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Phil J. Elite user 467 Posts |
Could anyone please recommend a book on presentation suitable for a sixteen year old girl. She'll be performing her first close-up show for adults shortly and needs some sound advice.
You were born original... Don't die a copy
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shomemagic Inner circle Missouri 2232 Posts |
Wow that's a tall order...presentation is not something ( at least for me ) that can be learned from a book. Don't get me wrong books are great for ideas and tips but the actual performance can dictate the presentation. One of the best I have ever read is John Mendoza's Close-Up Presentations..not sure its available anymore, but worth searching for.
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van Loyal user 276 Posts |
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On 2008-06-26 18:07, shomemagic wrote: This is one of my favorites too. If you have the Tarbell books, there is some good advice in them. Also in Amateur Magician's Handbook. All of these are written for the beginning magician and are not so theory heavy as some of the newer books.
Later Ya'll
Van |
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Phil J. Elite user 467 Posts |
Thanks guys, linked with some advice from the MagicBunnies I'm sure she's gonna do just great.
You were born original... Don't die a copy
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uhrenschmied Regular user 135 Posts |
Quote:
On 2008-06-26 16:15, Phil J. wrote: Quote:
On 2008-06-27 07:36, Phil J. wrote: Even if it was unintentional, I see a punchline here. |
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sethb Inner circle The Jersey Shore 2719 Posts |
I was wondering if, at her age, she could tap into the drama teacher at her high school for coaching and basic assistance on speaking technique (nice and slow and clear), blocking and perhaps some basic prop management/choreography. This sort of information would stand her in good stead, whatever sort of tricks she is doing.
There are some great books on presentation, like Darwin Ortiz' "Strong Magic," but I agree that it would probably be a bit over her head at this point; it is written for older and more experienced performers. Henry Hay's "Learn Magic" (click HERE for more info) is geared more towards beginners and younger children, and has some very good presentation tips in it, as well as some excellent tricks (Egg Bag, Miser's Dream, etc.). As others have noted, nothing improves a presentation better than performing (also known as "paying your dues"). If there's a local SAM or IBM club nearby, she might also consider going there as well for more experience and advice. Best of luck to the budding magician! SETH
"Watch the Professor!!" -- Al Flosso (1895-1976)
"The better you are, the closer they watch" -- Darwin Ortiz, STRONG MAGIC |
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Thought farmer New user 72 Posts |
I have found Maximum Entertainment by Ken Weber and Win the Crowd by Steve Cohen to be of help. I bought these based on comments here on the Café. Just the fact that you will be doing a show reflects your strong spirit.
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Ximines Regular user Minnesota 154 Posts |
Tommy Wonder's Books of Wonder, and Darwin Ortiz' Strong Magic.
But I agree with those above - perform, and see what works for you. Also, watch great magicians perform and take note of what works for them! |
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Vlad_77 Inner circle The Netherlands 5829 Posts |
Phil,
I heartily agree with Seth. In fact, I would go further. Magic is first and foremost a performing art. I am classically trained in theatre and that training has made me a MUCH better performer. Encourage her to take drama classes; to audition for roles in live productions. Community and summer stock theatre are also great opportunities. She should also take the time to read plays as well. Scripts contain blocking cues and she could learn a lot about blocking by reading. Questions as to WHY the playwright chose a certain position for an actor will lead her to examine her own presence. Close up magic is every bit as much of a production as the most lavish Broadway production. Theatrical training and experience are invaluable to ANY performer - not just magicians. I am also a professional musician, and my theatre training has taught me not only how to "do" a show, it has also taught me how to take my audience on a roller coaster ride of emotion. Sound training teaches the student how to hook the audience. I would also suggest Richard Tenace's "Acting for Magicians". It is a fine book that focuses the larger area of stage craft to the specific needs of the magician. Have her watch the great actors - film or stage - so she can see that acting is not confined to the voice. There is an amazing scene in the classic "Marathon Man". Lord Laurence Olivier plays a Nazi and his character is torturing Dustin Hoffman's character with a Black and Decker type drill to the teeth. The scene does NOT show the drill being used on Hoffman's character. What you see is Olivier's face. You see the eyes of the cold predator when you look at that scene, and Olivier's look is FAR more chilling than any special effects could EVER convey. Actors are the greatest of magicians because they successfully create the illusion of a whole other being. Al Pacino becomes the calculating and remoresless Michael Corleone. Sir Ian McKellen makes you suspend disbelief and see Gandalf. The beautiful Charlize Theron becomes the not so beautiful serial killer Eileen Wuornos. Actors are always called upon to play the role of magicians in movies about magic. Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman were more convincing as magicians than an ACTUAL magician in the wonderful movie "The Prestige". Sir Anthony Hopkins was simply fantastic in the adaptation of William Goldman's classic novel "Magic". Edward Norton portrayed a wonderfully powerful magician in "The Illusionist". Compare all of that to David Copperfield's woeful performance in "Terror Train". But, while Copperfield is no film actor in my and other's opinions, he IS a master of live stagecraft. His presentation of his "Grandfather's Aces" was captivating. Whether the story was true or not is irrelevant. He created an experience for his audience and elevated a "trick" into an unforgettable experience. THAT to me is MAGIC. Tell your daughter that all on the Café say "Break a leg!" Best, Vlad |
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Phil J. Elite user 467 Posts |
Thanks for the wise words Vlad, unfortunately, time and a recently discovered personal problem are against us. But she's a bright kid and I'm sure thing's will work out.
