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Brent McLeod Inner circle 1792 Posts |
Greetings Members-
Those who have seen my posts previous realise I tour with a Hypnotist & we perform a 1-2 hr show depending on type of venue or client s requests etc from Cabaret to full Theatre shows. The more out of town shows we fly to-the more I am looking at downsizing the amount of gear I take-I would love feedback from you about downsizing an act to strong effects that are audience tested & can fit in briefcases against a couple of smaller Illusions which are fine if I can drive to a venue For example I performed Silk to Egg in front of 400 people last Fri at a theatre show & it bought the house down with lots of laughing, wonder & long applause- Razor Blades was even better!!-small effects played better than larger items etc Would like to hear of your own experience when travelling & do you ditch favourite effects of yours for stronger audience reaction effects that pack a bit smaller I am at a crossroads as ideally I would like to take 2-3 briefcases inside a larger case & that's all plus performing clothes etc-even tables & roll on versions are a nuisance at times Need Help & like to hear of your own experiences Thanks so much -Brent |
Euangelion Special user 688 Posts |
As a hypnotist all you should need is your tux or performance clothes. One of my close friends always reminds me why he is a hypnotist: he's lazy.
Bill Esborn
"Lutefisk: the piece of cod that passes all understanding." |
Brent McLeod Inner circle 1792 Posts |
Euangelion
Thanks for the reply I am not a Hypnotist as mentioned I tour with a Hypnotist performing Magic & Illusion prior to the hypnosis part of the show then I help on stage as well-Its a combination that works well & makes it easy to promote & sell shows to clients with this mixture etc Cheers-Brent |
Alan Munro Inner circle Kentwood, Michigan, USA 5952 Posts |
I suppose it depends on how well you get paid. That would determine whether large equipment is warranted or not - might as well make money for the hassle of shipping illusions ahead. If the money doesn't warrant the hassle, then a show in a catalog case, or duffle, would be a good idea. Sound and lights can usually be rented in the town that you're in - hotel sound tends to be really bad.
It also helps if supplies can be purchased in whatever town you'll be performing in. My standup show fits in a duffle bag, although it's not as long as your show. I do a lot of card effects, as well as mentalism, which cuts down on the space needed to store props. |
Euangelion Special user 688 Posts |
Quote:
On 2005-08-18 21:20, Brent McLeod wrote: My apologies, I misread.
Bill Esborn
"Lutefisk: the piece of cod that passes all understanding." |
Brent McLeod Inner circle 1792 Posts |
Quote:
On 2005-08-19 14:55, Alan Munro wrote: Alan- Thanks for good advice-appreciated I perform the bigger Illusions only if I can drive to the venues etc With some larger venues booked for next year-I may have to reconsidere this!! Strong Mentalism with some good interaction with the crowds are also good entertainment-Thanks for that!! |
procyonrising Special user New York 698 Posts |
Hello Brent,
I've travelled all over, both as hypnotist and speaker. I don't know how much this will help, but this is stuff I'd want to know about if I were starting out again. 1. PA system. This should be covered in your contract. The venue should have a good, professional-quality sound system. If they don't, you can provide them yours for an additional fee (which should pay for shipping it there and back). Don't bring it unless you're paid for it. You must, however, always bring two mics and cables with you. 2. Props. I use very few. I have a few routines of my own, which use small props (e.g., wine glasses, bottles, cards, paper bags, candy, etc.). All of these things are given to participants in such a way that they are inseparable from the effect. So, for instance, instead of having people focus on the cards, they focus on the person, trying to direct me to where a single card is hidden. This feature is not intentional (it's just the way I like doing things), however, thinking of this when you are routining might help. In the case of larger props, I once did that too. I carried everything in large, black coolers (the same kind you buy at Target or Walmart). These are lighter than--but as durable as--road cases. If you're going to do this, make sure the total size is less than 62-inches (the current maximum for checked-in baggage). Tape these shut every time you fly. Do not substitute the durable plastic storage boxes for these; I have and they crack after a few flights or rough moves. 2-3 briefcases should fit in this nicely. Don't worry about the appeal; few people will see you at the airport. 3. Ideally, you want everything (including any costumes) to fit into two carry-on pieces. (And take a sack of food; airline food isn't worth getting sick over.) 4. Further, ideally, if you're going to check any baggage, that baggage should be filled with BOR product only. 5. Lastly, think about material that uses items from other people. I once worked out how to do a strong, solid hour from my wallet. This was a big help in making that happen. Hope it helps. Best, James. |
Brent McLeod Inner circle 1792 Posts |
Quote:
On 2005-08-25 04:20, procyonrising wrote: James- Thanks so much-great advice & practical tips-much appreciated We take the mics & a mixing desk with us-no problems-light & portable I think strong durable cases are the answer as you mention-will look into this WE had a laugh a few weeks back-top theatre told us to use their PA system-saves us the trouble etc-This system was so old-we had a standby ready to be rushed in at theatres cost only 4 hrs before the show What they tell you & what they have are 2 different stories at times-good experience though!!!! Thanks again for the help Cheers -Brent |
procyonrising Special user New York 698 Posts |
Hi Brent,
I hope it helps. I've worked in some really horrible places. Sometimes through horrible weather too (if you lug heavy equipment through some of the storms I've been in, you learn fast). I had lots of terrible experiences with PAs, but I still refuse to carry my own system. I just don't find it practical--at all. I find as long as I arrive a couple of hours early to check out the performance area and venue, I have enough time to rent out another system if the one at the venue doesn't work right. If you go this route, don't bother calling music rental companies for PA systems. Some will be able to get it to you the same day. Some won't. Your best bet would be to call all the local hotels (usually less than 10 in most areas) and ask what type of PA systems they offer for speakers (ask about renting banquet rooms). The smaller hotels usually use a portable system, most of the time really good. Go down, check it out and, if you like it, slip the concierge a $50 to let you borrow it for a couple of hours (leave your credit card and explain the situation). You then bill $100 plus cab fare for the new PA. I've done this about eight times in the US and once in South America. It really works. Also, you want to spend $10 really well? Go down to your local airport and flag down a flight attendant. Tell that person about what you do and ask them if they'd be willing to teach you some secrets to packing light. Offer the ten-spot (most of the time, they'll refuse and offer advice for free). It's a great education. Best, James. |
Brent McLeod Inner circle 1792 Posts |
James-
Great advice-will keep that in mind if things go pearshaped again!!!!!! Thanks so much! My worst Rain experience was close to our city-Torrential downpour that got heavier as the night went on-we were leaving that town the next morning- We had about 8 large illusions to dismantle & load at 1 am in the morning into the vehicles parked at the back entrance-We got soaked but gear was fine-Hardest work Ive ever done is setting up large shows & taking down all in 1 night-The rain doesn't help matters As we were driving away-we realised the other Magician had left his wallet locked in the theatre!!!!!!!!!!!! don't we all love performing!!!!!!!!!!! |
malini Loyal user 219 Posts |
Just got back from the European Summer Festivals and have become a self-proclaimed expert on packing for flights without going over the Baggage limit/restrictions.
Flew Europe --> United States --> New Zealand, two weeks ago with: 1x Very Large bag packed with Juggling/Magic Props. 1x Large bag with Electronics 1x 10-foot high Unicycle. 1x 8-foot high Freestanding Ladder. 1x Large Crate Speaker. Very cleverly packed it all together, and was .001 lbs *under* the Airlines Baggage limit. Which annoyed me slightly as it meant I still could have squeezed that packet of mm's in... |
Brent McLeod Inner circle 1792 Posts |
Quote:
On 2005-09-26 21:58, malini wrote: Very envious............... |
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