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Michael Peterson Inner circle is where I'm trapped, because of my 4071 Posts |
O.k., I'm keeping notes, eliminating weak material, etc. Grouping effects together,
scripting dialogue, and trying to learn from others & how they do it. I'm still finding myself geting stuck. Can anyone offer advice on books or give me some tips? I really want to start making some money doing magic & mentalism, but I don't think I'm ready. Everyone else thinks that I am just wonderful (family, friends, etc.) Perhaps I'm just being hard on myself, but I feel like I'm missing something. |
Jeb Sherrill Inner circle Elsewhere 1161 Posts |
You probably are ready. With all the absolutely terrible performers out there making thousands, I've finally realized that so much of it just comes down to confidence.
Just jump in and do it. I'm a sucker myself for spending WAY too much time in training. You're probably great already and just don't know it because you haven't had enough good audience feedback. Get a few rounds of applause and you won't be able to get enough. Sable
I don't believe in reincarnation, but I may have in another life.
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Tom Cutts Staff Northern CA 5925 Posts |
I suggest you find a place to harmlessly try your material out on strangers. It will give you volumes of feedback and some of the experience you need to start building in real world situations.
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Lee Marelli Special user Aurora, Colorado 876 Posts |
Ichazod: As they say in the Nike ads,
"Just Do It." (Do you think I'll get a free pair of shoes for the plug. I don't think I'll bet on it) But seriously, from your posts and what you said, you are ready to give it a shot. For mentalism, surely in Northern California there is a club or two that brings in talent for weekends. Go talk with them. You may need to do some PR before hand. Most club oweners do not know mentalism. They know magicians, which many are not too fond of, comics, and bands, but mentalists, no. When you have a couple of goodies to dazzle them with. Explain that they will be presenting something the other clubs do not have. Also remember, Marelli's Words of Wisdom - Mentalists do not work clubs for tips. Charge for your work. If the club won't pay, get them to collect an advertised fee at the door. If they insist that you work for tips, go to another club. Another route to test your act is to go to Senior Centers and/or charities. Do your show and when they ask where you are performing tell them you will post flyers about your next show at the center etc. And always get letters of appreciation from the Center or charity administrator about how wonderful your act was and how you blew them away. Finally, do not do mentalism and balloon animals. Hope these tips help. Good luck and keep us posted. I think on some level you know you are ready. Until you present your act you will never really know what will play and what will not.
"Mentalism is a state of mind." Marelli
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Margarette Special user Memphis area 956 Posts |
Hey, if I can do this.... you have no excuse! I will admit that when I started
'testing the waters' on performing, I did many free shows, mainly for the experience of performing in front of people. I figured they couldn't complain about how bad I was.. after all, they got what they paid for. Just remember, it's more than just doing a bunch of tricks... it's interaction and entertainment! Margarette
The only stupid question is the one not asked.
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Scott F. Guinn Inner circle "Great Scott!" aka "Palms of Putty" & "Poof Daddy G" 6586 Posts |
Well said, Margarette!
"Love God, laugh more, spend more time with the ones you love, play with children, do good to those in need, and eat more ice cream. There is more to life than magic tricks." - Scott F. Guinn
My Lybrary Page |
Rob Wallis New user The Other California 73 Posts |
Quote:
On 2002-01-27 23:58, Marelli wrote: OK, I'm ignorant What kind of clubs are we talking about here?
Tig Wallis
The Comic Psychic |
GothicBen Veteran user England 353 Posts |
Ichazod - I used to work in an old people's home, as a hobby therapist, so I'd often put on free shows to try out new material. Boy, they were a tough crowd, though!
Whilst I'm a firm believer in "Practice, practice, practice!", you have to get out there! I've lost count of the number of mediocre professionals in my areas, or when I messed up trying out new material. It happens to everyone. The more time you spend away from real audiences, the less you'll improve. Some magicians practice 6 hours a day. They're also usually not getting any work, or lose track of what real audiences like and obsess over details that are unimportant. Go for it! |
Dennis Michael Inner circle Southern, NJ 5821 Posts |
Some people think they are ready two minutes after they bought the trick. Others want two years.
One's an extrovert who doesn't mind looking like a fool but he sure desires the attention, the other is an introvert perfectionist. Things go wrong all the time, it is the experience that makes recovery easier. I can grab a new trick and practice it for 10 minutes (Prop magic) and do it for kids, (small groups) and recover from mistakes made, usually I say we forgot to say the magic word, and this satifies them. It gives me a feel for what the kids will say so I can improve it for larger audiences. (Kids say the darndest things.) On my stage show, it is difficult adding or deleting magic because it is so refined that I don't want to eliminate it or replace it. Experience is a good teaching tool, and learning recovery is a trick of the trade. Go for it, like it was said above, there are so many bad magicians, a practiced one would appear professional.
Dennis Michael
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Chad Sanborn Inner circle my fingers hurt from typing, 2205 Posts |
I agree with the others! It is time for the real world. You can't sit at home practicing forever. Treat each public performance as a live practice session. Watch the reactions. And change anything that needs changing. There is no way to cover all the bases just by practicing in your living room. In actual performance, problems will arise that you would never dream of. And you will have to work around it. I guess what I am trying to say is that it is time for you to start learning by experience. It is the best teacher.
Chad |
Michael Peterson Inner circle is where I'm trapped, because of my 4071 Posts |
Thank you all for the great insight & inspiration,You can catch me on my upcoming world tour which is titled, "Icha- what?"
Thank you all again, I will just keep on the path I'm on & quit being so hard on myself. You all gave me a good kick in the butt You are all the best |
amagician Regular user Hobart Tasmania Australia 160 Posts |
Ichazod, please get started ASAP.
There will never be enough good performers and always too many bad ones. Where would we be without family and friends? They have many pluses but they are almost always useless as critics unless they are in the business. So for your own satisfaction and to redress the balance a bit in favor of good performers DO IT (c'mon that's got to be worth a pair of shoelaces at least!). Break a leg.
Have a Magic day
John Williams http://www.ezymagic.com/ more tricks than you can shake a wand at subscribe to our free ezine on site |
Fredrick Loyal user Seattle 248 Posts |
Quote:
On 2002-02-07 05:01, GothicBen wrote: One of my outlets for new material and getting flight time is the local VA hospital. As GothicBen points out, they can be a tough crowd, but also very appreciative when you knock their socks off
"Try to find the humanity in the magic and maybe you'll come up with something of your own. It's the humanity that gets you there, not techniques." Michael Moschen on Creativity
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Davro Veteran user UK 319 Posts |
Hey Ich,
Please please please go and do it. The first time will be a little nerve wracking but you will love it. Look into my eyes you WILL love it. Go for it
Best Wishes, David
<BR> <BR>Mid way this way of life we're bound upon, I woke to find myself in a dark wood, where the right road was wholly lost and gone. |
Michael Peterson Inner circle is where I'm trapped, because of my 4071 Posts |
I have done a few shows and I do perform for people, I just want to take it to the next level. I'm working on it, thank you all for the great advice.
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