|
|
BerkleyJL Veteran user Chicago, IL 397 Posts |
Hi all,
The theme for my show brings with it two main concerns that I hope you can all help me with. I call myself "Average Joe" and my theme is that "Everyone is Magic!" Here are my concerns: 1) How can I come across as "average" yet still dress to stand out as I should, in order to call attention to myself? 2) Can anyone recommend a few effects with killer moments where the spectator creates/reveals the magic? I have a few, but I'm always looking to improve my show. Berk (my first name is Joe)
I need a stage name.
Joe Berkley |
Paddy Inner circle Milford OH 1571 Posts |
Berk, to be truthful, I am not sure I want to see an "average Joe" perform magic. I go to see, or stop to watch, a "VERY GOOD" performer. Average does nothing for me, excellent gets my attention.
Just my rambleing on. Peter |
Danny Hustle Inner circle Boston, MA USA 2393 Posts |
Berk/Joe,
Think over the top regular Joe. Richard Lewis, Jerry Seinfeld, and Tim Allen, immediately pop to mind when I think of over the top regular Joe. A regular Joe is a guy like the rest of us who becomes fixated on that one thing that makes him a little bit larger than life. Still a regular guy, but well.. Tim Allen had power tools. Jerry has "What's the deal with..." he was a voyeur and observer. Richard Lewis thinks everyone hates him and hates himself. Berk got this magic kit when he was a kid and it got a little (LOT) out of control. How do you envision a regular Joe? Is he a ball cap wearing beer drinker who digs football? Is he a girl chasing neurotic who is constantly worried about his day job? Or is he the guy who is always commenting on how strange the world we live in is. What does he look like to you? How can you characterize that idea to make the look more than it normally would be? How can you look 'normal' and still draw attention to yourself? Pull it apart piece by piece and you will find what works for you. Break it down to the lowest common denominator and that is the foundation upon which to build. We can only describe regular from our perspective. If you want it to ring true for your audience you have to find what it means to you and then believe in that. It is simple but not easy. Break it down and build it up. Best, Dan- "MT is one of the reasons we started this board! I’m so sick of posts being deleted without any reason given, and by unknown people at that." - Steve Brooks Sep 7, 2001 8:38pm ©1999-2014 Daniel Denney all rights reserved. |
BerkleyJL Veteran user Chicago, IL 397 Posts |
Dan,
Wow! Thanks. I had the roots of an idea, but you've really given me some thoughts on how to flesh it out completely. Joe
I need a stage name.
Joe Berkley |
JamesinLA Inner circle Los Angeles 3400 Posts |
The thing about your character is that although you're pitching yourself as an "Average Joe" you prove to be anything but. I can see lots of comedic potential in that. It's all ironic humor. "I always do such and such (something outlandish) just like everyone else." That kind of thing. Also, as an average guy you are immediately likable and accessable to everyone. Let us know how it works out.
Jim
Oh, my friend we're older but no wiser, for in our hearts the dreams are still the same...
|
BerkleyJL Veteran user Chicago, IL 397 Posts |
What I'm working on now (and planning to run past a few people who have seen my old show) is something very close to my actual personality. I think it will be easier to carry off that way.
As it turns out, it will be 1 part ironic (like Jim said) and 3 parts over-the-top (like Dan suggested). I'll be sure to give a report on the kinds of tips I manage to draw when I go back out. Joe
I need a stage name.
Joe Berkley |
Dr_Stephen_Midnight Inner circle SW Ohio, USA 1555 Posts |
As for audience members creating the wonders, I recommend a few effects in the video "WAM - Walk Around Mentalism" by Mark Strivings.
Granted, the effects are mentalist effects, but the concept can also be worked with other forms of magic. The video may be found at: http://floraco.safeshopper.com/7/133.htm?314 Also, when I do the cut & restored rope in my wizard show, I hand my wand to the child assistant and have him/her recite the magic word ("Corde' Reparo") while waving the wand over the rope, essentially putting the magic in his/her hand. Steve
Dr. Lao: "Do you know what wisdom is?"
Mike: "No." Dr. Lao: "Wise answer." |
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » The side walk shuffle » » Themed Show Advice Please (0 Likes) |
[ Top of Page ] |
All content & postings Copyright © 2001-2024 Steve Brooks. All Rights Reserved. This page was created in 0.02 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 < |