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magicman226 Loyal user San Antonio, Texas 234 Posts |
I was wondering how many shows (in a given type: Birthday, Parlor, Close-up, etc.) is a good amount to have. Would you want two or three different shows for each, or more? Or even just one?
Thanks, Michael (I hope that question was clear enough. If it isn't, I can try to paraphrase it.) |
sunnydolan Veteran user Opelika, Alabama 342 Posts |
Personally, I have one B-day routine (kids only), three parlor routines (one for kids and adults, one for just adults, and one that's kinda X rated). I have quite a few close-up routines, but they are only 3-5 minutes each, and are just the stuff I do for walkaround events.
An amatuer practices untill he gets it right, a professinal practices untill he can't get it wrong.
Don't wait for oppurtunity to knock, throw open the door, grab it by the throat and drag it inside kicking and screaming. Magically yours |
Bob Johnston Inner circle Philadelphia, PA 1251 Posts |
One show for B-day as kids love repetition. Some children will show up for more than one show (because of referrals) so I may throw one or two tricks into (or out of) the routine if I see the same kids.
Bob |
magicman226 Loyal user San Antonio, Texas 234 Posts |
Oh, so it's okay to have (for the most part) the same show for kids. I have always been paranoid that that would be a bad idea.
Thanks |
MattWayne Special user Manhattan, NY | Studio City, CA 624 Posts |
Magicman226,
I have had the same show- for kids and for adults now for the past six ish years. The show got to a point were I didn't need anything really new. Only tweaking here and there. Giving the show something new each year and all, but pretty much- the same. I never really performed for kids, only in the down season mostly when I was just starting out to make ends meat. But when I did perform for kids; they got the same exact stuff. Regardless of age and all. Since I tour now- having the same show doesn't matter. It's a new crowd all the time. So, I don't really have to worry about repeat customers, etc. Always something new, and always someone new watching! As far as being paranoid- don't be!! In my opinion- my show was for adults. Even though I did the same show for kids; here was my thinking. Kids want so much to be treated like adults; therefore I gave them the big kids show. The mature; entertaining show. Not the balloon doggy that appears from a colorful box, mixed in with mylar flowers, and a wilting rose. That's just not me... best regards, Matt Tomasko
Matt Wayne
The Celebrity Magicianâ„¢ www.CelebrityMagician.com / youtube.com/celebritymagician / twitter.com/RealMattWayne / Facebook.com/CelebrityMagician Creator of, 'Got a Light?' and others. Spokesperson behind, TouchTricks |
Kent Wong Inner circle Edmonton, Alberta, Canada 2458 Posts |
I have 3 primary kids shows. One show is designed for kids grom 3 to 5 years of age. Another show is designed for kids from 6 to 9 years of age. And the third show is designed for kids from 10 to 12 years of age. I find these different shows are necessary because of the kids different maturity levels at various ages.
In addition to this, I also have a secondary show for each age group for repeat bookings. Although the younger kids may enjoy repetition, the parent who books me is not likely willing to pay for the same show twice. Her expectation is for a fresh new show. As for my parlour, close up and stage shows, each one is custom designed for the event in question. In each case, it depends on what the client needs and what the circumstances dictate. Kent
"Believing is Seeing"
<BR>______________________ <BR> <BR>www.kentwongmagic.com |
MattWayne Special user Manhattan, NY | Studio City, CA 624 Posts |
I envy a person who can perform for any child under the age of 10! Keep their attention- and make a decent profit off of it. THAT truly is magic. In my opinion at least. It boggles my mind as to how some people can actually do it. Maybe I just don't have the patience!???
Being able to do a 30 to 45 minute show without something going haywire with a child is beyond me. Maybe its due to me not using a Rocky Raccoon or something flashy. I dunnoo... All I can say is- kudos and, best regards, Matt Tomasko
Matt Wayne
The Celebrity Magicianâ„¢ www.CelebrityMagician.com / youtube.com/celebritymagician / twitter.com/RealMattWayne / Facebook.com/CelebrityMagician Creator of, 'Got a Light?' and others. Spokesperson behind, TouchTricks |
magicman226 Loyal user San Antonio, Texas 234 Posts |
Thanks guys.
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One Man Elite user Frederick, MD 491 Posts |
In most cases a show is built from a collection of routines. This allows you to swap out any routine with something new or different. If you can develop some routines that rely heavily on audience interaction and involvement the routine should be slightly different each time because of this audience X factor.
