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Pakar Ilusi Inner circle 5777 Posts |
I go with my struggles in all those restraints being a metaphor for all our struggles in life.
The things that hold us down or hold us back from moving forward are the "chains". Especially our limiting beliefs. "Set yourself free from the chains that bind you" is my message, if you may... What's yours if you don't mind sharing?
"Dreams aren't a matter of Chance but a matter of Choice." -DC-
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Ian McColl Inner circle 1493 Posts |
I find nothing worse than somewone telling me the grief of their life and then asking me to be pleased with them entertaining me.
Just do the show and leave the other stuff for a spot on the Dr Phil show. There is a time and place for everything.
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Pakar Ilusi Inner circle 5777 Posts |
Quote:
On Nov 5, 2014, Ian McColl wrote: Ah yes, the other side of the argument. The "glass half empty" camp... Now, anyone else care to chime in?
"Dreams aren't a matter of Chance but a matter of Choice." -DC-
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Ian McColl Inner circle 1493 Posts |
Quote:
On Nov 5, 2014, Pakar Ilusi wrote: I didn't realise that you posed your question as an arguement!
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Harley Newman Inner circle 5117 Posts |
I do a stunt show, of which escapes are a part.
I might talk about philosophy or history, but there's always a very specific reason. Years ago, I was booked as a Professional Lunatic, and the show reflected that attitude. Now, my material is changing to reflect the deep roots of the art form. I've slowed down, too. Rather than keeping a frenetic pace through an entire show, it varies. I tend to see the stunt or escape as a punctuation mark in the storytelling. I'm aware that this approach is not taken by most performers.
“You can’t depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus” -Mark Twain
www.bladewalker.com |
Pakar Ilusi Inner circle 5777 Posts |
Quote:
On Nov 5, 2014, Ian McColl wrote: It's a figure of speech.
"Dreams aren't a matter of Chance but a matter of Choice." -DC-
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Pakar Ilusi Inner circle 5777 Posts |
Quote:
On Nov 5, 2014, Harley Newman wrote: I like that "punctuation mark" notion... Thanks!
"Dreams aren't a matter of Chance but a matter of Choice." -DC-
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Cliffg37 Inner circle Long Beach, CA 2491 Posts |
I see Ian's point here, but I don't think that was what you meant. The metaphor is not you telling people your problems, although a story to go with an escape can work if done right, rather it is getting the audience to like you and hope you get out.
I do this very simply. I just make sure to be friendly and linkable on stage. Audiences will cheer for me, countdown with me, and of course applaud. I can tell by listening to the audience whether that has worked or not. While I have had escapes that did not go over as well as I hoped, I have never had an audience not on my side. I read somewhere, (one of you might remember where as I think it is a common piece of EA literature) that the audience hopes you get stuck while you are being restrained, but shifts into cheer mode and roots for you as you struggle.
Magic is like Science,
Both are fun if you do it right! |
Pakar Ilusi Inner circle 5777 Posts |
Quote:
On Nov 5, 2014, Cliffg37 wrote: I like that. Thanks...
"Dreams aren't a matter of Chance but a matter of Choice." -DC-
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Pakar Ilusi Inner circle 5777 Posts |
I like Copperfield's approach, a more storytelling kinda performance.
It isn't just card tricks, it's Grandpa's Aces. Probably because I'm an Actor professionally.
"Dreams aren't a matter of Chance but a matter of Choice." -DC-
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Rook Special user I went to the Magic Cafe and all I got were these lousy 834 Posts |
I use the "life difficulties" metaphor in my escapes as well, but I don't specifically discuss my *own* life difficulties.
I typically ask the audience "Who here as been in an awkward situation from which you couldn't emerge?" a few hesitant hands invariable go up. "I'm sure it's most of you, but here's something I'm sure you've noticed...it's said that Houdini dislocated his shoulder to escape a straitjacket. That's not really necessary, you don't have to harm yourself to emerge from seemingly impossible situations. Perhaps a bit of flexibility...." ...and I go on from there, focusing less on my own trauma and empathizing with that of the audience while modeling an escape from a seemingly impossible situation with the positive attributes of flexibility, persistence, the willingness to experience discomfort sometimes, as well as to look a bit foolish in front of others. -Tom
Those who don't believe in magic will never find it.
-Roald Dahl |
Pakar Ilusi Inner circle 5777 Posts |
Quote:
On Nov 6, 2014, Rook wrote: Nice, I really like that. Thanks...
"Dreams aren't a matter of Chance but a matter of Choice." -DC-
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Harley Newman Inner circle 5117 Posts |
Houdini has been dead since 1926. Stand on your own feet.
“You can’t depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus” -Mark Twain
www.bladewalker.com |
Pakar Ilusi Inner circle 5777 Posts |
That's why I tell my own stories.
"Dreams aren't a matter of Chance but a matter of Choice." -DC-
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dave_matkin Inner circle 4522 Posts |
Quote:
On Nov 6, 2014, Harley Newman wrote: Wish I could! (for more than 2 minutes) |
Harley Newman Inner circle 5117 Posts |
OK, Dave, stand on your hands!
“You can’t depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus” -Mark Twain
www.bladewalker.com |
Rook Special user I went to the Magic Cafe and all I got were these lousy 834 Posts |
Quote:
On Nov 6, 2014, Harley Newman wrote: Yes, he has. However, ignoring a segue that the audience could immediately understand and to which they would relate the principle that I am trying to illustrate, all for the sake of righteous indignation, would be to ignore a valuable opportunity to reach my audience
Those who don't believe in magic will never find it.
-Roald Dahl |
Ian McColl Inner circle 1493 Posts |
In my training as a teacher, we were always taught to teach by taking people from the known to the unknown.
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dave_matkin Inner circle 4522 Posts |
Quote:
On Nov 6, 2014, Harley Newman wrote: Wish I could do that too! (I can't do a hand stand and cant bend over, put my hands under my feet and balance). |
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