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wahkao New user 24 Posts |
Patter to warm up unwilling to volunteer audiences
I am working on stage routines which will involve volunteer audiences. I want audiences to open up and willingly volunteer when I ask for volunteers. Like when I ask for someone to come up on stage to check my props, I want people to raise their hands up. I will be facing tough audiences where people usually keep to themselves. Its part of their culture I do want my audiences to feel happy and not be obligated to come up for performance. And when they come up, they are here to have fun, and share the credit for making the trick work. Anyone can recommend good patter/script to warm the audiences up and make them more willing to volunteer, or any material to teach something along the line? |
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IDOTRIX Elite user Darien,il 467 Posts |
I usually do a little patter at the beginning of the show to let them know that I will be asking for volunteers to enhance the show.
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SpellbinderEntertainment Inner circle West Coast 3519 Posts |
Volunteers, or their family and friends, have often been made to feel less than human and like garbage due to insensitive “funny” magicians and comedians. People are also shy, being on stage has been ranked as the number one fear-- after number two, death. So it can be hard.
The key is in your opening introduction and statement it must contain the following: 1) Who you are 2 Why you are there (the intent of your magic) 3 What they can expect from the evening 4) That you may INVITE some to your stage 5) That you will NOT embarrass or make fun of them 6) That you RESPECT them and know it takes courage This opening statement must be: 1) In your own words, and inviting 2) Very brief, say no more than about 30 words 3) Be delivered in a sincere way I do a brief introductory effect while I’m giving my introduction, when I invite the first participant up (I call them participants rather than spectators or volunteers) I go down to the audience to get them and guide them to the stage (usually without touching them.) I ask them to introduce themselves -to everyone -with their first name I try to let the first one be seated as they are more comfortable, I seat them at a 3/4 turn so the mainly face me, away from the audience, but can still be clearly seen. After they assist (not help) I present them with a small, but meaningful token (gift) while thanking them for their participation and guiding them to their seat. This process sets up your personality and style, assuring the rest of them that it will be a safe and fun adventure when they raise their hands to join you and see the magic first hand, or actually in their hands. I know this seems like a lot, but if you practice and do it smoothly it really takes only a very few minutes of stage time, and really sets you up for success during the rest of the evening. I know the “big guns” here will jump in and say all kinds of things about this being horse-pucky and that it’s overblown and over careful, but it’s worked like a charm for me for over 30 years of sometimes difficult shows, so at least give some thought and give it a try. Magically, Walt |
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IDOTRIX Elite user Darien,il 467 Posts |
Great advice. Years of trial and error wrapped into a few paragraphs. We made the mistakes first, now you get to learn from our mistakes.
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Fábio DeRose Inner circle San Paolo, Brasile 1477 Posts |
I highly recommend Bill Abbot's Five Card Opener fr this. Together with Spellbinder's tips you'll get the full pack, there will be no way people wn't love ya.
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Ray Pierce Inner circle Los Angeles, CA 2607 Posts |
Great advice... just remember your actions will speak more than words ever could. People are pretty perceptive to things like this so treat them well and they will return the favor.... unless they're drunk then all bets are off!
Ray Pierce
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Guy Barrett New user 8 Posts |
I cant remember who I saw do this first but it does work for getting a gentleman from the audience, do your research first by watching your audience coming in so you know who is with each other. during your act go up to the gentleman and introduce yourself to them, welcome them to your show, ask them to look at an object from the trick ( i.e. one of the restraints from a sawing in half ) ask if they are with the lady sat next them and if they say yes ask the lady if you can borrow their husband / partner, they always say yes and the man always comes with you onto stage because their girlfriend/wife has given a sort of OK / I want you to go to their other half.
and as Ray says treat them well |
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wahkao New user 24 Posts |
Anyone have youtube videos , resources or links to share that shows how magicians deal with unwilling audiences?
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jcsum Loyal user Singapore 217 Posts |
Audience Management by Gay Ljungberg and Ken Weber's Maximum Entertainment might be books that you want to look at.
