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Al Angello Eternal Order Collegeville, Pa. USA 11045 Posts |
Chad
The symptoms were a direct indication that I had heart problems. I was short of breath, I had constant heart burn, my feet swelled up, so my wife called the Cartologist because she thought I was going to have the big one.
Al Angello The Comic Juggler/Magician
http://www.juggleral.com http://home.comcast.net/~juggleral/ "Footprints on your ceiling are almost gone" |
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Regan Inner circle U.S.A. 5726 Posts |
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On 2009-06-06 15:10, Decibel33 wrote: All of us kidshow magicians are.....unless we juggle. Oh, I forgot....kidshow magicians can't juggle. Good to have you back Al, and I'm glad you are feeling better!
Mister Mystery
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Potty the Pirate Inner circle 4632 Posts |
A good puppet routine beats a live rabbit production hands down! You still have a cute animal, the kids and parents know there's no cruelty, because it's a puppet -and your "pet" can do all kinds of tricks, tell jokes, etc.
A rabbit, as has been said, is what 99% of folks think a magician will pull out of a hat. So do something a bit more original and entertaining. A live rabbit is NOT entertainment, it's just a way to get a bit of reaction, because we all know that most kids like furry animals. The rabbit police will hunt you down, allergy sufferers will suffer, and all for the sake of having an easy ride? Your rabbit won't though, I know of so many magicians' rabbits that have died on the road. I even heard of one that was dead when the production was made. Great. Get a puppet, it's what real magicians do these days! Potty |
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Powermagic Inner circle 1437 Posts |
Look, this is not a debate about what has more entertainment. I use a puppet, and a marionette and they are ENTERTAINING. But there is little chance a straight jacket escape or puppet show is going to get the GASP ore WOW VERBAL reaction from the group.
While I like your suggestions I asking more about the effects that get similar verbal responses as when a dove or rabbit appears. Another example I am shocked no one has given is fire. Fire flashes get an ooh and ahh and of course young people love fire since they can not play with fire. However I figure it was not suggested since many do not use fire in kid shows. Card or coin productions could get that reaction I guess. As far as cards go, most shows I do have people sitting left, right and down low. Yesterday I had people sitting BEHIND me as well. So far all I have come up with are some things that are not always practical where the day might have more than one show and set up pack up and travel make it hard to put in OR room size/type/venue, audience layout limit what you can do. There must be other effects out there that produce that WOW reaction as soon as the kids see it like when a bird flutters out or a rabbit appears. To keep the topic on topic, I remind this is about effects with the VERBAL WOW reaction that it would appear some adults will view as talent. If you did not read the original post, there seems to be some clients that perceive a live animal production as TALENT just because you have one and it gets a loud verbal response and happy kids . As the little girl in the Jon and Kate plus 8 clip yells "It is a REAL rabbit..." as 20 hands rush in to grope the bunny. I am really not asking to debate if a live animal is a way to get high marks for doing little or if a live animal is cruel or live animals are entertaiment. SOrry but the facts are that at some level of shows, and since it is in our history, live animals are welcomed and enjoyed just for them being themselves. Kids go home and say "He had a bunny!" People have always given more money or higher marks to people who have live animals since they have feel it takes more work to produce something alive. I am not here to debate that either. What I know is that when comparing 10 magicians on a booking site. If all else looks equal, they will take or even pay more for the guy with the live animals 99% of the time. However there may be other effects that a client might feel required more talent or will be pleased when the kids are audibly amazed. Many effects are fun and entertaining but not audibly amazing. ANd I do not like to limit to kids since I am family style. So I want the adults, the ones who ultimately rate on booking sites and on line phone directories, to at least THINK they are seeing talent even if it easier than they think it is. I will say that I am getting 4.5 out of 5 in the talent scores over all. Maybe some would say I should be happy than that. But I have seen others on this booking site that are really lower quality in the entire show but with the only thing I do not do is the live animal. I feel they are getting higher marks just for having a LAP. (live animal production) So if for the sake of argument assume the audience thinks a balloon to bunny or a dove bag is talent, do you think Talent=skill IN THEIR minds. Are they looking less for the ooh ahh from the audience and expecting to see manipulation? That is, if you did a rapid production of anything, say feather flowers and parasols, is that up the view of whether they see you as more talented or skillful? |
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Chad C. Inner circle 1522 Posts |
You are seen as talented and skillful if you entertain their kids at the party - if it's a family show, it's if you entertain the family - laughter, jokes, fun! That's what will make them happy.
