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kihei kid Inner circle Dog House 1039 Posts |
While recently attending the Amazing Johnathan show I was fortunate enough to be able to meet Chris Angel who was in the audience. After the show was over I let everyone head for the door and go outside to meet A.J. and as luck would have it Chris was still hanging out in the auditorium signing autographs and taking pictures for those who are fans of his.
While waiting for the last of Chris fans I got thinking… should I ask him to perform something for me or would that be an imposition, and decided that I would not. Then I got to thinking why not do a quick trick for him? As usual I had Sticky Situation on me and when I met Chris I introduced myself and talked to him very briefly all the while pretending to be chewing gum. Just as I was going to walk away I said hey Chris check this one out and went on to do Sticky Situation. His reaction? A small smile and a “that’s cool.” I told him I imagine you have seen it before but if not I hoped you liked it. He said he had not (being nice?) and I again thanked him and went on my way. Afterwards I got to thinking, is this bad form?
In loving memory of Hughie Thomasson 1952-2007.
You brought something beautiful to this world, you touched my heart, my soul and my life. You will be greatly missed. Until we meet again “my old friend”. |
Majestic12 Special user Maryland 643 Posts |
I think it was. If you were at a magic convention and did that, it would be more appropiate. That just doenst seem like the right place or time.
Also, I am curious as to what you were trying to accomplish by performing a trick for him? I think the best thing would of been to introduce yourself, tell him you are also very interested in magic and tell him what you think of his magic and tv shows and that's it. |
Bill Hallahan Inner circle New Hampshire 3222 Posts |
If you are performing at someone else's show, they might not be pleased, even if the show is over. I wouldn't do that.
Even in other circumstances, the old rule "Make them ask twice" is probably best, although I have performed after only one request before. I expect Criss Angel regarded you as a fan who wanted to impress him. As to whether your request was an imposition, only Criss Angel knows that. The fact that you aren't sure if it was ok should answer your question. But, for all I know, Criss Angel will jump in here and post that he is thrilled by what you showed him. There is just no way to tell from your post what the situation is. Caution is best. And, the overriding concern is about performing at someone else's show.
Humans make life so interesting. Do you know that in a universe so full of wonders, they have managed to create boredom. Quite astonishing.
- The character of ‘Death’ in the movie "Hogswatch" |
kregg Inner circle 1950 Posts |
No harm, no foul. Criss probably would've done the same in similar circumstances.
It's great to want to perform at any given moment. Yet, there is a time and a place for everything. If you ask yourself, 'was that the right thing to do?', after you've done something, then, the answer is more than likely no.
POOF!
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kihei kid Inner circle Dog House 1039 Posts |
Quote:
On 2006-10-05 07:44, Majestic12 wrote: Thanks Bub, I appreciate your response. I was not trying to accomplish anything, just enjoying a magical moment. At the time I felt asking him to do something was out of the question, after all, my reward was being able to meet him in the first place. It then occurred to me why not show him something that maybe he has never seen before and breaking out a pack of cards and going into a ACR would have been ridiculous. Seeing as SS takes all of 15 seconds, is unique and is the kind of effect that is right up his alley I figured what the hey, maybe he has not seen it and will enjoy it. Also as I stated earlier we did talk very briefly, I did not just go up to him and show him SS. Quote:
On 2006-10-05 10:37, Bill Hallahan wrote: I HOPE not, I wasn’t. Quote:
On 2006-10-05 10:37, Bill Hallahan wrote: It’s funny you mention that Bill because that was on my mind, seeing as it was down to me, him, his entourage and an empty auditorium I felt all bets where off. However if I ever find myself in that situation again I will err on the side of caution. Quote:
On 2006-10-05 11:57, kregg wrote: Just what I was thinking at the time, it was my sincere hopes he would enjoy something he quite possibly has never seen before. Quote:
On 2006-10-05 10:37, Bill Hallahan wrote: Quote:
On 2006-10-05 11:57, kregg wrote: You both came up with the same thought. This was the reason I posted in the first place, can’t tell you how many times I have done something then “thought” if I have to ask myself then it more than likely means no. However, just the opposite has been true, I have done something many a time then asked myself was that right or wrong and later confirmed that following my nose was correct after all! Thanks for your input and help.
In loving memory of Hughie Thomasson 1952-2007.
You brought something beautiful to this world, you touched my heart, my soul and my life. You will be greatly missed. Until we meet again “my old friend”. |
Patrick Differ Inner circle 1540 Posts |
Bad form or not, I don't really know. I respect and admire your willingness and courage to take the shot. Crazy cool things happen to those willing to put it all on the line and take the chance. Don't ever let yourself think otherwise.
Will you walk into my parlour? said the Spider to the Fly,
Tis the prettiest little parlour that ever you did spy; The way into my parlour is up a winding stair, And I've a many curious things to show when you are there. Oh no, no, said the little Fly, to ask me is in vain, For who goes up your winding stair -can ne'er come down again. |
Steve V Inner circle Northern California 1878 Posts |
I don't know Angel and have not seen AJ in over 20 years but here is what I think about doing magic for 'em. They don't want to see it. Not for the reasons some may think but to protect themselves. Same goes with actors and screen plays. Think about it, you show this trick to Angel (I'm not familiar with the trick you did). He watches it, puts it out of his mind, and moves on. He then does a tv show and does either the same trick or something that is close in presentation to what you did...next thing you know he has a lawsuit on his hands because you claim to have provided the idea of the effect and should be paid and credited as a consultant. What if you suddenly start billing yourself as "performed for Criss Angel, he watched and said 'cool trick'!" or you bill yourself as a magic consultant to him. You think I'm kidding? Copperfield has purchased tricks from people and never used them and for years now the creator STILL claims to be a consultant! Screen writers and actors don't look at other peoples ideas because of simular reasons, they don't want someone claiming to have come up with an idea, happens to song writers too.
