|
|
Go to page [Previous] 1~2~3~4 [Next] | ||||||||||
Atom3339 Inner circle Spokane, WA 3242 Posts |
Wow, Mike. Bummer. You handled it perfect, man.
TH
Occupy Your Dream |
|||||||||
Dougini Inner circle The Beautiful State Of Maine 7130 Posts |
Quote:
On 2011-10-10 17:32, David Neighbors wrote: Yep, David, even after 35+ years, I still have to learn that lesson. Sometimes I'm impulsive. That is to my detriment. I got my Amazing Jumping Arrow trick the other day, and could not wait to perform it again. The librarians were my victims, and that was not the best choice. My approach was wrong, and I was not sensitive to the place I was. One said, "We don't have time for this nonsense." They both walked off. I was not halfway through the routine. In my excitement in getting my old standby back, I failed at the most basic of magic rules: Know WHEN to perform. Lesson learned. Doug |
|||||||||
HerbLarry Special user Poof! 731 Posts |
I find it amusing that the people that watch and deduce that the coin is in the other hand are referred to as idiots.
You know why don't act naive.
|
|||||||||
J-Mac Inner circle Ridley Park, PA 5338 Posts |
Aww, c'mon HerbLarry! I think you realize that most mean "idiots" as in the "idiotic behavior" of yelling out during a routine, grabbing a hand, etc. I'd call something else but they'd just censor it here.
Jim |
|||||||||
Mb217 Inner circle 9520 Posts |
Alas, some people are just uptight and view magic as a challenge, something like an exam they have to pass and show others that they can't be fooled. You know the sort of folks, we all know them, they went to school with us, they work with us, heck sometimes they are even family members that if they weren't family you wouldn't be friends with them
You know theses sorts of folks, the kind that can't get right with the moment and decide to ruin it for everyone else there because they cant find a way to enjoy it themselves. They're sorta like a girl that watches your every move while you go to kiss her because she just can't get comfortable enough to just close her eyes and enjoy the moments, or something like that. Anyway, these people are a part of the world and they basically just can't help themselves. Try to steer clear of them when you can and other folks like this that exhibit similar traits. They are better cut for taking exams, winning races, perfecting things that don't really need perfecting and showing everybody else that they are on alert even though no one really cares. You know these people alright. Better to show them a map or instructions on how to make marbles or how to make friends rather than magic. One good thing is that you never happen to do magic for that person again and it teaches what to look out for in these sorts, it's a learning experience. It's just unfortunate that you have to run into them one at a time. And oh yeah, "Aww, c'mon HerbLarry."
*Check out my latest: Gifts From The Old Country: A Mini-Magic Book, MBs Mini-Lecture on Coin Magic, The MB Tanspo PLUS, MB's Morgan, Copper Silver INC, Double Trouble, FlySki, Crimp Change - REDUX!, and other fine magic at gumroad.com/mb217magic
"Believe in YOU, and you will see the greatest magic that ever was." -Mb |
|||||||||
Dan Efran Regular user Pittsburgh, PA 150 Posts |
Too true, MB. Some people just feel threatened by magic, like you're telling them over and over how stupid they are for letting you fool them.
Also, sometimes people have gotten the impression that that's exactly what magic is about. Indeed, some magicians seem to enjoy "fooling" spectators as some kind of competitive contest. Small wonder if the spectator tries to win that game! Of course most of us try not to present magic that way. But some spectators have learned this pattern from other performers, or read it in some accidental cues we might give, or - as MB says - bring it with them as a personality trait. It's important to learn the difference between (a) somebody heckling you because they're a jerk, (b) somebody challenging you because they feel a need to prove they're not stupid, and (c) somebody legitimately catching you in a mistake (a flash, or poor routining). The type MB describes - (b) - is perhaps the most interesting, because it is occasionally possible to bring these people back to your side. (Maybe even heal them a little?) I think I remember Mickey Silver addressing this in one of his psychological secrets... <search search> ...yes, it's secret #4: Quote:
On 2011-03-26 20:58, MICKEY SILVER wrote: |
|||||||||
truesoldier Inner circle 1191 Posts |
In that situation it may be worth saying that you are a slight of hand artist and it's only ment as a bit of fun to create an illusion. (Assuming that this was at a gig)
|
|||||||||
Alan Munro Inner circle Kentwood, Michigan, USA 5952 Posts |
Quote:
On 2011-10-11 22:37, MeetMagicMike wrote:. But that is being malicious. Even if I thought that I saw something, I wouldn't feel compelled to point it out, unless it was EXTREMELY obvious - like a sucker gag. Sometimes magicians launch preemptive strikes. I know of a couple of successful magicians who will FIRMLY squeeze the shoulder or arm of an audience volunteer, in order to communicate that they mean business. |
|||||||||
Atom3339 Inner circle Spokane, WA 3242 Posts |
Vlad, I think you should be Luigi's agent for magicians to hire him. At the very least I hope you have incorporated him into your act.
