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hokeypokey New user Chicago 71 Posts |
Since performance is a key element in performing magic, has anyone taken regular (i.e., non-magic) acting classes to help them in their performances?
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ALEXANDRE Inner circle 3024 Posts |
I think that if one is seriously considering a career in Magic as a performer, then one should certainly invest in acting classes.
You can only gain from the education.
HERE'S A SECRET ...
http://www.lybrary.com/mystic-alexandre-m-354.html |
hokeypokey New user Chicago 71 Posts |
Are any particular types of acting classes more helpful than others?
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Thoughtreader Inner circle Calgary, Alberta, Canada 1565 Posts |
As a former BFA (Bachelor af Fine Arts in theatre) as well as minors in psychology and educational counseling (I use those skills in "readings") I highly suggest taking lessons, or better, getting a degree in theatre if you are inclined in following this as a career. However, if Magic is a hobby only to you, then join a local theatre group. Acting or working behind the scenes will give you practical hands-on experience with acting, make-up, set design and construction, lighting, actual production - all of which are a valuable asset to performing magic.
If you are booked to do a show and walk in as a consumate professional, understanding "blocking", have the ability to look at the lighting director and tell them where on the stage you will be moving (there are terms for that you know!) the levels of lighting you want, the types of gels you want; to have the ability to apply make-up in an effective manner (it isn't just slapping on some grease paint); and if you are planning on booking your own tour, to have the fundamental principles of actually producing your own touring show - well you need these abilities. If you love performing magic, why on earth would you want to do anything but your absolute best?!?!?! Having a solid background in theatre outside of magic will help you immensely. PSIncerely Yours, Paul Alberstat |
Sid Mayer Special user Santa Fe, NM 656 Posts |
Look for the author Henning Nelms on stage fundamentals. His work is strong on basics and terminology.
Working with a good director is invaluable. Community theater is a good place to pick up some practical experience. I have mixed feelings about acting lessons. In my opinion, they waste time that could be better spent in study and practical experience. I know that this approach worked for me. Well enough so that I was not only able to make my living as a professional actor for a number of years and, at one point, taught acting at the college level. Sid
All the world's a stage ... and everybody on it is overacting.
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Chrystal Inner circle Canada/France 1552 Posts |
Hi Hokey Pokey,
Here's another suggestion which you may want to pursue. Improv is excellent for honing in on hidden talent that you may have. There are a lot of groups out there that you may join and it helps you in a couple of ways. You learn to think quickly on your feet, explore your creative side, play a variety of roles and most importantly have fun. Whatever you choose, good luck! Chrystal |
Brad Burt Inner circle 2675 Posts |
Hello:
This is something that I recommend to students. Although I have not taken formal lessons I have read such books as Uta Hagen's Respect for Acting and recommend same. Also, you can do a lot on your own to expand your technique as a performer, etc. Best, Brad Burt
Brad Burt
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hokeypokey New user Chicago 71 Posts |
Thanks everyone for the great suggestions.
In response to one of the questions, magic is a hobby for me, so unfortunately I can't devote too much time or money to acting lessons (especially not after all of the money I've spent on books and gimmicks!). But one of the reasons I am drawn to magic is the performance aspect of it, which is not something I get much of in my real job. So I think I would enjoy acting for some of the same reasons I enjoy magic. Chrystal, your suggestion is particularly good because I live in Chicago, which is home to Second City, a famous improv theater. I am going to check out whether they offer improv classes. Sid, I just saw that you are from the Chicago area too. Do you know what venues are available for a complete novice to get involved with community theater? Also, to the extent age is a factor, I am 32. |
Thoughtreader Inner circle Calgary, Alberta, Canada 1565 Posts |
If you are going to go the route of Improvisation then you MUST read the book "Impro" by Keith Johnston (one of my professors actually) who is recognized as the world's leading authority on Improvisation. He invented Theatre Sports! His book is a must read for all.
