|
|
bryanlonden Special user Maryland 583 Posts |
Hey guys,
Although I am not new to magic, as I have previously worked in an Applebee's doing walk-around, I want to move up to stage magic, and I'm very confused right now. I was looking at building a stage show consisting of stage magic (Cardiographic, etc.), but with several small illusions, such as a chair suspension and Losander Floating Table. But then I see magicians performing Grand Illusion shows, which are pretty much Vegas-type shows! The problem is, I was looking at marketing myself to performing at colleges, but can I compete with a big show with numerous illusions, assistants, lighting and sound specialists? My question is, is there room in the college venue for someone with a show that isn't 100% large Grand Illusions? It's such a simple question, but it's really holding me back right now. Also, where are other places or venues to perform a stage show such as this? I was also thinking about going the mental route and incorporating some visual mentalism and mental magic. The thing is, I want to make magic a full-time job (not to be rich, but to live off of it), as opposed to just working doing walkaround. I'm just confused about these stage venue possibilities! Thanks in advance, Bryan |
Hansel Inner circle Puerto Rico 2492 Posts |
Bryan,
Justin Kredible does a Full Stand Up Stage Show with only a Bar Stool and a Suitcase. Adding an illusion for College people is OK, but I think, if you do an ENTIRE ILLUSION SHOW, it's good, but in this type of venue (Students), they prefer 80% Sleight of Mouth. Good Luck with your new show. Thanks... Hansel!
Follow Me...
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/Hansels-Comedy-and-Magic-Show-929625643774678/ Youtube: HanselSP Twitter: @HanselSP Instagram: HanselSP |
bryanlonden Special user Maryland 583 Posts |
Hansel,
Thanks a lot for the response...that makes a lot of sense. I'm 20 and, by your pic, you look pretty young too. What venues are you used to performing in? Bryan |
Bob Sanders Grammar Supervisor Magic Valley Ranch, Clanton, Alabama 20504 Posts |
Bryan,
The college market is unique. Throwing money at it is not the solution. It is a "road show". Travel as lite as you can. They frequently have great lighting and sound crews of their own. What they don't have versus commercial houses are experienced talent buyers. Thus, they frequently don't know what they bought. (Even worse, the concept of responsibility is also new to them. Fortunately, they are smart and open-minded. But put it in writing in excruciating detail.) They are great audiences, ready to have fun. If they wanted what is on TV, they would not be in your audience. Grand Illusion is wonderful for fixed locations like casinos and theme parks, or very controlled environments like TV studios. In portable live shows, it is of limited use. Certainly you need some "Eye Candy", and visibility is very important. They will value your ability to entertain far above magic skill. This is a theatrical production. Do you have theatre experience? That is where the rubber will meet the road. If you don't have it, expose yourself! It is a tool that will serve you for life. Best of luck to you! Bob Sanders Magic By Sander |
bryanlonden Special user Maryland 583 Posts |
Thanks, Bob, for the feedback!
I basically got the idea of working at colleges because I was able to organize my friend's rock band to play at my school, and I realized that schools are very eager to hire acts for student activities. I do have a small bit of theatre experience, as I have had several classes at my college. More importantly, my teacher has told me that she wants me in her plays. The thing is, I just couldn't find the time. It is GREAT to hear that I don't need some super elaborate illusions just to get by in this arena. Thanks! Bryan |
Hansel Inner circle Puerto Rico 2492 Posts |
First of all, this photo makes me so Happy. Many people said that I look too young! Well, I'm 25 and in my College Shows I do things like: Tossed out deck, cut and restored rope (special pattern), Dream Prediction by Paul Rohmany, Egg Bag, Bill in lemon etc. Sometimes at the end of the show, they remember more the Gags.
Good Luck,let me know about your experience. Thanks, Hansel!
Follow Me...
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/Hansels-Comedy-and-Magic-Show-929625643774678/ Youtube: HanselSP Twitter: @HanselSP Instagram: HanselSP |
Bob Sanders Grammar Supervisor Magic Valley Ranch, Clanton, Alabama 20504 Posts |
Bryan,
I also got my start in the music and recording industry. The college market spends a lot of money. They enjoy acts that entertain them as opposed to trying to make fools of them. Keep it fun. (It is not the blue collar market. ie network TV) May 22nd I think I'm at Ring 58 in Knoxville, Tennessee. That should be near you. If you come, please introduce yourself and let's chat. Bob Sanders Magic By Sander |
MattSconce Special user 654 Posts |
Wow! This is good advice. I also was wondering about Stage magic, as I have always done walk around. Losander's Floating Table seems like it would be good in this setting as well as bubble floating and bubble zombie.
Other effects:
http://www.penguinmagic.com/magician/matt-sconce |
MattSconce Special user 654 Posts |
Touching on Hoy might also be fun in this setup.
Other effects:
http://www.penguinmagic.com/magician/matt-sconce |
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » New to magic? » » Stage versus grand illusion (0 Likes) |
[ Top of Page ] |
All content & postings Copyright © 2001-2024 Steve Brooks. All Rights Reserved. This page was created in 0.02 seconds requiring 5 database queries. |
The views and comments expressed on The Magic Café are not necessarily those of The Magic Café, Steve Brooks, or Steve Brooks Magic. > Privacy Statement < |