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Dayle Regular user Canada 147 Posts |
Hello. I've read numerous posts about the rigors of finding a willing and able-bodied assistant, but once you find someone who fits the bill what do you want them to do? What are you looking for in an assistant? Do you want them to be fluttering and spinning about on stage as some assistants can be seen doing?
What qualifications does the "perfect" assistant have? Cheers Dayle Posted: Nov 25, 2004 9:20am --------------------------------------------- It seems that although there are a number of people looking for assistants, none seem to know what qualifications they want. Maybe this is the problem? How can someone become an assistant without knowing what's expected or wanted of them? I'm disappointed in the results of this post. I was interested in feedback. Cheers Dayle
World's Most Accomplished Female Escape Artist
http://www.sherryandkrallmagic.com |
amazingluke New user 15 Posts |
Someone who isn't doing it for money or as a favour...seriously, because people who do it for these reasons don't usually really want to be there and it brings down the whole morale of the show. I know from experience.
Anyone with a genuine enthusiasm, regardless of talent or skill, is a great starting point. amazingluke |
Dayle Regular user Canada 147 Posts |
Thanks for the reply Amazingluke! Having excitement for the show definately helps because the enthusiasm/excitement can be seen and felt by the audience as well as the others on stage. People that love what they do seem to have a glow about them and it does make a huge difference.
Cheers Dayle
World's Most Accomplished Female Escape Artist
http://www.sherryandkrallmagic.com |
Hekate New user 13 Posts |
Dayle,
I started out as an assistant because I was the girlfriend and now I'm the wife! I was very afraid to assist because I was sure that anything that went wrong would be my fault or I'd be a jinx. Things went well and I began to learn the act and my role. An assistant has to be willing to be a part of the show not just an accessory. You need an assistant who possesses some degree of the passion that you have for the craft and the desire to make your show a success. As for aesthetics, I'm the wrong person to ask but you definitely want someone who is pleasing to the eye in some way, shape or form. I'm not a showgirl or a dancer type. I'm more the role of Pam Thomson or a less magical Teller. I don't know if this will help you in your quest, but I just wanted to add my two cents. I'd been meaning to for a while now, actually. Am I the perfect assistant?? Of course I am!!! Would anyone else think so??? Probably not!!!!
"It was magical. And excruciating....which made it all the more magical"
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Dayle Regular user Canada 147 Posts |
Thanks for the response Hekate! I'm sure you make a great assistant. I think that just as the magician has to find their stage/performing personna, the assistant must do the same. Hopefully these two personna's work well together on stage!
Cheers Dayle
World's Most Accomplished Female Escape Artist
http://www.sherryandkrallmagic.com |
Hekate New user 13 Posts |
I've also found that in addition to knowing my role inside and out, I also have to know or be able to anticipate everything that my husband does. He knows his lines and I have to know the entire script!!
"It was magical. And excruciating....which made it all the more magical"
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Big Daddy Cool Inner circle 1604 Posts |
Here is the paradox - you want some one with energy and enthusiasm, not someone looking for a pay check. The problem is that those who have enthusiasm usually do not have the talent, experience or looks that you desire. That damages the show just as much.
Someone just looking for a paycheck won't work out either. They have no investment into the show. The perfect balance is to find someone who is looking for a professional opportunity, and then give them the ability to invest themselves creatively as an equal partner. I and I mean equal! On stage and off! Equality will breed loyalty. I have 6 girls that I can call on at any given time to be Swing Kittens. Each one is a professional performer, who has a passion for the stage and a solid work ethic. Most pros who have been working for a while will have this. They know what has to be done to be successful and are willing to do it. And they are paid well, and fairly. They are paid to rehearse as well. Because of that, they are more than happy to work for me when I call. And they know that if they don't do what is expected that there is someone else in the wings only too happy to take their place. |
massimo New user 72 Posts |
Dayle, for years I looked for the perfect assistant, only to be disappointed in the long run. The reason is I too did not know what a real assistant should do. Then I got married and started to incorporate my wife into the show. At first she did all the behind the scenes stuf. Then as the show progressed she took a bigger role in the total show. Today we still perform and love doing the shows. Here is what I found along the way. First, you must know what role you are looking to have an assistant play. Will it be male or female is the best start. Set your show and see if you need just someone to bring and take away props. Do you need help in the illusions without using the audience members. Are they to help manage the stage, see that you are slow or fast in your timing. Check the music, will they have input to your music, staging, and even the effects you perform.
