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Billy Bo
Special user
552 Posts
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Posted: Jul 23, 2006 5:43am
http://www.creativemagic.org/kids/wands/index.htm
what does eveyone think
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trixy
Regular user
sweden
120 Posts
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Posted: Jul 23, 2006 7:10am
I thing that kids are going to LOVE the wand! But as averythng else,it is the presentation that matters whether it is good or not.
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Spellbinder
Inner circle
The Holy City of East Orange, NJ
5188 Posts
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Posted: Jul 23, 2006 8:40am
Just pulling out wands that are bigger and bigger is not worth $95. However, wands that transform magically into larger and larger magic wands, would be well worth that kind of money. Just my humble (and cheapskate) opinion.
Professor Spellbinder
Professor Emeritus at the Turkey Buzzard Academy of Magik, Witchcraft and Wizardry
http://www.magicnook.com
Publisher of The Wizards' Journals
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Billy Bo
Special user
552 Posts
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Posted: Jul 23, 2006 9:30am
It got the kids shouting and he got laughs. He created expectations of bigger and bigger wands which he fulfilled till the magic happened then the kids were amazed. A really nice and fun way to make a 5 second effect into 5 minutes
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Autumn Morning Star
Grammar Hostess
Blackfeet Nation
950 Posts
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Posted: Jul 23, 2006 10:25am
Kids love thing that grow, change and pop out from nowhere. As expected, Spellbinder and trixy both have very good commentary and points to ponder.
Autumn Morning Star
"We are what we imagine. Our very existence consists in our imagination of ourselves... The greatest tragedy that can befall us is to go unimagined."
~N. Scott Momaday
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MikeDes
Special user
Montreal
685 Posts
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Posted: Jul 23, 2006 10:39am
Quote:
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On 2006-07-23 08:40, Spellbinder wrote:
Just pulling out wands that are bigger and bigger is not worth $95. |
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I respectfully diagree. You get seven soft wands covered in fabric so that they are totally safe to handle by little ones. The biggest wand is over seven feet tall. The two bigger wands can be taken apart for easy packing and storage. All of these come in a great little duffle bag.
I don't know which magic stores you shop at, but for me $95 was a steal. These things can't help but be funny. A 5 year old waving a seven foot wand around is just precious and a great photo op.
Michel Deslauriers
www.magicandlaughter.com
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BtheDreamer
Loyal user
214 Posts
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Posted: Jul 23, 2006 2:38pm
Quote:
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On 2006-07-23 08:40, Spellbinder wrote:
Just pulling out wands that are bigger and bigger is not worth $95. However, wands that transform magically into larger and larger magic wands, would be well worth that kind of money. Just my humble (and cheapskate) opinion.
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I understand why you would feel that way and I am sure others do too and I agree jumbo magic wands appearing would be cool. heck most anything appearing or growing is cool especially big things  I think that’s why we all like magic. but that’s not the point of Bigger Wands. We all have other things that will appear in our shows.. the point here is to have a big funny prop. I actually played around with appearing wands (different sized roll up wands - you know the kind made out of shower curtain rods that you can pull out of a brown paper bag. Or spring wands like the old snake gag)
But the truth is the fact that these didn’t magically appear add something to this - Now hear me out I have been doing bigger wands for almost 15 years and I have tried lots of things and talked to lots of kids and parents after shows.
The fact that you brought along this gigantic 7 foot wand "just in case" is funny - I just happen to have another wand back here - and its SOLID its very clear to the kids that it doesn’t pack down and they wonder how you got it in your car. Because of the cloth covering these have a Disney magic about them that I just have never been able to put my finger on that you loose when you use appearing pole type material or springs or the other dozen things I tried.
I understand some people might say it's overpriced for something that doesn’t do magic. That always happens, even if it did magically appear and if it were only $50 some people would say it should only be $30 but we really tried to price it at what was fair as far as our costs to manufacture and promote and distribute and keeping it low enough for the end user. For most performers all it takes is one show and they are paid for. And I can honestly say it has a 100% track record of customer satisfaction and from people we sold them to for the retail price of $145 to boot. And I guarantee - heck money back guarantee - that anyone that uses them once, will see why they are worth every dime.
anyhow those are my two cents sorry to chime in here but I hope my thoughts help explain what we are selling here and why.