Everyone's advice is great! One thing not mentioned yet is the audience profile and your status/ age/ cultural difference etc in relation to them. Each audience can be different and it is experience that will teach you how to coax an audience member up willingly. The experienced performer's above will be able to handle all those situations. It is difficult to give a whole list of "techniques" but if you give them a specific situation, they will sub consciously be able to handle it. Since my audience's are generally very culturally diverse, with folks from the US, Europe, Middle East, India, Asia, Australian and many times all in the same audience, sensitivity is the key. Some things I do: - Never call an audience member on stage for the very first act in your show. They don't know you yet and need to get comfortable before even considering being up with you on stage. - Perform a mass audience participation type routine to get interaction with all the members of the audience. Of it could simply be a humourous Q & A bit. This warms them up but also allows you to see who are the more participative ones. - Go down to the audience to invite the person up as opposed to asking the person to come on stage from the stage. - Ask the audience if they would like to see that person up on stage by way of applause. You are being "evil" and using peer pressure to coax them on stage. But be sure this person is not super shy or obviously scared. It works well when the individual is game but a bit reserved about leaving his/ her seat to come on stage. This will tip the favour in your balance. - If you have a pretty partner or assistant and are looking for a male volunteer, "use" them to get that guy on stage. A guy is usually unlikely to decline an invitation from a lady. In all these years, I've never seen my partner, Ning, ever be declined by a guy for her own acts. Hmmm... on the other hand, I.... - I also always state, before they even leave their seat, that I will not embarrass them in anyway. J C
J C Sum
Project ONE: The Solo Illusionist http://www.SoloIllusions.com The World's Largest Free Online Illusion Resource http://www.IllusionBooks.com The World's Most Comprehensive Resource on Kabuki Drops http://www.MagicKabukiDrop.com Creating Highly Successful Entertainers http://www.BackstageBusinessAcademy.com |
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wahkao New user 24 Posts |
Jcsum
very sensible tips I will note them anyone else has other patter or tips to share? or a youtube video? |
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wahkao New user 24 Posts |
Any more tips?
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wahkao New user 24 Posts |
Hey Jcsum!
I saw you on the newspaper today! Straits Times, Life section so glad to see you here haha The problem with Singaporean audiences is because Singaporeans are typically passive not so talkative |
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John Taylor Regular user Australia 136 Posts |
Basically don't make a big deal out of it and your right Ray Pierce actions will speak loader then words.
Just walk in the audience just saying words along these lines... Now it's time to see who we have in the audience. (you don't really want to tip them off that you need a volunteer yet until your off the stage and looking around) Then once you have walked around looking for someone good (someone smiling and generally looking like they're enjoying themselves) But I don't normally get anyone up that wants to come up as they will normally try and steal the show... Only if I have to, normally these people can be managed but your flown will be different. I normally ask their partner or friend of the person I wish to get up if there a fun guy or if it's a lady I'll say what's your name (Julie) you would be perfect for this please give Julie a round of applause she's coming up on stage as I take her hand and lead her up on the stage. Or there's that line -put up your hand like this Yes you can come up onstage... Basically there's a million different lines and ways to get someone up on stage but only experience will give you the tools to make a person feel comfortable or as comfortable as possible;) Not many people want to come up on the stage only kids normally or girls that like you;) Timid or quiet people can sometimes work real well also if you have the comedy or act to make it entertaining. Basically only working experience and lots of shows will make audience management effortless to a point where you can just about work with anyone you get up, but of course your skill in picking the right people will help make your show more entertaining to the audience. What a person looks like and is wearing will also give you clues or add to the comedy on stage as you can really get good millage out of a funny looking person or their clothing. I don't mean taking the **** out of them but there tons on lines about people shirts, ties, etc I always find it easier to pick people not on a formal night as I see people as they are in their normal clothing, not dressed up all looking the same in a tuxedo. Could keep going for hours on this but have gotta do some work, good luck with it. Cheers, JT |
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ssucahyo Inner circle 1954 Posts |
Good advice, I will try it with my new electric chair...