Simple rule, never perform in another magicians arena unless asked to do so. Another thing, not all magicians are equal. While the hobby of magic can bring together teachers and lawyers with grocery cart collectors and ditch diggers there is a difference between the working pros and those that are not working pros. A common interest doesn't make for equals and those that have elevated to higher levels should be treated with the respect they have earned at least as magicians. I've seen people walk up to a major magician and expect to be sitting around sharing secrets or even demanding to be shown how something the magician did on stage. Bad form. Steve V |
Darkwing Inner circle Nashville Tn 1850 Posts |
Steve V, very good advice. When you are at another magician's venue let him shine and entertain. There will be time in the future for you and I don't think you would want anyone to try to up stage you.
Just my $00.02. |
Ron Reid Inner circle Phoenix, Arizona 2732 Posts |
Yes, I agree with Steve V's comments. It was bad form. No big deal though.
Ron |
tommy Eternal Order Devil's Island 16544 Posts |
You guys are going soft. You keep telling me it's show BUSINESS.
It was not Angels venue was it? It was The Amazing Johnathan show and that was over. Angel is just there afterwards. I don't mean to be unkind but I think you showed something that was naff, by the sound of it. If your going do this kind of thing, then do it right. Take a look at Vernon and what he did with Houdini. It's not bad if the reaction had been from the TV guys- "WOW! Fantastic! It would be an honour for us to arrange a TV special for you Mr kid" If Angel don’t like it tell him, it’s not personal it’s just business. I’m kidding but that is another way to look at it.
If there is a single truth about Magic, it is that nothing on earth so efficiently evades it.
Tommy |
kihei kid Inner circle Dog House 1039 Posts |
Thanks for you thoughts Steve as I wrote in my last post, next time (if there is) I will not do this.
Quote:
On 2006-10-06 18:46, Steve V wrote: I don’t know about that, although you could be right, it’s just tough for me to imagine that someone such as Chris NEVER EVER wants to see someone else do something for him, I believe that to be a bit of a stretch… but I could be wrong. Quote:
Copperfield has purchased tricks from people and never used them and for years now the creator STILL claims to be a consultant! Purchasing a trick and having someone show you one seems to me to be two totally and completely different scenarios. Quote:
A common interest doesn't make for equals and those that have elevated to higher levels should be treated with the respect they have earned at least as magicians. O.K. here you have lost me. Are you saying it is disrespectful for me as an amateur to go up to Angel as a pro and show him something? There has been MANY a time I have had someone come up to me and show me a self working card effect and I embrace it as you never know what you may learn. There’s always room for improvement. Quote:
I've seen people walk up to a major magician and expect to be sitting around sharing secrets or even demanding to be shown how something the magician did on stage. Yeah, that person is called an idiot, to me this would be disrespectful. Quote:
On 2006-10-07 04:19, tommy wrote: Just so we are clear here this is absolutely correct. It was AFTER A.J.’s show, it was down to me, Chris, his entourage and an empty auditorium. Quote:
I don't mean to be unkind but I think you showed something that was naff, by the sound of it. If your going do this kind of thing, then do it right. Take a look at Vernon and what he did with Houdini. I posted a question and you responded, you are NOT being unkind, you are being helpful. I really was not sure whether it was good or bad form to do what I did and now according to most I now have my answer… Thank You everyone. However, just for you’re information IF you have never seen Sticky Situation it is NOT naff, it is a beautiful piece of magic that rarely gets a bad response (Thank You Andy Leviss). I have performed it quite literally a thousand times and the vast majority of time it not only gets a great response but it is the one that they like the most more often than not. I know you were joking about the Dai Vernon thing but as I stated in my first post I would never had broken out a pack of cards and went into a card routine, besides, I can’t hold the professors thumb tip.
In loving memory of Hughie Thomasson 1952-2007.
You brought something beautiful to this world, you touched my heart, my soul and my life. You will be greatly missed. Until we meet again “my old friend”. |
Patrick Differ Inner circle 1540 Posts |
What's the difference between this scenario and someone wanting to show you a trick when you're around? Does it matter if it's your venue or not?
Honestly, I believe that common sense should prevail in both cases. If someone wants to show you a trick when you're around, you find a way to let them. If it's your venue, you may not want them to do something in the middle of the show, but ne'ertheless, common sense dictates that you find a way to let everyone win. If it's someone else's venue, by all means invite it, and mention the performing magician's name six times while you do! Invite those casual souls wandering around nearby to join in and witness the event too. Make It A Good Thing. There is a lot to be said about spin. Making Magic Look Good Is Easy. It utterly boggles my mind why so many people want to take a good thing and turn it into a bad thing by telling someone "no".
Will you walk into my parlour? said the Spider to the Fly,
Tis the prettiest little parlour that ever you did spy; The way into my parlour is up a winding stair, And I've a many curious things to show when you are there. Oh no, no, said the little Fly, to ask me is in vain, For who goes up your winding stair -can ne'er come down again. |
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