PSIncerely Yours, Paul Alberstat |
DanielGreenWolf Veteran user Waterbury, CT 363 Posts |
In fact, they asked Johnston to write the book right in front of the publishers in a day, and Johnston did. So pardon the spelling errors.
-Malak |
harris Inner circle Harris Deutsch 8812 Posts |
Ditto on Impro.
I was into acting prior to magic. Getting into a class on drama, improv and or movement would be my suggestion. Watch for troupes that have workshops along with their performances. A few years ago I took advantage of a movement class with the guy with Kappootz Klowns. They did a lot on hierchy (sic) on stage or status. They will be back in our area and I plan on attending their class again. Getting into a play would also be worthwhile, IF you have the time. It is quite a commitment. Back in the 80's I was in a troupe called Comedy Sportz for a few seasons. It was the first few years that it came to town. The troupe is called something else now, and is still active. I have gone on to a solo. (if you don't count the nearly normal puppets and my audience improvers. (sic) Enjoy the journey. Stay green so you can continue to grow. Harris Deutsch Laughologist http://www.nearlynormalmagic.com
Harris Deutsch aka dr laugh
drlaugh4u@gmail.com music, magic and marvelous toys http://magician.org/member/drlaugh4u |
bobdomeros New user 53 Posts |
Toastmasters, the group that helps improve public speaking abilities, might also be an option. Since they cater to professionals and people who work, there might be less of a time commitment than working in community theater.
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Dynamike Eternal Order FullTimer 24148 Posts |
It would be good to also take mime and dance lessons. I took none of the lessons and still made it to where I am today. Thank God, I was gifted.
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Traylen New user 36 Posts |
Yep, I have. I'm enrolled in Advanced Drama, and will be for the rest of my stay at High School. I'm also going to an acting convention, as well as doing Comedy Sports, which is impromptu type stuff. It really helps.
What the eye sees, the ear hears, the mind believes.
-Harry Houdini |
Roberto Gee Regular user 106 Posts |
Acting classes?
ABSOLUTELY. They're invaluable for any line of work - and for life in general. But especially for magic, since it is, after all, a performance art. I was a magician long before I became a member of the Screen Actors' Guild and Actors' Equity. Acting, actually, is quite like "magic." You're presenting something as true, to an audience, that isn't. The "magic" in both is that it has to be "true" for you. The techniques for achieving that truth have to be second nature and invisible to the audience. If the moment is true for you, it will be for the audience. It doesn't matter if it's "Hamlet" or Mike Myers in "The Cat in the Hat." If YOU believe you've seen the ghost of your father, or that you're a cat - then so will the audience. Plus, acting classes are all about RE-acting to others, and interaction. Study how really great magicians react to their own illusions, and to the audience. David Copperfield, for instance, sits on the apron of the stage and talks about longing to fly, as a little boy. Then he releases that falcon on his arm, and gently rises - flying all over the stage, into that box, through the hoops - finally taking an audience member into his arms and flying with her. His sheer wonder and delight in flying is so palpable that the audience is stunned. The effect is so brilliantly staged and produced that everybody forgets "it must be done with wires" and simply believes, as Copperfield does, that he's really flying. Or watch Penn and Teller do the time-honored bullet-catch. Simply brilliant acting... The combination of deadpan humor and deadly seriousness results in a stop-your-heart piece of theatre. You're absolutely convinced in the reality and danger of this illusion -- because THEY are. Contrary to what people think, acting is all about truth. During endless rehearsals, you get the lines (patter) and technique down pat and out of the way, so you can concentrate on your own simple belief in the truth of the effect. There's no better place to learn that than in acting classes. And since so many jobs, and so much of life, involves "selling" something to others - acting classes are invaluable for any walk of life. As George Burns once said about the theatre: "You've got to be honest. If you can fake that, you've got it made." |
bigdunk007 Regular user 138 Posts |
Acting is a bit different to performing, unless you are superb, save your money and let the tricks to the talking!
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AutoX New user British Columbia 59 Posts |
As someone said before, Tostmasters is excellent! I learned a ton of stuff from the groups.
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