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Jolly Roger V.I.P. Sedona, Arizona 1667 Posts |
As an entertainer of children, it is so easy to be influenced by those around us, believing that is where all the answers lie. There is the tendency to look outward rather than inward. We watch the “names” in magic lecture at our local club or national convention; we listen to the recent influx of marketing gurus who tell us how to move our business forward on to new levels; we watch the many DVD’s available, and a few of us still read books and magazines to gain knowledge! The one area that is often neglected is to look inward at ourselves for wisdom.
“If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away.” Henry David Thoreau “Know Thyself” was written on the forecourt of the Temple of Apollo at Delphi. Legend tells that the seven sages of ancient Greece, philosophers, statesmen and law-givers who laid the foundation for western culture, gathered in Delphi, and contemplated on the two words “know thyself” at the entry to its sacred oracle. Knowing yourself and being true to who you are is the key to real success in the entertainment of both children and adults. Years ago I was having dinner with the late and great Ali Bongo at an SAM convention in Las Vegas. There was a little child in the restaurant that walked past our table crying, while her mother was shouting at her. Ali got down on his knees, looked the child in the eyes, and pulled a funny face. Tears soon turned to laughter. The mother looked stunned. Ali was very good with his facial expressions. If you never saw Ali work live, there are You-tube videos of him out there in cyberspace. Look at his facial expressions while he performs. Nobody could duplicate them. This was the one and only Ali Bongo. Terry Herbert, who is a good friend and a very funny children’s entertainer from the UK is also a master at facial expressions when he performs. Both of these gentlemen were true to themselves, and were not trying to copy others and no one could copy them. They knew they had the gift to make kids laugh without saying a word! What/who is the real you? What is your unique selling point (USP) when it comes to promoting yourself as a children’s entertainer? Are you tall, small, thin, fat, soft spoken and gentle, abrasive and loud, serious and intense, or funny and carefree? Or are you a combination – to differing degrees – of all of the above? Do you stammer, speak with a heavy accent, wear glasses, walk with a limp, have long bushy hair or are you bald? Not only does it not matter if you don’t fit the mold of what you may perceive a children’s entertainer to be, the unique path you march down and the special strengths, personality traits, character and style are like the breast of a drum no one can duplicate and are likely to be your greatest assets. Your stage persona is really just an extension of yourself. Write down all the things that in your opinion make up the real you. This will include the physical features as well as the personality. Once you have written these down, read them out to someone who knows you really well like a partner or family member. Invite them to add any qualities you may have neglected. These are the qualities that will make you both confident and successful as a children’s entertainer because you will be your true self, so your performance will be effortless. As an artist and entertainer you are a blank canvas and your personality and style the colors of your pallet. Now you are ready to produce your – one of a kind - work of art. You are creating a performance that is unique and nobody can duplicate. As you explore this idea, you will see that there is no black or white, or even shades of gray, but a unique color of the spectrum not yet discovered! From this way of thinking have come great magicians, artists, actors, teachers, philosophers, inventors, etc. Once you have your list, study it carefully, realizing that everything you are seeing is a positive even though you may in the past have perceived some of these qualities as a negative. You are looking at yourself in the mirror. You are not going to change anything, but you are accepting that this is who you are and it is all good. In this positive way of looking at yourself, you are going to consider how you can use these attributes to their best advantage in your performance. “If I wasn't an actor, I think I'd have gone mad. You have to have extra voltage, some extra temperament to reach certain heights. Art is a little bit larger than life- it's an exhalation of life and I think you probably need a little touch of madness.” ~ Sir Lawrence Olivier Let me be very clear that I am not telling you to ignore the lectures you attend; the DVD’s that you watch, or the tricks you read about in books and magazines. What I am suggesting you do is to be aware that these are the ideas of others, and do not necessarily belong in your show. They can serve as inspiration, not a “how to” guide. It is a common approach for those starting out in this business to look at their heroes in magic, and try to emulate them. This is understandable, but can be a big mistake. What would be far more productive is while watching them to consider what it is that actually makes them so good. You will likely soon come to the realization that it is because they are being true to themselves. Fear is one of the biggest obstacles to success in your children’s shows. One of the dangers of fear is that