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keeblem Inner circle Essex, UK 1167 Posts |
In the old days when Mark Leveridge's "Magic Party" was my bible - I use to follow the advice of "set up in 5 minutes and all props can fit in an ice cream tub".
This of course is still a valid way to work (and perhaps I should have another show that fit in with these requirements), but these days I have added more and more to my show (back drop, banners, big colourful props (thanks Chance and Creative!) bubble machine, lights, etc, etc, etc) that I now require a good 30 minutes to unload and set up (when doing the full 2 hour party). And of course I then have to break it all down again - which can be a real pain when you've got another party to zoom off to. How long does it take you guys? Mark |
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Ken Northridge Inner circle Atlantic City, NJ 2392 Posts |
Oh boy, here we go again! This has been discussed before and it seems there is a fair amount of passion behind this issue. This could easily turn into a “Pack flat vrs. Big prop” debate.
For the record, I’m with you Keeblem. I think when entertaining children you need to throw a lot at them (big colorful props, music, animals, etc.), which for me, demands at least a 30-minute set up time, a little more for larger shows. Some people in this forum have found a way to completely entertain children with a very small set up. I’m jealous, and the older I get the more I admire you folks and want to join your side. Some background reading material: http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......forum=17 http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......forum=17 http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......forum=17 Let the debate begin!
"Love is the real magic." -Doug Henning
www.KenNorthridge.com |
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Red Shadow Inner circle 1788 Posts |
My 1 hour show takes 10 minutes.
My 2 hour show takes 20 minutes. However these times can be increased depending on how far my car is parked from the venue, and how many corridors and doors there are blocking the way. The two-hour show requires a whole disco set-up which just takes time, there is no getting around it. I did buy a powerful boom box, which I hoped would speed up the entire process but even at 50W, it was not powerful enough for most parties and the image it portrayed was that I was doing it on the cheap. In the end, I opted to set-up all the proper equipment at my shows because it impressed the parents and potential future clients. I can do a show out of an ice-cream tub, But I doubt I’d ever be hired again. I watched Jozo Bozo’s Milking DVD, where his entire show was out of a briefcase. I would never hire him for any of my shows, ever. Not that there was anything wrong with what he did, but he turned getting into costume as the opening of his show. He set up the table as a trick. It just seemed like he was cutting corners too much and ruining the party. The client expects to see a magician and when they are paying top dollar for you, you better put on a show with big props. |
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Dennis Michael Inner circle Southern, NJ 5821 Posts |
Like Ken,
I'm a prop guy and I look like a classic magician. I too, take 30 minutes, minimum.
Dennis Michael
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TrickyRicky Inner circle TrickyRicky 1653 Posts |
I'm a small prop guy,pack small play big.
Takes me about 5 minutes to set up. TrickyRicky |
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Michael Messing Inner circle Knoxville, TN 1817 Posts |
Twenty minute set up but I ask for 30 minutes. I don't like being rushed. (That's for a birthday party or library show. I have more elaborate shows that include illusions and those take longer.)
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harris Inner circle Harris Deutsch 8812 Posts |
Depending on the show...from 5 minutes to 23 and 1/2 minutes.
As in Santa...check your set up list twice..... if you want your show to be nice
Harris Deutsch aka dr laugh
drlaugh4u@gmail.com music, magic and marvelous toys http://magician.org/member/drlaugh4u |
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kimmo Inner circle Sheffield 1193 Posts |
I'm a five minute guy now but I used to take 30 minutes. As long as you (and your clients) are happy with your show and you allow enough time, I really don't think it matters. It's all about the performance and let's not get into a which is best?, big or small props? discussion again because what works for one doesn't for someone else.
I do however find that a lot of schools are using the hall when I arrive and I can only get access to my performance space 5 to 10 minutes before showtime, particularly at Christmas. When I had a more elaborate set up that meant setting things somewhere else and carrying it through - a bit of a faff and another reason I cut down my set up.
VISIT MY ONLINE STORE!: www.kimmomagicshop.com
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MrGreggy Loyal user 213 Posts |
My show takes anywhere from 1 minute to 15 minutes to set up. Depends on if I'm using the backdrop, sound system, etc.
My entire show is in a small steamer trunk that I carry in. It opens up, I place my sign on the front, open the compartment inside with my props, and I'm ready to go. For larger shows I set up the backdrop behind me, which takes about 1-2 minutes. The sound system, with sound checks, takes about 5-10 minutes. If I'm doing the "Balloon Extravaganza Show", I arrive an hour ahead of time, set up the stage (about 15 minutes), then begin inflating the balloons I'll be using in the show (usually 100). I think that as long as the audience is entertained and the client is happy, it doesn't matter if you have a show out of a briefcase or you back up an 18 wheeler to the house. I've seen Jozo Bozo's show, and the children have a blast. To think the client would be disappointed because there is not a room full of props makes no sense to me. Laymen have seen plenty of magicians on TV and in person who work with few visible props. It's all about the ability of the performer to entertain the audience, not the ability to move props around and display what they do. |
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Chance Wolf Inner circle 2425 Posts |
Due to being rooted in my shop day after day, I need some inspiration and change. So I have decided, after a DECADE of not performing, to get back into performing for both adults and childrens parties. Thank God for the Café as I have learned SO MUCH from you guys when it comes to Birthday Parties etc!! I plan to have a combination of 1-2 larger props and the rest "Pack Flat/Play Big" effects.
