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Reis O'Brien Inner circle Seattle, WA 2467 Posts |
Ok, gang... I've recently come into several pairs of these. And I'm talking about the cheap kind, but they look real enough. I was thinking of incorporating them into my act simply to show the specs even MORE cuffs on me. Granted, I've still got to get out of several sets of real cuffs, but I thought these other cuffs would help the specs think I'm insane and also give me that Houdini-cuffs-all-the-way-up-his-arms look.
So my question is this... Am I being a big wimp? Are these cuffs really looked down upon by other EA's? Will this be overkill if I add them? Do you guys look at other dudes who use bridge jumpers and go, "Jeeze, what a punk. Only losers and wanna-be's use those cuffs."? Just curious. Any advice would help. |
AJP807 Special user New York City 559 Posts |
Dice...straight up, EAs who use bridge jumper cuffs are definitely WIMPS. And I know cause I have wimped out on many occasions. This question has come up before and the and the answer that I got from people I truely respect in this art was that it is certainly OK to use these type of cuffs from time to time. I think the only danger here is if you start relying on these cuffs. But in your case it sounds like you only want them to visually enhance your performance. And I certainly see nothing wrong with that. As EAs we owe it to our audiences to give them the best performance possible, after all these people are paying good, hard earned money to see you, so don't hold back on anything just because there might be someone out there who thinks you are a "poser" or a "punk." I'm sure there are certain "purists" out there who may look down there nose at you, but Houdini himself used these cuffs on occasion, according to my research. So who are you to think you are better than Houdini??!! YOU'VE GOT SOME NERVE BUDDY!!!!!!!
All kidding aside, I say go for it, and gauge your performance from your audience's reaction and not from the comments of anyone who may or may not have your best interest at heart. Best regards, Tony Parisi |
Riley Special user Swansea UK 955 Posts |
Hi Firedice
Don't use 'em underwater. Riley |
SANTINI Loyal user SANTINI 293 Posts |
Hi,
WHO CARES what is looked down on by other escape artists? The only thing that should matter is what looks good and plays well to your audience. Escape artists never will make up the majority of your audience. Only think of the "real world" when crafting your escapes. Steve Santini |
Steve Baker - Mr.Escape Loyal user 273 Posts |
Firedice,
First let me say I agree with Tony Parisi,and Santini,....Yes I said Santini! They gave you good advice,so listen to them! Now for some advice from someone with nearly 50 years of escape performances,under water,220ft. to 14,000ft.in the air,more explosions than any war movie,and 134 challenges! I'm a "Purist",but don't think for one second that I didn't insure my success with what ever was needed,... *** Straight! I'm alive today to write this because a true escapest knows his strengths and limits and how to use them! No matter what the " Purists" say they ALL hedge their bets in one way or another,and if they say they don't,...There is no truth in them! So work hard to be an entertainer with escapes, and if you do,you will be in demand! May You Always Escape, Steve Baker,MR.ESCAPE |
Reis O'Brien Inner circle Seattle, WA 2467 Posts |
Thanks for the advice fellas. The truth is, I am still getting myself out of several sets of real cuffs. So basically the bridge jumpers will be there for the look of it. The reason I want "the look of it" to have that look is for the audience. I just want it to be a good show.
As far as how I am seen in the eyes of other EA's, well, it does matter to me to a certain degree because the more I research, the more I realize that this is a small but devoted brotherhood. I would hate to get labeled early on and a "cheater" or a "wimp". I agree that relying on the types of cuffs would be disasterous in the long run. And I have a staggering fear of water, so have no fear that I will be jumping into rivers any time soon. But I was just thinking that using them for "padding" so to speak, would be considered ok. Thanks for clearing things up for me guys. I have no fellow EA's in my area, so this forum is the closest I could come to any type of mentoring and you fellas have come through for me once again! Muchas Gracias! |
fantom New user 97 Posts |
Firedice,
First I would like to point out that magic is a profession where we all " cheat" so to speak. By that I mean we all omit certain facts from our audiences to enhance the effect. Getting out of cuffs wouldn't seem nealy as impossible to the audience if they knew we had the key or we used bridge jumpers or shims or watever method we use. If you don't think that Houdini "cheated" on his escapes from time to time then you have really been fooled. So if other EA's think you a wimp for using bridge jumpers, remember that all of us "cheat" in one way or another. Besides we are not out to entertain other EA's. We are out to entertain the general public, and what they don't know only make the escape more "magical" to them. |
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