Greetings!

I have a Mismade Illusion that I had built by some professional carps and painter. It's about 20 years old and still in great shape and works quite well, from Osborne plans (and a little A K Brill thrown in). The bottom box still uses a cloth and 2 separate (). Most dancers have no problem picking this up. Others, well it can take a while and it still is challenging. I have been (finally after all this time) looking at modifying and streamlining this operation. I have a number of ideas, but I am looking for some feedback here from someone with perhaps similar experience. Obviously, I don't want to reveal too much here. But any feedback would be most appreciated.

Magically yours,

I used a Paul Osborne mismade many years ago in his park shows and we had all the same issues. One assistant had done the illusion the year before in a different park and couldn't remember how she positioned herself. We all sat down during rehearsal and just figured it out. It took about 20 min. and then another 5-6 runs to get her speed to match the music. My "backup/day off" assistant picked it up but had to find a different position because her legs were longer.

I wish I could tell you that's there's a universal easier solution but in most illusions I've owned every assistant has a favorite position in most every prop, including what's going to be best for her feet not to "fall asleep" which has happened!

Best of luck!

Makeupguy,

Thanks for your response. I know exactly what you are talking about as I have done this with many different dancers over the years. We ended up making some cuts / modifications to accommodate different girls. What I am trying to pursue is to make the "things" into a "thing" that can pivot, hinge, drop, fold, etc. into place to simplify the operation and learning curve. I have even looked at making the bottom into a 2nd or 3rd box operation and use choreography to make the routine happen. I am just exploring as many options as possible before picking up the hammer and saw.

Again, thanks so much for your help.

MagicalMotivator

PM me and I can describe a solution that I have used before. Personally I like the method from the Osborne plans, and that was always our preferred approach, but I have used a single unit gaff before.