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Necromancer Inner circle Chicago 3076 Posts |
It struck me about a year and a half ago that a key to sucess for many magical performers is their ability to extend their persona beyond the performance of magic. Harry Anderson is a shining example of this. And for bizarrists, who are already predisposed to take a more theatrical path, this seems to be an especially promising way to go.
Since that time, I've been extending my persona beyond the magical arena, and created this: http://www.PeterandtheWerewolf.com Ideally, this will lead to narrative engagements in concert halls, which may allow me to bring my bizarre magical performances to a wider audience. What kind of performance opportunities do you think your persona allows you to pursue beyond the boundaries of magic? Best, Neil
Creator of The Xpert (20 PAGES of reviews!), Cut & Color, Hands-Off Multiple ESP (HOME) System, Rider-Waite Readers book, Zoom Pendulum ebook ...
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The Curator V.I.P. Beware Vampire, I have 3910 Posts |
As a real Curator of my own collection, it opens many doors.
Especially museums; the Surnateum is lender of rare objects to important national exhibitions. But we also do more private exhibitions where bizarre magic and storytelling do have their own place. |
Dr Spektor Eternal Order Carcanis 10781 Posts |
Another question that arises is if there really is a boundary for some between their magic world and the rest of the world... depending on what sort of character you have... e.g. a Uri Geller.... or even Eugene Burger.... or people coming from outside magic who tap into it for other artistic endevours....
Personally, the more I get into magic - the more it blends into everything else I do (the thinking and theory, if not practice).... viral infection or evolution?
"They are lean and athirst!!!!"
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Caleb Strange Special user Manchester UK 676 Posts |
As someone who is working (harder than I originally thought necessary) on developing a new performing persona, I believe that this is an important question.
Amongst other things, I've been asking myself what can my character do and what does he know? What is his history and what motivates him to communicate with an audience? If I my character can get beyond the answers 'He can do a few hoaky card tricks, he knows paltry "secrets" obsessively gleaned from books on conjuring, he had a lonely adolescence reading these aforementioned books, and he is motivated to perform by a desperate need for attention', then I can see other performing avenues opening up for him - these new opportunities/directions being determined largely by the nature of my new character's answers. It seems to me that when one develops a performing persona one is creating, amongst other things, a way of seeing the world and a way of being in it. I'm very much with Neil on this. These ways of seeing and being need not be confined by the largely peer-defined boundaries of our art. Regards, Caleb Strange.
-- QCiC --
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gsidhe Inner circle Michigan 1725 Posts |
My "Character" is really who I am. I perform outside the realm of magic all of the time, but it is all clearly me. The attitudes, dress, actions, subjects of conversation are all the same. Fortunately, my personae is multi fasceted. From my "Base" character, I can be deadly serious, perform comedy (Albeit dark comedy), perform magic, sideshow, even twist balloons for kids (My favourite balloon twist- A severed eyeball hat. Goes over great with little boys!)
I work a lot in gothy clubs, I do magic, sing, dance on a bloody gogo box, fire spin, choreograph and perform in really twisted skits, sideshow acts, MC... I don't consider myself a magician...I am an entertainer. But I apply my "character" to all aspects of my entertaining. It has really helped me to keep working. I can work the same venue for multiple engagements with the same crowds in attendance, and they keep asking me back. So, I say, develop your character(or develop the character you already are), let it envelop you (If you like the character) and then figure out when where and how it can be applied. Gwyd |
Mystician Inner circle Wallachia 3485 Posts |
"How Bizarre Are You Outside of Magic?"
Heh .. hehheh.. hehehhheehh.. heheheeeehowwwlllheheheehheh....muahaahAHAHAAAAAAAAAA Let me put it this way.. sometimes, I can act normal. But not during September thru October !
Just hanging out with the rest of my fellow dregs.
http:// www . phrets . com Visit http://www.bizarremagic.net |
Bill Ligon Inner circle A sure sign of a misspent youth: 6437 Posts |
Quote:
On 2006-09-11 11:52, Mystician wrote: However, "NORMAL" for Mystician is not exactly what the rest of us call normal. Myst, eating small children is not considered normal.
Author of THE HOLY ART: Bizarre Magick From Naljorpa's Cave. NOW IN HARDCOVER! VIEW: <BR>www.lulu.com/content/1399405 ORDER: http://stores.lulu.com/naljorpa
<BR>A TASSEL ON THE LUNATIC FRINGE |
chmara Inner circle Tucson, AZ 1911 Posts |
Peter -- and the Werewolf???? EXCEPTIONAL.
