have to leave the house with these items on your person.
A true impromptu performance, in my opinion, would include card tricks, coin slights, and effects such as the torn and restored napkin, where you literally brought nothing with you. Jim |
dcjames Special user 577 Posts |
If you accept the idea that perception is reality, then you most certainly fall on the side of those who maintain that as long as an effect appears completely impromptu to the spectators, then it is so.
Of course, nothing rivals having the ability to do an effect with borrowed coins, cards, etc. While some very strong and amazing magic can be done with gimmicked items, the problem arises when you find yourself without them...
“Magic is very easy to do - poorly.”
Tommy Wonder The Books of Wonder Volume 2 |
AaronishMagic Special user 635 Posts |
Things you can apparently do it on the flight.
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