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Alexxander Elite user Frankfurt, Germany 423 Posts |
Inspired by the thread on scripting, here are some thoughts on a subject I feel people rarely talk about.
Every stage performer knows about the importance of a solid script. It is common wisdom that it provides a safety net for the performer, and that you can always go off script for off-the-cuff ad-libs. But a lot of situations in which you have to go off-script and improvise can be prepared as well. In jazz music for example, a guitar player is only good at improvising, because he is well prepared and has a large repertoire to work with. I truly believe that good improvisation as a comedian or even as a mentalist also comes down to repertoire and being prepared. So I created myself a list of "ad-libs" for situations that have happened or might happen someday during a show. I literally wrote down what I would say.... - if somebody's phone rings - if somebody interrupts me / heckles me repeatedly - if I forget somebodys name - if an effect goes completely wrong - if I accidently drop something on the floor - if an audience member refuses to join me on stage ... And I also rehearse those situations. Of course, these things should not happen very often with good preparation and audience management - but it still could always happen. I believe that these situations are moments in which you could potentially lose the audience. But if you turn those weak moments into a strong gag or just have something witty to say immediately, it really looks professional and puts everyone at ease again.. I don't know, maybe this isn't new to anyone, but to me this realization was very important and I wish somebody told me sooner. What other situations can you think of? Greetings, Alex |
Roslyn Inner circle UK 3405 Posts |
I found that my many years as a street performer was the best way to prepare yourself for dealing with the unexpected. Out on the streets the unexpected becomes normal. You not only have to deal with things like is listed above (phone ringing etc), you also have to deal with people literally walking through your show, the weather, drunks, the police and street vendors.
Street performing also teaches you how to sell your show and how to create a character that is engaging and makes people care. I'm not talking about the modern version of street magic. I'm talking old school busking-style shows performed on the street. I don't know if many mentalists have ever tried working the street. I haven't met anyone doing it. At least not a full show. I started out as a juggler first and then an escape artist before moving in to classic magic and now mentalism. But I recon mentalism would work with a little thought. So, yea. Go work some street shows. And remember kids, if the adult you're with doesn't give you at least $5 to put in the hat... They don't love you!
The Magic Cafe account of The Conwy Jester, Erwyd le Fol formerly known as Roslyn Walker.
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jstreiff Special user 701 Posts |
As Bi Cassidy has said, shows should be scripted but sticking strictly to script can lead to a boring performance. The unique aspects of the show lies in the improvisations.
John
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E.E. Inner circle Look mom, I have 1533 Posts |
Good advice, Alexxander.
If my memory is not failing, Nick Kolenda states the same in his "Showmanship for mentalists" book. If you haven't read it, go for it
Professional mentalist and digital artist for mystery performers. check out my work at www.facebook.com/EverElizaldeArtStudio
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Alexxander Elite user Frankfurt, Germany 423 Posts |
Quote:
On Apr 27, 2016, jstreiff wrote: I must say, I do not fully agree with that. Of course it is true that improvisations can make a show more interesting and unique, but I believe your script should always be strong enough to be entertaining in itself. Even if you don't go off-script in the entire show, it should still be entertaining and amazing, and not boring. Also, I was referring to situations which are problematic. If, for example, a participant says something funny and you are able to riff on that and improvise, awesome! |
Jacene New user 50 Posts |
I was very unsure of the whole scripting AT FIRST! Mr. Cassidy turned me around and made me realize that following a script is a very necessary thing for a performer; the pauses, the wording, the way the script gets the reaction that you want from the crowd! The script does get the reactions I want....but the improvised things that happen: dropping a mic, guests not wanting to help out, forget somebody's name, phone rings, etc... are things I'm not afraid of anymore either! As a performer, my opinion is that in order to be good you have to be able to react to what's going on with your audience! You have to be able to veer off your script and let them hear you be real! To me, it's those little quick witted, improvised reactions that I find are sometimes the best parts of the show! So, everyone will have their own opinion on this subject, but personally, to respond to the original post....I don't rehearse or script reactions for things the audience members do, I keep it open for a little improv - makes it exciting! (But I am prepared for if something goes "wrong" and I have an idea in my mind of how I'll get around it, what I"ll say and I definitely have backups for my backups!!!!!)
Jacene |
jaizon Inner circle By time you read this I will have 1552 Posts |
So I'm in the middle of a routine last night and a woman's phone rings -- she is the spec up front with me. She says, "Oh, I forgot to turn off my phone." My response, "don't worry, it's not for me." Then back to the script.
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