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Norman Beck V.I.P. 106 Posts |
Here is a great way to break the ice at a coctail business type function.
Free Ticket In strolling situations, especially when performing table to table, it is difficult to break the ice and begin a set without seeming rude and interruptive. This simple effect breaks the ice and quickly shows the audience what you do. If they respond well to this quick effect, you can judge that they want to see more. If they say, “That was great – thanks for the ticket. We’ll let you know,” you can be sure it is time to move on to the next crowd. This is an example of how “the simplest sleight, if well rigged up with either plausible or nonsensical clap-trap, may be made to provide a most astonishing and elaborate card trick.”1 Requirements: A regular deck of cards, a blank-face card on which the words Magic Show are printed, and another blank-face card on which the words Free Ticket are printed. Preparation: Place the Free Ticket card in the outer breast pocket of your jacket, and the Magic Show card face down on the top of the deck, which you place into your left jacket pocket. Method: Approach a small crowd of people and say, “Welcome to the event. Did you receive your free tickets at the front desk?” They will always say “no” because there were no tickets. Reach in to your breast pocket and remove the card and say, “Let me give you one – I have one for the whole |
Norman Beck V.I.P. 106 Posts |
Group.”
Reach into your pocket and remove the deck, and push over the top card, getting a break below it. Add the card in the right hand to the top of the deck so that it is face up. Show the card and allow the spectators to read the message, Free Ticket. “I’m sure you are wondering what the free ticket is for. It is for the free magic show, which starts right now.” As you say, “starts right now,” position the card for Marc DeSouza’s Shape Shifter Color Change. Snap the card, changing it into the Magic Show card. To clean up, turn the card face down and add it to the top of the deck. Do a double lift and place both cards into the breast pocket. Now you have a |
Norman Beck V.I.P. 106 Posts |
Regular deck and you can proceed with another trick.
I add that they need to watch close as the show only lasts 60 seconds. I do this for two reasons; the first is that they know it will be short and sweet. I know that if they are good it may last longer but if I don't like them at the end of 60 seconds I can leave and not seem like a jerk. |
Wravyn Inner circle 3482 Posts |
Thank you.
Too often, unless there is promotional material up front about a magician there to entertain, breaking the ice is a rigorous job. Your Free Ticket allows for an introduction and also plants an idea that they may have or will something. |
gourdini New user 76 Posts |
Yes, now I remember this idea from your lecture. Thanks for posting it here.
Funny that on the other thread on this same subject ( slanted towards restaurants) you say- 1.) You never open with cards, you open with sponge balls. 2.) You mention the silly old "did anyone loose a knife" gambit. But in this case- 1.) you are opening with cards- 2.)You are using a ploy (which is way better more psychologically sound and gives you some advantages vs. the knife thing) but it is still a ploy none the less. What are perhaps some potential problems with starting, “Hi, good evening… my name is Norm and I am a magician, part of you entertainment for the evening… I admit it is difficult to come up with the “perfect opener” I still don’t think I have the answer to it- I think I might give the card thing a try in some situations- thanks |
Norman Beck V.I.P. 106 Posts |
Your welcome.
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Stu Turner New user London 79 Posts |
Brilliant Norman. I like this a lot
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Norman Beck V.I.P. 106 Posts |
Very nice of you to say Stu.
Thank you very much |
Marc DeSouza V.I.P. Wayne, PA 161 Posts |
What is this ShapeShifter thing you're talking about and where can I find it?
John Deere (ask Norman) |
Marc DeSouza V.I.P. Wayne, PA 161 Posts |
BTW, this is a GREAT opener!
Marc |
Norman Beck V.I.P. 106 Posts |
There is a guy who is very clever from the philly area came up with it.I like it very much.
His name is Mark something or other. |
Todd Robbins V.I.P. New York 2922 Posts |
I read something like this and it makes me want to do strolling magic. Oh, Mr. Beck. You are a clever one.
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Norman Beck V.I.P. 106 Posts |
Not as clever as Ward Hall. Thank you again for making that happen in LA
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