Creative Magic LLC - Street Magic to Stage Illusions
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dearwiseone
Elite user
Portland, OR
472 Posts
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Posted: Jul 24, 2006 12:57am
I bought Bigger Wands for $150 and can say it has been well worth every cent! I would do it again in a heartbeat. These wands get a fantastic reaction from the kids; they've become a hit of my kids’ shows. I've already rebooked another show for a popular festival here and the director specifically requested "that trick where the wands get bigger and bigger!"
Spellbinder, I would argue that not everything has to transform or do something magical. Sometimes props can be the focus of a routine or be the means for accomplishing the magic in a routine. "Just pulling wands out" has been worth way more than $150.
In fact, I would disagree with you, Brian. The wands DO something magical! You should see these kids faces and hear their screams when you start to bring out those bigger wands. I swear some of these little five year olds look like their eyes are about to explode out of their sockets! Re-watch the video clip on Creative Magic's website. That reaction is the same reaction I've gotten every time I've used them. I honestly think it's one of the best kid's show props to come along in years. Try them once, you'll be hooked, I guarantee it!
Bigger Wands is a wonderful way to create a 5-minute routine out of any little trick, even a simple TT! I use it with my finale Balloon to Bunny, and it leaves a lasting impression on the audiences, especially the kids! Isn't that what magic's all about?
As with all Creative Magic tricks, Bigger Wands makes it seem like you brought "stage" props along. Kids remember you having huge props. For me, it was a simple "toss the bag in the car."
Congratulations to Brian on another solid product!
-Kevin
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jimgerrish
Veteran user
East Orange, NJ
312 Posts
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Posted: Jul 24, 2006 8:08am
The original question was: what does everyone think (of the Bigger Wands)?
Having performed with the multiplying wands, and having made my own multiplying crayons for use with the coloring book routine, I know that it's a funny bit.
What saddens me is that so many feel that an entertainment prop (like the multiplying wands or Bigger Wands) should be tied to a weak trick to make it funnier. If I have a trick I consider weak, I don't try to add stuff to make it more entertaining.... I get rid of it from my act.
My coloring book routine is very strong as it stands, and doesn't NEED multiplying crayons, but they do add to the hilarity and fun so I use them. The climax is not the multiplication of giant crayons to use as wands, but what happens to the coloring book as a result, which is very magical.
When I perform as a clown, I don't need anything magical to happen at all. I just need to get and keep kids laughing from start to finish. But when I do a magic show, I need to have some magic happening every once in awhile.
However I completely agree with Spellbinder on one thing. MikeDes wrote to Spellbinder: "I don't know which magic stores you shop at, but for me $95 was a steal." Both Spellbinder and I took one look at the Bigger Wands and said, "Home Depot."
PVC pipes come in all sizes and if they don't even have to nest like the other magic wand sets do, it's a cost of about $20 and a weekend project of sawing and painting to get a set. So now you know the magic stores we shop at. Between Home Depot and the Dollar Stores, we pretty much make everything ourselves.
And on that subject, if you do plan to make a set for yourself, you might as well make magical wands that actually "magically" expand to twice their size. Here's a way it could be done- for each wand you give the kid, you produce another one for yourself. Your wand can expand, his can't. When he gets done waving, you take both wands back, shake them, look inside them, etc. Suddenly the wand you were using expands to twice its length. You hand the expanded wand to the kid (locked so it can't collapse) and get yourself a wand of equal length... except that again, your wand can expand to twice its length. And so on to the limits of your imagination or budget.
So, in keeping with the original question of the thread- that's what I think.
Jim Gerrish
http://www.wizkidzinc.com
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Marvello
Inner circle
It's amazing how little I can say in
1428 Posts
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Posted: Jul 24, 2006 8:51am
Jimgerrish - PVC pipe joined together will always have a big joint piece of plastic where the pipes are joined - that would look like crud. If you don't plan on joining them together how will you produce a 7 foot wand? Carry a 7 foot piece of PVC around with you to the shows? Also- these wands are FOAM - I don't think I want to hand a long length of hard PVC pipe to a kid and tell them to wave it around.
