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0wen New user 34 Posts |
Hello,
First, not new to the stage but I've performed almost exclusively as a solo act outside of a few brief shows that my wife assisted with; and those weren't that involved. However, there is a local that is interested in becoming involved in magic and living in a small town, it's basically me or nobody to help them get started. Fortunately, she has quite a bit of stage experience - theater, dance, etc so no concerns with her being in front of people. I just don't really know how to utilize her that well. I've got her written into a few routines - Motta's Lethal, a 20th century silks variation, and working on some others. This is a 'down the road' timeline as I won't try a live show until at least summer, but would like to get some rehearsal time in until then. I just don't want her standing around or not doing much and wasting her presence. Any suggestions on material on incorporating an assistant? Not opposed to working it into a full 2 person act eventually rather than assistant work. My strongest set is my comedy magic show, mostly on stage or cabaret settings. I'm not against something more formal - experienced in silks and such, and raise doves so possibly open to a proper stage show. Given the preference however, I like the audience interaction of my comedy sets rather than silk, bird, and reel work (thoughts of adding a quick change routine, but still unsure of what to do with her after that). I don't like big illusions, but ok with mid range or smaller stage stuff (doves to girl, etc) Any direction is appreciated. |
wulfiesmith Inner circle Beverley, UK 1339 Posts |
Hi Owen,
an old thread ... respects to your post. Obviously, you both have great confidence and stage presence. I would never have the courage to "get out there". After 40 years in magic, it's close up, and personal for me. You have a fantastic asset with your wife having stage and dance experience. For me, it would have to be a quick change act. Exploiting your wife's ability of stage presence, confidence, movement and dance. This gives your wife the freedom to express and establish herself ... whilst of course you are center stage "making it all happen". Obviously time has moved on ... and now our circumstances may be completely different. Wishing you both well ... regards WulfieSmith |
landmark Inner circle within a triangle 5194 Posts |
A two-person mentalism act?
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Deckstacker Elite user Sunny SoCal 442 Posts |
If you own an Anverdi Mental Die or similar device (like Mental Cube by Iarvel Magic), you can have a random volunteer roll the (concealed) die/cube, whereupon you will know the symbol on the topside and can use surreptitious hand signals to communicate that info to your "lovely assistant," who can subsequently perform a dramatic reveal. If you have not clued the assistant in as to how you know what you know, said assistant can even honestly disclaim direct knowledge of how the trick is done! --Perfect for venues where you both are somewhat well known, such as a church or school, and a good opportunity to polish acting skills for use in other routines.
Never try to teach a pig how to sing. You will waste your time, and it annoys the pig.
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jared23m New user 61 Posts |
Quote:
On Oct 1, 2023, landmark wrote: As a mentalist, I am biased, but I second this. If you read Corinda's 13 Steps to Mentalism there is a chapter completely dedicated to two person telepathy acts. But it is important to remember, these types of techniques have become very popularized to lay-people over the years. This means that you need to vary your methods. A two-person act that keeps even magicians on their toes is Morgan and West. Check their work out. You might want to go as far as saying, "You might think we are doing (insert method here), so now we're gonna show you the same thing, but (insert restriction here)." This way it negates the possibility of you ever using that first method. The late Bob Cassidy once said, "Magicians never want to draw attention to possible methods. Mentalists, on the other hand, want to shine a spotlight on them to count them out entirely." I'm paraphrasing a little bit. This might not make much sense, but it will once you read the chapter in 13 Steps. |
Deckstacker Elite user Sunny SoCal 442 Posts |
Agree about counting out possible methods as much as possible. I'm currently polishing a routine in which originally I was going to have a particular ESP symbol on a pasteboard card supposedly chosen by mental/magical means. However, to rule out there being ultra-thin magnets inside the cards, I now have the participant cut up a thin sheet of paper and randomly draw the symbols on the pieces while commenting on the impossibility of the magnet theory. Takes only a minute or so, engages the participant in the process, and (hopefully) draws suspicion away from the actual method of forcing the desired ESP symbol.
Never try to teach a pig how to sing. You will waste your time, and it annoys the pig.
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