hahahahaha |
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SpellbinderEntertainment Inner circle West Coast 3519 Posts |
J C Sum Wrote:
“- Ask the audience if they would like to see that person up on stage by way of applause. You are being "evil" and using peer pressure to coax them on stage. But be sure this person is not super shy or obviously scared...” “- I also always state, before they even leave their seat, that I will not embarrass them in anyway.” ------------- Since this is not my personal style I have to disagree: --You can’t “be sure” if a person is shy or scared, some hide it well, and you don’t know them, and they’re away from you in the audience. --Peer pressure can be an awful and negative thing, peer pressure is what bullies use in grade school, it can be truly an “evil” thing and force a person’s will. --If you state “I will not embarrass you”- after using that technique, it is too late, you have already embarrassed them, and lost audience trust. --A long time pro *may* know how to handle this with some grace, but fairly inexperienced magicians also read this forum. My Two-Cents, Walt |
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SpellbinderEntertainment Inner circle West Coast 3519 Posts |
JT Wrote:
“What a person looks like and is wearing will also give you clues or add to the comedy on stage as you can really get good millage out of a funny looking person or their clothing. I don't mean taking the **** out of them but there tons on lines about people shirts, ties, etc. ” ------------- Once again I have to strongly disagree: --A person’s look or style is their personal choice and reflects what they think about themselves, and how they perceive themselves. No one likes to have a mirror turned on them. --Even “gentle” humor, getting laughs at the expense of their dress or appearance, is hitting below the belt. It does them no good, your audience no good, and you no good. --It is, even if done tongue in cheek, with a smile on your face, egotistical and demeaning to them, when they’ve been kind enough to help you. They are not “millage” but a human being with feelings. My Two-Cents, Walt |
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jcsum Loyal user Singapore 217 Posts |
Walt makes excellent points. Anyone reading "advice" from anyone needs to ensure it fits them, their audience, culture, experience level etc. While we share our "do's" and "don't's", they will not work for everyone and every audience.
Thanks for putting it into context Walt!
J C Sum
Project ONE: The Solo Illusionist http://www.SoloIllusions.com The World's Largest Free Online Illusion Resource http://www.IllusionBooks.com The World's Most Comprehensive Resource on Kabuki Drops http://www.MagicKabukiDrop.com Creating Highly Successful Entertainers http://www.BackstageBusinessAcademy.com |
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Dennis Loomis 1943 - 2013 2113 Posts |
I quickly read through the thread and didn't see this idea: Talk to some spectators before the show and line up a helper or two before you start. Be friendly and polite, and don't insist if you would rather not... just go on to someone else. If you are polite and friendly you shouldn't have too much trouble getting some one to agree. Get their name and note where they are sitting, of course.
Dennis Loomis
Itinerant Montebank
<BR>http://www.loomismagic.com |
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Sam Sandler Inner circle 2487 Posts |
Hey guys and girls great topic here.
here is my take on this. first the majority of my shows are family oriented there fore filled with moms dads and lots of kids, I do however perform quite a few corporate gigs as well. but here is my take for my family shows I never bring up an adult in the first 4-5 routines I do however bring up a kid after my 3rd effect and use them in a really funny routine. this does 2 things - at this point they now know me a little bit as I have talked with them and shared some of who I am and what I do 2nd parents love watching their kids have fun and the kids love watching me be silly so now every one is loosened up. I get volounteers 2 ways first kid- I say I need a kid volunteer and I go into the audience to get one second kid I point at and ask to join me on stage 1st adult is a dad and I ask the audience for a dad volunteer to come up on stage and have some fun with me. when the dad gets to the stage I approach and my sound guy kills the mic and I quickly say to the dad that we are going to do some silly stuff for every one you good with that? with his handshake and face as well as what he says I know if I am good to go or not. when I get a female volunteer I actually leave them in the audience I go to them and perform the effect in the audience with her standing so every one can see. I guess the point here is to make your audience as comfortable as possible and let them see that WE are all here to have some fun and NOT at the expense of some one in the audience. of course feel free to make fun of yourself all you want that always goes over well. have fun sam ps oh and yes my assitant gets a guy for the gypsy rope tie and its really funny to watch her pick the guy. we usually get an older gentleman and its really funny to see him flirting back with christine.
sam sandler- America's only full-time DEAF Illusionist
http://www.samsandler.com http://www.deafinitelymagic.com |
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R.E. Byrnes Inner circle 1206 Posts |
In one of the messages above, I don't at all understand the wisdom of (1) not "tipping them off" that you're going to seek a volunteer until you are off the stage recruiting one, and, (2) conferring with the "partner," not the person going to the stage. the better advice here seems to be that suggesting more candor and explanation and, implicitly, simply excluding people who don't want to do it. additionally, though I questioned those two small points above, I'd be curious to hear more from the person who posted them about developing the skills around spotting people who are willing to volunteer, but not so enthused that the are inclined to be disruptive. a reliable ability to pick those people would seem to be the last word on this issue, though of course that's a product of lots of experience and easier describe than done. even so, I suspect that some of the instincts that come with experience can be consciously adopted.
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