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Bobby Maverick Loyal user 252 Posts |
I have had some great discussions with friends about some of the things that we think are important and the things that others think are important.
One of the things that make us laugh is the importance in which some people place on things that really have no bearing what-so-ever on how successful you're going to be on the street. Sure, you definitely want to have good props. Strong, durable, working props. You want quality, but its the other things that make me and friends scratch our heads and say "huhn?" Take for example the size and height of a table. The weight...Really? It's up to you and how much you want to carry. Also, the height depends upon how tall you are doesn't it? Yep. The size of table really depends on what you use it for. The color of the top is up to you, and is delegated by preference mostly. I understand you're excited about the fact that you just used a power saw for the first time and want to show you didn't cut anything off of your body (look at my pictures!), but really and truly nobody should care about that more than they care about the show they're doing. Get a piece of wood or cardboard, slap some felt on it and throw it on a tray jack. Or work from your pockets. Nobody should really care. Worry about the shows. The differences in working from your pockets or with a table really come down to personal preference. For me, it depends upon what the pitch will allow. I can work out of my pockets, or with a table. Small show, medium show, extra medium show big show... It doesn't matter to me, because I understand how to perform, and this is what everyone needs to focus on. NOT TABLES AND POCKETS AND RED SILK OR BLUE SILK or WHAT ABOUT THE COLOR OF YOUR SHIRT? Whaaaaaat???? Just because one fella or a couple work out of pockets doesn't mean you should change the way you perform. If you're a close-up performer who's really good at close up, and need a table, USE A TABLE!!!Why in the world would you change everything about you and your show just to suit the preference of somebody else? Be you. If you think doing something completely against your character is going to be a good thing, then you have a world o hurt coming at you. If you are more proficient at parlor style magic, then this is what you should be performing! Not trying to get a table and cups because Gazzo does.(then asking goofy questions about the size and color of the darn thing.) I have seen Gazzo do really great shows WITHOUT his cups, or the table. I have seen him do great shows with them. Do you really think he gave a *** about what color the table was? Nope. He knows who he is and doesn't sweat the goofy stuff. He is a fantastic entertainer, and knows how to perform. So the goofy things don't matter. It depends upon you the performer and what performance style you're comfortable with as to how successful your are, and what props you need. It doesn't depend on what other people tell you is right or the goofy stuff at all... I hope this is making sense... |
dmoses Inner circle 2261 Posts |
Sometimes I wonder if the questions are a stalling tactic:
"I'll get out there... but I'm not quite ready yet. I need X... Okay I have X now but I want to hone my Y a bit more. Dang, this table isn't right, I don't want to go out there and look like an amateur... You know what I'm dropping the table, forget the table-- I wanna travel light. So first thing I gotta do? I gotta work up a new non-table set. But I've got a table set in my back pocket if I need it. Too bad, man, that set woulda killed. I'm gonna keep the amp though..." and on forever... And that's not to criticize anyone... I go through something similar most sunny days: "Hey great, it's sunny. Should be a good day for it. Dang, I forgot to buy that sunscreen. Man, I really got burned up there yesterday. I'll pick up some sunscreen on the way. Hmmm, I dunno, I'll get all greasy if I put it on when I get there. The cards will get all mungy. So I'll go get the sunscreen come back and put it on...Ooo. I should pick up the kid a pair of sunglasses while I'm there. Last time we were at the beach he was squinting the whole time... Wow, today would be an awesome beach day... Oooo look at this interesting thread on the Café! Hmmm I have an important opinion to share... I'll just say my peace here and then it's off to the beach... I mean 'street'"
"You're a comedian. You wanna do mankind a service, tell funnier jokes."
TPR by Dave Moses and Iain Dunford T-shirts for Magicians and Mentalists |
jimmy talksalot Special user new orleans 757 Posts |
Bobby,
we don't agree on much , but all this is something me and you definately agree on. I couldn't have put it any better. people are definately wrapped up in the wrong things sometimes and I believe this is what holds them back sometimes from being successful. I think the more you try and perform like you with the things that are comfortable for you, the better the quality of show you will present, because the character isn't forced, it's you. I think sometimes people think the next great trick or special prop or clothing will make the people react the way you want and sure it will a little, but the biggest thing and most important thing is you and your character and performance. I have seen people without costume and bad props make it and sure in the wrong cirumstances it can be unproffessional and theatrically lacking, but it worked and if you can get it down than you can focus on the other stuff. I believe first and foremost you have to have a working show. I could go on about the rest of the points in bobby's post (which I believe were all wise), but I think bobby has said it better than I'm gonna. once again just my opinion, it's what's worked for me any many others who do it for a living. nice post. dmoses, great point. I think the beauty of the street is that you can mess up, or practice, or try working without, unlike a gig where you get one shot at it and it's over. when I'm teaching students this is our #1 problem, there's always an excuse not to work..... I find myself as a teacher trying to instill the concept that there is always a reason to work. |
The Great Zoobini Elite user Boulder, Colorado 443 Posts |
Quote:
On 2011-05-25 12:59, dmoses wrote: :lol: It's probably insecurity...They don't want to look like a fool in public. But the key is to admit you're a fool to begin with and grow from there.
