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truesoldier Inner circle 1191 Posts |
Hi Guys
I really really need your help and advice. I was at a mix n mingle event last night performing for the guests during the pre dinner reception. (I love this kind of magic) and after the gig I was approached by the CEO and PA of a large corporate business who really enjoyed my performances. We talked for a few minutes and then they enquired if I would be available at the start of July for dinner and dance event that they are having to celebrate a New Product Launch. The event is black tie and there will be between 250 to 300 guests and staff. The guests and staff will be seated at long banquet tables upto 12 people on each side (So 20 to 24 per table) and approx 15 to 18 tabes in total. Now I am used to working tables, but smaller ones e.g 8 per round table. So everyone is still very close and can see. This is where my questions start. 1 I have come to the conclusion that if I am to project across the table and to ensure that the whole table can see, I need to do effects that are chest height. In order to meet this criteria I am going to have to adapt some of my material and in addition look for some new material. So far I have a rope routine and card through the silk style routine. (I may adapt my Card 2 Wallet Routine to suit as well) However I need a total of at least 6 effects that meet the following criteria and would really help with some ideas and suggestions from those of you that are experienced in doing this type of work. (Along with any other hints n tips that you would be willing to share) 1 The effects can be done stand up at chest level. 2 The props must be visible across the table 3 The effects must be angle proof so tables behind cannot see 4 The props must pack flat, play big and fit on my person. (No additional bags or tables) I was thinking that maybe something with jumbo cards could be good and maybe something on a mentalism tip would be great. I am open to both marketed effects or something from a book or DVD. Also what would you perhaps suggest as a good opener for tables this large? Naturally I am doing lots of research, but I would be so appreciative for some advice and ideas from those who have lots of experience working at this type of event. Many Many Thanks In Advance |
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The Baldini Inner circle I some how pounded in 2445 Posts |
I think any version of a borrowed ring to impossible location, always plays big.
Foe example, ring flights or ring grinders, I think a small grinder would go over really well, imagine when you dump out the ground up ring. It may be old, but still a huge hit. The $100 (borrowed) bill switch. Any version of a coin bend may work well. If they have bottled beer, then bottle thru table, could be possible. Sankeys Holy Moly, can be seen from anyone at a large table. Chad Longs Flash , gives you plenty of patter and the colors can be seen across a large table. Almost any mentalism effect. and for an opener, if drinks are being served, then a flash appearance of a shot glass or bottle etc. Then you say, Can I join you. |
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truesoldier Inner circle 1191 Posts |
Thanks for your fast response Baldini, it's really appreciated.
I do like borrowed finger ring to impossible location that's great idea. Not sure about ring flight as I don't like the idea of those reels for obvious reasons LOL. OF course a bill switch, thanks for reminding me. I actually like Jay Scott Berries Version using a CK instead of a TT. I love H Moly by Jay Sankey and do this effect a lot. However do you really think that it could work for such a large table and group. I mean would everybody be able to see the holes and props clearly. I just wonder if they would be able to understand clearly what was happening. Perhaps you are right and I just need to try it to see if it plays well for a large group such as this. Any suggestions for a good bottle production. I do have splash bottle which I should start to use more often, but any other suggestions for bottle or shot glass productions that can be repeated with minimum reset would be good. In regards to mentalism pieces do you think something like bank night would be good? Also do you know of any jumbo or postcard sized directors cut type effects. Thanks Again |
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Dick Oslund Inner circle 8357 Posts |
Ha! A soldier is asking for "advice" from an old NAVY man!!! (Hee Hee!) Well, we sailors are always happy to share!
