When performing the Cups & Balls, I prefer a silent presentation with pantomime sometimes timed to music -- usually a Jazz piece (Sing, Sing, Sing with a Swing, Take Five, etc). But, when I'm at work, I'm sure they prefer for me to talk. The best routine that I've come up with (so far) is a fast-talking-three-card-monte-esque patter. It works for sales and getting people's attention but, I'm left feeling that I'm short changing them and myself (artistically speaking). The plot is very "watch the magician get one over on you" --although fun, it leaves me unsatisfied. There has to be something better out there. Any ideas for storylines, plots, or presentations for the cups and balls...or we could brainstorm a new one.

It really depends on the venue, but I like the idea of the musical presentation.

~michael

AnneT,

I've thought about doing one to the Entertainer. Always thought that be a good one.

For my festival act though - ya gotta talk to the audience.

Good luck working something out! Sounds fun!

Robert

I agree that "challenge-type" patter isn't always the best idea, for a couple of reasons.

First, it turns what was a magic trick into nothing more than a puzzle. That also takes away the entertainment aspect, since the whole performance is now reduced to the question of whether or not the specs can figure how how you did the trick, as opposed to enjoying the mystery of it.

Second, when you challenge the specs that they can't catch you, it sets up a "you against me" situation, which in my opinion isn't conducive to performing. I'd rather invite the audience to SHARE a magical moment with me, so that they are coming along WITH me, rather than have an adversarial situation. Some folks have adopted an "I amaze myself" approach, in which they appear to be mystified themselves by the antics of the little balls. Other present a historical approach, a humorous approach, etc. The possibilities are endless if you use a little creativity.

But it all depends on who you are and how you are able to present yourself. Challenges worked for Houdini and made his career, ditto for Dunninger and several others. But unless you have that type of persona, I'd suggest finding another way. A silent act (using music alone) may solve the problem for some, since NO patter is necessary, but it's not the only answer and in some venues it may not be practical. I also believe that without patter, misdirection becomes tougher to accomplish properly.

So you may need to go back to the drawing board and consider how you could perform this effect to mesh with your own personality. It's not a simple project, but once you do it, you'll have a great presentation that's truly your very own. SETH

I would try to stay away from any presentation that creates a challenge to the spectators. If you have never seen Gazzo work you need to. He may be a little spicy for some but he is a entertainer first and a magician second. His interaction with the spectators is a form of misdirection that he has mastered.

I think that misdirection is known as "ten minutes of bawdy comments between each phase," but I could be wrong.

I like spicy.

Oooo, so you have seen Gazzo at work. If not that's a real good guess. People don't even reminber he is doing the cups and balls much less catch a move. Over the top? Yes, but I love excess when its fun.

Outside the "watch clever me", aspect, what sort of character do you offer the audience and what does that character want to communicate to the audience?

I'm a nice guy in real life (no really!)and I'm the same way performing. I sincerely try to "help" them win at games like "Endless Chain" but no matter what I do, they just don't seem to get it The Shell Game is played the same way. I'm not out to beat them, just have some fun with them with Bob Kohler's "Golden Shells" presentation while teaching them that if they ever see this game on the streets, just walk on by as the only way to win is not to play.

Even on things like the McAbee Rings, I "explain" very carefully what's about to take place and help them to do the magic in their own hands. This picture of a little boy and his Grandmother pretty well sums up the "look" I'm going for.

(I'd imbed the image, but for some reason it won't display. Oh well, I tried)

Click here for picture

That's a cool shot.

That's also a very cool-looking table-top.

Thanks, I like it. It's leather look Naugahyde (waterproof for Denmark streets) with a 1/8 rubber pad underneath for cushion. No lip because rather than pack the top for the trip I carried the supplies in my suitcase, bought some wood and nailed it together once I got there so carpentry was kept to a minimum. The pad killed the noise of balls under the cups, and I used Monkey Fist balls to avoid rolling to compensate for not having the rim on the table.

It's still at a friend's house in Copenhagen waiting for my return this summer.

To get this back on the C&B topic, I present this too as an "educational" piece, with the Vernon style fake explanation as if I'm teaching them how to do the oldest trick in magic.

To RobertBloor:

I don't think talking is necessary. I find that letting the actions of the balls and myself speak for themselves actually draws a larger crowd. Possibly for a few reasons...
1. They are forced to watch...I'm not giving a play by play
2. They fill in the blanks...because they're is no narrative they make for their own story for it. It's one of their choosing so, they're bound to like it.
3. Impromptu...they could be passing by and I could in the middle of the routine and they wouldn't feel like they missed anything.
4. Can you hear me now?...No dialogue to be missed, they only have the balls, my facial expressions, and my body language to dictate whether the act is all going according to plan.