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vago Regular user Israel 116 Posts |
It really happens but what do you do with---
1. people shouting "It's probably a double" 2. people that don't follow instructions. 3. people that, in the middle of a trick, grab the packet from your hand, shuffle it, and gives it back to you (trick is ruined). Basically, please share with your cases of difficult crowds, and how you've managed to keep in control. Any good patter and outs would be great. I would be very happy to read about something more nuttier than my number 3. I know I'll probably get numerous references for audience control books. That will be fine. . Thanks. |
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Open Traveller Inner circle 1087 Posts |
How you handle them depends on where you are and what the circumstances are. Working in a bar? In a restaurant? At a private party? Just for friends at a get-together? Is it noisy? Are they drunk? Are they armed? Are you?
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twistedace Inner circle philadelphia 3772 Posts |
I don't accept rude behavior like that when I'm being paid to perform. I usually have most of the people on my side. I shrug it off with a little bit of humor at first, stuff like "Did Van Halen give out his guitar to be examined after he was done a solo?" (Thanks Larry Davidson!) or "I don't come to your place of business and make sure you count out the requisite number of McNuggets while you're working"
All tongue in cheek, though. It takes a certain style to be able to get away with them. Then if they keep on with the behavior, I say I would appreciate it if you would stop, because I am being paid to entertain the majority of the people here. If you would like to talk about some of the tricks in private afterwards, I'd be more than happy to take some time. If he or she STILL persists, I say to the group due to conditions I am going to have to move on when I'm finished this effect. After this statement, the group usually shuts up the offender. If they don't, I thank them for their time we shared and begin to move on. At this point someone will usually say, "One more", and the group will shut that guy up. If not, walk away. You're being paid to entertain everyone in the restaurant, party, event, etc. Don't waste your time on someone who doesn't want to see it or is only trying to bust you and make it a bad time for everyone around him. Remember those few comments - humor, serious, stern---can all happen during the first effect. I don't let it build too long. If he or she wants to be the center of attention, let him/her. Do a trick or two that makes him/her the star. This also has the tendency to win that person over. But a right comment in the right place can usually stop the behavior. Good luck! Bryan |
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Open Traveller Inner circle 1087 Posts |
In very general terms, it helps if the audience understand from the get-go that you're there for them, not the other way around. We have all kinds of ways to try to communicate that, but if the audience completely understands what that means early on, they're much less prone to challenging the performer.
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dynamiteassasin Inner circle Naval Air Facility, Atsugi, Japan 1158 Posts |
Hi!
I had the same problem before. It really ****** me off when the spectators tend to be some jerks. Then a video taught me something on this problem. 1.) First you should ask them if they would like to see an illusion or magic. Never say the word "trick". It gives them the idea "Oh! a trick! I'll mess him up, watch." If you ask them politely, watch them for their response. You can tell then if they are tough spectators or not. If you come across a tough one, do one trick then leave. If he seems friendly, pull out your routine then amaze them with your magic. 2.) Second, prepare tricks that can be performed from a shuffled deck. Most of the good tricks out there require no pre-arranged decks. If you want a video that teaches simple tricks like these, here's a link http://www.ellusionist.com/order/crash1order.htm 3.)Third, if you are using gimmicked cards, have a subtle way to ditch them after the trick. Most people tend to say, "Can I have a look at your cards?" after a really impossible trick. So you must have a way to get rid of the dirty pieces. Hope this helped. Good luck in magic. Karl |
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Chessmann Inner circle 4242 Posts |
My simple answer is "Don't perform for them."
Of course, this sounds simplistic, and there are certain situations (paid gigs) when you may have to plunge ahead. But whenever possible, I will not reward that kind of poor behavior with a card routine. Try to get an idea of what your audience is like before you actually start performing. If you don't like what you see, have a routine ready that does not require much audience participation/cooperation (i.e., the cards stay in your hands, etc.). If someone were to do one of the three items you listed, I would 1) stop the trick right then; 2) politely say that I'll be happy to perform, but in order to do so I must be allowed to perform without interruption; 3) ask if they will agree, and wait for an answer. That is usually enough to take care of the situation. If that doesn't work, then it is likely that *nothing* will. I'm sure others will have some insight, too. Mark
My ex-cat was named "Muffin". "Vomit" would be a better name for her. AKA "The Evil Ball of Fur".
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JCaelum Regular user 107 Posts |
I've had this problem a lot performing at kids' birthday parties, because these kids just don't want to be entertained. All they want is to know how it's done, and it frustrates them when they can't figure it out. Usually I just don't even bother with those kids and just try to use kids who are quieter or maybe even the parents. Some people just don't appreciate magic.
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cpatchett Veteran user My current prediction is that I have 337 Posts |
Are you licensed to carry a firearm?
Craig
Magician: Someone willing to spend $15 to learn how to make $1 disappear.
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wol Loyal user Norfolk, UK 238 Posts |
An audience is like a bunch of roses! There is always one prick! What's your address so I can come round later and talk while you`re trying to perform!