By the way, fire does get a great reaction. Even before you light it! |
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Powermagic Inner circle 1437 Posts |
Chad I understand and agree with your statement. I usually impress the adults when I can have 20 kids sitting quite watching me set up. The parents will all of a sudden stop talking and look for their normally loud kids.
They will comment how quite they are. I face the adults and take a bow telling them that is my greatest feat! Fun is had by all. But again you are confusing the entertainment with perceived talent or skill. Lets focus on that and not what we know is really talent or skill but what THEY do. And lets focus on discussing the effects that have that WOW factor when the kids see. I do a great ring routine. It is enjoyed. But the kids are not oohing and ahhing. Here is an example with a prop builder and Café member using live animals. I would like more audibles like that. Not for me. It is for them. To show them something that makes them exclaim like that means they were "amazed" not JUST entertained. This is a reason I call myself a magician. (vs clown, juggler, entertainer.) I fell I have plenty of great middles. In larger shows I might bring along a chair suspension but in the home party to - restaurant shows, that is not always available to me. Thus why I posted. To see what this community has to say about other effects that to most get a positive verbal reaction of amazement and wonder. |
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Ken Dumm Inner circle 1241 Posts |
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On 2009-06-06 20:46, Al Angello wrote: Al, Your wife's a smart cookie. Glad to hear you followed her advice and saw the doctor. Great reading your posts again... Ken |
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Rock_Slatestone Regular user Been Here A While But My Post Count Is 120 Posts |
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On 2009-06-06 12:50, Al Angello wrote: Heck, why have any props then, throwout your magic wand, your colorful costume or suit. Why not just show up in jeans and a t-shirt. "Save the magic coloring books, save the world!" Your act is what you make it. If it works-use it. If you are entertaining your audience then be proud of that fact. If your getting bookings who cares if you use empty hands or bunnies, or sponges, etc. |
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Al Angello Eternal Order Collegeville, Pa. USA 11045 Posts |
Ken
thanks Rock There are thousands of tricks that you can do that are very entertaining, but if you are exactly like all the other magicians you will never blow anyone's mind. Powermagic Kids start to scream at the first sight of my juggling torches, way before I dip them into the fuel, or light them up. My torch routine is 9 minutes of screaming and cheering.
Al Angello The Comic Juggler/Magician
http://www.juggleral.com http://home.comcast.net/~juggleral/ "Footprints on your ceiling are almost gone" |
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Regan Inner circle U.S.A. 5726 Posts |
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On 2009-06-07 05:17, Potty the Pirate wrote: Potty, I have to disagree with you on some of the points you made. A rabbit is more than just a way to get a bit of reaction. At least, that's how it is with my routines that include a bunny. I do not simply say, Ta-da" and make a rabbit appear. My routines are quite involved, and there are tons of bits of business and surprises along the way. My routines are very fun, surprising, and original as possible. That is how I try to make all of my routines, whether or not a rabbit is used. I feel that everyone is making a mistake by classing all rabbit routines as unoriginal, or as just a way to get a reaction, or an easy ride. Couldn't we say the same about a puppet? Or anything for that matter? I have seen some puppet routines that are horrible. Does that mean we should say all puppet routines are bad? I imagine that most every type of animal as well as every prop that has ever been used by a magician has had a lot of bad presentations. As far as rabbits dying on the road, or being produced dead, I don't know. I have heard of one case where an air conditioner went out on a car during a trip, and a rabbit died. I have heard of doves and goldfish being D.O.A. I would never put my bunnies at that kind of risk. Unless I have an assisitant that is working backstage, I always make my rabbit production early in my show. As I said before, I know there are bad cases, but that is with any animal owner. From what I have seen, most magicians love and care for their animlas much more than the average pet owner. I know I would never place mine in a risky situation. If the show is outdoors, or too hot, or too far, etc, I will not include my rabbit in the show. I just cannot understand why some of you seem to have such a negative reactio the use of rabbits. And, I think everyone should know that caring for rabbits, coming up with original routines, and using them in magic shows is no "easy ride". Owning a rabbit requires a lot of extra time and effort, before, during, and after the show. I think I could find something a little less time consuming and troublefree if I were looking for an "easy ride".
