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magicgeorge Inner circle Belfast 4299 Posts |
I've always thought that when setting up for a show in a house, where I am and where my audience is, is very important for the show. So after I speak to the booker and before I set up my tricks I spend a couple of minutes sizing up the room. In my head I have a rectangular area that is the stage and another rectangular area where the audience should be seated and I size up the room to define the best positions for these two areas to be.
I don't like to be in a corner. I don't like to have open space behind me. I want any entrances or exits to be as far away from me as possible so any late newcomers can enter from the back with minimum upset. I don't want people to my side everyone should be in front of me. Mirrors behind me often don't help much either. I feel that defining the space where the kids are helps control them. (This is why I hate outside shows, plus dogs, bees, lawnmowers, wind, etc.) Sometimes the only way I can do it is with a sofa to my side which must remain unused. Obviously the kids run in and all sit on the sofa, which means I have to tell them where to sit. I don't like this because I don't want the first words out of my mouth to be "don't". Does everyone else do this or do you just set up in the first place that looks ok? Apart from using 'don't cross tape' and making them sit on rugs, etc., how do you use the space around you to create a stage and audience area that creates the right atmosphere for your show. If you are doing a show in a big hall, in say a leisure centre (with no stage), do you set-up in the corner, or the middle, or against one of the sides? I set up with my back to the middle of the one of the shorter sides (usually the one furthest away from the nattering grannies). I still don't like it though. I use the tapes already on the floor to define the audience area but I don't like the fact that there is an open space on either side of the kids. I think using the space is a big part of controlling the kids so I can concentrate on entertaining. My show is a fairly raucous one so the kids get quite excited (I listened to my show on tape and I average about 2 big laughs a minute), so anything I can do to help me control them without interupting the show is good. By setting these boundaries am I psychologically helping to set up a good show or am I just being a fussy beggar? What do you think? george |
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Emazdad Inner circle Plymouth UK 1954 Posts |
I do exactly the same as you, George. I've even had the booker re-arrange how she's set the room up for the party so I can set up in the best possible place. A lot of times I end up with my back to a window, if this happens I always close the curtains so I'm not silouetted.
Your not being fussy. If the conditions aren't right you can't give your best, so you have to make the best out of what you've got. I think the trick is to be polite in your requests and explain your reasons, and not start demanding things. I've turned up at loads of fete's and open days, etc., to find they expect me to perform in the middle of everything. Joe Public is uniformly ignorant to our needs and don't realise that a magician does not want people behind him during a show. I won't perform like that and once I've explained my reasoning they find me a place I can perform.
Yours Funfully
Clive "Emazdad" Hemsley www.emazdad.com "Magic is a secret, without the secret there is no magic" Remember there are only 3 types of people in the world, those that can count and those that can't. |
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Tim Hannig Inner circle Chicago area 1147 Posts |
Quote:
On 2003-09-18 10:47, magicgeorge wrote: Here's what I do in this situation: Once mom knows I'm ready, I start some upbeat background music, turn my mike on, and wait for the kids at the back of the room. If they are coming from the basement or something, I will wait for them at the top of the stairs. I'll then have them all line up in front of me, and get them excited about the show and give some direction. "Are you guys ready for the show? Everybody line up right here in front of me. In just a moment, we're going to walk in to the living room, and you guys get to be in my audience. We're all going to sit on the floor, and make a couple of rows....etc. Everybody follow me!" That's not verbatim, but it immediately lets them know that I'm in control, even though I do it in a fun, upbeat way. I don't like waiting in the room and having the kids run in like crazy, jumping on the couch, like they own the place. It's my show, so I'm responsible for setting the mood...
Author of PERFORM, the 2020 Magic Cafe Book of the Year
"I loved this book!" Ken Weber "4 out of 4 stars!" Nick Lewin "This will be a classic of magic!" Mark Pocan performbettershows.com |
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Dennis Michael. Regular user Denver, CO 103 Posts |
I'm always very clear with birthday parties that I need the room child free and explain my space needs at the time of the booking.
