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Adam Arcana New user Chicago 5 Posts |
I am very interested, but realativly new to Bizarre Magick. My existing show is already on the dark side (I perform sideshow type material) but I would like to incorporate some macabre magic and a paranormal element. I am looking for some suggestions for effects that are theatrical, but can be performed under real world conditions.
Minimal set up time, no special lighting requirements, can adapt to different sized stages/spaces. I welcome your thoughts... |
Adam Arcana New user Chicago 5 Posts |
I should add that I do not bill myself as "Sideshow" or "Freakshow" I am simply a variety entertainer with a penchant for the darker side of the art. I understand that mixing magical effects with sideshow stunts runs the risk of calling into question the legitimacy of those acts. And I am of the opinion that if an act can be done for real, it should be. (No collapsing swords or gaffed needle through arm. lol)
That being said I think most people in the audience just want to be entertained. In my show I play the role of the devils advocate who straddles the line between science and mysticism. So for me delving into the esoteric, the occult, or paranormal would not be a huge stretch. And I think it would open up a whole new range of possibilities. To go along with Tesla Coils, Glass Walking demonstrations, Fire Eating, and such. |
MichaelMason New user 12 Posts |
I too am interested in seeing some suggestions.
Do you mind if I ask which tricks you perform? I am most interested in illusions and some street magic. I am also working on some children's tricks in order to be able to appeal to all ages during shows. I think Saw and Sick will be two of the most bizarre tricks which I will perform. I would, however, like to learn more about levitation and tips for how to "breathe" fire. |
jglumley Loyal user Kansas City 244 Posts |
The "18"
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David Eichler Grammar Host Durham, ME 1780 Posts |
Two thumbs up, and a hearty 'second' endorsement, for jglumley's recommendation.
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Adam Arcana New user Chicago 5 Posts |
Thanks for the positive response and I will look into Prof BC-Phasmology
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Adam Arcana New user Chicago 5 Posts |
To answer your question Michael. I do most of the traditional sideshow "working acts" with the exception of sword swallowing, but things like Human Blockhead, Bed of Nails, Pincushion, Glass Walking, that sort of thing.
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Adam Arcana New user Chicago 5 Posts |
To answer your question Michael. I do most of the traditional sideshow "working acts" with the exception of sword swallowing, but things like Human Blockhead, Bed of Nails, Pincushion, Glass Walking, that sort of thing.
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Brynmore14 Inner circle The Séance Chamber 1815 Posts |
A lot of stage mentalism can be twisted to the dark side. "It isn't mind reading, the spirits are telling me this..."
Plus the sideshow stunts could be framed as demonstrations of, or even ways into, altered states of consciousness. Once in these states other 'unusual abilities' are activated. |
Peter McMillan Elite user St. George, Utah 497 Posts |
I can suggest putting together a routine with pendulums and guided visualization.
A Pendulum routine is a great way to find your subject, and is a wonderful give away not to mention a good BOR sale for those in the audience wanting to try it themselves. Make a small pendulum chart to go with the pendulum. There are several pendulum makers, including my Spiritus Dictum Pendulums, to choose from or make your own pendulum. I also sell them buy the lot for resale or give away. Paul Voodini's "Midnight side of the Mind' is the best guide for guided visualization, a great value. I use it for taking my subject on a tour of Titanic, but it is adaptable to take the subject to any place or time that fits your style. http://www.readerofminds.co.uk/midnight_......_29.html This can give you anywhere from 10 min to an hour program and can be done anywhere you set the mood. Hope this helps. Pete
Spiritus Dictum Artifacts ~ Tools of the Craft for Serious Workers http://petemcmillan.wixsite.com/sd-artifacts/artifacts
~ www.SantaPeteUtah.com |
Michael_MacDonald 1964 - 2016 Washington 2034 Posts |
Talk to Christian Cagigal, and a few of the others here that perform a stage bizarre act. there are a few shows like this.