When asked how I am, in daily transaction -- my replies are "Strange" or "Strange as Ever." That plus waist length hair usualy get's a second look. Alternative answer to how I am --- "Medium to Rare."
Gregg (C. H. Mara) Chmara
Commercial Operations, LLC Tucson, AZ C. H. Mara Illusion & Psychic Entertainments |
gaddy Inner circle Agent of Chaos 3528 Posts |
I've always been a bit of a wierdo. I'd say my lifestyle has influenced my magic moreso than the other way around.
and I agree entirely with Mystician in that: "Let me put it this way.. sometimes, I can act normal." Gaddy
*due to the editorial policies here, words on this site attributed to me cannot necessarily be held to be my own.*
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shots Loyal user Kissimmee, FL 256 Posts |
Same here...most of my friends (and strangers, I suspect) think I'm weird, offbeat. Nothing much really surprises them these days, whether it's me juggling, riding a unicycle or my gokart, doing bizarre magic, playing with fire and fireworks, playing with potato guns--you name it. So for me, this sort of magic just really suits me.
Magic in the Shadows
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Jaz Inner circle NJ, U.S. 6111 Posts |
Normal is a myth right up there with perfect.
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Necromancer Inner circle Chicago 3076 Posts |
So far, the Curator, Gwyd, and Caleb appear to be the only ones who read beyond the title of this thread and answered the question, "What kind of performance opportunities do you think your persona allows you to pursue beyond the boundaries of magic?"
(And to those of you who responded -- Curator: that's a brilliant path! Gwyd: Go-go dancing. I NEVER would have thought of that! Caleb: I look forward to seeing what you come up with.) Anybody else want to try? Best, Neil
Creator of The Xpert (20 PAGES of reviews!), Cut & Color, Hands-Off Multiple ESP (HOME) System, Rider-Waite Readers book, Zoom Pendulum ebook ...
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Mark Rough Inner circle Ivy, Virginia 2110 Posts |
Neil, in everyday life I'm an elementary school teacher. That is theater on so many levels.
Mark
What would Wavy do?
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gaddy Inner circle Agent of Chaos 3528 Posts |
Quote:
On 2006-09-11 17:54, Neil Tobin wrote: I tried, but for the life of me I could not concieve of anything beyond the boundaries of magic. Maybe I need to get out more often... Nah! I also agree with Robert Houdin in that a magician is merely an actor playing the part of a magician. I'm really not a very good magician, but I've been told I'm quite an actor. G
*due to the editorial policies here, words on this site attributed to me cannot necessarily be held to be my own.*
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coupcoupdaddy Inner circle 2466 Posts |
When The Amanuensis's students look at him, they only see one person. Ha! Instead of exploring other creative venues as Mr. Tobin and others are doing, Isso brings the Bizzare to his school as an educator like Mark above. This perspective allows him to honor and confirm the Bizzare in others (age appropriately, of course).
Hail Dr. X! Lucia
foreign correspondent, z and lt
inner being worker |
egregor Veteran user The other side of the veil. 340 Posts |
My character is who I am, There is no longer a separation, much to my mothers dismay. I'm not too fond about being around children, They're usually way too smart. Children have the inate ability to see through illusion and can differentiate from real magic. Adults are much easier to fool. So, I don't ever get asked to babysit,LUCKILY. I am a glass artist and have found the threads of the bizarre weaving their way through my artwork. I never strived to develop a character as much as I developed a personal mythology. I slowly developed my character into my daily life till there was no longer a separation of the two. I personally thinks it makes my magic stronger and much more believable.
My mom says I'm reprehensible, I think I'm perfectly hensible.
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Mystician Inner circle Wallachia 3485 Posts |
I suppose some of my bizarrism is leaking into my musicianship - I've been heavily influenced by Goth lately, which started with Evanescence a few years back but my tastes quickly matured into expanding my appreciation for the genre, with the likes of Lacuna Coil and Type O Negative, among others.
Overall, the majority of the numerous bits and pieces I've written in the last two years (I've been on a real streak lately) have taken on a very dark persona, piano more so than guitar, even. I may put some "shorts" up on my website, but I'd prefer to register the copyright first before throwing any material into the public waters; or, at the least, release it under the creative commons license.
Just hanging out with the rest of my fellow dregs.
http:// www . phrets . com Visit http://www.bizarremagic.net |
Wolflock Inner circle South Africa 2257 Posts |
Define "Normal". I am and always will live out my character in real life as well as in my performances. It took over when I really got involved with my shows and I have never looked back since.
Regards Wolflock
Wolflock
Pro Magician & Escapologist Member of JMC (Johannesburg Magic Circle) South Africa |
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