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voh002 Special user 547 Posts |
Quote:
On 2011-02-17 11:51, Patrick2409 wrote: I second Colin McLeod's Opening Minds dvd. Many nice rutines both to stage and close up. |
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edh Inner circle 4698 Posts |
Dr. Eamon, above, makes a valid point here.
I guess the question to be asked when purchasing effects would be...is it "seemingly" impromptu or is it "impromptu".
Magic is a vanishing art.
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Rocketeer Special user Westchester, NY 965 Posts |
Independently of John Eamon I have come up with what I think are useful distinctions among "impromptu" effects that I hope would become standard terms of art.
1. Truly Impromptu. You can do it in your swimsuit. That is, just by conversing with someone. 2. Semi Impromptu. These effects fail the "truly impromptu" test because the do require objects. But, importantly, these are common, everyday, unprepared (i.e., ungaffed) items that many people might have either on their persons or in their homes or offices: a deck of cards, pen and paper, Post-it notes and so on. If the object needed can be provided by the spectator it's a Class 2 impromptu effect. 3. Pseudo Impromptu. These effects require the use of objects that credibly look ordinary, like a special wallet, pen, coin, a particular type (ID, Sv3ngali etc) deck of cards or something but which may be totally gaffed. OR they require the performer to use some object or device that the spectator never sees, and who will therefore tend to perceive the effect as being impromptu. I believe if we adopt this convention we may be able to head off a lot of arguing. Type 1, the "pure" impromptu effect isn't the only kind. I think it would be useful to extend the definition to types 2 and 3. That way we can easily keep the distinctions. The ID, for example, IS an impromptu effect. It's just that it's a type 3, not a type 2 or 1. Anyone second the motion?
I'm selling my hardcover autographed limited edition copy of Jerome Finley's "Thought Veil"
PM me for info. |
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Dr. Eamon Inner circle ------------John Dream------------If you can Dream it, you can Do it! 1313 Posts |
@Rocketeer
In my opinion your options 1 and 2 are both Impromptu, it does not matter if I need some items that are easily available. I just takes a little more time. Your option 3 is Seemingly Impromptu. Best, John |
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Dr. Eamon Inner circle ------------John Dream------------If you can Dream it, you can Do it! 1313 Posts |
@All readers
We have to keep it as simple as we can, IMPROMPTU and SEEMINGLY IMPROMPTU Both definitions are easy to remember and even more important, also very clear to anyone who didn´t read my previous posts! Best, John |
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Patrick Redford Inner circle Michigan 1751 Posts |
Quote:
Impromptu: I'm happy to report that all of the items in the Shape Series (Triangle, Square, and Heptagon so far) all fall into the above category. Also, as mentioned above,most of the work on the Prevaricator DVD does as well. To me, effects that can be preformed without any props of any kind are very interesting, but effects that use borrowed items can have more more of a hook. It leaves subjects with physical reminders rather than just fading memories. |
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mastermindreader 1949 - 2017 Seattle, WA 12586 Posts |
If you've memorized your lines, practiced the necessary moves and learned your routine in advance, is it really impromptu when you perform it? (Or maybe we're confusing "impromptu" with "extemporaneous"?
