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Llynus New user 58 Posts |
I'm trying to formalise my act with a view to moving to more professional performance. I've got about a dozen or so tricks that I've done hundreds of times that are mostly suitable in terms of pocket management, reset, practicality etc.
My question is, should I be looking to create 3 or 4 concrete sets of 3 routines? Or is it better to have a couple of Openers and a couple of Closers, as well as a menagerie of other routines, and to navigate my sets in an adlibbed fashion? I can see the benefits of both; with concrete sets you'd have smoother transitions and the ability to better structure the set, with the other approach offering a lot more flexibility. |
Dick Oslund Inner circle 8357 Posts |
Friend Llymus!
Your question is an intriguing one! I think that the correct answer is: YES! The reason I say that is: you appear to be young, eager, and you are THINKING! Read the 'right' books. (Some books on tricks and techniques, but also some books on performing, theater, business, ETC. KENNETH WEBER'S "MAXIMUM ENTERTAINMENT", HENNING NELMS' "MAGIC SHOWMANSHIP", DARIEL FITZKEE'S TRILOGY, ETC. Magic is a PART of $how Bu$ine$$. Read TARBELL (for the basics, the fundamentals of magic (ignore the ancient patter!). Many of the newer "trick" books are excellent. Check out the credentials of the authors before you buy and read. Do shows, critique your performance, find a qualified mentor, practice the tricks, rehearse the 'act'. I knew Henning when he was a STRUGGLING KID. He had the right attitude and he persisted. Work toward the development of an act (close up and/or stand up) that you can do anywhere, anytime for anybody. Eventually, you may decide to specialize in one area, but first generalize. Good luck!
SNEAKY, UNDERHANDED, DEVIOUS,& SURREPTITIOUS ITINERANT MOUNTEBANK
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jay leslie V.I.P. Southern California 9498 Posts |
Practically speaking
If you work tables, then you have your opener and a good idea of what order will follow but be ready to change it If you're working a 17 minute set at the MC then every routine, beginning to end, should be well-practiced. If busking then you have a beginning several more then the closer but be ready to cut a few and just close If your strolling at a party then you may perform one routine and the group may see an old friend then leave Or at least that's what the want you to believe:) It's good to have a set-list but anything that can happen, usually does.
Jay Leslie
www.TheHouseOfEnchantment.com |
jcrabtree2007 Special user 627 Posts |
Bob Sheets talked a obout this in his sheets does hospitality 3 DVD set. He has 3 sets of 3 strong routines and hops from table to table- showing each table the next set. And keeping to those sets.
I am not quite that disciplined. I have tricks for my sets but I don't feel the need to be so rigid. But I'd listen to bob over me so there you go. Btw- good DVD set |
jay leslie V.I.P. Southern California 9498 Posts |
I think we are all on a different page.
Is the OPs question about table hopping, hospitality suites or strolling?
Jay Leslie
www.TheHouseOfEnchantment.com |
jcrabtree2007 Special user 627 Posts |
I took the question to be more of a table hopping or strolling situation. (Hospitality is just part of the name of the DVD set). Having 3 sets of 3 routines that are repeated for TH or strolling.
:)? |
pepka Inner circle Uh, I'm the one on the right. 5041 Posts |
I see the point of the 3x3 rule. However, I am comfortable enough to jazz through my performance. This really makes sense if you perform for one group, right next to the group you were just at. I don't do that. The table next door might have just had food delivered or something. I have one ring routine in my A material. Say I just did it and one group...then at the next group, I spot that a guy in that group actually has a Super Bowl ring on. (Yes, it's happened....twice.) I'm NOT going to pass up the opportunity to use that. I often let the conversation of the group steer which direction the performance takes. Spectators often talk about using magic to make money; what a perfect time for a bill change! I don't perform a lot for kids, and I normally ONLY do sponge balls for them. I'm not going to have them take up pocket space until I see kids come in, then I dash to my case and get set.
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CdnAndrew New user 80 Posts |
Llymus,
Wile I don't currently perform in such venues no situations, it is a target I'm working towards. My belief is to make things easier and more organized and create sets of 3 effects. These become related, intertwined, and you'll appear professional as you won't have to fumble around for the next trick; you'll already know what it is and where the props are. You can always come back to that group and show them more later, but you wouldn't want to get carried away performing at one group and miss visiting everyone else. I truly and highly recommend reading "The Approach" by our very own Jamie D Grant. He does strolling / walk around magic professionally (and successfully!) and shares all of his secrets and what he has learned the hard way. It's a fantastic and inspiring read. |
RNK Inner circle 7491 Posts |
I feel different strokes for different folks- same as it would be for magic tricks- some tricks work well with some people but not others. That being said- when I work the cruise ship- my personality is a little chaotic sometimes- so not having certain sets previously laid out works well for me. Do I fumble sometimes when deciding what's next- absolutely- but it's ok because it goes with my personality. Though- obviously you want to try to get the most information about the venue you are performing at- types of people going to be there and adjust accordingly. If it's a contracted steady gig- figuring out what works is obviously a lot easier- as you do it a few times you know what will work for you. If it's a one time gig- then find out the most info possible about the people attending- (family function- corporate, etc...) Though, pretty much I never have sets of tricks- I go with what my gut tells me for each new group I approach. Of coarse I have my few favorites I pretty much always like to use- but I tailor choose a lot of tricks on the spot. If you are good at reading people and personalities- and have great presentation abilities- all will be fine.....
RNK
Check out Bafflingbob.com
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