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CdnAndrew New user 80 Posts |
Hey Everyone,
I'm looking to get back into the swing of things after roughly 9 years away. Any suggestions on where to start? Part of my problem is that I have memories of the effects I used to perform, at the high-level, but no longer the dexterity to perform them. As well, I've long since forgotten the presentation I used to use, but am pretty confident that there was no flow 'illusion to illusion'. I'm aiming to put together a sensible routine (close up effects) that 'is' me; I'm not looking to create much of an alter-ego. So far, I've been brainstorming general themes and topics to explore in my presentation and including ideas for effects that will emphasize the ideas. Of course, this process prolongs the hands-on work, and I wonder if perhaps it's worth while to learn something again, anything, that I can perform for people. Any thoughts, words of encouragement, or places to start? |
SlipperyPete Loyal user 218 Posts |
Knowing what I know now and if I could start over again. I would focus on easy to do yet great magic. (when in the title of thread you see phrases like 'the pass' and clipshift' DO NOT OPEN THOSE)
I would go with some of the following Daryl's Fooler Dooler series Johnny Thompson's set--what a great performer AND teacher (if you like classic stuff like Vernon, Malini and Leipzig.. you WILL love it) Daryl's Card Revelations #1 Greg Wilson's In action #1 Quite a few tricks from these are on youtube |
The Burnaby Kid Inner circle St. John's, Canada 3158 Posts |
There's a good group of magicians in Toronto that you might want to hang out with.
http://www.magical.com/
JACK, the Jolly Almanac of Card Knavery, a free card magic resource for beginners.
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tedski Special user New Jersey 792 Posts |
Do you keep any books/references for tricks from when you used to perform? Just pick two or three effects that you like and really learn them and perform for some people
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CdnAndrew New user 80 Posts |
I have all my stuff still.
Library consists of: Card Stories (Ariel Frailich) Modern Coin Magic (Bobo) Tarbell 1-8 Magic of Eddie Fechter Magic of Michael Ammar Simon Says (Simon Lovell) Stars of Magic Quarks and Quirks (Ben Harris) Alas, DVDs were not out in full tilt when I left, and VHS were a pain to find stuff on, so I just have books. |
tedski Special user New Jersey 792 Posts |
Ok - you have some great stuff to work with!! Although I have dvds and books, I think you are better off leaning towards the books so you don't mimic somebody elses presentation. I think somethings might come back to you quicker than you think!
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The Burnaby Kid Inner circle St. John's, Canada 3158 Posts |
Sorry, I think I gave a bad website before.
Here's the Facebook page for Friday Night Magic: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2239614839
JACK, the Jolly Almanac of Card Knavery, a free card magic resource for beginners.
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ottphd Loyal user 243 Posts |
To me, its like riding a bike. As a child I road all the time. Now that I am much older I have taken up bike riding again. The basics were still there but now I am riding at a higher level.
So will go your magic. to achieve greatness you must put the time in. There is nothing you can not achieve if you put the time in to it. Remember, have fun! that's what it is all about. |
Flamel New user 42 Posts |
The bike analogy makes sense. Blow the dust off the books and I'm sure your memory kick into overdrive.
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BCS Inner circle 1083 Posts |
Andrew,
I did the same and returned 2 years ago… I found that much has not changed; the old stuff still works. I have caught Cup fever and now collect Cups for The Cups and Balls, a routine I only dabbled in before my rebirth. The big thing I found was the internet has taken over and most BM magic shops are not the same as I remember them. Good luck, Bruce |
DWRackley Inner circle Chattanooga, TN 1909 Posts |
I spent nearly two decades playing with other toys, only to find that my first love was the best. I do have to do some things differently now, but part of the fun has always been finding out what works for you.
While I still work (hard!) on getting the sleights down, now it’s more about the presentation, engaging the audience, and having fun. Once I know what I can (and can’t) do, I run through programs in my mind, seeing myself going through every nuance. After a few of these “mental” shows, a routine just starts to develop. You know what’s logical, because you know what you yourself would enjoy seeing. If a cane effect leaves you holding a pair of scarves, do something with that. Make a coin disappear? Think what’s the craziest place you can make it reappear! Also, I’m less afraid to try new stuff now. I’ve never worked with animals, but my son has a pet white mouse. I don’t want to copy Lance Burton, but I am starting to think that mouse just might fit into a Silk Cabbie…hmm? Or maybe a Devil’s Handkerchief? It might need to be something other than a mouse, just to avoid the similarity. But the idea is to THINK! What works for you? I’ve taken a couple paid gigs now, which is fun, but it really (re)started last year just by doing the Professor’s Nightmare for my son’s Cub Scout Pack. I’ve been going to the same church for ten years, in a fairly “visible” position, and you wouldn’t believe their faces the first time I floated a tissue! The main thing is to have fun with it. And Welcome Back! Don
...what if I could read your mind?
Chattanooga's Premier Mentalist Donatelli and Company at ChattanoogaPerformers.com also on FaceBook |
tjaymagic New user 85 Posts |
BCS, I did the same, I came back to magic after 16 years, and rather than start afresh, I bought items that I used to own (and lost due to moving house 1 too many times!) The previous items where bought from a large toy shop in London and due to some of the packaging, you can't use these in front of strangers!
This meant that I was able to ease myself into magic again, and have found that it is like riding a bike (so I have been told, as I can't ride one!) By the way DWRackley once you've performed a mouse trick, you could make a kitty appear...just like Davenport did with his topit!
hey... ... what is this signature saying about me?!
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stijnhommes Special user 568 Posts |
The obvious place to start would be your old books and props. You might've forgotten your moves and presentations, but rereading old material will most likely spark your memory.
As for where to go, I have no clue. You want to do stuff that is you, but I don't know who or what you are, so I can't possibly recommend something without more information. |
coolini Regular user australia 176 Posts |
If I'm to start magic again, I would start with a cups and balls routine and a coins across routine. Once my hands relaxed with these props, all other props are easy.
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Jake Mogul New user 3 Posts |
I always recommend self-working magic to people who don't yet have dexterity to pull of sleights. Two books that I really like and that my customers seem to be loving too are Card College Light ( http://www.magicmegastore.co.uk/card-mag......ght.html ) and Card College Lighter ( http://www.magicmegastore.co.uk/44-card-college-lighter.html ).
Whatever you do, good luck! |
Bob Sanders Grammar Supervisor Magic Valley Ranch, Clanton, Alabama 20504 Posts |
Andrew,
It looks to me like you are full speed ahead. Welcome back! Bob Sanders Magic By Sander |
James Alan Special user Toronto, Ontario 680 Posts |
Quote:
On 2009-09-22 00:20, Andrew Musgrave wrote: Andrew, Sorry I didn't notice this when it came out. Thanks for the shout-out. J |
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