|
|
Deviess New user 5 Posts |
I am faced with a problem of performing a Teenage show, speaking on why teens should not do drugs, sex, or violent crimes. I have also done this for the past 5 years with the same school with just one grade level. This time, because of my popularity within this school, I am performing the aforementioned program for the entire school in a 7 day span. I was asked to do magic but not the same magic that I’ve been doing. I have also been given restrictions on what type of things I can do, (NO Cutting in half, No Making heads disappear. No this No That. Now that I’ve said all of that, Are there any illusions that you would suggest, even if I do have to cut a person in half, I will deal with that. The board of education believes that children will just happen to have a big box and try to cut someone for real.
I’ve done sponge balls, ropes, cards, sharp shooter, etc. I am looking for something to take them over the edge, as this year I am attempting to conduct a funeral with the magic, speaking on what happens when you don’t follow the house, or school rules. Any help is much appreciated as the shows begin in Sept. I will have to begin building and purchasing items for a new show now.
ATOM
|
Pakar Ilusi Inner circle 5777 Posts |
Good thing you're trying to do, my top hat off to you!
My advice, in general, is to NOT start with the effect first. Start with the SCRIPT first. Hopefully, the effects are then narrowed down a little according to the needs of the script. This will make your (and our) job of thinking of the effects less "random"... Just a thought... Again, good thing you're trying to do there, bravo...
"Dreams aren't a matter of Chance but a matter of Choice." -DC-
|
Deviess New user 5 Posts |
There is really no script, as I am given different information each day concerning issues for the day. I generally have the illusions available to perform as I need them or by having certain item in place and work myself up to that point. It's basically an Impromtu Illusion Show. Where I am going to have to use Illusions, and not sponges, or close up items. You really must wear my magic hat to understand what I have to go through.
But I am working on a "Script" or at least an idea of where I want to start. If it was an act, fine, but the teens come in with question and I begin the show based around their questions.
ATOM
|
Eldon Inner circle Virden, IL 1137 Posts |
WOW! How hard is that. As far as to what type of Illusion to use, it sounds like you will need to go with productions and vanishes. They have you really limited. When you think about it, most of your large Stage Illusions are actually torture effects.
|
Deviess New user 5 Posts |
I am tied down alright, But the youth seem to believe that I can do it. I considered an illusion by Jim Jim Steinmeyer which is cutting a box into 5's and when its reassembled, the assistant is not harmed. I considered using a lightweight teacher and doing that routine with poster boards. I guess that would be a different approach and stated that no matter how much trouble we're in or the number of problems we have we can always get help. Atleast that way no blades, just a Paper cut. (ha Ha)
Any other ideas surely helps.
ATOM
|
GuySavoie Loyal user Tampa, FL 242 Posts |
Here's an idea: perform the classic spirit tie. As you are tied up, talk about how "bad item X" ties you down and limits your options.
If you perform it with a hoop of cloth and an adult spectator inside the hoop with you, you can talk about all the bad things that can happen to you (when cloth hoop is lowered, messed up spectator's hair, ruffled clothes, etc.) But when you don't use "bad item X", you are only limited by your imagination. (You are now wearing the sport coat.) And as you are untied, "Don't tie yourself down with bad choices. You are free to make smart choices... etc." --- Guy |
DougTait Elite user Sebring, FL 492 Posts |
How about buiding a large square circle and using it as a running production throughout the show?
Fill it with props that you anticipate could be used to illustrate impromtu topics, questions. You have a tough assignment and I hope other Café members can help you out.
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men [and women] to do nothing."
|
Deviess New user 5 Posts |
Great Ideas, I'm working hard at putting this together, and I received another call from the group today, but I had a show and missed the call. I will get with them tomorrow after my shows.
Thanks with all the ideas, They are truly helping me with out.
ATOM
|
0pus Inner circle New Jersey 1739 Posts |
Using magic to get these points across can be a very difficult job.
Stan Davis, a social worker and magician in Maine, in explaining why he shies away from escapes in his programs, has said, "Getting out from under an addiction is a long, painful, and uncertain process that owes more to dogged determination over a period of years than to sudden magical breakthroughs. We must, I believe, avoid at all costs giving the impression that giving up an addiction to tobacco or any other substance is easy, quick, or exciting." Stage illusions that show a person mutilated but then magically restored may well convey the same conflicted message. For those interested, Stan's thoughts on creating message-based magic are at: http://www.cary-memorial.lib.me.us/msgmagic.htm Stan has also written a short book, "Using Magic To Prevent Drug Abuse: a book about changing minds and lives with magic." It is available from him directly at: http://www.cary-memorial.lib.me.us/book.htm 0pus |
GuySavoie Loyal user Tampa, FL 242 Posts |
I respect the work Stan Davis put in to his own message based magic. I really do. It is thoughtful, and it may highlight an approach that resonates with other performers.
I also happen to disagree with his generalized view on escapes in similar programs. But thankfully, that's a strength of a free society. I was a little concerned about the conflicted messages in his own essay, though. I do not want to hijack this thread to argue, but if interested, please PM me. --- Guy |
magic4u02 Eternal Order Philadelphia, PA 15110 Posts |
I would suggest doing a spot card or what's next. This could easily be done to a patter that talks about how your judgement and sight is impaired when you abuse drugs or alcohol. just a thought.
Kyle Peron
http://www.kylekellymagic.com Entertainers Product Site http://kpmagicproducts.com Join Our Facebook Fan Page at http://facebook.com/perondesign |
Deviess New user 5 Posts |
Thanks Guy, I was wondering how to word exactly what you said concerning Stan Davis report, as I have ready over it several times, even visited his site.
I am finding each day to have a twisted added as, now I will not have access to a stage, and have not been told how many students I will have at a given time, since they do not sit on the floor at their age. I am still spinning my wand attempting to get other ideas, thanks for all of yours its definitely helping. The Spots I can't do, as I have done before, with the same scenerio, and I can't do anything that I've done before. Thanks for the ideas!!! You guys are great!! Party at my place when this is over! :stuckinbag:
ATOM
|
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Grand illusion » » Teenage Substance abuse, Sex and Violence (0 Likes) |
[ Top of Page ] |
All content & postings Copyright © 2001-2024 Steve Brooks. All Rights Reserved. This page was created in 0.04 seconds requiring 5 database queries. |
The views and comments expressed on The Magic Café are not necessarily those of The Magic Café, Steve Brooks, or Steve Brooks Magic. > Privacy Statement < |