In those gymnasium shows or large Caféterias you have to really control your audience. Angles may or may not be a problem for you. Pick a narrow end of the room. It will draw the audience's eyes towards your stage area. I have found a few other tricks that seem to really help. 1.I use a low tack blue painter's tape and the kids automatically file in behind it. 2.If you can get control over the lighting in those rooms try to turn the lights on the back end of the room off. It makes the room seem smaller and the setting more intimate. If you can get the lights lowered except for your performance area do that. The dark has a quieting moodyness to it 3.Always have someone introduce you and come in from somewhere off stage (whatever that may be). I've even come in from the back of the room. This is a suprising entrance to the audience and makes an impact. It will give the impression to the audience that you are something special, cue them in that the show is starting, and you will have their undivided attention. I'm going to keep checking back on this thread to see what other ideas come out of the woodwork.
I'm Back
Dennis Michael Denver Colorado |
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Andy Wonder Special user Auckland, New Zealand 747 Posts |
You are not being fussy at all George. I usually set myself up in front of the TV simply because living rooms are usually set up so everyone can see the TV.
Sometimes you get a terrible situation where adults are sitting talking in the best spot or food is laid out in what would have been the ideal place. Often there just is no good spot, particularly if the room is overcrowded with furniture. I’ve had to perform with a glass coffee table right in the middle of where the children were sitting. The parents refused to move it. I carry both high tack & low tack masking tape to make control lines. The low tack is for wooden floors & high tack for carpet.
Andy Wonder, Auckland, New Zealand
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NJJ Inner circle 6437 Posts |
I've gotten ultra fussy in the past six months about that sort of thing, but STILL parents ignore the booking agreement and it's performance space details, and try and get me outdoors, on a slope, in the middle of the garden, or with the children in a circle around me whilst the dog jumps all over me.
ARGHHHH! A good tip if you are in the living room is to set up in front of the TV. No one EVER sets up the TV in front of a door or in the wrong spot! |
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RoyHolidayMagic New user New York 85 Posts |
Heh. I actually love working out of a corner. Angles are the best, kids can't sit to your sides, etc. Just goes to show you how greatly preferences span.
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Leo B. Domapias Loyal user 297 Posts |
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On 2003-09-18 16:30, Emazdad wrote: So very true. I keep my minimum requirements to the essentials. A wall behind me and everybody in front. If this can’t be met, I make do with what can be arranged. I keep in mind that parents hire me to lighten their burden during the party. If I start asking so many things (rearranging furniture etc.) to make my life easier (but not theirs), they may have second thoughts on whether they have hired the right person. Ben Benjay Manila, Philippines |
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Emazdad Inner circle Plymouth UK 1954 Posts |
<<<<<<<If I start asking so many things (rearranging furniture etc.) to make my life easier (but not theirs), they may have second thoughts on whether they have hired the right person.>>>>>>
That's true, but if you can't give your best performance due to lack of space or correct positioning they may not hire you again as your show wasn't as good as it should have been. Most of my house parties are 2-hour parties. The birthday kid and maybe a sibling or early friend are usually in the room while I set up; I don't have a problem with that, as it gives me a chance to have a laugh with them and get them to help me put the magic line down. When I'm booked I always tell the booker when they ask how much room I need to give me as much as posible and to remove all breakables out of the kids reach. Sometimes I arrive to an empty room, others they haven't moved anything as there is nowhere to move it to, or they're not sure how much I want moved. Unless there is a proper MC for a show, I never bother with getting someone to introduce me. I think that no intro is better than a bad intro and your average Mum at a party or fete organiser can't do you justice. At some holiday camps the stage comes out the wall and there are tables and chairs at the side of the stage. People sitting on my left would see right into the back of my box, in those situations I get the stage curtains closed slightly to shield my box. My audience is the kids (the adult's entertainment is later) and they're all sat on the floor in front of me. Any at the sides that want to watch the show have to move round the front. If there's no curtains I put a backdrop to my left to shield the box from prying eyes. I went to a jubilee street party and they had chairs set out in nice rows ready for the kids to sit and watch the show. However, where they wanted me to perform would have meant all the grown ups, bar, barbeque, etc. were right behind me. I obviously couldn't perform like that, not only would all the adults see what's in my box but there would have been little kids running back and forth past me to get to mum and dad, I had them turn all the chairs 90% and performed with my back to a house. It's not just setting up that's a problem, access to the building can also cause big problems. I've loads of venues on my banned list that I won't work at as there's either: No Parking, Poor Access and lots of stairs, it's too echo-y, or even no power. Here's a question -- you get to the venue and there's nowhere to park, the booker says you can unload and informs you theres a car park down the road about 5 minutes walk away -- what do you do? I show them my contract that they have signed saying that there has to be parking and that I do not unload and park elsewhere. It also states that if I can't do the show due to lack of parking they still have to pay me. Sometimes they lie and work on the principle that once I'm there I'll do the party. If their car has a space outside I give them the option of moving it so I can park. I've never had to do it yet, as parking is something I always ask about when they book me. They've even changed venues so they can book me when I've told them the faults in the one they've chosen. However a mate of mine has had to do it. He turned up to find the only parking outside was on double yellow lines. "You should be OK," the booker said, "as the traffic warden doesn't come round often". My mate said "are you going to pay the fine if I get a ticket?" "Of course not" said the booker, My mate said "no parking, no show" and drove off. That's what prompted me to add the parking clause to my contract.