However- instead of PVC pipes - you could always fix up one of those water noodles as a wand, however I think that would end up looking crappy as well.
Never criticize someone else until you have walked a mile in their shoes. Then, when you do criticize them, you will be a mile away from them and you will have their shoes.
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MikeDes
Special user
Montreal
685 Posts
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Posted: Jul 24, 2006 9:06am
Quote:
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On 2006-07-24 08:08, jimgerrish wrote:
it's a cost of about $20 and a weekend project of sawing and painting to get a set.
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Personnaly, I'm not that handy. I'll take the time I save on that weekend, go do 5 shows and spend the $95.00 on a great product. Painted PVC pipe...not for me.
Michel Deslauriers
www.magicandlaughter.com
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Ron Reid
Inner circle
Phoenix, Arizona
2578 Posts
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Posted: Jul 24, 2006 9:21am
Hi:
I also don't understand the PVC alternative. The part about these wands that most appealing is the fact that they're foam. I've only seen the video demo of the wands, but they look like they're easily worth the price.
Concerning props, I'm never hesitant to pay for items that are professional - these look like professional props which I'll want to add to my show.
Ron Reid
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BtheDreamer
Loyal user
214 Posts
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Posted: Jul 24, 2006 1:40pm
Jimgerrish, you know I agree we should look for the strongest effects and stick to those but I’m sure we can all relate to the idea that what was once our strongest piece now sometimes doesn’t even make into the show.
Just because it is a weak point doesn’t mean you throw it out, you just change it up and make it better that is where some of the best tricks have come from. Take sawing a lady in half for example the first versions of that were great and novel for the time but now we wouldn’t dare perform them. I’m just glad instead of it getting thrown out because it became weak magicians kept taking it to the next level.
We all, no matter where we are in our careers, should be looking to tighten our acts and make them better trick by trick. What is a weak point in your show could be the highlight of someone else’s or was at one point in yours. That’s just the nature of the beast.
For example making a bunny appear is no weak point, kids love it even if you just pull it out of a cage to let them pet it. It’s a winner but some people can make it seem more exciting and magical then others. And so it might be a weaker point in your show that you know you could add some oomph to. Bigger Wands is a great way to ad some exciting build up to the bunny like I say just as an example.
And yes as with most any magic trick you can build it yourself.
Heck I built my first set out of cardboard tubes and colored duck tape when I first had the idea (but I was 13 and on a tight budget) But after trying everything these really are the ultimate solution for durability, light weight, professional look, and just plain kid appeal.
Also we should consider the fact that someone else in your performance area might have the real deal and you doing a show with a homemade version might look like you are ripping of the other guy because these really are such a memorable moment in an act. Aside from the fact that just building something because you can is not always the right thing to do.
But your right the string did ask what were your thoughts and that is what the café is all about sharing thoughts and ideas and helping each other to improve as a whole. And I appreciate everyone that takes the time to share your thoughts on this. This is a very exciting release for us!
Creative Magic LLC - Street Magic to Stage Illusions
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donsmagic
Loyal user
208 Posts
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Posted: Jul 24, 2006 2:55pm
I think it's great! I just ordered one and was told they would be in stock in one week.
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Ryan Price
Elite user
winnipeg, MB, Canada
404 Posts
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Posted: Jul 27, 2006 12:22am
Would anyone use this product at a birthday party or is this simply a stage prop? I can see using some of the wands in a living room, but I can only imagine have a seven foot wand being swung around.
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BtheDreamer
Loyal user
214 Posts
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Posted: Jul 27, 2006 10:25am
Hi Ryan good question, I used them for birthdays for almost 10 years and maybe two times I had to cut it because there just wasn’t enough space when I got there. also something to keep in mind is you don’t have to use all the wands so you could stop at the 5 footer. But the 7 footer is the one that really brings down the house and tight areas can add to the humor of it. just make sure that Grandpa's ashes aren’t to close by.
Anyhow to answer your question more directly yes we used them and we have heard from our customers that they are using them at B-days as well.
