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chanor Regular user New York City 104 Posts |
One of the mentalist's greatest enemies is dead time, during which a subject comes to the stage, draws a design, seals it in an envelope, etc. How does one avoid audience boredom? Sometimes I do 2 effects at once; while the design is being drawn, I am revealing something else, etc. Mark Salem plays music (The Syncopated clock). The performer must keep talking, tell an anecdote or story lest the audience's attention drift. I also set up my effects in order on my table, the last one on the bottom, to enhance flow from one effect to the next. I arrange them in groups of props, carrying them to the theater in plastic bags. One shouldn't have to hunt for a pen, scissors, paper, etc. Ideas?
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Jordan Waller Special user London 610 Posts |
I agree. One should always know were one's props are. Also the performing of two effects at a time is very good, and somethin that I perform too. Also I saw Derren Brown do the same thing recently at his live show.
I have a question which I suppose fits under the same subject. I have developed a blindfold routine. How do I prevent bordom when the blindfold is being appliead? Its a big blindfold. And yes it is entirely nessersery.
One day I will write a book
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chanor Regular user New York City 104 Posts |
The audience will not be bored when you apply the blindfold. They will be looking carefully to see whether there are areas to peek through. Most people are frightened at the though of being blindfolded and will watch intently.
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Ken Dyne Inner circle UK 2268 Posts |
In addition to this there are a tonn of jokes you can use "piece of tape about six inches...oh that's what six inches is it it?" "u practice this? wanna use handcuffs too?" lots of chance for comedy. I think the comedy here is also appropriate as I am assuming the routine you do once blindfolded will be serious so this is a good contrast.
Hope this helps a little, Kind thoughts, Kennedy
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bobser Inner circle 4178 Posts |
Yeah I absolutely agree with Kennedy.
I think it might be possible to look upon this particular period not as an enemy, but a friend. A chance to try out all the lovely (rehearsed) ad libs that we've always wanted to use... till we get it just right!!!
Bob Burns is the creator of The Swan.
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Hypnotic Winter Special user Ireland 720 Posts |
I some times use that time to prepair another effect, usually hand cuffing an audience member to another one and leve them like that till the first effect is over, this in in order to prove the hand cuffs legitimate before proceeding with my handcuff effect.
H.W
When your only reality is an illusion, then illusion is reality.
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Jordan Waller Special user London 610 Posts |
I never thought about using comedy during the blindfold appliance phase. Thanks for that. My act is generaly very serious though I do love comedy and I have got several elements of commedy in my act, juust to break up the tension.
One day I will write a book
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ThomasBerger Special user 593 Posts |
Dead time is a big problem.
Especially if you do things with a lot of spectator involvement. I learnt a lot from watching Cassidy handle the 3 envelope routine. Look at how he handles dead time, or rather lack of it. The process of that routine requires a lot of get ready... 3 specators filling in billets, they are sealed in enevelopes *one at a time*. A long time passes before anything happens. It's a great routine to watch and learn. Salem also handles dead time well. You learn a lot form watching these guys. Tom |
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