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johndraws Loyal user Danville, Illinois 202 Posts |
I was invited to entertain at a party this past weekend. I only knew the host, Dave. The crowd where thirty somethings and up. The party had over 200 people. I was the strolling magician. Once I got into the room..., I have to admit at first I was a bit uncertain about where to start. Bill Malone's advice to get a group was ringing in my head, as it always does..., almost like Yoda. The question was where to start..., the front..., the back..., the middle..., near the bar? I wanted to proverbially creep in, and slowly take them over. Not announced..., because I knew he (Dave the host) would see me and then announce to everyone who I was, and why I was there. I like the element of surprise..., but actually being announced (eventually) was great too. It cemented the fact that I was there for a purpose.
Going back to the beginning..., I figured I would start with a man standing against the wall..., just to work the beginning of the night jitters off. A few tricks into it, and I started to witness people take interest in why I had cards and such. I was warming up and my confidence was soon in full mode. It felt right to start strolling. So I did. As I moved on..., an obvious drunk man, very friendly..., thought I was someone else. He was with a small group and it was an open door. I am glad I walked through. This group just made the rest of the night go even smoother. It was first base if you will. The spot was perfect, the whole room would see us, but we were not in the way. As I oohed and aaaahhed them..., people gathered..., and many took notice across the room. They started introducing themselves, I would show them something and half shell shocked from what they seen, they invited me to their tables to show their friends, where eventually I performed small sets. The folks that watched were so impressed they could hardly guess at what had taken place. The ladies would look at the men for answers, and they would turn and say, "I have no ****** clue how he did that." They expected probably to see card tricks, cup and ball routines, rope tricks..., and instead I offered a few diddies that were mixed with mentalism. The mentalism part pushes them over the edge. I heard someone say that mentalism is the last frontier. The last thing in magic that people think might possibly be real. Some people do..., some people don't. Even the ones that don't are equally impressed, because they can't figure any of it out. As I moved from table to table, the reactions just literally got better and better. Once the end of my time hit (I actually stayed another hour past my time)..., I was leaving, and the ticket girl Dee (as I mentioned in a previous post) was very disappointed that she missed my material. So I did a little set for her (and missed the Invisible deck card routine, I personally couldn't and still can't stop thinking about it). The best part for me beside the great reactions and hand shakes..., was one trick. It was soooo unplanned, and it was that one in a million thing that never happens. I was doing a name prediction card trick, and she was disturbed because her ex husband's name was the same as my prediction. She was actually taken back by it. Now, her date wasn't to happy with me..., but her account of what happened just magnified what I had actually done. Proving again that what they think they seen or heard is just as important as what they really do see. Luke Jermay has gone in great detail (as well as other mentalists) to teach people how important the little things are..., and how much more they can amplify your effects... so true. As great of a night as it was, this event made me realize how badly I want to stay away from parties..., bars..., etc., as a performer, even though the reactions were great, and feedback was more than positive. Even though there were people who would have never gone to see a magician..., did get to see one, and apparently loved it. The bad is..., I feel more comfortable in my own table situation. I rather adapt to the people for the evening, and move when I want to..., and not change settings every few minutes. That is just me. More Parlor than stage..., come in this room and check this out. It isn't about the angles, or flashing, or any of that..., I think it's more about controlling the environment. I was desperate to hear the feed back from Dave. Here was his response in his forum. I was pleased. Quote:
OMG! We had a fabulous magician that did close up magic! He left people disturbed, he was so good! I heard so much about the tricks, and mentalist magic he performed. Very Cool! |
Mediocre the Great Inner circle Rich Hurley 1062 Posts |
Congratulations on a job well done. Strolling magic is a lot of work! But I think the results are worth it.
You talk about controlling the situation - it's that lack of control that becomes fun after a while - the interruptions, the strange people and situations.... Dealing with these challenging situations bring about serendipity and will result in new routines, bits of business and new patter! Some of my best lines came from hecklers! Performing strolling magic in chaotic settings is "miracle grow" for your magic. I encourage you not to give up so quickly. Tough it out. I think you will enjoy tremendous rewards!
Mediocrity is greatly under rated!
-------------------------------------------- Rich Hurley aka Mediocre The Great! www.RichHurleyMagic.com |
nonvpro Inner circle 1844 Posts |
I agree strolling magic is a lot of work! Once you master strolling magic, everything is pretty easy.
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johndraws Loyal user Danville, Illinois 202 Posts |
Thanks, that means a lot.
As far as my "Own" table comment...what I really mean is I don't like the feeling of a door to door salesman when I perform. I am not an illusionist in terms of large props, however, I like the feeling that people visit my booth, table or set up. I even enjoy interacting with small groups. I just prefer not to move my act around. I feel the reactions are about the same. The first regular magician account I had been booked on a regular basis...I had a table I worked from. I invited people over as they walked by if I didn't have a crowd, occasionally walking a few feet away when I wanted to reel them in. No noise, no interruptions, no overpowering music, nothing but me and the spectators.... I enjoyed that "our" time. When I say I like controlling, I don't mean I am not inviting spontaneity..., or unplanned circumstances. That is one of the highlights of my last event. I agree totally with all three of you. So, it is interesting that even in the light of a good time and very pleasant feedback, I want to move away from what I am good at. I know what I like... I know what I am good at..., and I am morphing into something, but not positive of the end result...just the direction. Which leads to your question, what market will I enter? I like painting my own canvas. I definitely will not chose to do food gigs. I prefer to be the attraction, and not the hired help. That may sound pompous..., and to a degree I recognize it is. I want to put on show. How exactly I will wear that hat is undecided. I am doing just that tomorrow night...and I will definitely post my thoughts. Thanks for the feedback!! I am very happy I found a place to talk about this. |
S2000magician Inner circle Yorba Linda, CA 3465 Posts |
Quote:
On 2009-01-27 17:48, nonvpro wrote: I'd whole-heartedly agree if you excised work and inserted fun. Oh, and good job, John! |
johndraws Loyal user Danville, Illinois 202 Posts |
Quote:
On 2009-01-27 16:23, Mediocre the Great wrote: I don't disagree with what you stated. I find much of this true. Even though I am new here, this example was not my first time strolling. It just seems like something is missing. The excitement to perform is there, the material is there... I just need to decide what my next objective will be. I want more than just knocking them out. Not sure what the "more" is though.... I love magic..., but I am positive strolling is not my ultimate objective. Not saying I willnever do it..., just trying to figure out what I want. Once I do..., I am sure I can get there. Has anyone ever felt that way? Thanks for the response. Quote:
On 2009-01-27 19:56, S2000magician wrote: Thanks..., and yes, I do agree..., it never feels like work. I find it quite natural to talk to a group. It just doesn't seem like as large of an accomplishment as I am after..., more soul searching. |
Jumbopenny Loyal user Bay Area, Northern California USA 257 Posts |
John,
I hope you figure out what your real desire is. Sorry I can't help you with that, but hope you can help me. I perform a couple of short "mentalism" routines, but mostly sleight of hand magic. I'm looking to include more close up mentalism, but most seem to be more magic than mentalism. Not sure if it's just my perception. I will probably post in the mentalism boards later, but since you seem to be having success I thought I'd ask what type of effects are you performing. Best Wishes. |
johndraws Loyal user Danville, Illinois 202 Posts |
JUMBO..L et me know which threads you are discussing these things on..Also PM me with what tricks you are currently doing. I would be happy to talk shop. Thank you for asking!
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