Yours Funfully
Clive "Emazdad" Hemsley www.emazdad.com "Magic is a secret, without the secret there is no magic" Remember there are only 3 types of people in the world, those that can count and those that can't. |
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Leo B. Domapias Loyal user 297 Posts |
Emazdad,
Thanks for sharing your experiences. You’re giving me a glimpse of the performing challenges in your country and a sense of how it’s like to be performing there. Isn’t this forum great? Here are some of the challenges that a magician might face when performing in my country… I’ve performed platform magic for a company Christmas party in a restaurant where the stage’s backdrop was mirrors. In another company party, held in a huge hotel function room, there was a large dance floor between me and the audience, making it impossible to build rapport with the spectators. If you were performing in my country, you would probably include hotels and malls in your banned list. Hotel and mall parking areas are several meters away from the entrance. Not only that, hotel and mall security is outrageously tight. They won’t let you in or out without a gate or exit pass, and the guards will insist on reconciling your props and paraphenalia with the items listed in the security pass, a process that takes forever. Malls are built in multilevels, so that when you perform on a mall’s stage, there are people above and behind you (on levels 2, 3, 4) looking down on you. Under that situation, all your angle management skills go out of the window. I still haven’t reached the stature where I can walk away from a gig if my requirements are not met (I’m working on it, though). So what do I do? I try to anticipate the possible performing problems, and bring extra tricks (commando magic, per Jeff McBride) that are performable even under difficult conditions. As to the parking problems, gate/exit passes, and security checks, I just grin and bear these tortures… Of course, anticipation can work only so much. There are challenges that simply can’t be anticipated. I once performed magic by a swimming pool in between two condominium towers. The place was perfect for swimming but not for a magical performance. The draft created by the two towers created a swirling wind that blew everything away. I decided the bird act was out, all the silk magic was out, T&R newspaper, mutilated parasol, snowstorm were all out. Although I always bring extra magic, I was left with enough to do about 15 minutes, all using magic wands and extended patter. I suggested to the Mom to move the show indoors, but she wouldn’t hear of it. She had put up the decors outside and didn’t have the inclination to transfer them indoors. The strong wind, though, was tearing down her decorations one by one, starting with the balloons, but she couldn’t see the problem. In another instance, I was hired to perform in a hotel at 7 PM, about dinnertime. The Mom wouldn’t allow me to use the sound system because, she said, the music might disturb the other hotel guests. Since 1/3 of my show was musically scored, I was left with just enough tricks (plus the reserves I always bring along with me) to get me by. You’re right. Poor performing conditions can affect the quality of the show in a big way. It’s a good strategy to haggle for the ideal performing venue, but it’s a better tactic to have a show that can be performed under difficult conditions so the haggling can be kept to the minimum. I’m referring to home parties, rather than hotel or mall shows, where there’s very little leeway when it comes to performing spaces or to suitability of the set-up. Ben Benjay Manila, Philippines |
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magicgeorge Inner circle Belfast 4299 Posts |
Thanks for your help and replies guys. Good to know I'm not an over-fussy control freak...
