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Seth Special user 566 Posts |
Hi Simon,
I just wanted to ask if you could give some advice about character development? Also, could you explain how you incorporate comedy into your character and how you would then incorporate this into your act? Thanks |
Simon Lovell V.I.P. 506 Posts |
Seth,
I believe that the character comes first - in other words you have to decide who you are before you think about your comedic material or even tricks. Trying to fit existing material or tricks to a character can be like wearing your grandfathers jacket - it looks great on him but doesn't suit you at all! Don't be in a rush, just let the character grow and don't be afraid of it. Especially at the start let that character run free THEN, if you need to, you can reel it in a little! Once the character is at least roughly in place you'll find material and effects much easier to pick because you aren't trying to adapt stuff - your character is picking what it needs! Simon |
Seth Special user 566 Posts |
Thanks very much for the advice Simon, I've really been convinced because of this to junk everything and rebuild up a repertoire of stuff that fits me.
I was wondering if you could give some advice on playing an extreme character? Should you only play it if it's a side of you? (i.e. I don't think Mr. Mysto is really a part of John Carney). By this I mean for close up performances. Also could I trouble you to talk a little about finding out what kind of humour worked for you? I think I can be funny at times when I'm with my friends but when I try to transfer it to a magic routine, I end up scratching my head... Thanks... |
RandyWakeman V.I.P. Plainfield, ILLINOIS 1617 Posts |
Quote:
I don't think Mr. Mysto is really a part of John Carney I believe it is. I'll also stretch it out a bit-- one need not foist comedy into magic at all, Magic does quite well on its own. If you aren't naturally funny, then-- you just aren't. Simon, of course, is a different case. If he had any more character, he would be illegal in at least 37 states. |
Simon Lovell V.I.P. 506 Posts |
Really a character need not be funny as a magician - the very surprise of a well worked magical effect will bring laughter from the surprise. There are many none-comedian magicians who get great laughs in their acts - ummm Martin Nash, Bruce Cervon and Peter Salmelson spring to mind. None are comedians per-say yet all get great laughs because of the structure of the act!
Mr Mysto is absolutely a part of John Carney, in my opinion, or it wouldn't work as superbly as it does!! Don't worry about comedy or magic -- worry about being you!! BTW Randy I am illegal in at least 49 states!! |
Seth Special user 566 Posts |
Thanks,Randy, Simon, that's great advice...i've never thought about that...
Think I was worrying too much about the comedy than just being me...d'oh! btw, I guess that's a side of carney that he unleashes when he's mr mysto, just that I guess I don't know him personally to know that, (my loss =)) btw slightly tangential I guess, but what do you guys think about playing characters which are nothing like yourselves. i.e. (actually doing some acting, rather than developing your character as a stand up would?) Thanks again...you guys have given me much to think about... |
Simon Lovell V.I.P. 506 Posts |
I don't know about Randy but I've done quite a bit of TV and movie acting and always found it to be both incredibly hard work and incredibly enjoyable at the same time.
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RandyWakeman V.I.P. Plainfield, ILLINOIS 1617 Posts |
Acting? Surely you jest, Dr. Lovell! Didn't I tell you I liked "Minty & More?"
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Simon Lovell V.I.P. 506 Posts |
Oh for the love of a llama's spit can't you let that one go you iguanic swine!
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RandyWakeman V.I.P. Plainfield, ILLINOIS 1617 Posts |
There was once "Minty and More" and "El Flingo." El Flingo is good, but is also what so very sadly (and quickly) became of Minty and More.
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Simon Lovell V.I.P. 506 Posts |
Oh what a delight to see Spiffy alive again!!
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