|
|
truesoldier Inner circle 1191 Posts |
Hi Guys
I'd really appreciate it if any of the workers out there could let me know there thoughts on the following please. I used to do CMHC here and there mainly for friends and impromtu situations but never at a paid gig. therefore I was wondering if you guys think that it makes a good opener? If so why? and what sort of reactions have you been getting from the basic handling e.g first in your hands and then in the spectators hands. I would love to hear your thoughts on this as I am thinking of introducing it into one of my sets be it as an opener or middle. I know the best way to find out is to go out and do it for yourself (which I will ) but I am still interested to hear your experiences and thoughts if you are willing to share them. Many Thanks |
S2000magician Inner circle Yorba Linda, CA 3465 Posts |
I think that it makes a great opener . . . for me. It fits my (character's) personality.
The reactions are great. That has as much to do with the ancillary bits of business as with the effect itself. Make it your own and it can be a great opener for you as well. |
Lundonia Veteran user refuses to read more than 321 Posts |
I used it a lot when I first started out and recently I've started doing it again at gigs. I've never used it as an opener though, because to me it might just start out looking like some lame office gag like the rubber band gun or something like that.
I always like to start out with something strong and visual that establishes me as a professional. Don't get me wrong, CMH can do that for you but I feel it gets even more magical if they know it's a "real magician" doing it than if it were Bob from accounting. It's almost like an offbeat thing. Now that I think about it always use it in the middle. But hey, each to his own and all that. I guess it depends on your performance style. Sometimes you signal that you are a hired entertainer just by the way you dress. I usually try to look casual and that might be a factor here; I mean, I could by all means be "Bob from accounting" when I walk up to a crowd. At least until I've introduced myself and explained who I am. Even then people think I look like a regular guy with a jacket but I find that the first effect hits them that much harder.
"Only two things are infinite; the universe and human stupidity - and i'm not sure about the former" - Albert Einstein
www.jensmagi.se |
truesoldier Inner circle 1191 Posts |
Thanks guys, I appreciate your responses and both of your opinions.
S2000magician, I understand what you are saying regarding bits of business, however could you go into a bit more detail. e.g Do you introduce yourself via a joke about the bands or do you do something completely different. Just curious as Lundonia says if it's not introduced correctly it could come off as an Uncle Charlie trick. Many Thanks |
themagicguy Loyal user Australia 280 Posts |
Truesoldier Here is a good opening line when doing crazy man handcuffs. Tell them you are about to show them the most dangerous trick in the world. Than pull out the rubber bands, after the groans laughs say "hey these things can take your eye out if you're not careful". Worked for me when using it as an opener. Hope it helps!
|
smullins Special user United States 678 Posts |
I do a whole routine with CMH as an opener to the routine. I love the innocent nature of rubber bands and the fun they can bring. There are a TON of great strong effects with them that people just don't use.
|
truesoldier Inner circle 1191 Posts |
Thanks for the tip MagicGuy, I quite like that idea. I'll definitely give it a go and see how it works for me. (I'll update you as well)
Thanks Again |
S2000magician Inner circle Yorba Linda, CA 3465 Posts |
Quote:
On 2012-11-07 19:10, truesoldier wrote: I generally introduce myself, chat with the audience for a bit, get some names (people are always impressed when you remember their names), and then ask if they'd like to see some magic. When I start with CMHC I might tell them that the host hired me to entertain the guests, and these are what he bought for me to use. Spared no expense. Or I might ask them if they'd like to see the cheapest magic set in the world. (Seriously: I buy them by the pound at Staples.) Or I might ask if they'd like to see the illusion that I've most often been requested to perform . . . when lying on an operating table, staring up at the bright lights on the ceiling, with the general anaesthetic starting to be pumped into my arm. That sort of thing. I never come across as Uncle Charlie. There's lots more, but you'll start to develop your own presentation and bits of business if you listen to your audience and pay attention to your surroundings. |
truesoldier Inner circle 1191 Posts |
Hi Smullin, that's true, there are quite a few great rubber band tricks that get overlooked. I have to admit I've only just started to want to work CMH at gigs. For some reason, it's taken a while to get around to it.
S2000 Magician, thanks again for some great advice and tips. I really appreciate you sharing your gags I particularly liked the first one, LOL. I see what you mean, with a bit of imagination, get em laughing and they'll be on your side ready and open to be entertained. Thanks Again |
S2000magician Inner circle Yorba Linda, CA 3465 Posts |
My pleasure.
|
Yellowcustard Inner circle New Zealand 1334 Posts |
I use it as a opener and it works fine. I also find it a easy trick to do while talking about how they are. I deliver as a demonstration of something first shown 1000 years ago in China. This pulls them in and I go from there. I also follow it with stargazer. But sometimes just do it on its own.
Enjoy your magic,
and let others enjoy it as well! |
puggo Inner circle 2022 Posts |
I agree that CMH can be a solid opener, just find the lines / presentation that fits you.
e.g. "Have you seen these before, they are special magician's elastic bands... $90 per pair. Can you see the special hole in them...?" (guess what the gag is ...) "I would like to show you a miracle of science..." |
truesoldier Inner circle 1191 Posts |
Thanks so much for the great for some great opening lines puggo and yellow custard, some nice ideas there. In fact thanks again to everyone, you have all been very helpful and given me a lot of ideas to play around with, I really appreciate it.
|
eatonmagic Special user Orlando, FL 737 Posts |
As a worker I use CMHC as an opener ALL the time. Generally presented directly after my competency statement and offered as an observation test. My background on the subject deals with perception and how magic works in the mind. I joke about them being a "Magicians Bowflex". Casually hold my finger out and have them check it out as I say, "Seriosuly...check em out...100 reps a day and you can have guns like these too!"
I then do the quick version and afterwards offer to do it again. I always do my version that I taught on the Penguin LIVE lecture. Hope that helps. |
Ekuth Inner circle Floating above my 1538 Posts |
Interesting post, and replies...
My 2c: I've never done them as an opener, more often in the middle or as an off-beat between sets. I'll often save it specifically for the host/hostess of the party or event and perform it for them personally when I'm leaving. I've found that generally the host/hostess rarely actually gets to see the act they're paying for, so I save a few bits of business like CMH just for them. It's a thoughtful gesture, leaves a good impression and it's a VERY strong effect... always go out on top. Probably the reason I don't open with it is because it is so strong; I've had to re-order my sets several times just because of the reactions I'll get to certain effects can't be topped. And unless you do the final vanish phase where you end "clean", I always leave the 'melded' rubber band with them as a souvenier.
"All you need is in Fitzkee."
|
Neznarf Inner circle NY then AZ now 1840 Posts |
I do something you may not agree with.
Always have 6 #19 YELLOW Rubber Bands on my right wrist and they are it's a pretty bright yellow. If I want them to ask me about the rubber bands, I hold my wrist in front of me and look at it and then they ask what do they do? Then go into a 3 or 4 phase rubber band routine.
"Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass...it's about learning how to dance in the rain."
|
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Table hoppers & party strollers » » Quick Question Regarding Crazy Mans Handcuffs Whilst Working (0 Likes) |
[ Top of Page ] |
All content & postings Copyright © 2001-2024 Steve Brooks. All Rights Reserved. This page was created in 0.03 seconds requiring 5 database queries. |
The views and comments expressed on The Magic Café are not necessarily those of The Magic Café, Steve Brooks, or Steve Brooks Magic. > Privacy Statement < |