Of course I will spend the next 6 months developing my show but I hope to have my set up time down to 15-20 minutes max. I think I can get it in quicker as I HOPE to have my wife Shelley helping out! She will make a cute Balloon Twister I just gotta convince her to practice twisting balloons for the next 6 months! I do not think Kimmo could have stated it any better... "As long as you (and your clients) are happy with your show and you allow enough time, I really don't think it matters." There is absolutely no need for a nasty debate on this topic. This is a simple matter of preference and personal perception of their own show. Good Magic and Good Night! Chance
Creator of Wacky Wolf Productions & Fine Collectibles
A DECADE of building Magic and we're just getting started! http://www.wolfsmagic.com |
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Dynamike Eternal Order FullTimer 24148 Posts |
My regular act (one hour) is approximately 30 minutes. I have a lot of props. The bigger props are my animal illusions, Chair Suspension stand and backdrop supplies.
I dislike taking a long walk to the basement in the big homes. I do have a new 1/2 hour act with no animals put together (because of the economy). It takes about 10 minutes to set up. |
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Mind_Magic Inner circle The Sunshine State USA 1252 Posts |
My regular 1 hour show takes no more than 10 minutes to setup. When I arrive at the show location, everything is ready.
It is time enough to setup my sound system, 1 table, 2 containers with props and 2 big stage illusions. But my leaving time / reset time is at least 20 minutes! Also it is very important to notice how long takes to pack and reset your show. |
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jackturk Elite user 463 Posts |
My standard birthday party / family show takes me about 2 minutes to set, 3 if I decide to use my portable PA. Everything is brought with me in one trip.
--Jack
"59 Ways To Recession Proof Your Entertainment Business -- FREE!"
http://www.GetLeadsLikeCrazy.com "How To Make $25,000 a Year Doing Birthday Parties Part-Time" http://www.magicmarketingcenter.com/birthdayPT |
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ColinDymond Special user Gloucestershire, England 675 Posts |
I have some big props, thanks chance, and puppets, thanks Ax. But I now have big cases, they are a bit heavy but it means that I can just open the cases and work although I like to have 20-30min to set some of the props on a seperate table and put up a backdrop and pA.
I think the backdrop makes the biggest difference in the look of a show, it turns a front room into a theatre!
Colin Dymond
www.aceofdiamonds.co.uk |
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The Great Smartini Inner circle 2280 Posts |
I take 45 minutes to set up my school assembly show. Backdrop, sound, other electronics, props including some small illusions. I does take me two trips to the car but on the positive side of things it keeps me in good shape!
jeff |
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Alan Munro Inner circle Kentwood, Michigan, USA 5952 Posts |
I typically setup in 15 to 25 minutes, depending on whether I use the chair suspension or not. But, I've been known to shave a few minutes off of those times, if it's a very busy day, by bringing preset duplicate props.
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rossmacrae Inner circle Arlington, Virginia 2475 Posts |
When I was still working: zero.
Come in, sit down, unzip my bag (with ample material to entertain while all that was occurring) and (as I'd mumble to myself just before ringing the doorbell) "let's give 'em hell." Teardown time: Also zero. Once it's used, it goes back in the bag (away from little fingers) and I'm ready to leave. Portable PA? Nothing against those whose circumstances demand one, but I'm old school ... I was taught to project. |
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solrak29 Special user NY Metro 936 Posts |
I take 15 minutes to setup which inludes my medium prop setup including my sound system. I'm sure if I organize better that I can half that time.
I say medium prop because its not big nor small, but once I get my back drop I'm sure you can say that I am a big prop guy minus the live animals...
To Find Me On The Pitch, Follow me :On Twitter
Checkout my pseudo blog : The Sidewalk Performers Forum "I intend to live forever, or die trying" - Groucho Marx |
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TonyB2009 Inner circle 5006 Posts |
I walk in and start, unless it is a big gig needing a sound system. My 75 watt PA just needs to be plugged in. For really big venues (300 in a hotel) I have a 400 watt system that takes about fifteen minutes to unload and set up. But the magic is still walk on and start.
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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Tony James Inner circle Cheshire UK 1398 Posts |
The time will always depend on circumstances.
If you are a one hour show in and out and you are busy doing three or four shows each day of the weekend, then you are confined only by travel time and get in and set up times. So you have to cut it to the minimum. That doesn't mean cutting out the big and impressive. It does mean finding the practical big and impressive which will set quickly. There is an old show business adage: give the punter something to see for their money. On the other hand, if you offer a two hour party then two of those is the most you can expect in a late morning and afternoon period. The travel pressure isn't as great. So you have more times for setting. And if, for whatever reason, you are only doing one show a day then you set in your own time, generally speaking. You don't have to do it in a couple of minutes. Coming from a business when at Christmas I used on a December Saturday to do a minimum of six half hour shows, starting with the first at 12.30. and the last at 5.30 plus travel from one venue to another, I learnt very quickly how to set in under one minute. Using a Su Table it was in, overcoat off, remove the table cover, raise the top to position and lock, reach in and remove the opening effect and start. Quick as that. I had my young daughter Jennifer with me who took the used effects from me, reset them so that at the finish I had only to return the final effect to the Su Table, place her reset items in, close the top and cover, put on my overcoat and depart. Jennifer had already done the most important thing - she had collected the money! As a consequence I find I set up speedily and accurately when under a bit of pressure, even self imposed. That works best for me. I do dislike it when I have too much time, people interrupting to talk and a too relaxed, casual approach because then I always make mistakes, which one only discovers too late! Thank goodness it isn't just me. I know many pros who say exactly the same.
Tony James
Still A Child At Heart |
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