Saying anything along these lines as sweetly as possible can be fun! But seriously I always have a social chat with people before introducing the 'magic', then I can find out what they're about and decide if they get a good show or just a brief one then I am gone! The other alternative is to say you want to perform knife through arm with their knife and their arm, hack their arm off then beat them to death with the wet end!
Keep passing the open windows!
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James Luff New user Eastbourne, UK 74 Posts |
One of the things I sometimes do (which works about 85-90% of the time) is to perform an effect where the annoying spectator is allowed "in" on the trick. In other words, carry a card which you can flash them that gives them instructions on what to do, or force it on them as a selection. That way, they can help make the magic happen. Most of the time they will relish in the opportunity to know the secret. After that you have them on you side as an impromptu stooge and they usually behave.
In the past I've also done a mind-reading trick with a hole in the back of a bag that the spectator can see through. Then the spectator can read minds! Anything like this has worked for me. they won't want to spoil it if they think they can look good. Regards, James Luff
Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.
- Arthur C. Clarke Any technology distinguishable from magic is insufficiently advanced. - Gregory Benford |
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Kevin Ram Special user Travelling through Europe 791 Posts |
If I get someone annoying, I will just do a quick Flurious coin routine where the spectators just watch then move on.
"Your the Italian stallion" As said by my g/friend
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CamelotFX Special user Minnesota 596 Posts |
I have an occasional problem with the "fiddler", a non-malicious spectator who, during tricks where he is holding a deck, unconsciously turns it over, riffles it or even instinctively cuts or shuffles while he's listening to your instructions or setup.
I hate to stop and say, "Don't do that!", because it gives the trick away and sometimes turns his friends against you. High-school crowds are the worst offenders, but adults do it too. |
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vago Regular user Israel 116 Posts |
I liked the "fiddler" naming - that's a c***py audience. I'm not allowed to carry firearms, but maybe I should.
I think letting them on a trick might be the right thing to have them join the show. Ending it would be a bit on the downside. Any other ideas or stories? |
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S2000magician Inner circle Yorba Linda, CA 3465 Posts |
Quote:
On 2004-07-17 15:07, CamelotFX wrote: I've found that middle school students (12- to 14-year-olds) are the most difficult. Most high-schoolers, in my experience, are well-behaved if they're treated as adults rather than as children. On the subject, I tell the rest of the audience that I will happily entertain them if I'm allowed to do it, otherwise I'll move on. |
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Steven Steele Chief of Staff 1868 Posts |
Today I had every age imaginable come to my table for an demonstration of magic. I can only say that I have trouble a few times per year and every time I run into trouble, I can find issues with me and what I did. It never is the problem of the audience.
I would suggest that a) you always have a spectator share the ID of the card with others. b) Never allow a suspected troublemaker to handle the cards, ever. c) If someone is going to help in any way, do some other effects first and get to know your audience and eliminate the ones that can't follow simple instructions. d) Get a copy of "Outs, Precautions, and Challenges" by Charles Hopkins and study it until you know it cold. Today I had fun with everybody, even with the potential trouble-maker (and there was one). She came back with friends two or three times. A good time was had by all. I am not successful every time, but my point is, if something is going wrong, it can most likely be corrected by looking in the mirror. I've looked often enough to know.
Coram Deo
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vago Regular user Israel 116 Posts |
"Outs, Precautions, and Challenges" by Charles Hopkins.
This sounds good. Any other books in the matter? Any other recommendations? Did someone else have read this book ? I've read a little about it on Google search sites "79 page booklet published 1940" etc., ($4-$7). |
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francisco Loyal user Coolest guy in the café 267 Posts |
Do a routine called the furious fist. It will knock the spectator for six.
-Francisco
'When you steal one trick, they call it plagiarism. When you steal many - they call it research.'
[Corinda, 13 steps to mentalism] |
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CamelotFX Special user Minnesota 596 Posts |
Thanks for the book title, Steven. I'm ordering that right away; it's one I haven't read.
I try to spot the ADD students, but it's not always possible and the worst thing you can do is insult one of them. The rest of the class knows that you're picking on a disadvantaged friend, and you can just pack up and scratch that school off of your recurring venues. I try to hold back the "Take this deck in your hand and hold it exactly like I'm doing" until the last second. I also try to maintain eye contact: "Watch me, now, keep your eyes here" and hope for the best. Some spectators, however, just have to "fiddle." It's a subconscious thing and the "Out" is always tough. |
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Samuel Special user Norway 831 Posts |
Quote:
On 2004-07-17 15:07, CamelotFX wrote: What you could do, which is subtle enough, is to ask the spectator to hold the cards in a cage - sandwiched by the hands. This way he will not be able to manipulate them in any way.
Samuel
Magic is everywhere |
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CamelotFX Special user Minnesota 596 Posts |
Thank you, Samuel! That's a great solution to many situations.
Now, how about "Back to Earth?" I've got my black-backed Bikes and a fabulous routine with three new improvements! How do I keep the "fiddlers" from flipping the deck over and riffling it? (I apologize if I'm stepping into "Method" territory here. I can't wait until I hit that 50 post border!) |
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