|
|
John Vincelli New user Montreal, QC 34 Posts |
So has anyone performed with a mask on stage yet?
I have a gig at a venue that is following strict covid19 guidelines. The stage that is about two feet off the ground will have a plexiglass separating the stage from the audience. Spectators don't have to wear a mask while seated, however, getting up, going to the washroom, or coming up on stage, the mask is mandatory. I actually don't have to wear a mask unless I call someone to come up on stage. Also, both the volunteer abd myself have to use a hand sanitizer when they come up. I have a 30 minute set with three out of the six tricks requiring a spectator. I'm just wondering if being unable to fully see my facial expressions and the volunteer's facial reaction will take away from the show. I'd love to hear your experiences or thoughts on this.
John knows!
|
Ken Northridge Inner circle Atlantic City, NJ 2392 Posts |
I’ve done quite a few, almost all of them outdoors. Every situation seems to be different but in some of my shows every audience member was wearing a mask. I could still tell when they were smiling because of the squinting of their eyes. So, I assume my audience can see when I’m smiling and some of my face expressions.
I usually wear a mask while enter and exiting the performing area, and also when I have audience volunteers on stage with me. However, as I said, every situation is different. Some groups seem to be very sensitive and I feel its proper to wear a mask the entire time. And yet other groups, because no one seems to care about masks, I feel out of place wearing one at all. I also have bottle of hand sanitizer on stage and make a point to use it. I’ve never had to perform in front of plexiglass yet but I wouldn’t be surprised. Regardless of how I feel, I think respecting others feelings and sensitivities on this subject makes good business sense.
"Love is the real magic." -Doug Henning
www.KenNorthridge.com |
John Vincelli New user Montreal, QC 34 Posts |
Thanks for the response, Ken.
John knows!
|
misterillusion Special user Roseville, California 748 Posts |
All the shows I have done, I wear a mask arriving and setting up as well as when I pack up and leave. While performing I do not wear a mask, but I am at least 12 feet away from the audience. Some audiences wear masks and others do not. I have reworked my show so that I have no one come up on stage. All interaction is done from a distance of about 10 feet, which is not as effective, but I make it work.
|
stempleton Inner circle 1443 Posts |
I've done one show when requested to wear a mask, and it was disappointing. My facial expressions are integral to my shows, and no matter the quality of the mask it is impossible not to have to keep pulling it up. Additionally I felt it was hard for the audience to hear (too small a crowd for a sound system.) I got through it, but hope the necessity of wearing one ends soon.
|
misterillusion Special user Roseville, California 748 Posts |
I did a show just last night in a very large facility (a roller skating rink) for a "sweet 16" birthday party. While doing strolling/closeup magic I performed with a mask on and It was difficult to convey what I was doing especially since very loud music was being played by the DJ. I did my magic using pantomime for the most part. It worked pretty good. Later on I did a 30 minute standup show from a mic-stand. The audience was about 20 feet away. I had people come up "on stage" for certain effects but was able to keep them at a 6 foot distance without any difficulty. I did not wear a mask for the standup show. Some of the audience was wearing masks and some were not. Everything worked out okay.
|
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Tricky business » » Performing with a mask (0 Likes) |
[ Top of Page ] |
All content & postings Copyright © 2001-2024 Steve Brooks. All Rights Reserved. This page was created in 0.01 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 < |