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Gears New user 55 Posts |
I have been recently practicing escapes out of hand cuffs and various other types of shackles. The only thing I am confused about is what I shield myself with when I escape so the audience doesn't see the dirty work???
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jay leslie V.I.P. Southern California 9498 Posts |
We are all... that's collectively (the 15 regulars here) are going to recommend getting some books and DVDs on the fine art of escape.
The problem with asking such an open ended question is there are many answers based on the venue and the performance. Stage parlor in the round under water in the air gimmicked challenge and lots more possibilities. Asking how to cover your escape is like asking how you cover getting a card from the bottom of the deck to the top. Many possibilities are based on the requirements and purpose of the routine/performance. Start small and work your way up. look for escape videos on you-tube and see how important presentation is. And remember.... Professionals escape to prove that nothing is impossible. Escapes can be funny but the root of the performance is to show skill at overcoming a problem. Man against man - man against machine - a penalty for failure -- -these are a few themes to consider.
Jay Leslie
www.TheHouseOfEnchantment.com |
Gears New user 55 Posts |
I didn't even realize how unspecific I was being.
I do have Dixie dooley's dvd series and have been learning some valuable information from that. I am planning on getting more information on the art of escape. I was wondering how you could provide cover in a small area where you couldn't have a large box,(parlor setting) and I was also wondering how you shield yourself in a walkaround situation because you are usualy surrounded. Your help and responses are very appreciated. |
jay leslie V.I.P. Southern California 9498 Posts |
To confuse the issue even more, this all depends of the actual escape itself. Thumb cuffs are different then the Russian Manacle.
So to generalize...Get other DVDs thne Dooleys (you owe it to yourself) and escaping from anything that can not be examined - in a walk around setting - could cause you stress. Given the overview of what you are asking, I am assuming the method of escape would be akin to using a key or other.... in that case. Me, personally... I would use a different escape and not sit there with a lock pick trying to hide the movement. Hiding the act of picking (or otherwise) with a cloth over your hands - close-up - and sometimes on the stage - is an invitation for a spectator to yank the cloth away and expose your performance. If it were me, I'd buy a different escape using a different method. For walk a round, Thumb Cuffs OR Thumb Screws or Thumb Stocks would be the choice. Imagine - I own 7 floating ladies They all work differently... I would never perform any of them while strolling. The right tool for the job is what's called for and picking just seems like a lot of work for the same effect that can be performed without tools. hiding tools and getting rid of them when you're done. If you are interested in some nice Thumb Stocks PM me... otherwise, carry some rope and do a rope tie or a Thumb Tie, or something that's quick release which can be examined in a cursory way.
Jay Leslie
www.TheHouseOfEnchantment.com |
Harley Newman Inner circle 5117 Posts |
Shielding? Your body, an article of clothing, handkerchief, napkin, audience member, imagination.
For walkarounds, I've used ropes, chains, cuffs, shackles, irons, duct tape, toilet paper, various thumb devices, etc.
“You can’t depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus” -Mark Twain
www.bladewalker.com |
dave_matkin Inner circle 4522 Posts |
I ALWAYS uise paper during a sit down session
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Chance Inner circle 1385 Posts |
Or use nothing at all! I can't remember ever using a cover; everything is out in the open. Misdirection is a wonderful thing!
Dave, single or double ply? ;-) |
dave_matkin Inner circle 4522 Posts |
Always triple quilted - I may be tough but I don't want a rough ........
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jay leslie V.I.P. Southern California 9498 Posts |
Yeah... but I got the idea he was using a key, picking or shiming.
I can understand why he wants cover.
Jay Leslie
www.TheHouseOfEnchantment.com |
Chance Inner circle 1385 Posts |
I know I'm gonna get some random heat for this, but IMO escaping while covered is hardly any different than reciting Shakespeare under water.
I'm NOT saying that there is never a place for cover. Maybe sometimes it's best to really be under 10 feet of water while reciting Shakespeare. I'll make allowances for that! But the point I'm really trying to make is that too many times magical performers reach for the gaff FIRST -- be it a cover, trick cuffs, a lefty, a gaffed jacket etc., etc. -- before spending the time & energy required to master misdirection or true slight of hand. By nature I'm a purist. I'm the same in my martial arts philosophy. I believe in taking the longer, harder road to almost any destination. Not necessarily always; sometimes a short-cut is called for. But as a rule I just don't get along too well with people who look to the short-cuts first and foremost, and so I can't ever advocate that over long experience. Experience vs. Expediency every time! So to this poster I would ask, why does he need cover in the first place? What's so important about his escape methods that he hides himself from his own audience? |
Gears New user 55 Posts |
I need cover because I don't use gimmick handcuffs and the audience will see me unlock them.
I agree with you Chance that the time and energy you put in magic really determines how good you are going to be and that no gaff can change that. I have been practicing using thumbcuffs but haven't had a chance to try them out. Thanks for the advice. I understand that I need to determine the situation before I am able to decide what escapes to perform and it seems to me that cover can sometimes become an obstacle. Thanks guys. Your help is very appreciated. |
Harley Newman Inner circle 5117 Posts |
You can't figure it out without experience, and you can't get experience without figuring it out.
So just go play with it. Having fun is more important that the trick, any day. The audience will probably forget the trick. They won't forget the fun. And if you get stuck, so what? It can be just as much fun, asking for help, or being frustrated by your inability to solve the problem.
“You can’t depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus” -Mark Twain
www.bladewalker.com |
Steve_Mollett Inner circle Eh, so I've made 3006 Posts |
Quote:
On 2009-01-16 15:39, Chance wrote: I agree 100%. As with any art form, it's important to know the rules and master them before looking into creative ways to break them. IMHO, cover should only be used when: A) There's no other way or; B) Cover enhances the mystery or suspense in a way that makes the audience impact stronger than a full-view escape.
Author of: GARROTE ESCAPES
The absurd is the essential concept and the first truth. - Albert Camus |
Kondini Inner circle 3609 Posts |
Or cover your head with a mask then it dosn`t matter if the secret is seen !
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dave_matkin Inner circle 4522 Posts |
OR you could ask your audience to close thier eyes - if they wont do as they are told and you cant trust them, are htey the sort of people you don't wnat to be seen by?
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JayZee New user 17 Posts |
I need to put an assistant in a Chamber, Rig her to Hanging cuffs 3' from the ceiling of the chamber. then close the door.. She must IMMEDIATELY remove herself from the cuffs. the cuff are not the trick.. but the chain is gimmicked to keep moving during the performance to make it look like she is still in the chamber..
I might have to use different assistants, I want the easiest & fastest handcuffs . plus if they look cool too great! I also want them hanging from the ceiling so the cuffs I don't think could be solid I would need a chain in between so I could then add my own 3' chain and let them hang.. any suggestions. I don't want the 99 cents version.. but I really didn't want to pay $120.00 for cuffs, since the audience never gets close up... any suggestions?
www.NGVproductions.com
"Isn't it time to bring your ideas to life?" |
Kondini Inner circle 3609 Posts |
Melt Thru Cuffs (Cannons).
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Riley Special user Swansea UK 955 Posts |
JayZee
PM'd you. |
JayZee New user 17 Posts |
Kondini: the melt thru cuffs ... Can the Audience see the cuffs after she has escaped.. (not up close) just hangin lose in the Chamber after the walls have dropped?
if so.. do you have a link? Riley, Thanks!
www.NGVproductions.com
"Isn't it time to bring your ideas to life?" |
Kondini Inner circle 3609 Posts |
Contact Cannons they will advise.
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