Creative Magic LLC - Street Magic to Stage Illusions
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Cliff G
Loyal user
Madrid - Spain
254 Posts
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Posted: Jul 27, 2006 10:53am
I placed my order for these yesterday - I'll write a review when they arrive
Cliff
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BtheDreamer
Loyal user
214 Posts
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Posted: Jul 27, 2006 6:18pm
Good news Bigger Wands arrived today! So that means we will be shipping out orders tomorrow!
Creative Magic LLC - Street Magic to Stage Illusions
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Ken Dumm
Special user
783 Posts
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Posted: Jul 28, 2006 12:41pm
Am I missing something? When I click on the link above, it takes me to the Kids page, but there is nothing on the page except for the kids logo. Help!!! I'd love to see the video spoke of in the threads above but can't seem to find anything on the page. I'm on a Mac.
Ken
Posted: Jul 28, 2006 12:42pm
---------------------------------------------
Never mind, I just scrolled on the page and found it. Sorry.....
Ken
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BtheDreamer
Loyal user
214 Posts
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Posted: Jul 28, 2006 12:50pm
You are not alone Ken I here that is happening on other Mac users. I need to have a web guy look into why that is happening!
Creative Magic LLC - Street Magic to Stage Illusions
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sspanks
Loyal user
Atlanta GA
216 Posts
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Posted: Jul 30, 2006 7:23pm
Hello,
I noticed on the video that you produced the larger wands from the cubes. Can they be produced from a small case at a birthday party? I love the idea of the wands but am not interested in the cubes. How else can these be produced?
Thank you,
-stephen
-stephen
NeverGrowUpMagic
http://www.NeverGrowUpMagic.com
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dmm
New user
71 Posts
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Posted: Jul 31, 2006 12:56am
If you can brainstorm on how to use these in your act, do yourself a favor and buy them!
If you are like me and hate investing in junk, well, you will not have to worry.
Kids identify with something larger than life, when you use "Bigger Wands"
you are helping bring magic to their level.
I have had the opportunity to receive one of the first prototype sets. I would not sell it for double the price, and having been using it without fail for almost a year!
"Bigger Wand" can help strengthen a weaker performer to force them to routine their act, and a seasoned performer will run wild with them. I get 7 solid minutes with them.
I have even added them to some adult shows, obviously not the same routines.
With so much junk out their, I can give only my highest recommendation for Creative Magic's products, escpecially this one!
i Magish
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Donald Dunphy
Inner circle
Victoria, BC, Canada
4794 Posts
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Posted: Jul 31, 2006 10:47am
Quote:
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On 2006-07-30 19:23, sspanks wrote:
Hello,
I noticed on the video that you produced the larger wands from the cubes. Can they be produced from a small case at a birthday party? I love the idea of the wands but am not interested in the cubes. How else can these be produced?
Thank you,
-stephen
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Stephen -
I don't intend to reveal methods, but the performer on the video is pulling out the 2 longest ones from the front of the cubes (dice), in a stage show. As they are solid wands (non-compressable foam), they are obviously going all the way through the cubes, and sticking out the back of the cubes in this presentation. The audience can't see that.
In other words, you could not pull the 2 longest ones out of a su-table, without having holes cut in the other side to allow for the extra length.
From what I can figure out from reading the threads (I don't have a set), the longest ones break apart for packing, but all are indeed solid, non-compressable foam covered in a cloth wand-like jacket.
- Donald
Donald Dunphy is a Victoria Magician, British Columbia, Canada.
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sspanks
Loyal user
Atlanta GA
216 Posts
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Posted: Jul 31, 2006 10:56am
Donald,
Thanks for your response. I called this morning and talked to somebody about the wands... I ended up ordering a set. They look like they will be fun and I am sure kids will love these wands.
Thanks,
-stephen
-stephen
NeverGrowUpMagic
http://www.NeverGrowUpMagic.com
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Billy Bo
Special user
552 Posts
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Posted: Jul 31, 2006 11:05am
I really like the idea but how would I produce the final 2 wands without the kids seeing as I'm setting up
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Ken Dumm
Special user
783 Posts
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Posted: Jul 31, 2006 11:27am
Steve,
If you PM BtheDreamer, he'll share some tips on setting them up in front of kids, so they'll stay hidden before the reveal.
