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Willtwin New user UK 18 Posts |
Hi all,
While performing a few card and coin tricks for a few friends last night they instantly noticed a change in me- almost like a different person performing. They said I went all serious and lost a lot of my natural manerisms and humour. I was quite tired prior to perfoming however they coaxed me into showing them a few things. I wonder if this made me more serious, since I didn't feel the situation called for a laughing/joking/noisy performance. Wonder if anyone has any thoughts on this. Anything will be much appreciated, regards Will |
jimhlou Inner circle 3698 Posts |
Hi Will:
I do the same thing. When you're performing, your mind focuses on what you're doing, and you're so focused you lose some of your "personality". The only way to overcome this is practicing and performing. The more comfortable you are with the effect you are doing the easier it is to just be yourself. Just keep it up. Eventually the line will blur between you as a person and you as a performer. Jim |
themagiciansapprentice Inner circle Essex, UK 1381 Posts |
I found I really needed to be ready to perform. So a good nights sleep and little beer the night before were suggested. It worked.
Now I have tricks for paid kids shows I know really well and others to show adult friends that I can do without thinking. Obviously, a good idea of my script also helps. Ok not so much impromptu - but I never tell them.
Have wand will travel! Performing children's magic in the UK for Winter 2014 and Spring 2015.
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Willtwin New user UK 18 Posts |
Thanks guys at least I know now that I'm not the only one out there that has had this experience at least once Experience performing is probably the main issue here since I've only been performing for about 3 years on and off and that's only really been to my family and friends.
Sometimes though, you really arnen't in any position e.g. at work, at the bank (anything!)to perform and if someone drops onto the subject of magic and your called to the stage then its all impromptu. Will |
JamesTong Eternal Order Malaysia 11213 Posts |
It also depends on where, when and why you are performing? It does make a difference in the personality and character you are during the performance.
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Hearttau Elite user New Jersey: Exit 15 E 423 Posts |
Also the character or characters you develop will help enhance your performance or hinder it. For example, not everyone plays the bumbling magi well. (I’m not saying you’re a bumbling magi, it’s just a character example.) Take notes of how your audience perceives your onstage persona if possible. You should be able to gage an audiences reactions and responses after a few performances. And it never hurts to have a friend or colleague in the audience to give you feedback, as you have already discovered.
As James pointed out, not every performance will be the same. Even stage actors will notice that the way they portray a role will sometimes change from night to night. Of course you may not have direct feedback as an actor does from their director, but try to note when you felt most comfortable performing. That is a good indicator that your audience was comfortable as well. That should tell you which onstage persona works best for you. Dave
Lentidigitator: “A magic artist who performs slow motion magic”... Rene Lavand
"Peace and all good"... St. Francis "Hold on to your joy!"... Me http://mysite.verizon.net/hearttau/ |
chias Regular user 144 Posts |
I think it's pretty important to have a script and to memorize it well. That way you can focus on bringing the magical message across to your audience and not worry about what you should say next.
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Willtwin New user UK 18 Posts |
Yeah I totally agree with everyone here, learning to find my self more when performing however I think this takes time and experience- its not an overnight thing is it?
cheers guys for all feedback. |
Brad Burt Inner circle 2675 Posts |
Being asked to perform 'impromptu' can be a jolting experience. Especially if you really did not think it would happen. As said above, it's one thing to come to a formal booked show ready to perform and another to suddenly be thrust into what amounts to the same situation.
Best thing to do in my experience: Have a short, tight show that you ALWAYS do for this situation! It will keep you prepared. My routine consists of the following: Two Ones to a Two and then Wonderland Dollar. I then borrow two coins, prefer pennies, and do Two Pennies on the Knee and Tenkai Pennies from Bobo's. Many times that will be it. If I want to do a little bit more and can borrow a deck of cards I will finale with: Twisting the Aces and then Doc Daley's Last Trick and then finish with Ambitious Card. It really, REALLY helps to KNOW exactly what you will do in a situation like this. Best,
Brad Burt
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