Here's the complete passage from "The Impromptu Psychic" that was the source of the ad copy on the Lybrary site: If a violinist improvised a stunning solo, would it be not be classified as impromptu because he brought his own violin with him? Quote:
From - Webster's Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language: “Impromptu effects” are often described as those that can be performed at any time or place without any preparation. If taken literally, such a definition results in an impossible problem, for the very process of learning impromptu effects and techniques obviously constitutes “preparation.” Lack of any prior preparation, therefore, is not a requirement for “impromptu” performance. Another restriction often imposed on so-called impromptu effects is that they must not involve any special props or articles not normally found in an impromptu environment. While there are theorists – mostly amateurs – who insist that impromptu effects are those that could be performed naked on a desert isle – we often overlook those things that CAN be found almost anywhere. Recently, I discovered a very interesting web site called “Willa’s What We Carry Page.” The webmaster, presumably Willa herself, asked her predominantly female readership to send in lists of the things they normally carry with them. The results are surprising and very illuminating. Here are some samples: Quote:
From http://www.willa.com/things/ Visit Willa’s website and you will find page after page of similar lists. While interesting in a sociological sense they also serve to prove that among any group of people – particularly women with purses, you are likely to find all of the props you would need to put on a full evening’s performance! Pens, pencils, paper, currency, coins, credit cards, cell phones, and reading material are, as you can see, among the innumerable items that can be found anywhere. (Except, of course, on the proverbial desert island – a place that you are unlikely to be concerned with performing magic tricks and mentalism anyway.) As to “special props” carried by the performer – the artificial restriction often applied in definitions of “impromptu” overlooks two fundamental facts about professional mentalism and magic: 1. A professional performer is “on” whenever he goes out in public. The things he wears and the things he carries with him are the things that, as a professional, he ALWAYS carries. The reason why he is always ready to perform is summarized in the next fundamental fact. 2. Impromptu effects are probably the MOST IMPORTANT effects a performer will ever do, for they are the ones that will spread your reputation and get you bookings. To my mind, the essence of “impromptu” – and its true meaning as far as professional mentalism is concerned – is revealed in the Latin root of the word: In promptu esse: to be ready The ability to improvise in order to take advantage of particular situations and/or to substitute makeshift alternatives for unavailable properties is invaluable and should be cultivated by any thinking performer. But the real secret of professional “impromptu” work is this: Seemingly impromptu mental effects are among the strongest you can do. The apparent lack of preparation is what makes them seem real. But never forget that it is the illusion of impromptu, and not its reality, that gives such effects their impact. “Impromptu” does not mean unprepared, nor does it refer to the ridiculous notion held by many that to be truly impromptu the effect must be something you can do anywhere, anytime, even if you happen to be totally naked. (There is only one routine that I know of that meets these conditions, but if you do it anywhere you run the risk of being arrested.) Impromptu, more sensibly, refers to the effect on your audience. The effect should either SEEM to have been improvised (the illusion of the first time) or to have been an apparently spontaneous happening. It's all appearances. The illusion of impromptu is much more difficult to achieve on the stage or in a formal performance setting, but it can be done. (Unless you are performing that strange hybrid called "strolling mentalism" - in which case it is nearly impossible to achieve the illusion of impromptu because the performer is obviously performing prepared routines - often consisting of the same effects - for contiguous groups of people.) On stage, the illusion of impromptu is achieved by making it seem that the performer has broken from a set sequence or script to improvise ad libitum. Good stand-up comics are masters of this technique - when you see them for the first time you will get the feeling that a good part of the act was adlibbed based on circumstances and audience response. But, if you get to see the same comic perform four or five different shows over a short period of time it becomes clear that most of what was done was all part of a prepared script - not always the same script - but one kept in reserve for use in a particular circumstance. You should pay particular attention to the things you always carry with you, be it a stack of business cards, thumb tip, billets, prepared watches, pens, wallets, keys, etc. As long as none of them are obviously props whose only purpose is to perform an effect, they are all legitimate ingredients to creating the impromptu illusion. That being said, I have, nonetheless, included a few effects that actually are possible to do at almost any time or place - for use, presumably, in the other oft cited problem of what to do if all of your props are lost or stolen - but not, I am afraid, without preparation. There is no such thing. __________________________________________________________ Good thoughts, Bob |
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jdmagic357 Special user 737 Posts |
If one learns the basics of mentalism as outlined in Corinda's 13 steps, they will have an infinite source of impromptu material at their disposal for the rest of their careers.
Just cause they say it, doesn't make it true.
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parmenion Inner circle Switzerland/Zürich 3988 Posts |
The only one thing is impromptu for me is my brain.
Otherwise impromptu doesn't exist in mentalism/magic.
“I love talking about nothing. It is the only thing I know anything about.”