I have a plate spinning routine that I have done in almost every stage show for the last 15 years (many repeat performances) that relies on the help of an audience member. The basics of the routine stay the same but each new volunteer brings something different to the routine. IMHO...if you can strive to build a likable character/personality into your performances and take the focus away from the tricks and onto you and your interaction with the tricks repetition does not have to be an issue. This does not mean you do not need strong magic as well. For anyone who has ever watched any movie or read any book or listened to any CD more than once....the enjoyment comes from experiencing the journey and not the final destination. Kevin |
Brad Burt Inner circle 2675 Posts |
The biggest problem in having too many shows when you start out is that none of them ever get that professional polish you want from having done the show over and over. Or, it takes a lot longer.
Try picking a venue like Kid's Shows and tuning up one show until you think you have it about as good as it can get from a routine selection, etc. point of view and then do it until you can do it in your sleep. Then....go on to create and perfect your next show type. For instance a 30 minute stand up parlor show for adult or mixed audience. Tnen...set about putting together a solid close-up show or series of routines to do a cocktail parties and so on. What you want though is to get your shows DOWN before going on and if you hit a slow spot make sure you rehearse ALL of your shows at least once a week to keep them fresh, etc. Best,
Brad Burt
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jimhlou Inner circle 3698 Posts |
Michael:
Gene Anderson says it best: "Don't change tricks, change audiences" Jim |
rmoraleta Special user Philippines 767 Posts |
Quote:
On 2006-07-20 11:31, jimhlou wrote: In America this might work excellently, but here in the Philippines, it might not work all the time. Being a small country and only a few to perform for compared to the US. |
pradell Special user Alaska 560 Posts |
The answer depends in part on what types of gigs you perform and whether or not you do repeat performances. By the fourth time I did an annual magic show for the same audience at a birthday party I had run through all my tricks so I added mime! And my annual Christmas party for the bar association meant that all the lawyer's kids (and their parents) remembered things I'd done every year, so that helped me to freshen up the show and try new things every year. Performing close up at restaraunts, school shows, birthday parties, adult shows, company shows and large illusion shows in my relatively small city meant that I needed different things for different shows. But my "core" i.e. my signature tricks, those I've done over and over, are at the heart of most of my shows, regardless of venue, with minor tweaking of patter, presentation, etc. So get really good at what you do, over and over until you stop thinking about each action and concentrate on your performance and your rapport with the audience, and slowly try new things out and develop your character and your routine. Over time you'll have the ability to perform more than one show well.
:thehat: |
Michael Taggert Special user Fredericksburg Virginia 656 Posts |
The formula that has worked for me has been to build solid basic routines and become absolutly familiar with each one. then as is size up my audience I have developed patter suitable for the routines for several different venues and audience types. This helps to get more value from an expensive prop/ book or what ever. for larger shows Parlor, stage and the like. my show does not change ance it is set. I too have audiences that come to my shows year after year and they thrive on the sameness of the show. I add at least one new routine to the reptriore each year. and more importantly I take out a routine when I add.
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vincentmusician Loyal user Toronto 265 Posts |
I have had repeat shows. For little kids you can repeat some routines and everything is fine. With older kids, you need new material. So I have different Shows for repeat customers including adults. For Strolling, it does not matter that much. Some of my Walkaround Magic is fine to repeat. Cheers!
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WitchDocChris Inner circle York, PA 2614 Posts |
I have four distinct shows. A duo sideshow act with my wife, a small theatrical seance, a large theatrical seance, and my solo show.
The sideshow act has a few modular pieces that can be swapped in or out depending on the time slot and/or number of shows per day. I tend to do that one at conventions or faires. The small theatrical seance gets changed up to suit the venue or per year. Meaning the structure of the program basically stays the same, but I will change the scripting and swap one or two segments in or out depending on which story I'm using. And I change it each year so if someone comes back they're still seeing a new and interesting experience. The large theatrical show is set. It's basically a stage production of a seance, intended to have a few sitters on stage and then an audience out in the seats. That does not change as it's built around a specific story I wrote. The solo show is currently being rebuilt from the ground up to suit my current thoughts and philosophies about performing. This, like my small seance, will have a set structure with routines that I will occasionally swap out to keep things fresh for repeat viewers.
Christopher
Witch Doctor Psycho Seance book: https://tinyurl.com/y873bbr4 Boffo eBook: https://tinyurl.com/387sxkcd |
steadyeddy2000 New user 14 Posts |
Since I tour now- having the same show doesn't matter. It's a new crowd all the time. So, I don't really have to worry about repeat customers, etc. Always something new, and always someone new watching!
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nickoftime New user 1 Post |
Quote:
On Aug 6, 2006, Michael Taggert wrote: I am trying to do my shows in Spanish - trouble is I speako no Espaniole. |
TomB Veteran user Michigan, USA 331 Posts |
Do you keep a record of previous performances? I would think if the same audience you would want to have different tricks.
You can have the same layout for each show. David Ginn talks about this in his books. So if you have danger trick you can slip in any of your danger tricks depending on your audience and what that audience has seen. |
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