I actually mention an imaginary invisible enforcer, Guido The Icepick, when necessary. (*stage whisper* "Hey, buddy, knock it off. I wouldn't want Guido The Icepick *look over and gesture to the side* to get upset with you.") They ALWAYS look. They always laugh. It always diffuses the situation. Some SWEAR they saw Guido, could tell which person he was and give a perfect description. I love when someone in a small group doesn't see Guido and says, "Oh. He must have left." After all, we are MAGICIANS, aren't we?
TH
Occupy Your Dream |
|||||||||
HerbLarry Special user Poof! 731 Posts |
Quote:
On 2011-10-14 14:55, J-Mac wrote: Again I would not describe it idiotic in any way to yell out during a routine or grab a hand. I find it common that when people suspect they will act. Not anything out of the ordinary at all. Quote:
On 2011-10-14 17:13, Mb217 wrote: I submit that these people are enjoying themselves and have no intention of ruining it for everyone. Rather they are ruining it for the poor fool that failed to realize that the goal is to avoid that behavior by not having a dirty hand/obvious method or designing in such a fashion that it is not an issue. To spend time sharpening the lookout for smart people and avoiding them seems a bit of, if I can use a term whose use has waned, a cop out. One could be known as the "Magician for Dullest Crayons in the Box" but that just doesn't have a very nice ring to it.
You know why don't act naive.
|
|||||||||
Dan Efran Regular user Pittsburgh, PA 150 Posts |
Quote:
On 2011-10-14 19:42, Dan Efran wrote: Let's take this even further. The problem is that a (b) type grabber feels that if you fool them, they lose face. As a magician, you want to create illusions and have them feel good about it, but they feel threatened by your ability to deceive them. This is an unfortunate attitude for a magic spectator to hold, but not really malicious or idiotic. (Is it really so hard to empathize with?) Suppose you said exactly what Mickey Silver suggests...but actually do let the person help you (beyond just shutting up). Bring them right up there next to you and do something with them - not as a direct "you vs me" challenge but as an "us vs them" partnership. (Like, let him catch some coins for your miser's dream? Or something? I don't really have a specific suggestion. Not something where you're expecting him to agree that the silver coin is still in his hand, when it isn't!) If you can maneuver him into genuinely helping you entertain the crowd, you can share a bit of the spotlight with him...in a context where he can only look clever by making the illusion stronger, not by exposing it! If he's on your team, he can't win by beating you and will stop trying. With luck he'll start hoping nobody challenges him...and thereby realize what he'd been doing to you, and avoid it in the future. (Hey, we can hope!) With some people this approach might be a real challenge; in some contexts it's not practical; but if you succeed, you might even wind up turning a heckler into a magician. At least you'll prove to the crowd that you're confident and kind. At minimum, it's important to avoid assuming people are trying to wreck your show, or are stupid because they're trying to figure out how magic tricks work. True jerks are rare; most "bad" behavior is driven by some kind of fear, and makes sense to the person at the time. If you can guess the underlying fear and soothe it in a way that also moves the show forward, you win. |
|||||||||
Michael Rubinstein V.I.P. 4665 Posts |
When I perform for groups, whether it was in my table hopping days, street magic days, or just for friends, the first trick and how the people react is the most telling. If the audience is enthusiastic, I can relax and continue, and even use the spectator to help. If the first trick is met with wisecracks or people looking like hecklers, I just finish quickly and move on. No need to try to prove anything to these people.
