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Elijahhenry New user 63 Posts |
Do any of you bring them to the table?, or bring your own stand up table with a close up pad? If yes... What size...? I tey to keep all the magic in the hands but there are times I want to do other effects and feel like I'm taking over the table when i bring out my pad...
E. Henry |
korttihai_82 Inner circle Finland 1880 Posts |
No, I don´t use close-up pad, because usually in restaurants there is no room for it on the table and even if there were, I woulnd use it because effects done on the table are not very visible. I like to do stuff in the hands so everybody can see well.
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gandolf Loyal user Hillsborough,NC 236 Posts |
For resturant work (tables) I would not recommend using a pad for the reason you mentioned, a lack of space. It's better to use a corner of the table, or have the magic happen in the spectator's (or your) hands. Most resturants will have a tablecloth which will deaden the sound if you are doing coin work ala' a Maatrix effect, so I see no need to carry around something as bulky as a pad.
For bar work, however, I would recommend a "cheap" moisture resistant pad along the lines of a mouse pad (as others have recommended). Needless to say, there is the potential for a wet working area, and if there is a spill (from that great reaction to your illusion of course!!), the mat will keep your cards or whatever you are working above the level of the spill. Using a mouse pad type of surface also offers easy clean up in case the spill occurs on your work area. |
frank Regular user Baltimore, MD 109 Posts |
EH:
I use a close-up pad in my restuarants. I use the Apollo "table hopper" pad - I think it's 7"x12". I've had no problem finding space on the table for the pad. The audience doesn't seem to care if I have a pad or not. They just want to the magic. Frank
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MyTurnPlzAA Loyal user NC 288 Posts |
You can get small ones from Alakazam; perfect for table hopping.
Regards James |
iSawThat Regular user The Ivory Tower 188 Posts |
Frank, how do you carry those pads around? I've got the same one, and I was wondering how to carry them around without looking lame.
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Jon Gallagher Veteran user Elmwood, Illinois 395 Posts |
Each table is different. If there's a lot of people at the table, then I do stuff that is in my hands or theirs. If it's two to four people, and there's no food on the table, then out comes the close up pad (a mouse pad).
I like using the pad because it's easier for coin matrix and it also serves as my "stage." I'd also rather get sticky stuff from the table on the backside of my pad than on my coins or cards. But, when I approach the table, I make the decision of whether to use it or not. Since it's so small, I keep it rolled up in by back pocket. |
iSawThat Regular user The Ivory Tower 188 Posts |
I tend to follow the 'stage' school of thought, and the close up mat really lends a bit of authority to your performance. Somehow I feel that without such a stage it's more difficult for people to see you as a serious performer rather than some guy who just knows a couple of quick tricks. It's an unusual item to place on the table, and some may argue that it's an invasion of their private space, but I would think that it actually brings the magic into their space, rather than it staying in your hands till it gets to the end of some routine when only then do the spectators get close to the magic. Also, if merely doing something as neutral as putting a mat on the table invades space, wouldn't stuffing a couple of sponge balls into a person's hand REALLY invade space? The mat is essential to create the close up theatre atmosphere that would enhance your performance, so if given a choice I'd always want to go with a mat. That said, if there's so little table space that you're going to have to move plates around to fit the mat in, then it's probably a better idea not to use it (actually I never really understood this. Why would you be performing if there're plates on the table in the first place? Between the main course and dessert perhaps, but by that time people aren't really bothered about what you do to their plates, they're going to be cleared by the waitstaff anyway in their minds.)
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phonic69 Special user 560 Posts |
A pad on the table suggests many things, most of them detract from, not enhance your magic. It suggests that the table surface is not good enough for your props, and it suggests that you could not do magic without it (why else would you bring it over otherwise?) which takes attention away from the magic.
Just my thoughts... |
BarryRice New user Indianapolis, IN 88 Posts |
I used to use a pad, but have decided to develop routines without it. I think it will make life easier as I do not have to worry about glasses being in the way or questions about why I need it. As far as changing the way the audience sees the magic, I think it really makes little difference.
"The magic of the tongue is the most dangerous of all spells."
-Edward George Earle Lytton Bulwer-Lytton http://www.amazingbarry.com |
frank Regular user Baltimore, MD 109 Posts |
isawthat:
I don't carry the pad in any special way. I carry it in one hand with my CMH rubber bands pinched against it. After a table agrees that they'd like to see some magic, I put the pad and rubber bands down. On occassion, a kid will ask what the pad is for. In all cases, the kid's parent will say "it's so Frank's props don't get wet or dirty". I like to carry a pad when there are tables available. When strolling at a cocktail party where everyone is standing, I don't carry one. Either way seems to work fine. Experiment and see what you like... Frank
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MAGICTOM Veteran user Dallas, Tx 354 Posts |
I use a close up pad in a frame set on a tv tray, not in restaurants, but whenever I want to establish myself as a magician, it may onle serve as a tip jar holder for most of my routines are in my hands, but you cant beat the curiosity it brings to passerbys that would not bother to stop if it were not there. it is an excellent attention getter on the street.
Tom
No Man is his craft's master the first day!
J.B. Bobo |
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