Meet you in Busker Alley
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jimmy talksalot Special user new orleans 757 Posts |
The Great Zoobini,
brilliant. |
EVILDAN Inner circle 1279 Posts |
I agree with Zoobini, I think a lot of the stalling to get out there the first time is insecurity. I remember when I was younger I was always looking in the catalogs and magazine ads for that holy grail of tricks that will put me on the magic performing map. I was looking for that one thing that would help define my show. And then I would buy it, get it and realize that's not it. The search continued. I never had confidence in the material I already had and was performing. I think part of the reason is that I had done it so many times, surely every one else must have seen it as well.
Years have past and many dollars have been spent. As I look back, there is a core group of effects that I regularly perform and most of these were first discovered during my teen years when I first got into magic. If you're just getting into magic keep that in mind. Most of the stuff you enjoy performing now, you'll still enjoy performing years from now. Since you now know that you enjoy performing this stuff and will still enjoy performing it in the future. Close that catalog. Quit looking at the ads and trick reviews in the magazines. Put a show together of the stuff you enjoy performing now, and go hit the streets. And just a quick note about performing the old stuff and thinking everyone else has seen it: I've been busking and performing street festivals for about five years now. I always have Color Monte with me. Color Monte is probably one of the most sold packet tricks of all time. I perform it every time I'm out. Never once have I had someone say that they saw that trick before and they are always floored by the ending. Now, I did have someone say they saw the trick before and said that the card was going to have the word THIS on it. Uh, no. (Wrong trick.) She was floored by Color Monte.
by EVILDAN....
"The Coin Board Book" - moves and routines with the coin panel board. - http://www.lybrary.com/the-coin-board-book-p-827955.html "SLASHER - A Horror Whodunnit" - a bizarre close-up routine based on Bob Neale's "Sole Survivor." PM me for more info. "Zombie Town" - a packet effect about how a small town turned into zombies. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=nzJhcoJtyOM |
EVILDAN Inner circle 1279 Posts |
And if you think quality of props matter, go to any major city and look for the 3 shell game being played with bottle caps on top a stack of cardboard boxes with a sheet of newspaper on top. Do they care about the quality of their props? Do they need a hand rubbed walnut table with imported velvet covering?
No, because it's all about you, them and the game. Everything else are supporting elements. And they get the money every time.
by EVILDAN....
"The Coin Board Book" - moves and routines with the coin panel board. - http://www.lybrary.com/the-coin-board-book-p-827955.html "SLASHER - A Horror Whodunnit" - a bizarre close-up routine based on Bob Neale's "Sole Survivor." PM me for more info. "Zombie Town" - a packet effect about how a small town turned into zombies. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=nzJhcoJtyOM |
Bobby Maverick Loyal user 252 Posts |
Evildan, there's a bigger reason why they don't use "props" when running the shell game... In fact, everything you see is for a reason!!!!!!
When a shill/lookout says the word (cops, one time, five-0, etc. etc.) they knock everything over and walk away. It just looks like garbage on the ground, plus all of it is easier to relate to as a punter... |
EVILDAN Inner circle 1279 Posts |
Bobby, thanks I knew that as well. Just trying to point out that they're not worried about having polished props. People still stop and play.
by EVILDAN....
"The Coin Board Book" - moves and routines with the coin panel board. - http://www.lybrary.com/the-coin-board-book-p-827955.html "SLASHER - A Horror Whodunnit" - a bizarre close-up routine based on Bob Neale's "Sole Survivor." PM me for more info. "Zombie Town" - a packet effect about how a small town turned into zombies. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=nzJhcoJtyOM |
TheTableTopTrixta Special user 708 Posts |
Oh man you guys are right on the money here, ive been 'that guy' for the past few months, getting my gear correct and ready, just delaying really, I was in Covent Garden a couple of Wednesdays back and it was beautiful, not one magician out on 'Magicians corner' I was such a dick for not taking a few things out with me!
well, ive got my sh*t together now and its time (almost) its stupid really ive been performing (indoors) for 16 years, I mean whats the worst that could happen after all TheTableTopTrixta is motivated by the art of quality showmanship, and by audience appreciation, rather than money. (great quote, not mine) lol |
Bobby Maverick Loyal user 252 Posts |
Dude did you just refer to yourself in the third person?