it can cause you to over-rehearse a routine to such an extent that by the time you actually get to perform it in front of the kids it comes across as dull and scripted. When you do not get the reaction you expected after weeks of rehearsal, then fear sets in again, and you start to lose confidence. The question I would ask is what are you afraid of? The Nike commercial says: “Just do it!” What great advice for a children’s entertainer. I would expand the sentence to say “Just do it! Throw yourself head on into the routine, enjoy what you are doing, be yourself, and do not worry about getting a negative reaction. You probably won’t.” Positive thinking is a very powerful tool. It eliminates the fear of the unknown, and it is always good even if the end result is not what you imagined. I am a big fan of improvisation. The best moments in my career as a children’s entertainer were when a) things went wrong, b) I got a great response from the children, and c) I added the apparent mishap to future shows. The best dress rehearsal you can have is in front of a live audience. So my suggestion is to take the plunge without too much rehearsal, and you may surprise yourself. Rather than focusing on the tricks and routines, focus on how you feel during the show. Are you at ease and comfortable with yourself? Does the show seem more effortless when you are? You will become more fully aware of what makes you tick, and bring those aspects of yourself to the forefront of your performance. The tricks and routines are secondary to your personality. Even though you may think that the children are watching the tricks, and trying to figure out the secret, their primary focus is actually on you. They are laughing at your antics, your facial expressions, your mannerisms, the way you respond to them, and the way you express your personality. In truth, they are being entertained by who you are and not what you are doing. Doesn’t it make sense then to know who you are? “This above all; to thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.” ~ William Shakespeare You may already believe you know who you are, but I am inviting you to study yourself in greater depth. It can be a scary exercise to be truthful and honest about some of the aspects of yourself that you may not like. However, remember that nobody is asking you to change yourself. What I am suggesting you do is to embrace these characteristics. Do not hold back for fear that others may not like what they see. Do the opposite, and take all your qualities, regardless of how you may perceive them, and try and incorporate them into your on stage personality. On-stage or off-stage, you are now essentially the same unique personality. On stage you are just a little larger than life, so some aspects of your personality are slightly exaggerated. When it comes to selecting tricks and routines for your show, do so with this personality in mind. The costume or clothes that you wear during your show could also reflect your personality. The great British comedy magician Tommy Cooper did not feel that wearing simple a Tuxedo expressed the real Tommy. On a trip to Egypt, he picked up a red fez with a black tassel hanging from the top. The unlikely combination of a fez and a tuxedo fit his personality…albeit, unleashed it. When he walked on stage there would be continual laughter before he even spoke. When choosing a name for your children’s show, also try to use one that reflects who you are. My real name is “Roger”, I consider myself to be a very jolly fellow, so for 25 years I have been known as “Jolly Roger.” It works for me, and it is a name that kids seem to remember. I get calls from mums saying that their child wants “Jolly Roger” to come to their party. They don’t call up and say their child wants a magician to come to their party. There is a big difference. Are you memorable? Or, were you the magician their child saw last week? When the next opportunity arises for them to hire a magician, will they remember your name…will they remember you? Confucius said, “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” He also said that “Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.” I cannot think of anything worse or more stressful than trying to fit into a “mold.” I am Jolly Roger for children or adults. My personality doesn’t change. The costume and dress do of course, but not the essential me. If you meet me on the street, away from the “stage,” I am Jolly Roger. You could say that I am a “method” acting magician, 24/7; it is second nature for me. I am not saying that you cannot transform yourself when you are “on stage.” I am just saying that if you find it stressful being someone you aren’t and it is holding you back in confidence from performing, try playing on your preferences and tendencies (formerly known as strengths and weaknesses). There is only one “You” on the planet. Let the kids discover who that amazing entertainer is by not holding anything back, and being your true larger than life self on stage. Being normal to me insinuates passivity and doesn’t encourage me to grow or question or seek my path and philosophy as an entertainer. Keep marching to the beat of the different drummer and best of luck embracing the real you. |
Ed_Millis Inner circle Yuma, AZ 2292 Posts |
I remember similar words to a fearful novice in a coffee shop in Yuma a few years back, Roger. They were a great help then, and this refresher is most welcome! Thank you for sharing so much.
