Hi all
I am creating a new effect for a new show in which I will need to use a body double to replicate my self, preferably a good one who can be on stage for a longer period of time (45-60 seconds without cause for alarm).
I was curious to know where is the best place to scout for doppelgängers? I am trying to find a person for permanent employment as a look a like (I am obsessed by trying to find the perfect look a like! as I know he is out their somewhere. I have called a few casting agents and model agency's to see if they could find any one, so far no leads have came up. I have also asked my parents and brother to keep an eye out for look a likes and if they find one to offer them employment.
Any ideas besides the route of makeup and wigs? Also has any one ever used one? Any tips on hiding them from the cast ? Very curious!
Thanks LAB

If it were me, I'd probably narrow my search to height & build (easier to find and replace), and tackle the rest with a talented make-up artist and clever lighting.

Hiding a cast member from the rest of the cast would be kinda tough, though.

What type of piece are you working on? There are some clever minds here, and if you share more details, they might be able to offer you some practical work-arounds if you have a less-than-perfect "understudy."

The idea is at several spots in the show to transpose each getting quicker and slicker as the show goes on each must be unexpected (using different methods) Imagine the 3 graces , a cape vanish and a few other already outstanding effects enhanced with the perfect double Imagine the new level a normal illusion could be brought to by using an indentical person for the show. This would also aid the costume changes during the show.

Have your face cast and a prosthetic mask made for the double.

Jonathan Pendragon and his brother did some remarkable things in the past.

Pete's idea is the most practical - and easiest method to accomplish your goal.

Don't forget the "too perfect" theory. When left with no other solution, the audience will suspect the most obvious method - in this case, "twins." Most of the old-timers used the method for ONE strong effect. With repeated use in one show, the method may become obvious.

Here is a brilliant example. This is a gem to watch backstage.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSkBKQh9lBs

Total accuracy is unnecessary. As you can see.

Doug

One of the best illusions ever, that one. Once I accidentally bumped into DC's bd in a hallway just after this particular illusion.

Rene'?

Could be...he didn't stop to greet me, was rather spooked to see me in a corridor nobody was supposed to be in. But man he looked like DC.

Yeah! LOL! They CAN do him up pretty good. Nice guy, too.

You lucky #$%&*+.

Hard work! That was the Dreams & Nightmares show. I tell ya though, the only NIGHTMARE was the director Jay-Stan. He was like a drill sgt. I eventually got booted because I showed a girl a coin trick.

Yeah. Good experience overall.

Doug

What was your job on the show, Doug?
I saw the touring version of Dreams & Nightmares (i think), the "Magic Is Back" around '96 or so, in LaCrosse, WI.
Grrrrreat show.
I had missed the first part of the Unexplained Forces special, so the first time I saw the Fan was live. They popped up just a few rows behind me. In-friggin-credible show experience.

I was a stagehand at The Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall in Fort Myers, FL. First show, I was a carpender, 2nd I was electrics, 3rd show I was props. I did props till the end. I put together that Fan off the truck. It's real! And...dangerous!

I had to sign a "secrecy agreement". Really there's nothing to talk about. No cutting edge secrets that I saw...typical illusion stuff. Now the Flying rig...whoa. That one...yeah. Can't talk about it.

Doug

Don't forget to cut two of his fingers off. I know you have to do that as I saw it on a film!

They let local stagehands assemble the illusions? Seems like that could potentially be dangerous. Or did you get the opportunity bc you already had magic experience?
Forgive my ignorance, I've never worked with a full-scale touring illusion show, so I find even the most basic "insider" stuff fascinating.

Yeah, I was a senior stagehand. Basically I volunteered, because I didn't trust anyone to do it right. I'ved spiked way too many re-do's, so I assembled all the Illusions. Flying, they had a team, so I just guided them and was on the pipe team.

I also helped assemble the Barclay House, and all the little extras. Man...lotta work. The Fan, though. Man, heavy, scary thing. We tested it, and when I turned it on, whoa...yeah...that thing could KILL someone! Whew!

Three years in a row, five shows each. Got tossed on the very last show of the run.

Doug

Interesting discussion. I went to a DC show where he vanished on stage and then appeared in the balcony. My neighbor was called on stage to participate. He would not tell me afterwards how he did it. He said he was sworn to secrecy but gave me the autographed picture he received. A few years later I think I figured it out after watching the Prestige movie. My neighbor had moved away, but I just saw him recently and I told him my idea. He said that was not it. ????

After watching "The Prestige"??? The film in which the magician duplicates himself every time and then he kills himself??? Man you must be joking...

How serious a joke can be, if someone is not profoundly studying the real history of magic and is relying on a film-script.