First...You exhibit great wisdom and good sense! You aint (I don't know how to spell "aren't".) waiting 'til the last minute! Three months, if not wasted, should provide enough time to get ready. I checked your profile, and this aint yer first day in camp. That makes things a lot easier. So! When the CEO is impressed, and when HE asks YOU, that could mean other work for him (and his company)may very well follow. Plus! CEOs do talk with other CEOs, and that could really develop into "something". This is, obviously, really worth a bit of extra effort!!! You've already mentioned some criteria. I'll add a few more, and DEFINE A FEW TERMS. You might very well think of these criteria, yourself. I'll just add them to yours, to save time, and, I'll define some terms, so that we are both speaking the same language. VISIBLE PROP! Plan on 24 people! Props must be EASILY visible. Therefore, props like rope and ring, cards, silks, golf balls, egg bag, etc. All are pocket portable.) VISUAL EFFECT. (NOTE!!!!! cf. your list above. 1. "effects can be done stand up at chest level"--"effects must be angle proof"--"marketed effects"-- EFFECTS AREN'T MARKETED! EFFECTS CAN'T BE "DONE". EFFECTS HAVE NO RELATION TO ANGLES. AN EFFECT IS WHAT THE SPECTATOR(S) SEES OR THINKS THAT HE/SHE SEES. TRICKS AREN'T MARKETED EITHER. TRICKS SHOULD ALWAYS BE "DONE" AT CHEST LEVEL, EVEN ON A STAGE! TRICKS LIKE MUSIC ONLY EXIST WHILE THEY ARE BEING PERFORMED. (Therefore, you can't buy tricks or effects. You can only buy (and own) props and/or secrets) Visible (across the table!) Allowing 24" per seated person the tables will be (12 on a side) 24 feet long! "Visible" from 24 feet! VISUAL. Insofar as possible, the EFFECTS should happen visually (NOT under cover). (e.g.: Rope and rope/ring! are highly visual effects. ANGLE PROOF. Obviously! RECOGNIZABLE PROP. No Victorian Era, or "magic shop" props. NO SET UPS: Instantly repeatable. NO TABLE. This, you already realize. SPOT ADAPTABLE. The trick can be an opener, middle, or closer. "Things" happen at these affairs. the performer must be flexible. PACKS SMALL & LIGHT. Pocket management, and pocket availability are critical. These are the criteria that I "adopted" many years ago (1960s) when I "jumped" from part time pro. to full time pro. These criteria have made my "job" a lot easier. Some tricks and props meet all of these criteria, Many meet most. A few meet all. You have been around long enough (I checked your profile!) to have a resource file (your library). I would look there, first. You are thinking of six tricks. You already have three! You have three months. IMPORTANT>>> 18 TABLES. You mention six tricks. If each trick runs one minute, that's six minutes per table. 18 x 6 = 108 MINUTES !!!!! Will you have that much time? It might be very wise to check with the client ASAP, to formulate a plan! You may need to plan on only 3 minutes per table! A few more thoughts.....Borrowing "something" can eat up time. Think twice befoe you do anything that needs a borrowed item. Audience participation, may be awkward. People are seated, & tables relatively close together. That means using the two people at your END of the table. I would not try to work from the MIDDLE of the long side. I would work from the END. I hope this helps. I'll PM you with a suggestion for a closer. Dick For over 50 years, a sneaky, underhanded, devious, and surreptitious itinerant mountebanc At these affairs, if it's a cocktail hour, it's usually a strolling job. For those, I usually do 3-4 minutes per small standing groups. In one hour, I can work for about 15-18 groups of 4 (2 couples).
SNEAKY, UNDERHANDED, DEVIOUS,& SURREPTITIOUS ITINERANT MOUNTEBANK
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Dick Oslund Inner circle 8357 Posts |
P.S.>>> Events like this, in a room big enough for 250-300 people can be noisy. People 35 feet away could have DIFFICULTY in hearing the performer.
I I were working this date, I would use highly VISUAL material that does not RELY on patter or jokes. "Eye candy tricks"! IMO, mental stuff generally is more suited to quiet environments How would you reset a bottle production (body load?) as you walk to the next table??? Think of the situation as "Eighteen Parlor Shows" all in the same big parlor. You need to follow the rule: KIS MIF. (Keep It Simple Make It Fun) I would "lean" toward stuff like T&R Napkin, or C&R Rope. (George Sand's ROPE SATIONAL) (RESTORATION) Ring & Rope (PENETRATION) As noted above, I'll PM you with a simple "get off" bit that Gene Anderson, and I use a lot in this situation. $100 BILL SWITCH (I learned it w/out a TT) What's a CK? (PM!)
SNEAKY, UNDERHANDED, DEVIOUS,& SURREPTITIOUS ITINERANT MOUNTEBANK
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puggo Inner circle 2022 Posts |
Great post as normal Dick - when's the book coming?