Holy crap. :) |
Bobby Maverick Loyal user 252 Posts |
Bobby has to go take pictures of his table now and show you guys...Bobby will also be taking pictures of his shoes, shirt, and some rope. Bobby doesn't use rope in his show, but he likes rope.
Bobby says goodbye now. Actually that was kinda fun... :) |
TheTableTopTrixta Special user 708 Posts |
Sh*t I really did!
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The Great Zoobini Elite user Boulder, Colorado 443 Posts |
I'm currently using this table. As you can see, it's red, made in Germany, has wheels, and comes in just under a ton...
Click here to view attached image.
Meet you in Busker Alley
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ed rhodes Inner circle Rhode Island 2885 Posts |
Great table! I think you could have done a better job of hiding the six wells along the edge though!
"...and if you're too afraid of goin' astray, you won't go anywhere." - Granny Weatherwax
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Bobby Maverick Loyal user 252 Posts |
As for "stalling tactics", yeah I could see that. But the thing is that many of the guys that jump in to it probably should have "stalled" just a bit and focused more on the show rather than the crap they carry or don't carry.
My point is that if you spend so much time and energy focused on the wrong thing, then you ARE GOING TO FAIL MISERABLY. Plain and simple. Now we all fail and its part of the learning process, but I'm talking about developing a consistent rate of failure then looking at so many stupid reasons why they're failing rather than just looking at the most obvious. The unwillingness to change, adapt, or the unwillingness to be WHO THEY ARE!!! Instead I watch and shake my head at the completely moronic ability to mask their failure with comments like "These people don't know good magic when they see it." or "This just isn't my kind of crowd" and my favorite "These people are too stupid to appreciate what I do, I'm going to Europe where they 'get it'." In fact, it's the other way around. The performer that is saying these things is lost, and is projecting their insecurities and blaming everyone but themselves. All they need to do is look at themselves first then their audience. It's a simple fix really. Be honest with yourself. Be honest about the results that you see and always look at yourself first. Take inventory. Why are people walking away? Why are they talking through your show? Why are they scattered about like a yard sale? Why are they only partially paying attention? Why wont they come closer? Why arent they tipping? Why are they heckling all the time? I can say for a certainty that every one of these questions can be answered with one answer. It's you. It's about entertaining the people that are there and building the audience that you want, and being willing to work smart. Now I understand that many of you will say stuff like " but what about noise, and foot traffic, and environmental issues like heat and cold and rain?" and a million other things, but the reality is if these are issues it means you SET UP IN THE WRONG PLACE OR AT THE WRONG TIME! Who's fault is that? YOURS. Adaptation and achievement come from observance of the facts. NOT observance of the moronic fantasies you build in your mind to make your ego feel better. Keep doing what you're doing and you will keep getting what you're getting. I heard a saying along time ago and I'll throw it at you here: "Excuses are the nails that hold the house of failure together." Oh and Ed, have you actually went out and performed yet? |
HerbLarry Special user Poof! 731 Posts |
Ed has performed but I'm not sure if it was actually.
What is the difference between actually performing and performing anyway?
You know why don't act naive.
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Bobby Maverick Loyal user 252 Posts |
LOL!!!
That's funny. I was just busting Ed's chops is all... |
ed rhodes Inner circle Rhode Island 2885 Posts |
Quote:
On 2011-05-27 09:37, Bobby Maverick wrote: I actually performed several times last year and the year before. I've never made a big hat, but I've brought home some money which was good to have. (I had one show where I made about $5.00. I thought I'd made enough to get myself pizza for lunch only to find out the "lunch special" I'd thought I was going to take advantage of, ended an hour earlier. And I had to make up the difference. *sigh* So that one day, I ended up LOSING money.) So far, my first time this year was Wednesday. The weekend is looking good, I have family plans for Saturday, but I have Sun. Mon. and Tue. off so I should be able to get out there again. (The playground first. (With parents present, thank you.) Then with luck, back on Thayer St. Get right back on that horse!) Quote:
On 2011-05-27 10:54, Bobby Maverick wrote: That's cool, as long as we don't get back into the "turtles" thing!
"...and if you're too afraid of goin' astray, you won't go anywhere." - Granny Weatherwax
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