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Isaiah Veteran user 376 Posts |
I was wondering what everone else thought about opening an act with music and an erray of productions?? I currently do children magic and open with a variety of productions/transformations while music is being played. It seems to catch the children attention, but is it the right thing????
Isaiah Lacrosse, Wisconsin |
jkvand Special user Johnstown, PA 658 Posts |
I saw a magician open with that type of routine once, and it was very impressive. I'd say if your audience is responding well to it and you feel like it works well to introduce your show, keep it up!
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arthur stead Inner circle When I played soccer, I hit 1773 Posts |
I’ve been using a musical opening for years. I find it’s very effective. It sets the mood and introduces my character to the audience. By the time the musical intro is over the kids know I’m someone they’re going to have fun with. And the adults know that mine is a top quality, professional act containing some amazing comedy magic.
My on-stage character is that of a likable, but bumbling wizard. So my musical intro establishes that “klutzy” personality, along with accomplishing a few other things. Your personality may be different. But the following depiction might give you some ideas on how to create your own musical opening. 1) Part 1 of my opening uses the introductory drum solo from “Swingin’ Sleights” from “Make it Magic, Volume II.” I have a sign with my name on it. I attempt to stick it onto my table, but it falls off, in time to a musical “fall” by the horns. This gets the kids giggling. I try again, but the sign falls off again. Now the kids start to laugh. The more they laugh, the more agitated I pretend to become. And that makes them laugh even more! The sign-dropping idea came from Ken Scott, and it’s a good one, because it establishes your name in the minds of the audience. By the third try, the kids know what to expect, so when I finally manage to make the sign stay on my table (using Velcro), they usually applaud. 2) That’s when the second piece of music begins. I use a section from “Wizard’s Wand,” off “Make it Magic, Volume I.” I get the audience clapping in time to the music, and then bring out my previously loaded Flip-Flap Box. I show it as a square, completely empty. The mysterious, exotic-sounding music adds to the mood. Built into this music track is a long musical crescendo, ending with a dramatic musical “hit.” At that exact moment, I make the Box change its shape and produce a 36” silk, which I proudly display. But the silk has the wrong message! It could be “The End,” or “That’s All, Folks!” (This idea came from B.J. Hickman). Again, the wizard has goofed. 3) Finally, I pick up a Hat Silk. This is when the third piece of music begins. I use the first part of “Inspector Kazoo” from “Make it Magic, Volume I.” By now the wizard (that's me) is desperate to do something magical! Secretly using a Hank Ball, I manage to make a pink silk come out of the hat ……… But it’s not a picture of a Rabbit, it’s a Skunk! More laughter from the crowd. Then, using a Change Bag, I go through all the usual motions of dropping the Skunk Silk through the Bag. I time it so that every time the silk drops through the Change Bag, it coincides with a “hit” or “accent” in the music track. (This really impresses the audience … it’s like performing to your own movie score!) Eventually realizing that the zipper is open, I close it, and finally “transform” the Skunk silk into a 36” silk bearing the correct message. Depending on the show, that could be “Happy Birthday,” “I Love to Read,” etc. At this point, when the “real” magic happens, I use a musical Magical Moment. This significantly increases the impact of the visual climax of the trick. The addition of a musical “Magical Moment” adds a lot more drama. You can find several of these Magical Moments on my “Make it Magic Performance CD,” and read about their use in my lecture notes, “The Magic of Music: How to Orchestrate Your Act.” Throughout the intro, some of my actions are performed “in sync” to musical accents. Many of my compositions feature such musical highlights. And often, there are subtle musical “clues” as to when those “hits” are about to occur. So there’s actually a lot of freedom within the context of the intro. If you’re thinking of adding a musical intro, or adding music to a routine, first find some suitable music. Music that suit the character and mood of your routine. Thoroughly familiarize yourself with the music. And then rehearse your own routine to it. You’ll soon discover when and where the music can be utilized to compliment some of your actions. And once you start incorporating The Magic of Music, you’ll see a big difference in your audience’s reaction. I guarantee you’ll hear a lot more lot more “oohs” and “aahs!” Plus, you’ll notice a lot more admiration and respect from your clients. Don’t overlook the Power of Music! Used properly, it can add a lot of class and professionalism to just about any type of act. - Arthur Stead http://www.arthurstead.com |
Damien Steel New user 34 Posts |
I think it is a good idea to begin with a production on music if you manage to catch attention. But be careful not to begin too fast and too high, because the intensity of your show should increase during your act.
Damien |
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