Back to the OP: Ideas Ring on string to sealed envelope Card to sealed bottle for CEO (Etienne Pradier) or box for easy repeat (Regal, Jon Allen, Penn, Dobson, Kohler, Kennedy etc..) Paper to bill (Lonnie Chevrie - nothing to borrow) then signed bill to fruit/box/kangaroo etc.. All the above can be easily described by the audience, very visual, short (thus won't lose people's attention as easily) How about: Purse fly (Danny Archer) with huge coin finale Jumbo sidewalk shuffle Consider looking at The Meridian Technique by Mark Elsdon - a fair bit of info about making close up tricks play big. Charlie |
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Jason Hutton New user Atlantic City, NJ 36 Posts |
While reading your post I kept thinking to myself why does he want to entertain the whole rather large tables all at once? Why not just break the tables down in sections? I would think that it would be extremely hard to make sure everyone at those tables were interested and paying attention all at once. Preform a illusion for like 6 (3 on each side) then do that same illusion for another table until they have all seen it then preform a new one starting somewhere else and just alternate. You could do a grand finale for everyone to see. I don't know just a thought. I think you could get away with a mini cups and balls routine the table is already there. You could roll up a small close up pad. Anyway good luck I'm sure you will do great no matter what path you choose.
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truesoldier Inner circle 1191 Posts |
Thank you Dick for sharing a wealth of information. I can tell that you know what you are talking about and that you obviously have lots of experience in this field. I really do appreciate your thorough and detailed response, thanks again.
Some of the points you raise, I have been thinking about, others I hadn't yet thought of so I am truly grateful for these tips and suggestions. I agree with the KIS MIF principle and will definitely look at it as mini parlour show that can be repeated as you suggest. In regards to time, I have been asked to work for 2 hours and was planning on doing approximately 3 effects per table, alternating each set of 3 effects (I trust that makes sense) this will allow time for an intro, outro and a bit of banter. In regards to a CK, I actually ment CD (I'll PM you in a moment) Regarding other effects, I have been looking through my books and think that the colour changing silks or half and half silk using a D Tube would be a great routine to perform. Also Flash Cash could be great as well. (I'm making a list of possible effects) I would very much appreciate it if you could PM me the effects and ideas you mentioned as I really want to make the performance a success as I would like to take things to the next level (And this event could be a great stepping stone and opportunity to do so.) I'll also definitely look into the T and R Napkin and THE C and R routine you mention. Thanks to Charlie for your suggestions as well, it's much appreciated. I will definitely look into the Jumbo Sidewalk shuffle and see if I can put together a nice Ring on Rope Routine. Thanks Again |
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Tony Iacoviello Eternal Order 13151 Posts |
I think Bank Night is an excellent way to involve the entire table.
People on either end as well as the center (on each side) get envelopes and can trade envelopes, so you get cross table interaction, and the people sitting around the envelope holder give advice as to keep or switch. It ends up being fun for anyone who wants to be involved. Tony |
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AndreJ New user 90 Posts |
Let me be the devils advocate for just a minute...
Do you really think this will play out well? Think about what Dick wrote...this job could be a real catalyst for future jobs with this company as well as other companies that the CEO works with. With that in mind, this might be the most important job you´ll do this year, or this decade... That said...be sure that you explain to the CEO and/or party planner what you can do AND what you can´t do. Entertaining a big table with 24 people in a room filled with 270 other folks...I think that´s something that is something that...if not impossible,...is really hard to do. People will not hear you, they will get distracted, they will talk to people sitting at nearby tables, they will see your act before you get to their table, they will be drinking...the list goes on. I´m not saying you should say no to the job, but be sure you don´t give promises that you cant fulfill. You don´t want people to say to the CEO after the dinner "that magic guy, I didn't hear a thing of what he said" or "the magic might be good, but I don´t really know since it was to far away". I personally would explain my concerns to the CEO and try to work out solutions to every potential problem, and be sure to explain that you want to be sure you can give every guest a professional experience. You will most likely sound like the true professional you are, and that may lead to more bookings in the future. Good luck!
My background: Loved magic for 25 years, always wanted to do paid gigs but never had the courage. Faced my fears some years ago and went pro.
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davidpaul$ Inner circle Georgetown, South Carolina 3086 Posts |
Good post AndreJ....I agree, you are not going to have a captive audience in this scenareo. You are not performing a stage show where you would be the intended focus. A very worthwhile Dvd to look into is "Corporate Close-up 2", and "The Business" by Martin Sanderson Dvd which goes into detail the very questions you have. Corporate Close -up 1 is also very good as well.
These were put out by RSVP.
Guilt will betray you before technique betrays you!