I like Tim's idea of leading them into the room although I'd have to try it to find out if it works for me. As the kids are coming in, I generally stand at the front of my performance area and chat and joke with them as I get them sitting in the right spots, etc. and as they get settled, so it might be a little tricky to break out of my usual routine (old dog, new tricks etc). As the lads from t'other side of the hemi-sphere suggested, I too sometimes set up in front of the goggle box. I was once told by an old pro never to set-up in front of the telly as it is a reflective surface. I thought this was probably highly irrelevant as I'm 6 foot 4, so the telly usually reflects nothing more than the back of my legs. But then again he's an old pro I'm a young pup, so it still niggles me a bit. The other problem is often the telly is viewed through an arc of about 100 degrees so with me a couple of steps in front of it there's folks nearly at my side again. Also, it's often in the corner. The problem I have with corners is that I like a bit of side-ways space so you have to be a fair bit out from the corner, and if you're tight on space already you've created an area of unused space. Also I like to work in a rectangular space because I have this notion that it helps control the kids. I do make quite a few stipulations when booking but I don't want to make too many so I sound like a bit of a nightmare. Also, there's lots of little things that you can't really assess until you are actually there. Thanks again for your comments and help. george |
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Dynamike Eternal Order FullTimer 24148 Posts |
Eighty percent of my customers ask me if I will need a table when I arrive. I always tell them I have everything already.
Sometimes my customers will ask me how do I want the room to be set before I arrive. I always tell them I always make the judgment when I arrive. George, basically I'm the same as you. But there have been times I had to change my average set up around because of the space I had. Lots of time I get permission to move the furniture. A few times everything was so tight with space I had to perform in front of the door. We placed a sign in front of the door telling others to use the side door. I set up with a lot of equiptment. That's why I hate performing downstairs in a basement. I always tell my customer it will be better if I perform upstairs because it's better space. But sometimes I lose. A few times I had very little space to perform in because a lot of kids, my equipment, the size of the small room and certain items couldn't be moved. No matter, when the show started, everything went smooth and entertaining. My worst spot to perform is a hotel. The hotel room has a big bed that can't be moved anywhere. It's better for me if the customer rents two rooms beside each other. My favorite spot to entertain is outside because I will have less distance to carry my equipment. The first thing I look for is a shaded area. The reason the area must be shaded isn't because of me or the audience, but because of my pets. Imagine wearing a fur coat in the summer time. My easiest way to set up is when my van side doors are opened and I have my back drop hanging by the doors. I have full coverage privacy because I can take certain props out from my van. The audience can't see when I set up my animals before I use each of them. I use to have my customer introduce me. Most of them had too much stage fright. I usually introduce myself. I might get the script recorded on an audio tape so it will seem a little different. I would put some more things, but I'm sure you are getting tired of reading this post. |
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Dennis Michael. Regular user Denver, CO 103 Posts |
Okay, let me clarify what I said earlier about introductions... when I said introduction, I meant at school type shows where it is appropriate. I would never expect a mom to introduce me at a birthday party (I should have been more clear about that I guess).
Tim, I really like your idea about bringing the kids into the room behind you in a line, etc. Emazdad, I am changing my contract today and adding the parking clause. Too often during the summer at festival gigs I am stuck blocks away from the event lugging my gear on a small luggage cart. I pack flat/play big but always feel like I'm running an obstacle course to make it to their event on time. If someone is going to hire me to do a show, they should make it as easy as possible for me to be there on time. MagicGeorge, do you find that the kids become too familiar with you before the show? This is part of the reason I like to keep the room clear of kids while I set up. (Perhaps it's cultural...I think kids here in the states have a lot of boundary issues. Maybe parents aren't teaching them manners as well as they should..I don't know, I just have to deal with the situations.) I appreciate the aspect of building rapore and I like to joke around too. But It seems to set a tone that they can openly talk to me and make comments into and during the show. I prefer to keep a little mystery about my persona until the show. It is more exciting I think for them not to know too much about me at first, for them to be thinking, "Oh, there's a magician upstairs setting up...I wonder what he's going to do...Is he going to be funny?..." I sometimes play myself somewhat seriously when I come into the house. Then, when they see my show and how crazy I get there is a great contrast to their expectations. This has been a good thread for me. Dennis
I'm Back
Dennis Michael Denver Colorado |
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magicgeorge Inner circle Belfast 4299 Posts |
Dennis,
I know exactly what you mean by the kids becoming too familiar, but in the case of chatting to them while they are coming in I find it doesn't really pose a great problem. I do prefer them out of the room while I set-up, but it doesn't become a major set-back if the circumstances do not permit me to do this. On the other hand, I have been asked if I can make balloon models, then finish with the magic show, which I do not do exactly for that reason. After chatting with them while I make balloons they feel they can carry on interrupting during the show, or a little boy will stand in front of me in the middle of a trick to ask for a balloon. George |
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wizardofsorts Special user Chicago, IL 935 Posts |
It sounds like maybe a few of you guys need to scale down your shows so that space and distance are not as much of an issue. I'm guessing some of you are at the top of your market and can make more demands. I've just moved to a new market and feel I need to be more flexible with my 'demands'.
