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Mandrake New user Germany 66 Posts |
Recently my buddy Daniel and I sat over some ideas of having a heckler or a wannabe-funnier-than-the-uncle-that-gets-paid-for in Close Up audiences... and I think we came up with some funny stuff... really funny, I think some of them are not even practical, but we had a great laugh.... since we also had some great fun at your lecture and we liked your kind of humour a great lot, we would like to know what you do with these type of guys.
Commonly, American audiences are way more appreciative than local ones (no offense ... rather experience). It happened to both of us, that - being booked - some people simply said: "WE are talking business here, can't you see that" obviously meaning us to leave, well....I don't like to disturb, but sometimes I tell them: "Listen, you cannot spoil my evening, because your boss is paying me..." and if neccesary, "but think about you fellows here, missing a good show!" I know that may sound harsh.... Sometimes I put in more humour, you know the kind of fella that says: "Gimme those cards, I'll show you some" or "gimme those cards, I know how it works." What could work for me is:" See, I do not have a written contract that says I'll have to amaze particularly this table, but the guy who booked me meant that I should give you a try, you know, justice for all!" Does that sound too far out for you, or what is your experience? Curious, Mandrake
the truth "lies" in the eye of the beholder
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Lee Asher V.I.P. 496 Posts |
For me that sounds a bit far out. They don’t want to see magic, then don't show them magic. If they say, “We are talking business here….” then say, “I am very sorry, perhaps another time.” Then walk away. It’s less work for you and you handled it in a civil manner. Sometimes people are genuinely busy and you have to be ready when it happens.
Now let’s take this example further and say the you are performing for a group of people and one guy says to you something along the lines of, “I saw that…..I know how that’s done…..you don’t impress me…..my grandmother does a better pass then you….etc”. Every once and a while someone who says something in a situation where he/she doesn’t understand that it can offend. What I do in a situation like that is as soon as they say something for the first time I will respond with, “Great, now you and I are the only ones that know how it’s done. Don’t tell anyone our secret ever. Now, back to the magic…..” This does two things…. 1. It doesn’t make the guy uncomfortable but lets him know that you want to perform more magic for the group. 2. Makes them feel like they know something the group doesn’t know and now has something in common with the Magician. Thus creating a bond with you. If you run across a true a**hole and that will happen sometimes, I try to get the group to help me control him. I basically say something to the effect of, “Seriously, if this continues, I am going to have to leave and perform for some other lucky people and it’s going to be all your (point to the heckler) fault. What are we going to do folks?” I have now put the blame directly on the heckler and have given the group an ultimatum. It’s either him or me and 9 out of 10 times they choose me (the magician). Never insult a serious heckler because it will do you more harm than good. Yes, you might feel better afterward but you could lose your job or even worse.…. your teeth! I hope my perspective helps you out a bit…. If you are interested in more information in working restaurant and Heckler management, check out David Stone’s writings on the subject. He says some really inspirational things about the subject. Lee
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Dennis Loomis 1943 - 2013 2113 Posts |
Allow me to share a really funny line from Harry Blackstone Jr. on this topic.
Harry was in Houston working at the Magic Island club a few years back. At one show he was visited by Walter "Zaney" Blaney. There was a very bad heckler during the performance... just wouldn't shut up and let Harry speak. After the show, Harry came out to visit Walter. The guy walks right up to him and says: "You must think I'm an a**hole." Harry gives him a BIG smile and says: "Not at all... I think you're what passes through an a**hole."
Itinerant Montebank
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Paul S New user Scotland UK 100 Posts |
Hehhehehehe, is this the same guy who reacted to sh*t on stage as being 'proof that it was a real elephant' huhuhuhuh
Paul S |
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