I am having such a hard time thinking of presentation ideas for the silk through mic stand effect with my P & L Reel. It feels like I'm having a "magic block" where I just can't think creatively.

Can you guys please help?

I know I want to place it towards the beginning of my show, but cannot find any motivation to put a silk through the stand.

Thanks!
Josh London

That is the answer why do it???
Howard

Watch some DVD's of excellent magicians doing their shows and you should unblock in no time. But if there is no motivation for bringing the stand onstage in the first place, I agree with Howard. "Why do it?"

Think outside the box. What sort of theme do you have in your show? Can you do something that is silk through the "???" Come up with something new. Does a silk going through something really blow the audience away? A color change or multiplication is more eye-catching. Get to work and come up with something new! I know you have it in you!
Autumn

Jeff Justice from Atlanta used to do it in his stand up comedy act at comedy clubs and got a great response.
Cordially, Howard

You could do the silk through mic stand while explaining the importance of watching closely, since it happens so fast. Or you could tie it into a story. I use it in a silk manipulation routine.

Instead of tying a string around your finger, tie the silk around the mic stand to keep you from forgetting ...

My memory just slips away just like that too!

Memory is interesting stuff. It starts at birth and last almost through your whole routine.

Bob Sanders
Magic By Sander

I am new to reels and am practicing silk thru mic stand (STMS). My reel seems pretty slow:
1. What pull should a reel have (foot lbs.)?
2. What do you lube your reels with?
3. What do you load in your reel (thread, line, kevlar)?
4. Can I pre-tension a reel by spooling leader thread that I pull out, cut, and dispose?
5. What is the best silk for STMC (size, shape, material, etc.)?

Thanks in advance

Don't sweat slow when it is effective.

1. Less than 2 foot-pounds. (Make your life easier!)
2. I don't! (Good brass work should not generate noticeable heat/friction.)
3. Dental floss! Surprise!
4. Experiment. (I don't.)
5. Actually a Diamond Cut works best. I recommend a 12" (that looks 18") or an 18" (that looks 24"). Given a choice, everything I use on stage is 24".

Bob Sanders
Magic By Sander

Instead of a Mic Stand use a Cane if you have an assistant.

Depending on the size of the silk used, the volunteer's arm or leg works too.

Bob Sanders
Magic By Sander

First time I saw the silk through microphone it blew me away. There was no "routine". The magician (can't remember who) just looked at the silk, whispered "woosh" into the mic and it went through.

Andy

Wjat would be the best reel for this effect?
Eric

Magicque, I recommend the Swedish Reel from El Duco Magic

http://www.el-duco.se/show_product.php?id=71