S.E.M. (The Sun, the Moon, and the Earth) is a sun and moon routine unlike any other. Limited to 100 sets, here is the promo:
https://youtu.be/aFuAWCNEuOI?si=ZdDUNV8lUPWvtOcL $325 ppd USA (Shipping extra outside of USA). If interested, shoot me an email for ordering information at rubinsteindvm@aol.com |
|||||||||
Mb217 Inner circle 9520 Posts |
I agree Doc, that's about the long and "especially" the short of it.
*Check out my latest: Gifts From The Old Country: A Mini-Magic Book, MBs Mini-Lecture on Coin Magic, The MB Tanspo PLUS, MB's Morgan, Copper Silver INC, Double Trouble, FlySki, Crimp Change - REDUX!, and other fine magic at gumroad.com/mb217magic
"Believe in YOU, and you will see the greatest magic that ever was." -Mb |
|||||||||
jazzy snazzy Inner circle run off by a mob of Villagers wielding 2109 Posts |
Very true Michael.
You can learn a lot in the first couple of minutes. Who may cause a problem, who would make the best assistant, etc. Incidents are more likely to occur in places where alcohol is served, so you just take it all with a grain of salt. You can even try to get the offender on your side. Put-downs or insult comedy are not the way to go without the right personality and many years of experience.
"The secret of life is to look good from a distance."
-Charles Schulz |
|||||||||
J-Mac Inner circle Ridley Park, PA 5338 Posts |
I don’t think that bringing the offender up to work with you is the way to go in most cases; it could be disastrous actually. If someone is grabbing you to see in your hand, they are not likely to want to share the stage with you unless they plan to try and humiliate you further. Just let it go and do as Dr. Mike says above: Finish up as quickly as possible and move on!
Jim |
|||||||||
Vlad_77 Inner circle The Netherlands 5829 Posts |
Quote:
On 2011-10-12 01:33, J-Mac wrote: :lol: Luigi looks GOOD sitting there Jim, but who is the other dude Ahimsa, Vlad |
|||||||||
HerbLarry Special user Poof! 731 Posts |
Quote:
If the audience is enthusiastic, I can relax and continue, and even use the spectator to help. If the first trick is met with wisecracks or people looking like hecklers, I just finish quickly and move on. No need to try to prove anything to these people. First I have to know what a heckler looks like. Only asked because you brought it up. Second in my work I don't ever feel the need to prove anything to anyone. I do feel the need to fool them, have them enjoy it, and pay me. With that in mind I don't judge a book by it's cover. If I ran away every time the going got a little rough...well...I would starve.
You know why don't act naive.
|
|||||||||
Mb217 Inner circle 9520 Posts |
Quote:
On 2011-10-15 11:54, HerbLarry wrote: Interesting take HL and this is why I echoed "Awww, c'mon HerbLarry." I don't know, it's not that anyone's doing the magic for any such "dull people"...Why would they be dull simply because they enjoy the magic and get out of it what you intend for them to get??? Why is the supposition here that they are not as smart as the goofball that calls you out because he see's no other way to save mankind? I submit back to you that these folks are selfish and outsmart no one but themselves as they leave the moment poorest of all. And it's not that the magician hasn't performed well enough to fool everybody that the goofball does what he does. I said why I think they do what they do, they just can't help themselves, they are special people. Y'know I've never thought one way or the other about the intelligence of the people I perform for, I don't know if they're intellectuals or intermediates, if they've graduated college or just got out of prison. I present the work the same way, short or tall really. So if one person (and it's usually always just one person, is that not true?) that just has to be seen at that very moment, I don't bestow upon them any such genius status because they have a suspision (that typically this sort of person would have in any case about anything) sorta like a know-it-all. And I don't think the people I happen to amaze, pull the trick off on, are any less mentally aware because they are happy about what they just saw. Often times these "spoilers" are wrong about what they think but that little detail does not stop them from satisfying their deeper need to know, and need to expose and show others how sharp they are. Even if they were right they are wrong to shout you out during a performance. If someone did this to a Dai Vernon, or a Slydini you'd call him an a**hole and take great exception with the lack of appropriateness or couth and would never think that they did any particular thing wrong. But why does it take this to happen to a Vernon, Slydini, etc., for you to still recognize the a**hole part of the equation here? Instead you elevate him to the sharpest blade in the box and devalue the Magi as just not getting it done well enough. And the rest of the audience there that are made to feel real wonderment and amazement, you relegate to being perhaps mentally challenged to actually have enjoyed the moment that the spoiler just couldn't get right with leaving him supposedly the real winner in the whole interaction. Interesting.