I'd love a chance to see you again if you make it back down here. Ed (PS: I thought it was hot down here - we only had 116!!) |
Jolly Roger V.I.P. Sedona, Arizona 1667 Posts |
Quote:
On 2013-07-01 17:30, Ed_Millis wrote: Hey....thanks Ed, and thanks for the coffee!! Did you ever take the plunge and go full time? |
troppobob Veteran user Crescent Head Australia 372 Posts |
G'day Roger
Thanks for taking the time to share these insights from your own experience and study - much appreciated. Bob Latta (aka Troppo Bob) |
Jolly Roger V.I.P. Sedona, Arizona 1667 Posts |
Quote:
On 2013-07-01 18:16, troppobob wrote: You are welcome Bob. How did you get on with COI? In the early 1970's I lived in Australia. I was based in Sydney, and worked a lot of the RSL clubs in New South Wales. I was doing an illusion act at the time, and opened for a country singing group! The places I remember working were Jindabyne, Coonabarrabran, and Canberra. I apologize for the mis-spellings. I also worked Gosforth Shopping centre for kids, and was magical adviser to British Comedian Benny Hill who was doing a TV commercial. Now there is a trip down memory lane!!! I was also on two television shows. "The Mike Walsh Show" and "Pot of Gold." |
Ed_Millis Inner circle Yuma, AZ 2292 Posts |
Can't afford to go full time. I need the paycheck and insurance. Might reconsider when I get a new phone, though. (It's not ringing very often - gotta be the phone, right?? Yes, I'm joking! About the phone, anyways.)
Ed |
Jolly Roger V.I.P. Sedona, Arizona 1667 Posts |
Quote:
On 2013-07-01 19:24, Ed_Millis wrote: Nonsense! I don't believe it. You worry way too much Ed. I seem to remember that when we met. You focus on the negative and not the positive. If there is not enough work in Yuma, then move to a different city. Take the bold course! If I can move from London to Phoenix with a wife and 3 kids on a one way ticket, with a few dollars in my pocket, then you can certainly move. Think big, dream big, have faith, and life has a great way of working out. I know you believe in a higher power, so I have no doubt you will be guided. Have the vision, and the rest are mere details. Trust me on this. It really does work!!! However, the moment you put obstacles in the way, you will never achieve your vision! |
troppobob Veteran user Crescent Head Australia 372 Posts |
G'day Roger
If it was winter when you were in those locations it would have been pretty chilly (Jindabyne). That is the area where we have our snow resorts are and we call it "The Snowy Mountains" because they are the about the only place high enough to get decent snow. I rember those TV shows - great that you made a contribution. The RSL and other clubs are still good value for gigs here in OZ. Troppo Bob is located on the coast 1/2 way between Sydney and Brisbane in NSW - it is a world class surfing location with a small population - so lots of travel for most shows. In regard to COI (Cloak of Invisibility) which I purchased from you some time back along with some of your other gear - it is in the group of routines that are being considerd for inclusion in up comming shows. I am working on my own presentaion - you concept is very clever and I am sure that it will be as good for me as it has been for you. Great to catch up here at the Café. Enjoy the journey. Bob Latta (aka Troppo Bob) |
Jolly Roger V.I.P. Sedona, Arizona 1667 Posts |
It was interesting how I got on The Mike Walsh Show. I literally called up the TV station in Sydney, said I was a well known magician from England, and next thing I know I was booked on the show! I never even auditioned! When Mike introduced me, he knew nothing about me, and didn't even know what I was going to do! From memory, I did a version of professor's nightmare!
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Ed_Millis Inner circle Yuma, AZ 2292 Posts |
Roger, I fully appreciate your vision and passion, and agree with what you say. It's been done too many times by too many people to deny that your approach would work.
Except ... my drummer has brought me to Yuma for an entirely different vision. And as I am true to that vision, my magic career is at most second. More than once I was ready to throw it all in the trash - until I settled some issues. I'm still working on my show, and working to expand my offerrings, and how I can maximize business in my chosen location. And I do believe that, as I march smartly to my own drummer whilst being aware of the potholes and stuff the horses dropped (memories of high school marching band parades!!), I shall indeed acheive all I dream, with magic in its proper place. Yes, there was a large dose of negativity -- you do remember correctly. I remember marvelling at how I could do everything you did (almost!! the COI is still baffling me!!), but you were so smooth and -- well, entertaining, and I was wooden and boring. The difference was that you were confident both in your pefformance and in the drummer you were following. I was neither. That conversation is still a definite mile marker in my journey. And partly because of that, I'm not paranoid of these things any more. Thank you again!! But that doesn't mean they aren't real factors in this journey. Or that the next turn coming won't take them well away from me. Good things to you, Roger! Ed |
Jolly Roger V.I.P. Sedona, Arizona 1667 Posts |
Thanks Ed........and good luck on your journey!
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