Mister Mystery
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Ken Northridge Inner circle Atlantic City, NJ 2393 Posts |
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On 2009-06-07 08:16, Powermagic wrote: Powermagic, I’ve read your posts very carefully and I think I understand what you are asking. But why are you so dismissive of the above suggestions. As a magician, I’ve always though that the straight jacket escape was very boring, but if my friend Chad says it gets a great reaction, I’m reconsidering, and I’m about to fire off a PM him to steer me in the right direction with a straight jacket purchase. Its all about the audience. What do they like and talk about? I open with a mouth coil, nothing original or exciting, just the standard mouth coil. Years later, kids will come up to me and say, “I remember when you pulled all of that paper out of your mouth. How did you do that?" If that’s what the audience remembers then that’s what I will do! Obviously, the disappearance of the Statue of Liberty would beat the rabbit. But as a matter of practicality, we must consider what is reasonable. I think a rabbit is hard to beat, but I’m open minded and listening to my most respected friends to respond to this question. Powermagic, you’ve asked a great question.
"Love is the real magic." -Doug Henning
www.KenNorthridge.com |
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TonyB2009 Inner circle 5006 Posts |
If you are looking for the WOW factor I get it three times during my show. I get it once when I eat a 260 balloon and produce a mouth coil. That is early in the show and establishes my bone fides as a magician.
Surprisingly I get the second WOW for the Professors Nightmare, which intrigues me because I do not consider it that strong an effect. The third and final WOW comes when my talking dog makes his appearance. I get re-booked for the dog alone. If you take out a hat and produce a rabbit there is no surprise. You are not getting a WOW. You are getting a ahhh! They are responding to the cuteness of the rabbit not the magic of the production. So leaving cruelty issues asise I am still not interested in adding cute animals to my act. I preferr to use strong routines that get a genuine reaction.
Check out Tony's new thriller Dead or Alive http://www.amazon.co.uk/Alive-Varrick-Bo......n+carson
http://www.PartyMagic.ie |
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electric.ceu Regular user I can't believe I have 130 Posts |
It's funny (really it's hilarious) how many people have responded as if it's a choice of either being original and entertaining by using, mouth coils, a puppet, professor's nightmare, and audience participation or take the easy way out and produce a rabbit. Why can't we do all of these things?
Timothy James
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Chad C. Inner circle 1522 Posts |
When I bring out my straitjacket it gets ooohhs and ahhhs, then when I bring out my chains, they get even more ooohhs and aaahhhs, and when I escape with the kids counting down 10,9,8,7, etc. I get a spontaneous standing ovation from many of the kids who jump all the way up to their feet cheering!
