Are 1.75" billiard balls big enough to be seen in a 300-seat auditorium? I have white Fakinis, but I am concerned that people at the back will not see much magic happening. Any experience out there?

Thanks

John

Hi John. I too am from an imperfect land...

As to the billiard balls. I used them for quite a while at 1.75". However, through experience, I learned that larger balls do play better. I think the 1.75" ones were adequate for an auditorium that size, but 2" or 2 1/8" were better. I personally feel that it is a lot better to use a larger ball, but it takes a lot of work to get used to a new size.

:)

Even though bigger is better, the smaller size will work, but you should make an effort to make your actions crisp and precise, so the balls are displayed in a "freeze-frame" mode, when you want the audience to notice any change in quantity or location. Also be aware of the background the balls are displayed against, whether that be the backdrop or you.

Mr. Baker should know. He knows everything about multiplying balls. He is the first person I saw do the routine in a trench coat to some cools music.

Bairefoot

Yes Mr.Baker is a great manip of balls. I think there is a tape of his act treanch coat you can buy from a Birmingham SEAM, his act was way before its time.Anyway, background and LIGHTING are most important..Cordially,Howard

Howard where can you get the tape. Is that were I won one of the competitions. I would to see if they have my act on it. thanks

I agree in that a larger ball size can help. However, I also have used the 1.75 inch size for auditoriums of that size and it has played very well. I do also feel you have to be aware of the contrast of the color ball against any background and also your costuming.

Kyle

Thank you for all your responses. As you can guess, I've never done the balls in a room this size, so I'm a little nervous. Fortunately, it's not for quite a while yet, so I have lots of time to get ready, and to make sure that I pace and frame the appearances and disappearances appropriately.

Thanks again.

John

Sounds like you are asking the right questions John and taking the right approach as well.

Kyle

I'm surprised you guys remember that act! I was given a copy of my act only. I don't know who would have the master tape.

That theater is about 500 seats. Those balls were 50 mm red wooden balls (I probably should have used white). Some of the moves came from Shimada's video. That was some hard s * * * to learn!

For what it's worth, the worst show I ever performed was in that same theater! Ha-ha!

Awww I also have the Shimada videos and I still perform many of the moves it. I really love some of his ball and silk work. Great stuff thta adds diversity to any billiard ball act or routine.

Kyle

How many do you have? You may need a lot to fill a auditorium that size.

Just kidding. LOL

I think with the right color, you will be fine. White and the neon green fakini's are probably the most visible on a black stage

1.75" is a good size that is visible in an auditorium performance. Of course the bigger the ball the better it is but is the bigger ball suitable for you. Would it be too big for you to handle comfortably. Since you already have them in white color, then it is ideal. Don't worry about it, go enjoy yourself with your routine.

I think when you get to 500 seat auditoriums, it's important to upgrade to a bigger size as they look like marbles from the back. For 300 seat theatres you should be fine.

Eddie

The best thing to do is buy another Fakini set 2 inches and work ith them. Then you can tape the same routine with the two ball sizes, may be from the back row of the theater. Then you compare.

Best,

Soleil

I have done a billiard ball routine for many years . I personally use Fakini 2" white balls. When watching my act back on tape I notice the balls look much larger than they are. I have realized over the years it is because they are white. White balls show up much better for large audiences. So a smaller (than 2" ) white ball will still work for the size audience you are asking about.