*Check out my latest: Gifts From The Old Country: A Mini-Magic Book, MBs Mini-Lecture on Coin Magic, The MB Tanspo PLUS, MB's Morgan, Copper Silver INC, Double Trouble, FlySki, Crimp Change - REDUX!, and other fine magic at gumroad.com/mb217magic
"Believe in YOU, and you will see the greatest magic that ever was." -Mb |
|||||||||
HerbLarry Special user Poof! 731 Posts |
Quote:
On 2011-10-16 18:10, Mb217 wrote: I haven't said anything about "dull people". I made a crack about Magicians that would run from those who are bright enough and brave enough to call them out. I have said that someone who watches and figures it out, through deduction or closely watching and not being misdirected, perhaps even seeing the dirty part, is intelligent. That a person is intelligent doesn't make everyone else an idiot. They accept the inherent challenge we initiate by performing. From the get go they are on their guard. To throw out the gauntlet and then become irritated because it is accepted? Come on MB. Intelligent could perhaps more correctly be labeled brave. Brave enough to think for themselves. Brave enough to accept the challenge. To be fair in some cases the spectator doesn't even have to be that much on the ball. If it's not in one hand it's in the other. Is that such a long leap? Should we be upset when that thought process occurs? If the Magician doesn't perform well enough to fool everyone he should expect some blowback. How he handles that blowback is telling. Some will study what happened and learn where things could be better and correct the bit. Others get online and cry about the rude guy, goofball, idiot that ruined it. I think your term "special people" applies to these Magicians. I don't think that graduating from a college or being in prison is an indicator of intelligence. You are correct that often times the suspected method is wrong. That is of no importance. The hole is there either way. The question again is how does the Magician deal with it. I perform for people, duh, and akin to Ron Washingston's statement about baseball, That's what people do. Now what are we gonna do? Run and hide? Curse them to our peers and seek comfort? Birds fly, fish swim, and people are likely to react when someone tries to fool them and fails. Please don't tell me how I would react to anything. I care not who the Magician is. I don't put the names in Magic on pedestals. Everyone is fallible and I highly doubt anyone has never been busted. The fault lies with the Magician, period. To blame the audience is pompous at best. It is never the audiences fault. They came expecting to be fooled. The Magician failed through design, execution, or any number of reasons. If one blames the audience they are in the wrong game. In no way have I implied that people that are fooled are lacking in any manner. That they are fooled is credited to the Magician. I never said people who enjoy a show are perhaps mentally challenged. In the future you would do me a favor by speaking for yourself and leave my words to me. Comment on them all you desire, just don't put your words in my mouth. It appears that there are those that want people to just sit, watch, and applaud. I want my audience to think too. I want them to react. I want a decision made. If done well the reaction/decision will be money. If done poorly the reaction/decision could be lots of things, some not pretty, and definitely not money. The sit watch and applaud guys seek an audience that will comply. I only seek people, the rest is up to me.
You know why don't act naive.
|
|||||||||
Atom3339 Inner circle Spokane, WA 3242 Posts |
I think part of our practice time should be dedicated to "What will I do when I screw up, blunder, get interuppted, etc." You can get really creative about handling the unforseen.
TH
Occupy Your Dream |
|||||||||
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Nothing up my sleeve... » » How to handle rude behaviour? (0 Likes) | ||||||||||
Go to page [Previous] 1~2~3~4 [Next] |
[ Top of Page ] |
All content & postings Copyright © 2001-2024 Steve Brooks. All Rights Reserved. This page was created in 0.13 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 < |