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Dick Oslund Inner circle 8357 Posts |
Sounds like two good resources, David!
I'm retired, and no longer seeking material. I based my suggestions solely on experience. There may well be some fresh concepts. Although, I feel sure that the basic group dynamics in this situation, will not be much different, from what I have learned over 50 + years. O
SNEAKY, UNDERHANDED, DEVIOUS,& SURREPTITIOUS ITINERANT MOUNTEBANK
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davidpaul$ Inner circle Georgetown, South Carolina 3086 Posts |
[quote]On Mar 9, 2015, Dick Oslund wrote:
Sounds like two good resources, David! I'm retired, and no longer seeking material. I based my suggestions solely on experience. There may well be some fresh concepts. Although, I feel sure that the basic group dynamics in this situation, will not be much different, from what I have learned over 50 + years. O [/quote) Agreed.....I've stated before that you forgot more than many of us will ever know and The Magic Café is blessed to have you here. I own the above DVD's mentioned and Martin Sanderson gives some excellent advice on how to interact with a LARGE group at a table and how to enter their space, even squeezing in between people appropriately. Dealing with centerpieces that are always on the table obstructing line of sight and other scenarios you wouldn't even think of. I was hired to perform at a event and didn't even think of finding out what the color of the table cloths were going to be. Well, I love performing my sponge ball routine. ( red sponge balls ) Guess what the color of the table cloths were? RED. I didn't bring another color with me. Do yourself a favor and visit the facility in advance of the event. Talk with the banquet manager and let them know what you are doing. You will encounter unexpected interruptions from the wait staff right at the time of the climax of your effect if they are not alerted. Good thing you are asking questions, but there is more (as you probably know)than just what effects to perform. Good Luck...
Guilt will betray you before technique betrays you!
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steve ehlers Loyal user Tucson AZ 287 Posts |
Multiple revelations would be a good fit. You get a majority of the table involved. Check out the book fusillade by Doc Eason and Paul Cummins. There are other sources for this trick such as Bill Malone, I think it's on one of his On The Loose DVDs.
Best, Steve |
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Dr. Fellshadow New user Hollywood, CA 15 Posts |
Congratulations on the gig! I'll add my 3 quick suggestions:
1. Spoon Bending (very visual, plus makes sense since you'll be doing a dinner party, no patter necessary... I would go to the venue ahead of time to check out their cutlery, hehe.) 2. Bob Solari's "Ring A Ding" (very, very visual, and can incorporate a participant or two should you want to quickly involve the guests, without using a lot of conversation. Uses a sizable brass ring and a shoelace instead of a cheesy looking rope. Instant reset. The penetrations are stunning and impossible looking (even in a participants open hand). It afforded me a 2nd place win in a small NY magic convention stage contest.) 3. Appearing Rose/Rose Production (this is not my area of expertise, so I'm not sure what is presently commercially available or what your options are, yet it would be a nice touch if you are looking for something a little more classy and suave. If there is a version that allows you to produce a real rose it would be a really elegant opener or closer to leave on the dinner table for the viewing guests.) Good luck! |
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Dick Oslund Inner circle 8357 Posts |
>>>>>DAVID PAULlll$!!!
Thanks for your kind words above! O
SNEAKY, UNDERHANDED, DEVIOUS,& SURREPTITIOUS ITINERANT MOUNTEBANK
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Doc Willie Regular user 160 Posts |
So, did this gig ever happen? And how did it go?
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Pete Biro 1933 - 2018 18558 Posts |
MY RULE - Only do what you already have done many times, No need for new stuff. It is your persona that is all that really matters.
STAY TOONED... @ www.pete-biro.com
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Mike ODonnell Loyal user Chicago 215 Posts |
If there is a cocktail hour before they are seated, I would strongly suggest that setting vs. long tables. If so, they will probably have high-tops, which will make life easier. You can even up sell: Strolling magic for the hour followed by an after dinner show (or while they are finishing dessert).
Otherwise, metal bending is great: plays big and is visual, Bill Abbott has many effects that fit all your requirements (octopus deck, Block Buster, Stabbed & Shot). However, as Pete said, you should really stick to what you have performed many times... Good Luck, Mike |
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Nickoli Sharpe Regular user Worldwide 160 Posts |
Here here do what you know.
In large table settings I always start with just a few people at one end. Normally after one or two effects you have the interest of others at the table. |
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