I have removed all angle sensitive tricks from my show. I've done a hundred shows with kids on the sides. I like setting up in a corner because you only have to control one leg of the triangle. The other two legs are the walls and that makes it hard for people to be there. Like I said, I have removed all angle sensitive tricks from my show but the corner makes audience management easier. Just my two cents. Edd Visit the Wizard of Sorts at http://www.wizardofsorts.com
Edd Fairman, Wizard of Sorts is a corporate magician available for your next trade show, hospitality suite, client luncheon, or company event. http://www.wizardofsorts.com
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magicgeorge Inner circle Belfast 4299 Posts |
You could be right, Edd. I only have two angle sensitive effects in my show. Problem is, they're my two favourites...but if they gotta go they gotta go. I'll give it some thought.
I have performed my show in very cramped conditions but if the space is there I'm going to want to use it. It's not because I have loads of giant props, the space is more for me to move around in. I still don't like corners though; maybe it stems back to my childhood when a parallelogram killed my puppy... |
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Emazdad Inner circle Plymouth UK 1954 Posts |
It's not just the sides you have to watch, I was told once that you should sit on the floor and look at things from a kid's view when putting your act together. For example, sit on the floor and look up at your Square Circle from a kid's view; remove the circle as if you're showing it empty. The trick is of course designed so you think the inside of the square is empty. Chances are, from the floor you'll see the top edge of the load chamber through the hole in the front. It's one of the reasons I stopped using it. The kids were sometimes sat so close they were looking up through the hole.
This also can effect certain card effects as they may see the face of the bottom card. Tricks are generally designed for the audience being in front of you, so you have to adapt them to suit.
Yours Funfully
Clive "Emazdad" Hemsley www.emazdad.com "Magic is a secret, without the secret there is no magic" Remember there are only 3 types of people in the world, those that can count and those that can't. |
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Dennis Michael. Regular user Denver, CO 103 Posts |
Edd,
I believe strongly that you have to tell your clients what your needs are or you will never get them. (In fact, you may even get treated with less respect.) The more controls we can establish in our performaces (including pre-show) the better our performances can be presented. Requesting a place to park so you won't have to lug your gear for a dozen blocks, and have to scramble to be on time for setting up is a reasonable request. If you request it and don't get it, and something goes wrong as a result (say you're late because there wasn't parking for a mile), the blame falls on the client. Look at your demands as "requests" - as what you require to best perform your act. When phrased this way your clients will go out of their way to see to your needs. They want everything to be a success too. By posing reasonable requests, you will establish with your clients that you care about the quality of your performances and establish that you deserve a certain amount of professional courtesy as well. I agree that there should be a limit to requests. They should all be related to the quality and logistics of successfully putting on your show. They are paying for your best show and you are required to do what you have to, to make that happen. So they are required to not be a hinderance to that. We all deserve to be given some respect as professional artists. If they could do the magic show themselves they would. If I can't get this minimum level of respect then I don't care if I ever work for them again. Don't tred on me! Dennis
I'm Back
Dennis Michael Denver Colorado |
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Emazdad Inner circle Plymouth UK 1954 Posts |
Hear hear, Dennis
Yours Funfully
Clive "Emazdad" Hemsley www.emazdad.com "Magic is a secret, without the secret there is no magic" Remember there are only 3 types of people in the world, those that can count and those that can't. |
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magicgeorge Inner circle Belfast 4299 Posts |
Just got off the phone to someone who wanted to book me to do a show..in a caravan!!
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