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I'll pass on your good wishes to Amanda, she's not my daughter but I would be proud if she were; as I know her family are.
You were born original... Don't die a copy
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Oooahh New user 2 Posts |
Well, heck, it's August now, I'm reading this post and am curious how things panned out??? Any update?
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Lawrence O Inner circle French Riviera 6811 Posts |
Whenever you wish to use the word nazi, could you please drop the capital "n". It has been ruled by an international court, lead by American judges that they had lost the right to any respect and are just a "criminal organization" and being a member is sufficient to make one a criminal (1949 ruling: proceedings reported in the "Green Books")... So please no capital "n". The ruling made it clear that there is no possible prescription to this condamnation.
Thanks
Magic is the art of emotionally sharing live impossible situations
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Larry Barnowsky Inner circle Cooperstown, NY where bats are made from 4770 Posts |
"Have her watch the great actors - film or stage - so she can see that acting is not confined to the voice. There is an amazing scene in the classic "Marathon Man". Lord Laurence Olivier plays a nazi and his character is torturing Dustin Hoffman's character with a Black and Decker type drill to the teeth. The scene does NOT show the drill being used on Hoffman's character. What you see is Olivier's face. You see the eyes of the cold predator when you look at that scene, and Olivier's look is FAR more chilling than any special effects could EVER convey."
Vlad, More importantly, Is it safe? :eek: |
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Lawrence O Inner circle French Riviera 6811 Posts |
Thks Larry
Magic is the art of emotionally sharing live impossible situations
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Big Daddy Cool Inner circle 1604 Posts |
I just read Beyond Deception by Tobias Beckwith. It's a quick read with tons of great stuff to help you harness your own creativity. Check it out!
Oh, and my own book THeatrical Magic ain't too shabby either! |
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Hansel Inner circle Puerto Rico 2492 Posts |
Beyond Deception by Tobias Beckwith
Maximun Entertainment by Ken Weber
Follow Me...
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/Hansels-Comedy-and-Magic-Show-929625643774678/ Youtube: HanselSP Twitter: @HanselSP Instagram: HanselSP |
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magic4u02 Eternal Order Philadelphia, PA 15110 Posts |
Foundations is an wonderful book covering off on character and presentation and the building of an act. Wonderful reading.
I also have a ebook out covering off on character and creativity in your magic. You may want to check this out as well if you have the time. It may be of help to you. My pleasure. Kyle
Kyle Peron
http://www.kylekellymagic.com Entertainers Product Site http://kpmagicproducts.com Join Our Facebook Fan Page at http://facebook.com/perondesign |
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Ugly Phil New user 38 Posts |
'The Alchemical Tools' by Paul Brook was such an important book over the past year for me. It really got me to ask questions of myself as well as realise some of the more psychologically important aspects of showmanship and deception.
Changed the way I perform, and I don't perform 'tricks' any more. |
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corpmagi Special user New York 725 Posts |
Strong Magic (Ortiz), Maximum Entertainment (Ken Weber), The Real Secrets of Close Up Magic (David Stone). The Exceptional Presenter (Koegel)
A Modern Trade Show Handbook
www.trafficstoppers.com/handbook |
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AaronishMagic Special user 635 Posts |
Strong Magic, maximum entertainment...
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