|
|
Go to page [Previous] 1~2~3 | ||||||||||
The Great Zucchini Inner circle 1347 Posts |
Anytime, Jorge, have fun buddy.
|
|||||||||
charliecheckers Inner circle 1969 Posts |
Quote:
On Oct 16, 2014, The Great Zucchini wrote: "Be relatable" - One of the many lessons I learned from "The Great Zucchini". My brother initially wore traditional clown apparel, complete with face paint and red nose. Things seemed to be going just fine. Seeing Zucchini in action and hearing his points on being original and relatable caused us to consider a change and drop the clown appearance. Despite the risks associated with changing a character that had already been well established, we made the change last January and it turned out to be a great one as his character is now more relatable to our audience. This is an incredible insight many overlook. Performers often have preconceived ideas of what audiences want and it is usually based on either outdated or industry based notions, rather than the true desires of our potential audiences. In just about every instance, Zucchini takes what many perceive to be a negative and he incorporates it into his persona as a positive. There is much to gain from taking the time to consider his perspectives. |
|||||||||
harris Inner circle Harris Deutsch 8812 Posts |
Charlie and others...thanks for keeping this thread on the positive.
Even when we don't agree, I hope we can keep this and all Darling Threads, as professional as you are on-stage. Being on stage, live is a rush & a risk. Comedy by it's very nature might be offensive. I went from white (or sometimes Green) face to just me. Sometimes I have have worn a 3 piece suit, for a family/kid program. Other times it has been bright red short, shirt socks and shoes. Also in the "costume" was snorkel, swimming mask and flippers. (it was for Making a Splash Library themed show) Thanks again for those that add to our discussions. You are appreciated by, Harris still 2 old to know it all
Harris Deutsch aka dr laugh
drlaugh4u@gmail.com music, magic and marvelous toys http://magician.org/member/drlaugh4u |
|||||||||
randyburtis Inner circle 1256 Posts |
What are some good tips to be relate-able? how do you define your character?
I think going through what a clown does to figure out who they will be, is a good tool for a magician to do. The best tip is make who you are on stage not so different from who you are in your own living room and that way people can connect with you whether performing or preparing to... |
|||||||||
Mr. Pitts Inner circle David Pitts 1058 Posts |
This is a good idea Eric. I will probably give it a try. I have mentioned before that sometimes your ideas don't work as well for me, but some work GREAT! The ones I like, I try. I appreciate you sharing this idea. I think it will get laughs and actually help with that problem. Somebody mentioned that having a good engaging show will prevent the kids from coming up, but I have found that when they get excited because they are enjoying the show so much, they want to come up and tell me stuff, pet the puppets etc. It's not a bad idea to set a simple ground rule in a funny way. And... since Dynamike isn't here to say it... haters gonna hate, right?
|
|||||||||
The Great Zucchini Inner circle 1347 Posts |
Yea, like I said, I don't really get people coming up. I actually don't even use this often. It does get laughs though. I do start out sometimes, and lay down rule for parents. I say, "Hey Everyone, it's great to see everybody. The show's about to start and I just ask parents that want to mingle, to please go in another room". Most of the time, they stay, sometimes, they go and chit chat, elsewhere(rarely).
Now, Randy, I loved your post, and yes I pretty much act the same, look the same, in my living room, as I do on stage. I show up early for show, talk to the parents, while I'm setting, up, maybe about the beach, the Redskins, whatever, just show that I'm a normal person. Stay a tad afterwards, while there eating. Say hello. Being relatable just means, being normal at your shows. I love to be in a theatre, be sitting with the kids, and parents talking, then on the intercom, 'Ladies and Gentlemen, The Great Zucchini', and walk from the table, jump on stage. You don't have to do it like me, but I like doing it this way. |
|||||||||
TonyB2009 Inner circle 5006 Posts |
Howie, post a clip of your show if you like. It is low behaviour to post someone elses.
I have read the previous two pages, and there is nothing new in them. We all know Mark's celtic sense of humour, and we know how seriously to take it. We also all know that Eric is a big boy, better able than most to defend himself, because he knows his worth. So why did you have to take down the tone of this by posting that video? Can we see a video of you doing the rings?
Check out Tony's new thriller Dead or Alive http://www.amazon.co.uk/Alive-Varrick-Bo......n+carson
http://www.PartyMagic.ie |
|||||||||
harris Inner circle Harris Deutsch 8812 Posts |
Those if you that are vent could add to the phone call suggested by OP
I'm not much into introductions so I also just start. Like a lot of you workers, I have 3 shows. Pre-or warm up. Show Show Post show. Later might include a just talking Just listening Close up for adults Selfies More improv with puppet or musical instruments All above based on time, next gig, family, Honey do's at home Etc.