<BR>Oscar Wilde experimentaliste <br> <BR>Artist pickpocket Professional <BR> <BR>Looking for the best book test in French? send me a PM! |
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BugMaster New user 15 Posts |
"In promptu esse: to be ready"
Boy that says it all doesn't it. Great thoughts Bob ... Thanks for sharing so much! |
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mastermindreader 1949 - 2017 Seattle, WA 12586 Posts |
BugMaster-
You're welcome! parmenion- I love it! "The Man With the Impromptu Brain!" |
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bobser Inner circle 4178 Posts |
Most of my mentalism is believed to be totally and completely impromptu. That's what practice and rehearsal does.
It's kinda' like when someone says: "Huh, parrot fashioned sales talks. You can spot 'em a mile away." Of course that's not true. The complete parrot fashioned sales talk OR rehearsed impromptu effect will never seem to be anything other than a cold talk or performance. And, of, course, will always appear beautiful. Regards, bobser (alias; The Swan)
Bob Burns is the creator of The Swan.
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phantomtollbooth New user 26 Posts |
Having just attended a Colin McLeod lecture a few Sundays ago at the Magic Apple here in Los Angeles, I'd like to suggest two additional effects in the seemingly/prop-needed category: his bookless book test (need a small gimmick that easily fits in a pocket) and his impromptu book test (can be done with any book; he would meet journalists for interviews in book store and have them select any book from the shelves). (Not at home to list titles, unfortunately.)
Can't think of any completely prop-free effects, as even equivoque requires a prediction (written or an item) and/or a piece of paper and writing instrument. Although I'm relatively new to this world, so listen to Mr. Cassidy first. Hell, always listen to him first |
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Sven Rygh Inner circle Oslo, Norway. 1945 Posts |
Corinda
WWW.SVENRYGH.NO
"Keep it as simple as possible, - but no simpler" http://www.svenrygh.no/sven-rygh/presse/nrk-forst-og-sist/ http://www.svenrygh.no/video.html |
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Moderncelt Veteran user Twin Cities MN 343 Posts |
I'd have to mention LifeSavers by Micheal Weber. Granted, most of them are what some are refering to as Pseudo-Impromptu because they require set up ahead of time. However there are several you can do right off the cuff if you are caught flat footed.
That said, I agree with Bob (no suprise there) that you are giving the illusion of an off the cuff "hey show me something" effect, even though you have prepared for it well ahead of time. I believe it was Andy Nyman, (it was on conversations with Mind Readers) when going to a new city for performance, would take out a personal add in the newspaper in that city, then if he was asked to show something to a reporter, the reveal would be right there in the paper. Now it wouldn't happen every time, but when it did, it was a reputation maker. |
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Zebaztian Special user The Netherlands 655 Posts |
Quote:
On 2011-03-16 10:00, Moderncelt wrote: I was a bit disappointed about LifeSavers. Which routines (or pages) do you think are worth re-reading? Which routines do you think are convincing enough to change my mind?
My mind reading routines: http://www.basjongenelen.nl/goocheltrucs/. Scroll a bit down to the English routines.
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thementalcoach New user Sacramento, CA 64 Posts |
So true! There's no substitution for timing and presentation, especially when things just seem to "occur" to you (and the audience buys it).
Quote: On 2011-02-23 14:25, bobser wrote:
David Kenward - The Mental Coach
One-on-One: Healing Trauma - Hypnosis, Hypnotherapy Groups: Magic, Mentalism Sacramento, California http://thementalcoach.com |
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Logan Five Inner circle Northern California 1434 Posts |
When I have nothing on me, I really like to do Enrique Enriquez's Invisable Tarot.
You will need a working knowlege of the major arcana. His routine allows you to do a tarot reading without a tarot deck. It's an e-book so you can Google it. I love it, it's fun to do.
Self concept is destiny..
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RobDeGroof New user Belgium 7 Posts |
When you know The Swan (Bob Burns) you can do some great impromptu mentalism.
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Jon_Thompson Inner circle Darkest Cheshire 2404 Posts |
Well-prepared is indistinguishable from impromptu. As long as your act doesn't need any equipment, that is.
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