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SM41 Special user 831 Posts |
Hi,
How are you? If you have the opportunity to start with mentalism again, (im 14 years old) what you will do first? Thanks Santiago M |
Rick Maue V.I.P. Pittsburgh, PA 586 Posts |
Greetings,
Well, if I was much younger and just starting with mentalism, I would put the majority of my efforts into learning about theater. Things like blocking, scripting, and even directing. I would also work very hard to learn how to be a strong public speaker. And then, in my spare time, I would work on the effects. A large number of the magicians and mentalists that I see are not very good in front of an audience unless they are hiding behind their effects. Remember, the effects are merely the seasoning--the performer is the meal. Keep the change, Rick |
SM41 Special user 831 Posts |
Thanks Rick.
Im thinking of studying theater as a carreer, but I think I will take some small courses. How many time youy will wait before performing? If you ever come to Mexico please tell me. |
Rick Maue V.I.P. Pittsburgh, PA 586 Posts |
It is tough to say when a person is ready to perform. After all, I believe that we perform every single day of our lives. And I am not kidding--just ask the people that have been on the road with me.
I perform everywhere that I go--but I do not mean that I "do tricks" constantly. In fact, I have not performed an impromptu effect for anyone in years. (In truth, I don't believe in performing "on demand" but that is another topic entirely.) But when I say that I perform everywhere that I go, I am constantly interacting with waiters, waitresses, etc... And yes, I have scripting that I use at almost every restaurant that I go to, and yet, it never seems planned. In fact, it always seems like the entire thing is made up on the spot, but it is a performance that is actually very well honed. (Think about it--when you go to a restaurant, you know in advance the types of questions that you will be asked. So, prepare scripting so that your responses are quick, funny, and insightful. If you do it correctly, you will appear smart, witty, and even charming. And on top of all of that, you will be entertaining. And isn't that what performing is all about?) I honestly believe that every moment that we are out in the world is a chance to perform. And I believe that the more that we rehearse, the better we become--so I perform all the time. So to answer your question, you should start performing today--but not on the stage. Instead, create interesting and intelligent things to say in public situations, and hone them until they become performance art that can be used at any time. By doing so, you will be strengthening your performance muscle without having to always be on the stage. And when the time does come to be on the stage, you will be better prepared. Keep the change, Rick |
SM41 Special user 831 Posts |
Thanks Rick
Just one last thing to say, I get asked, "Where did you learn this?" What you answer? |
ncarifo New user Burbank, California 56 Posts |
That was some of the most insightful and meaningful advice on beginning to "perform" that I ever heard given to a novice. I'll remember that.
Nick
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Nicholas Carifo Modern Magician Productions nicholas@modernmagician.com www.modernmagician.com |
Rick Maue V.I.P. Pittsburgh, PA 586 Posts |
Nick,
Thanks for the nice words my friend. You know, I am glad that this topic came up because I believe that I learn more from my everyday performances than from just about anything else. I have a section in Occam's Magic that talks about what I do, and how it benefits me. It is really a fun area to explore. Keep the change, Rick |
bsmmag New user Rockville, MD 1 Post |
Having spent much time with Rick both in Pittsburgh and on the road, I can attest to the fact tat he performs all the time, and in every possible situation.
In fact (though I certainly enjoy and appreciate all of his on-stage work), I have often found Rick's "public" performances to be the most interesting. Without pretext or stage lights, this type of performance is based on genuine human interaction and I watch it have its effect on people night after night. When on the road with Rick, its a privledge to watch his repertiore evolve and expand with each new restaurant we eat at, or hotel we stay at. His lines become more refined, the jokes become tighter and the experience becomes more magical. I often tell people that as much as Rick has shown me about being a magician on stage, I consider the education I get from him on how to be a HUMAN in the WORLD to be the most rewarding part of our friendship. Cheers, David London http://www.magicalthinking.net http://www.divergency.com |
Rick Maue V.I.P. Pittsburgh, PA 586 Posts |
Greetings David,
Thanks very much my friend. Your words mean quite a bit to me--and I look forward to touring with you again. You know, I really wasn't expecting to get into the topic of my "everyday" performances here at The Café--but I am really glad that it came up. I honestly do believe that the ability to perform (and like I mentioned above, without any effects) in the real world is essential to what I do. By working through a honed piece of seemingly impromptu scripting in a social situation, I can dramatically improve my stage performances. Think about it... It improves my timing, my delivery, my audience management skills, my scripting/editing skills, and so much more. The "everyday" performances allow me to rehearse constantly, and to think about (and hone) the structure of what I am doing. In addition, my "everyday" performances also allow my performance character to continuously evolve, but with the added bonus of constant interaction with people in the real world. But enough for now. If anyone has any questions or comments, you know where to find me. Keep the change, Rick |
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