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Pakar Ilusi Inner circle 5777 Posts |
From what little I've observed (live and on TV), there seems to be three basic performance styles when illusions are incorporated. (Of course, these are broad divisions but they've helped me routine my performance easier.)
- Performance to Music Usually highly choreographed dance-like performances to music. Seems to be popular among illusionists nowadays, IMO, as all the top illusionists seem to adopt this style more so than the other two. - Theatrical Performance Style Very similar to a play or sketch/vignettes. Sometimes silent to music, other times with dialogue. The performers treat it more as actors would in a play. Copperfield was famous in the 80's for bringing this style into the public's eye though he surely wasn't the first to embrace it. Magical plays are good examples of this style. - Audience Participation Style As the name implies, the audience participates in this type of performance. IMO,these can sometimes be the strongest examples of illusions as it seems to have the audience member's presence serve as a "validation" that everything is "fair" onstage. Again, my divisions are wide brush-strokes, if you may, and I would like your input on what other styles of illusion performances there are that may not fit into these categories. These division of styles also apply to stage and even close-up magic but I would like to discuss the illusion aspect of it. Just to add, I would include Mega-Illusions (such as Copperfield's Statue of Liberty's Vanish and other such illusions) in one of these categories. Would love to know what y'all think.
"Dreams aren't a matter of Chance but a matter of Choice." -DC-
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JamesinLA Inner circle Los Angeles 3400 Posts |
Good breakdown. I love doing the theatrical style. Are there any videos of Copperfield's act? Thanks.
Jim
Oh, my friend we're older but no wiser, for in our hearts the dreams are still the same...
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James Peters Veteran user Romford, UK 385 Posts |
I prefer a combination of "Performed to Music" with "Audience Participation"
I get people up to check the stuff out, set-up it all up, then crank up the music! James. |
Pakar Ilusi Inner circle 5777 Posts |
Thanks JamesinLA. I actually had the good fortune of finding a whole VCD set of Copperfield's TV Specials. Recorded off the TV though, some weren't that clear. Doesn't include the latest Special though.
I'm in Malaysia btw. Thanks for the input JamesPeters! I like that approach! Might give it a go!
"Dreams aren't a matter of Chance but a matter of Choice." -DC-
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Alex Tan Loyal user Singapore 290 Posts |
I got those VCDs as well and they are not too hard to find right here in Singapore.
Alex Tan
www.alexthemagician.show |
Pakar Ilusi Inner circle 5777 Posts |
Problem is that JamesinLA is, well... in LA, while Alex, you and I are all the way here in South East Asia! I can't seem to find the VCD set anymore though. Strange.
"Dreams aren't a matter of Chance but a matter of Choice." -DC-
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