Of course, flash paper and a snake production also get a great reaction, but I think my straitjacket gets the loudest...I think... Chad |
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Dynamike Eternal Order FullTimer 24148 Posts |
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On 2009-06-06 10:24, Al Angello wrote: I agree with Al. Focus on two performers about to do a show. One is highly experience with his talent. The other performer is nonprofessional, but he uses a rabbit. The guest will be pleased with the first performer. I am talented with or without animals. The reason I started using pets in my show is to receive more calls from advertising. I receive calls for repeat shows when my clients see the way I perform. A lot of times when I arrive a parent/child ask me, "Did you bring the animals?" The answer to what "animal" kids will enhance more than a rabbit is a kitty. I used a kitty in my shows in the past. The only problem is he does not stay that way. I am already using a Drawing Board. I am working on puppets too. Juggling is something else I am working on. I want to cover all four corners so I will receive more first time bookings. |
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Potty the Pirate Inner circle 4632 Posts |
I was confused by the reference to bunnies. clearly you don't want to know anything about bunnies, you want to know about tricks with the "WOW" factor. That's different. I've never been able to bring myself to gasp at any bunny production, though I'm sure it's easy enough for some 5-year olds.
But a well-rehearsed "Silk through Ring" is pretty darn good. (Need a good reel with a brake, to do it well) Or water in newspaper vanishing cane appeaaring cane Miser's Dream Etc...... I think that thread has been done to death :) |
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Al Angello Eternal Order Collegeville, Pa. USA 11045 Posts |
Dynamike
I'm surprised to hear that from you because although you customerilly wear a red silk suit you also work with several lovely assistants, and we all know the power of the female body is. I look forward to meeting you at Colon, Mi. in August Potty The bunny is all about the WOW factor, and it is my belief that you can attain WOW without using animals. My $.02 worth
Al Angello The Comic Juggler/Magician
http://www.juggleral.com http://home.comcast.net/~juggleral/ "Footprints on your ceiling are almost gone" |
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BScott8870 Loyal user Texas 230 Posts |
Axtell's Drawing Board gets a great WOW reaction everytime I have used it.
Vanishing Ketchup Bottle also get a big WOW, even from adults. Square Circle production of various items ending with a Spring Puppet works great. Die Box routine when the box vanishes gets a great WOW reaction. Dove Pan with flash paper and some sort of production. (I use Axtell's Bubba BullFrog always gets a great reaction too) Even a simple trick like D'Lite gets a big WOW reaction from the kids. We don't need to use live animals to be great entertainers...A magician with great people skills, polished patter and funny routines will beat out a live animal magician every day of the week and twice on Sundays IMHO.. :) |
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Potty the Pirate Inner circle 4632 Posts |
Put it like this - when kids come and chat to me after a show, they often tell me of other magicians they've seen. I will ask what their favourite trick was that the other guy did. Most often, they can't remember any of the tricks. Sometimes, they will remember the rabbit appearing. So my next question is: "Do you remember the name of the magician?" No kid has ever remembered the name. I guess rabbits don't wow kids so much in my area! I'd rather make sure that my show impresses the kids enough that it becomes the "talk of the playground", and that kids remember my name.
Some of my friends still use a rabbit, and they have the market covered for the few parents who actually want a rabbit production. But Brighton is a very forward-thinking city. Most parents would prefer NOT to see live animals. And the entertainment factor of a puppet, as I've said, is in another league to a rabbit production. Though, there are clever ideas such as turning a rabbit vent puppet into a real rabbit, or starting with the real rabbit, turning the rabbit inot a puppet, then at the end he goes back to being a real rabbit. That works if you really want to haul a small animal around with you all the time?! Not for me!! Potty |
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Dynamike Eternal Order FullTimer 24148 Posts |
The bunny gets a big WOW reaction in my shows. I put my dove(s) in a blammo box. When the blammo box falls apart the bunny appears. Kids get excited. Kids come up to me wanting to touch my pets (doves, bunny and chinchilla) after my show. I do take pictures of the birthday child and family with my rabbit, and print them out on the spot: http://s38.photobucket.com/albums/e150/D......ictures/
The trick I perform that is most memorable is Misers Dream: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yl9TdvSi8Sc Al, I have started magic over 30 years ago. You may not believe this but I never been to the "Abbotts get together" yet. I always keep up with my paid shows instead. This is going to be my first time going to Colon, MI. The reason I am going is to see you and Bob Sanders. Please bring me your autograph. |
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