Hi!

I'm working on a stage act which I'm looking at entering into a comp. I want to add some manipulation and thought of doing billiard balls. I've never done them before so now I'm working on Mark Wilson's routine to get me started but I've been wondering, is billiard balls effective on stage infront of a big audience? Can I use the sponge ones or is plastic or metal better?

I guess that really depends on what you mean by a "big audience". I've performed them on a stage for about 150 people and it went over very well. Depending on you hand size, you may want to go with 1 3/4 inch or 2 inch balls for better visibility. Also pay attention to the color of the balls and background since both of these factors also affect visibility.

You really will want 1 3/4 inch balls and I would reccomend getting fakini balls as I personally feeel they are the best out there.

Kyle

And I would go with white. As they appear to be much larger on stage than they actually are. And as a side note ,,,,,,there are much much better resources out there than Mark Wilson for the billiards balls. Greg Wilson had a nice ball act as a teenager. How ever I would look into adding to your resources on this subject.

When I was a teenager, I used the Goshman Multiplying Sponge Balls. They were the right size for my hands and were easy to handle. They may only last a couple of years, but they're cheap enough to replace often. I used them in a 1200 seat auditorium, but the lighting was being run by a professional crew who really helped make the balls more visible.

White Fakinis are better against most backgrounds. They'll last many years, if not a lifetime. The goldfballs are good, but if you have the chance to meet Frank Radtke, you could try out various sizes to see what the largest set is that you could handle well.

You can also try different sizes if at a magic convention and Denny Haney is there. He sells and carries most of the Fakini line of Billard Balls.

Kyle

Just out of curiousity ..how soon is this contest you plan on entering?