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Alex L. Molina New user 54 Posts |
Hello All
Happy Holidays... this famous/beloved quote by Jean Robert-Houdin is the very first serious lesson in Magic I learned at age 14; the fact that I naturally gravitated to become an Actor/Filmmaker in my 20's to this day I believe is no "coincidence" Close-Up Magic has been my Passion/First-Love for the past 30+yrs; in my late 20's (to this day as well) I began using my Sketch-Comedy characters to perform my Close-Up Act (premise being I was taught Magic by these peeps I had met throughout my life) I noticed that as entertained/mystified as audiences were when I did the Act in a "classic/traditional" way, even tho my persona was comedic & thus somewhat of a character, it was ultimately all just "wow awesome tricks, how'd you do that stuff" in the end - when I began doing the characters & weaving the story's premise, it became an "experience" for them & rarely did I hear the word "tricks" or the questions "how'd you do that" again, response was more of an intimate appreciation for sharing the magic with them what are yall's thoughts on this, does creating not only a unique persona but also crafting an engaging "plot" premise elevate the respect mainstream audiences currently have for Magic (which IMHO should be at the level of Stand-Up Comedy as far as popularity but obviously is not yet), or is the classic/traditional "for-my-next-trick" approach still truly (ultimately) effective with todays more sophisticated (arguably) & short-attention-spanned (arguably) mainstream audiences? |
Jonathan Townsend Eternal Order Ossining, NY 27297 Posts |
I get the feeling you'd like the Robert-Houdin book. There's lots more to be found in there than that oft cited line.
...to all the coins I've dropped here
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Alex L. Molina New user 54 Posts |
Quote:
On 2013-11-26 17:47, Jonathan Townsend wrote: indeed, Jonathan - one of my best friends has an amazing collection of such vintage literature, including JRH's book which I was able to read thru once; been retying to find a few such rare books (my friend moved away to LA many years ago, I'm in NYC) - do you know if/where JRH's book can be fond/purchased, Bro? |
Pakar Ilusi Inner circle 5777 Posts |
I think creating a premise and a persona is the only way Magic/Mentalism will ever be taken seriously.
Not just as much as Stand Up Comedy (alluded from your other thread) but as proper serious Theater as well... I am a full-time Actor as well as being a Mentalist, have been for the past 12 years, so I really believe Acting is the key in selling any form of performance.
"Dreams aren't a matter of Chance but a matter of Choice." -DC-
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Alex L. Molina New user 54 Posts |
Quote:
On 2013-11-27 00:49, Pakar Ilusi wrote: Hello Pakar I CONCUR IN SPADES! (pun intended - lol) where you from, Bro? I'm from NYC, bout to be in LA for a film-project - LOVE meeting fellow Performers who share similar Performance Philosophy |
Pakar Ilusi Inner circle 5777 Posts |
I concur in Clubs! ( the dancing kinda... )
Alas, I'm in Malaysia. Would love to talk shop any day, bro...
"Dreams aren't a matter of Chance but a matter of Choice." -DC-
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ko_brian Veteran user 343 Posts |
We all need a persona. (Magicians/Mentalists).
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Alex L. Molina New user 54 Posts |
Quote:
On 2013-11-27 01:30, Pakar Ilusi wrote: lol @ "clubs" do you have/use SKYPE? always thought getting a video-Skype "underground jam session" for magicians going would be an awesome idea - watcha think, bro? |
Pakar Ilusi Inner circle 5777 Posts |
Sounds great...
I have used Skype a few times only.
"Dreams aren't a matter of Chance but a matter of Choice." -DC-
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Alex L. Molina New user 54 Posts |
Quote:
On 2013-11-27 03:01, Pakar Ilusi wrote: I've actually never used it much but know indie film prod. co.'s who use it regularly to have video-conference calls with dozens of cast/crew members at a time, even holding auditions thru it, so yeah this idea might catch on - let's keep in-touch, Bro |
Pakar Ilusi Inner circle 5777 Posts |
Yes, let's keep in touch.
I am planning my own indie film at the moment...
"Dreams aren't a matter of Chance but a matter of Choice." -DC-
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tommy Eternal Order Devil's Island 16544 Posts |
Our magic, like good comedy, should always be presented as if one is serious about the absurd and should never be taken seriously. If it is taken seriously then that be charlatanry. Playing is playing and serious is serious. We in our magic are not serious, we in our magic are only playing. If you want your magic to be taken seriously, then be a charlatan.
If there is a single truth about Magic, it is that nothing on earth so efficiently evades it.
Tommy |
Todd Robbins V.I.P. New York 2922 Posts |
A magician should present his material in such a way that makes it a worthwhile experience for his audience. If successful, the audience should walk away from the experience with as much respect and admiration for the material as the magician has for it.
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tommy Eternal Order Devil's Island 16544 Posts |
That is cool Todd, thanks.
I think though that one needs to know something about what one is watching to appreciate it. I mean, its hard to appreciate say a game of pool if one know nothing about it.
If there is a single truth about Magic, it is that nothing on earth so efficiently evades it.
Tommy |
Pop Haydn Inner circle Los Angeles 3691 Posts |
I couldn't agree more with Todd...
Magic is like stamp collecting--loving a hobby such as this is not enough to keep it alive. If someone really loves it for its own sake, then he should want to communicate and share that love with others so that people can appreciate the importance of it, and so that others might be inspired to take it up. The magician needs to share his love of fantasy, nimbleness, skill and subterfuge with his audience. It isn't so much that he wants them to become magicians themselves, but that he wants them to understand his own love for it all, and to go away with a new appreciation of the art. If you are not "turned on" by what you have to share, then the audience will never be changed. There are a lot of wonderful and amazing untrue stories out there. I want to add to them. There are so many aspects to a person. I think we should create characters that give expression to as many of our passions as we can. |
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