Next, will they be active or passive in the show. Do you want cheesecake or class. There are numerous questions you first must answer, then set out looking for that person to fill you assistant slot. Remember there are no pretrained assistants, no school directly for them, and it takes time to get them in tune with you and your show. One last comment. The best compliment we have received was from several famous magicians, who after seeing our show said that while they knew there was an assistant helping in the show, they never really saw her. They explained that when an effect was needed it just seemed to be there. When a prop needed to be removed after its use it was gone. They acknowleged that I had introduced her and she threw out streamers, helped on a few effects, but never detracted attention away from me, and I re-introduced her at the end of the show. |
Dayle Regular user Canada 147 Posts |
Thanks so much for all the information. It is very very helpful and it's definately good to hear from people who know from experience.
Cheers Dayle
World's Most Accomplished Female Escape Artist
http://www.sherryandkrallmagic.com |
kaytracy Inner circle Central California 1793 Posts |
If I might make so bold as to suggest the following, not being a full time professional; consider taking a bit of time and be an assistant yourself to someone. I find that in working with my girlfriend, who has a like for the magic as well, she has a different vision thasn I do for how an effect should go. Sometimes, I have to work hard to let her have the spot, and I am the helper, or stooge, or backup. The advantage is that I am able to tell if something is hanging up, or not working right and I can either cover, misdirect, or correct without anyone being the wiser!
What better way to find out what YOU want in a partner, and make no mistake, Big Daddy is right, it IS a partnership, walk that mile in their shoes, or heels or whatever and see what is really needed and how it all fits together! Kay
Kay and Tory
www.Bizarremagick.com |
kat_kelly_007 New user 6 Posts |
I became an assistant almost a year after I started dating a magician. He had been bugging me for a while, just asking me to try it out, so when his school talent show came around I finally agreed. I WAS TERRIFIED! I don't think I have ever been that scared in my life, but things went well and it just stuck! I know that I'm not the best assistant by far, but I think that some of the reasons that made us work were that I was willing. When he was building new illsuions I was willing to get shoved in there and then stuck while he looked at it from all angles. I also didn't mind rehersing; although I'll admit we were sometimes distracted, for the most part it was fun! I was always excited to do shows and willing to help. I got the the point where I could set up almost the entire show by myself! I think that this is a major trait needed in an assistant. An assistant needs to be willing to help set-up/take-down, reherse, and try new things! That's from my experience at least!
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astoundingbruce Regular user Burlington, WI (USA) 127 Posts |
For me, the most importatnt quality I look for in an assistant is compatability! The key is in being able to work with the assistant, which for me means someone who will give input as well as time and effort. I believe that two heads are better than one, and I value the input I get from my assistant(s). But if you would like an assistant who will keep quiet and do as you ask, look for that. You want to find a person who will make your rehearsals and performances run smoothly...whatever that may mean to you!
“There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact.”
― Arthur Conan Doyle |
George Ledo Magic Café Columnist SF Bay Area 3041 Posts |
Hmmm... I don't usually pop into this section, but this thread caught my eye...
I never did like the idea of a "magician's assistant." Even when watching the late Channing Pollock (who was my main inspiration for a long time), I never understood why he needed somebody to bring the stuff out. Then I read Fitzkee, and his comment about magicians being the only entertainers who use servants on stage really hit home. On the other hand, if we're talking illusions, then we need someone to be the levitatee, or the sawee, or the box jumper... If I were putting together a magic show today, I'd handle this just like any other show. First I'd have a script so I can understand the characters and their roles. Then I could figure out what type of people to cast: what their experience and physical requirements are. Then I'd write a casting notice and look for people who fit it. Yeah, I know, this sounds like I'm putting together a huge show, but I can use exactly the same process on a very small scale. For the type of show I'd want to do personally, here are the first few things I would look for: a) Formal training in acting, singing, and -- especially -- dance. Why? this would narrow it down to people who are interested in being on stage and have invested time and money in learning how to do it. Also, because I want someone who knows how to move on stage. b) Experience on stage, like in plays, musicals, ballet, and so forth. Why? This tells me they're used to being on stage and like it. Also, it tells me they're used to working with a director and spending time in rehearsals. c) A sense of humor. Why? The character I'm looking to cast takes her work seriously, but doesn't take herself seriously. Also, things can go wrong in a magic show, and it's important to be able to cover and move on like it's all part of the show. There's more, but, for me, these are the most important qualifications. Experience in magic is not an issue: personally, I'd much rather cast an actress or a dancer in a magic show than try to teach a magician to act and dance.
That's our departed buddy Burt, aka The Great Burtini, doing his famous Cups and Mice routine
www.georgefledo.net Latest column: "Sorry about the photos in my posts here" |
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