Ken
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BtheDreamer
Loyal user
214 Posts
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Posted: Jul 31, 2006 1:02pm
I have been getting a lot of PMs on this so How about I just post a few thoughts here.
First as much as I feel everyone should own a few sets of Victory Cubes. I don’t Use the cubes for bigger wands. We have a sheet that we keep in our wands bag and we use this for three things.
1) to set the wands up on when we are on a dirty stage or outdoors.
2) to use as cover when you want to assemble the larger wands without the kids seeing.
3) Most importantly to cover the wands up during a show.
So here are a few ways to retrieve the wands.
In a larger setting you should be just fine you can have them off stage and you can get them or someone can bring them to you. You can have them behind your back drop or inside a prop like the cubes. Sometimes when I am on a short platform I just set them behind the platform. Its ok to have to go get the wand from a far off place because “you weren’t sure you would need it”
In smaller Birthday party Library shows I either put them in another room or behind a couch or whatever depending on the set up or like I mentioned we have a sheet and I would say more then half the time I just have all the wands under the sheet up against the wall behind me. Each time you need a bigger wand you just go back to the sheet. Believe it or not this does not take away any of the excitement. You would think that the kids would suspect you have more or bigger wands under that sheet but the reactions are just as loud and amazed so don’t worry about that. Also I like the sheet because I use this with a dove pan that does not work over and over again until the biggest wand. And I actually load the dove pan under the cover of the sheet as I get the largest wand and 2001 space odyssey plays! Its way fun!
Anyhow I hope that helps still feel free to PM me if you have any other questions
B
Creative Magic LLC - Street Magic to Stage Illusions
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paraguppie
Elite user
Rapid City South Dakota!
410 Posts
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Posted: Aug 7, 2006 1:20pm
I just found the link to these and I think they are VERY cool!
I was disapointed at the comment above about it covering for a "weak" routine. Did you hear the kids in the video? Okay, sure, he is only vanishing a silk, but how can those kids ever look at that as a weak routine?
I think we get caught up in the fact that it's a TT silk vanish and not some huge deal, but think about the audience, they obviously loved it! Think entertainer, not magic guy. I used to try to do a ton of really big magic. Now I entertain WITH magic. The magic becomes secondary to the entertainment.
I do grand illusion, and usually my "Vanishing Bandanna" routine gets more comments than me vanishing a girl from the stage. Why? It's really entertaining and funny.
I do have a question about them. Are they washable? I do a lot of fairs and can see these getting dirty. I will probably be ordering a set soon, I love the idea of crazy huge props. The kids obviously do too! Nice work! Oh, and about the price? I think it's more than fair. Making PVC pipe versions? No thanks, my time is worth more than the $95 they are asking. Plus they look great!
Keith
Check us out at www.magickeith.com
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BtheDreamer
Loyal user
214 Posts
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Posted: Aug 7, 2006 11:09pm
Quote:
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I was disapointed at the comment above about it covering for a "weak" routine. Did you hear the kids in the video? Okay, sure, he is only vanishing a silk, but how can those kids ever look at that as a weak routine?
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Maybe I didn't explain myself very well (a problem I tend to have). I would never say a TT or any other apparatus is "weak". That’s not what I meant and I apologize for that.
As you mentioned it's all about the entertainment value, most of which lies in the hands of the entertainer. In this case Bigger Wands is a great tool in helping the magician make something more entertaining.
The point I wanted to make was that Bigger Wands can take a less exciting trick or moment in your show and make it funnier, more exciting and most importantly...memorable.
As cool as making a silk vanish or appear is... no matter what the secret behind itm rhat in itself would have never have excited the kids that much. And it wouldn’t be the thing they talked about after the show.
I hope that makes more sense
Have fun!!!
B
Creative Magic LLC - Street Magic to Stage Illusions
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MikeRaffone
Special user
517 Posts
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Posted: Aug 7, 2006 11:22pm
Additionally,
So the kids don't rush up and play tug of war with it and destroy it - Can they be packed away quickly so to move on to the next routine?
Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it.
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