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Carron Special user UK 958 Posts |
I've been trying this lately andi must say it's getting easier than I used to find it but do you have any techniques you use i.e. opening lines etc. I would love to hear them
Tom |
MikeSpark New user 42 Posts |
Tom-
I don't do stret magic ala Blaine and walk up to people with a camera crew in that regard. I however do strolling magic for corporate hospitality hours and such and find this approach isn't too bad (you might be able to use it as is, or modify it to your needs) "Excuse me, does anyone here know who this watch belongs to?" (it's a nice watch, cause it's mine). Inevitably they say no, and then I vanish it. I tell them, "oh well, it's of no concern. My name is Michael and (the boss, ceo etc) asked me to come in to your event this evening and keep you entertained and help you have a ton of fun." Then I go into my routine which is no more than say 5-7 minutes per small group. now I don't know how well that last bit of 'so and so hired me' would work for you as you won't be hired on the street. but if Your cold approaching peopleLike that it might work. You could also try like real street magician do and set up a small table and begin calling out to People to watch a show. The crowd gets as Big as you want it. I've read a bit about Mr. Kozmo over at Danny Hustle's Street Buskers board http://www.thedannyhustleshow.com/forums and some of those guys get huge crowds, while at time Mr. Kozmo enjoys smaller groups of say 15 or so. muCh to learn on that board as is here. Mike |
n0x New user Germany 26 Posts |
When I walk through the city I have nearly always a deck in my pocket. while moving around I train some sleight or just play around. if I'm in mood to perform a bit I just walk to a person and ask if I could show him something.
a good start is a vanish with the raven© for example. it is fast and very impressive, mysterious and magical so that the people nearly always want to see more. then I go over to card magic, sometimes also a levitation if there are not that much people around. until now I always got positive reactions, maybe because I'm younger then the general "magician" that is in the mind of the spectators. oh, and student girls always find it kinda...erm..sweet........lets talk about that another time =) |
teenmagician14 New user 30 Posts |
I do street magic dowtown, and find that the Invisible deck is a good opener. Just say, "Would you help me with this? Here, take this deck..." And the fun has begun.
If anyone could help me with performance jitters, I really need it! |
dynamiteassasin Inner circle Naval Air Facility, Atsugi, Japan 1158 Posts |
I just walk with a smile, approach a person, and say "I'm (my name). Would you like to see something cool?" then I do one of my openers. Every street magician must have an opening trick.
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Marco S. Inner circle 1017 Posts |
There is no general recipe, just be natural. The advice given above meets your requirements pretty well I think.
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Angela Regular user Ohio 190 Posts |
Quote:
If anyone could help me with performance jitters, I really need it! Just practice tons before you show anything (if you're jittery about messing up). When you're ready to show an effect, keep at it. The more you actually perform for people, the more you'll get used to it. When you're nervous about any kind of performance, I think that a good public speaking background helps... you might want to get some experience through classes, speaking engagements, etc. I used to hate speaking in front of people, but I did this and now I love it; performing is a lot easier, too. I know how annoying the jitters are; I have all kinds of things to be nervous about. You'll eventually get very used to it, though. Just be confident!! Angela |
Jordini Inner circle 2765 Posts |
The more people you approach, the more comfortable you will be approaching people. When I went to Philly, I was terribly bored one day, so I went to the park. I just approached people and said "How are you folks doing today? Would it be alright if I showed you a little magic?" Be careful how you word that too. DON'T say, "Would you mind if I showed you a few tricks" because they would have to say "yes" if they don't want to see magic, as in "yes I mind" make sure you're clear about that. You also have to take the "no" people. People will say "no". Sometimes they don't want to be bothered, and yes, there are some people who just don't like magic all that much. Just be as polite as can be, then move on. Also, as a general rule, do a few tricks and move on. It makes a better impression on people. Some cases you can tell if they're way into magic and they want to see more, but most people want to see a few tricks and move on to something else that's not magic. Remember, it takes a lot of concentration to watch magic, and most people on the street or in the park aren't there to concentrate hard. Lastly, be aware of who you approach. Don't go up to people who are eating, or in a deep disscussion. They don't want to be bothered. Big crowds are good to start in, because there are enough people that you will find someone to watch your magic. These are all "guidelines" which I picked up from performing out in the public for no money. I hope these are helpful.
Jordini |
CaliKid99 New user 1 Post |
Usually ill be standin there like ina place that's gets a lotta traffic like a food court in mall. you know what I mean. but if there are people walkin by ill be doin some thin visual like hummer card, double card changeummm... oh the throw vanish. that's always good. and they see I'm doin it and say do that again. so I do, but then ill do here then there. always a good opener.
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Vincz New user 59 Posts |
Normally I'll just smile and ask would you like to see something magicial or I will approach and tell them that "hey, I got a problem here, the quality of coins is getting poorer that I can bite it off (coin bite)?"
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dynamiteassasin Inner circle Naval Air Facility, Atsugi, Japan 1158 Posts |
Visit http://www.ellusionist.com they have the best tips for street performers.
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