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MagicianJ New user 81 Posts |
I'm a close up magician, somewhat experienced in Close Up magic but I want to venture into the world of Stage Magic. Where should I start?
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Larry Barnowsky Inner circle Cooperstown, NY where bats are made from 4770 Posts |
Are you talking about large illusions or general standup magic? For example the linking rings are an effect which can be done on stage. For stand up magic on stage try Jeff McBride's videos. For illusions, the Osborne book series is a good start.
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Bob Sanders Grammar Supervisor Magic Valley Ranch, Clanton, Alabama 20504 Posts |
One of the hardest adjustments to make between close up and stage magic is timing. You may be better off in the beginning to go with standup or platform magic instead of grand illusion. That will give you the security of being able to watch the reactions of specific audience members during your act and keep your timing. In grand illusion, that is not easily done. You have to use the music.
There are plenty of good effects that can move to a larger stage later. Look at items made by MAK and Chalet that are suitable for either. I also recommend all of the Mark Wilson materials and the Silk Encyclopedia by Harold Rice. Enjoy! Bob |
Rob Johnston Inner circle Utah 2060 Posts |
You should also research the methods of the effects that are popular and not-so-popular. You need an understanding of how these effects work.
"Genius is another word for magic, and the whole point of magic is that it is inexplicable." - Margot Fonteyn
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LadyofLight New user California 7 Posts |
Something else that's sometimes forgotten and put off until the end is dancing or simple studies of body movement.
It's not the same as adapting a character or persona for close-up. On stage, you have to be able to convey that persona or character through movement instead of 'patter.' Of course, that's speaking more towards grander stage illusions versus more intimate routines such as what one might find in a parlour setting. |
Bob Sanders Grammar Supervisor Magic Valley Ranch, Clanton, Alabama 20504 Posts |
LadyofLight makes a very good point. In stage magic you will be more seen than heard. Movement is the communication. Spend some time with a professional dancer, not a dance teacher, but a real experienced professional dancer. Watch TV with the sound OFF and see what you learn. Stage actors still communicate when most of television fails completely without sound. Stage magic is theater not cinema. It pays better for many reasons. Spend your money on your skills rather than props. Ad agencies like the big new props; but audiences like to be entertained. Ad agencies don't buy tickets.
If you like it, you'll love it. It's not for everyone. But neither is champagne or spinach. Enjoy! Bob |
dsilverfield Special user 752 Posts |
Bob wrote, "Watch TV with the sound OFF."
Man, that is something I never ever thought of. That is a sound piece of advice. It will enable you to learn how to communicate effectively through body movements. |
MagicianJ New user 81 Posts |
"That is a sound piece of advice." GOD. Where did this pun come from!
Anyways. where do I find the Osborne book series, as mentioned by Mr Larry. |
Donald Dunphy Inner circle Victoria, BC, Canada 7563 Posts |
If you are interested specifically in stage illusions, Paul Osborne has a series of books about building and presenting stage illusions.
Some are available at your favorite magic dealer. Here's Paul's website, so you can purchase direct: Osborne Illusion Systems - Donald.
Donald Dunphy is a Victoria Magician, British Columbia, Canada.
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muzicman Special user LaCenter, Wa 989 Posts |
I recently moved from close-up to stage. I replaced my packet tricks with stage illusions. Let me warn you, it's VERY expensive! I set aside a large sum of money to "get my act together". It wasn't large enough. It costs more than you can imagine. First of all, I do illusion shows in school gyms. I had to get my own lighting, sound system, backdrop ect.
Lighting so far has set me back over 5k. I didn't get the cheap stuff, it's all DMX controlled. The sound system needed to be good...I can't stand "tinny" sounding PA's. I spent just over 3k for the mixer, amps, speakers and cables. A wireless headset cost me almost 600 clams. I made my own curtains and backdrops. I use black art (which I recommend). it allows me to make some really magical props fairly inexpensively. In short, I spent over $800 for material for my stage show. I could have gone "cheaper" on the lights and sound and props...but I'm afraid it would show. I wanted the best for my audiences and I payed for it. When switching from close-up to stage shows, just keep in mind the audience. A lot of my close-up skills would never pass on stage...only the first couple of rows would see and understand what's going on. Switching from regular cards to a jumbo deck...it costs more! For me, the lighting and sound were VERY important....so I paid extra attention (meaning dollars) in those areas. I hoep this helps! |
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