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Joshua J Inner circle 1014 Posts |
I've done quite a few cabaret nights, burlesque and stip clubs over the years as a a magician and compère. I echo Peter's advice. Pendulum work goes over well. Packs into your pocket plays to large audiences fine. Can be done very seriously or very comedic full of bad innuendo's depending on thee setting. Paul's work on midnight side is very powerful material.
But most bizarre effects can be worked to a stage. Since most will be based on your storytelling ability, so long as it's scripted well people can still know what's happening. I've used Lebanon's from hell for cabaret. With much of this it comes down to your use of the stage and the space. In this respect studying theatre work may do you more good than thinking about which tricks. It comes down to how you set up and make sure your audience know what is happening. Some venues will have the facilities to set up so you can project what is happening on a table to a screen, which is always helpful. You say you're doing nightclub and cabaret. Are you actually working from the stage or are you doing walkaround in these settings as that cahnges the dynamic. For walkaround I do readings more than effects. |
DocBenWiz Special user Meridian, Idaho 992 Posts |
Welcome Adam. Are you familiar with Morg@n $tr€bl€r and his R@z¤r's €dge effect? From what you describe as your style and venue I think it would fit right in.
Good luck!
"Pay no attention to that strange man behind the curtain" (it's only "Doc Benjamin from the Amazing Wizardelia Wagon")
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Mind illusionist Special user Australia 949 Posts |
Hello all,
I feel like I am resurrecting this thread haha, but there is not much other sections on this topic so I don't have much elsewhere to go! Though I understand that visual effects are much easier and better to perfrom in noisy clubs, I have had more ideas to perform mentalism (and readings) in night clubs. Do you think that if club managers gave me a small space (that was relatively more quiet) and away from the noisy dance floors, there would be a market for readings and mentalism? (particularly for the female clientele, because they love that stuff!) I was thinking of approaching the club managers, pitching to them and getting them to pay me a fee of say $100 for 2 or 3 hours in a small VIP room or somewhere else away from the noise. They can advertise me as part of the entertainment for that night, and anyone who visits the club that night can have free readings and close up mentalism. What do you guys think? I feel that if I approach enough clubs, some of them will actually take up my idea! Kindly, Jordan |
Mind illusionist Special user Australia 949 Posts |
To be more specific, I would love to do some bizarre routines too, like Prof BC's haunted key routine (which has visual elements) so its not like I am cutting out all visual effects. But definitely performing mentalism, bizarre material and readings, not mental magic!
Is this too unconventional? Or do you think there could be a market for it? |
pieaddict New user UK 99 Posts |
Is Prof BCs book Phasmology still available. I've been unable to locate a copy for a while now.
"If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is not for you."
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the Sponge Inner circle Atlanta 2771 Posts |
Quote: no, sold out.
On Jul 7, 2017, pieaddict wrote: |
WitchDocChris Inner circle York, PA 2614 Posts |
Quote:
On Jul 6, 2017, Mind illusionist wrote: Yes that could be a good deal for you. The challenge you will have is in convincing the club owners that it's a good deal to them, too. Will providing you that space (Which then can't be used for anything else) and paying you bring in enough business to warrant it? In other words, will you be able to bring in/retain enough people in the space, that wouldn't have been there or stayed there as long otherwise, to warrant the organizational hassle and money spent on you?
Christopher
Witch Doctor Psycho Seance book: https://tinyurl.com/y873bbr4 Boffo eBook: https://tinyurl.com/387sxkcd |
PROF BC Inner circle 1445 Posts |
Adam--
Neil Tobin is there in Chicago. He should probably be your go-to guy. His stage presence is elegance personified. He is smooth as polished marble, and he walks in the shadows as do you. He is also on Spooky, so you can PM him to see where you can go to catch his act. Very highly recommended. BC
Phasmologist
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WitchDocChris Inner circle York, PA 2614 Posts |
Excellent advice BC - now where I can find a copy of Phasmology!? Hehehe
Christopher
Witch Doctor Psycho Seance book: https://tinyurl.com/y873bbr4 Boffo eBook: https://tinyurl.com/387sxkcd |
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » The spooky, the mysterious...the bizarre! » » Bizarre material in a cabaret/nightclub setting? (4 Likes) |
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