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DrNorth Veteran user North Starr Entertainment, Harrisburg PA 364 Posts |
I have been toying with doing restaraunt work and strolling work for corperate events. In doing the research work many performers talk about the effects, but as far as I hav eseen no one has really talked about how many effects they do in a set. Dave Williamson seems to imply he sets an effect, goes to the table, does that effect and moves on. One effect per table/group.
Other performers seem to imply they do anywhere from 3-6 effects per group. Obviously you want to be ready to bail if after the first trick the group does not seem interested, and I assume be ready to do more if they seem open. It also seems one may fall into the trap of the effect of the week syndrom. Learning new things to keep teh act fresh. I agree with Eugene Burger, I "know" too many effects as it is, and one or two really well. I'd rather focus on doing a few really well, and maybe adding one or more as time goes on. Bringing some variety periodically. So thoughts ideas? "For it shows things that were, and things that are, and things that yet may be. But which it that he sees, even the wisest cannot always tell" ~Galadriel "A heretic is a man who sees with his own eyes." |
paulajayne Inner circle London England 1160 Posts |
Hi
I carry 10 - and do max 5 -- this allows me to "bend" routines to suit the group. If there are children - I also carry 5 children's effects in my Toppit. There are lots of threads on this in the forum. Try a search. Welcome to the forum. Paula
Paula Jay - Magic to Remember -
--------------------------------- I once wrote a book on elephants, I think paper would have been better. ---- |
Jim Wilder Special user Birmingham, AL 954 Posts |
Paula makes a golden point about children effects. My first time out, I never considered that children would be present (odd being that I spend all my days around 10 year olds). And though many effects play to all, it is nice to have an effect that directly plays to the kids.
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Open Traveller Inner circle 1087 Posts |
It's not how many effects you do, but how much time you spend with each table. Also, the quality of that time matters, too. How long you spend at each table is dictated by where you're working. Some environments will let you stay longer than others, although for most table audiences, about 7-8 minutes seems to be right. Other environments (like busy bars and such) demand a faster pace.
Consequently, you don't want to do a seven-minute trick if you only have seven minutes to spend with a group -- unless it's a real killer. Those are best reserved, though, for when you come back. Up front, you're better off choosing a variety of fast and snappy effects so that in the short time you have, the people still feel like they've gotten something of a show. Don't worry about the number of effects you do...worry about the time you have and how to best fill it. |
zombieboy Special user Connecticut, USA 889 Posts |
I personally follow Eugene Burger's theory and do three. One as an intro, a second one to establish character, and at the end of that you can say: "And I have one last mystery to show you." That way, they are never wondering when the show is going to end.
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dynamiteassasin Inner circle Naval Air Facility, Atsugi, Japan 1158 Posts |
A 2-5 minute set for a show on a table then proceed to the next.
You always want to leave your audience wanting more. |
tgcramer38 New user Longview, WA 35 Posts |
I agree with Karl.
I find that 2 to 3 minutes works great. Multi-phase routines work well for when you are interupted by the wait staff bringing drinks, etc. I keep my effects short, visual and filled with lots of humor. I think what they remember the most is how entertained they were. Tom |
Scott Grimm Regular user Chicago 141 Posts |
Eugene adds that one should either do a three trick show or a one trick show. The qualifications of a one trick show, for me personally, has four parts. It must have a plot, charactors, conflict, and multiple points of amazement. A single routine that works like its own miniture play.
Faith is at the heart of all magic.
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rikbrooks Inner circle Olive Branch, Mississippi 1317 Posts |
Basically I gauge my routines on how long it's taking for the food to arrive. I carry about 30 minutes worth of effects, sponge balls, cups and balls, multiplying sponge balls, ball to giant square. Then I do a few IT effects for stunners. I keep the pen through the dollar just for quickies.
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