Harris Deutsch aka dr laugh
drlaugh4u@gmail.com music, magic and marvelous toys http://magician.org/member/drlaugh4u |
|||||||||
The Great Zucchini Inner circle 1347 Posts |
You know a funny give away, Harris, for the parents. I just started this recently, not at every show, but a couple- That pride and joy card. Sometimes, a parent will ask me, if I have kids, and I say, 'let me show you my pride and joy', and show them the card. If they really crack up at it, I say, 'take it, use it at the office, I have plenty'. They love that little card for some reason.
|
|||||||||
harris Inner circle Harris Deutsch 8812 Posts |
Eric.
Nice. What's old is new again. I'm guessing grandparents would also like them Harris. Aka Grandpa.
Harris Deutsch aka dr laugh
drlaugh4u@gmail.com music, magic and marvelous toys http://magician.org/member/drlaugh4u |
|||||||||
TomBoleware Inner circle Hattiesburg, Ms 3163 Posts |
Eric, I like your rule byplay bit you posted at the beginning.
I always liked the pride and joy cards too. Not for everybody, but if you pick who you hand them to, the Rattlesnake Eggs in the envelope is a good fun giveaway. Tom
The Daycare Magician Book
https://www.vanishingincmagic.com/amazekids/the-daycare-magician/ My Blog - https://boleware.blogspot.com/ |
|||||||||
wwhokie1 Special user 512 Posts |
I don't give rules because it seems to me that by definition that is the opposite of entertainment. However, creativity can overcome anything. If you feel or find the need to state rules this is a great creative way to do it in an entertaining manner. Normally, instead of stating rules, I try to find a less negative way to state expectations. Such as, "I need a volunteer who is sitting down, quiet and waving their hand." I know many people do the same, I suppose I picked that idea up from someone or many someones. Of course there are some kids that just need clear boundaries drawn for them. Always exceptions.
|
|||||||||
The Great Zucchini Inner circle 1347 Posts |
Wwhokie1, great post, man, and I imagine lots would agree with your sentiments, buddy. My philosophy has always been that the entertainment goes better if you have a couple things in place first. For instance, I like to create uniformity and cohesion, by having all the kids sitting in front of me, and not on couches, chairs, etc.
I want them empty handed as well, and then we are ready to entertain, and I just feel like the way to get to the finish line, is by having a couple important things in place first. |
|||||||||
wwhokie1 Special user 512 Posts |
Quote:
On Oct 16, 2014, The Great Zucchini wrote: Great points. My thoughts have always been that magic is an escape from reality. Rules are a part of reality that we often don't enjoy, so magic is also an escape from rules, or at least an escape from having to think about rules. Of course that is not really true otherwise we would have chaos instead of fun, magical entertainment. So as we create this illusion of an escape from reality we avoid mentioning rules, instead we mention expectations. Then the task of the magician is to be a leader of the group. As the leader, you guide and express expectations as you take them on a journey that they want to take. They follow you, your guidance and expectations because that is the only way to go where you have convinced them you you can take them. So to start a show I may tell the kids to gather round in the floor in front of me, perhaps be a little more specific, just as a storyteller would gather kids around himself. Introduce them to the journey we are going to take together, and that the journey will be more fun if we have nothing in our hands, that way we can wave our arms and clap when we need to, so put everything away. I try to approach rules that way instead of describing them as rules. Of course I also present them as part of the show and not as options, its no different than if I asked everyone to stand up. When you lead well kids will typically follow, especially if they see a benefit. Of course it better pay off for the kids, or some will start to revolt. Mentioning something as a rule is not necessarily bad, its just that you have to be creative to keep it from detracting from the fun you are trying to accomplish. The first few minutes with the kids are so important for setting the tone, I just feel I need every advantage to set the right tone. I don't know if that was expressed well, and I certainly know it is even harder to accomplish. When all else fails, I have a nephew who can get me tazers at a really cheap price. Of course those are reserved for the parents who think their kids should be allowed to behave like rabid wolves. But even rabid wolves will follow if given a good enough reason. |
|||||||||
harris Inner circle Harris Deutsch 8812 Posts |
One of my best moments during a library show was when a boy about 19 1/2 months entered
The Dr. Laugh zone For about 1 minute 49 seconds I did everything he did It was an exhausting and fun moment for the audience Exhausting for me funny for the audience, till the mom Came to the rescue. Saturday at a music gig, I dropped one of 3 harmonicas I was using for a song. A young one rushed to the stage and picked it up And And And Reached up and handed it back to me and continued his running around the room Earlier he wanted every puppet I shared during the pre music / band tune up. And for full transparency actually grabbed Bob(a Spring Fox)
Harris Deutsch aka dr laugh
drlaugh4u@gmail.com music, magic and marvelous toys http://magician.org/member/drlaugh4u |
|||||||||
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » The little darlings » » A fun way to say a rule (20 Likes) | ||||||||||
Go to page [Previous] 1~2~3 |
[ Top of Page ] |
All content & postings Copyright © 2001-2024 Steve Brooks. All Rights Reserved. This page was created in 0.04 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 < |