I couldn't agree with David any more than I do on this one! I've always found it odd when I see a normal(?) looking sideshow performer. That doesn't mean that he has to be muscular. He just has to fit the concept that he (or she for that matter) has created for themselves. For example, Crispy of The Crispy Family Circus isn't a thin guy, and he's not super muscular (If you're reading this, no offense Crispy, you know that I love ya buddy!)... but he has a look that fits him and it works.

I think that you should do your best to look the part. Mind you that depends on what part you're playing and your own character concept. Personally I can barely stand having facial hair but I keep it because without it I don't really "look" like a magician. If anything I just have something of a baby face... and that's annoying since it doesn't mesh with a character that's called "The knife".

So you don't HAVE to fit the preconceived notions of your public. But if you don't then you sure better be able to change there minds during your performance.

Anyway, I'm 5'10' and weigh about 165 lbs. It varies a bit depending on whether or not I'm in training for something though (although I really should keep up the physical training a bit more than I do during my down time). And I prefer to be a bit more on the muscular side over all but I'm far away from being big. I'd just call it being toned. But that's just what works for me.

I stand about 5'5" and weigh 120 lbs. I think that the strong build suits the escape artist (whether male or female) but it can all depend on the act and the personality of the showman (showperson?). As a women, I would never go for the super strong, muscles bursting at the seams look (because I think it's kinda scary) but I do like the toned look. I think it indicates to the audience capability and the fact that you take the escape seriously and so should they. I guess it all comes down to what works for you. Some people have the 'look' automatically and others have to work at it.

Being in shape certainly helps with the safety aspect of this art though. There are already things that 'could' go wrong when doing escapes, why add the health risk?

Cheers
Dayle

Some of those strong women are scary. with the body that looks similar to a guy and a face of a female. egads.

"We're not so different, you and I."


And Wolflock, we won't laugh or snicker...WE'LL GIGGLE AND HOOT! Kidding





Daniel

Daniel you are about as bad as me.

LOL. Oh hell! Another Don.

*Wolf gets ready to find the razor blades* J/k

*puts tip pinky to side of mouth* muahahaha....MUAhahahaha.....MUAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Evreyone wants to get in on the act.

Hello!
In response to your question How heavy was Tom Gallo The worlds largest escape artist and is he still performing.... The answers are here:

His billing said "over 400 pounds of Excitement! In the tradition of the great Houdini, Only bigger! Yes he is still performing. Did a ungimmicked jacket top great acclaim for it's humor and legtimate escape (posey) Many other escapes followed. Upside down, underwater, fire, milk can, and much more.

I know this as he is ME!
Take care.
Tom

I was over 100Kg this winter, but when I started escapology and found out I couldn't get my handcuffed hands from back to front I started loosing weigh, I lost more than 10 Kg in a few month ! Escapes gave me the will to loose weigh
In september I start martial arts again to build so more muscle...

NAswered this in other opst. Anyone know what 1.72M is on feet? I am still not sure.

1m72 on your feet is still 1m72

We should find a convertor to convert from Kg and cm !

From meters to feet:
http://www.qsl.net/w4sat/feetconv.htm

-Jari-

Just Measured. LOL. I am not 1.72m. I am 1.78M. Thanks Jari. Also know what that is in feet now. 5'8" So know I finally have the truth. YAY!

Where did this thread come back from, it was dead!

I am 6 foot (though I look taller what with the boot heels and the hair), and about 78 kgs / 171lbs / 12.25 Stone. I have been bulking up for the last few months, trying to slap on a bit of muscle Reckon another 10 lbs should be enough.

I met Kondini, well, I say met, I heard a voice coming from around my knees. I thought I was going mad, my knees have never talked nonsense like that before. Thankfully I looked down before I trod on him. I swear, the moustache was bigger than his whole body.

ROTFLMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That was Classic David. Still wiping the tears from my eyes and rubbing my sore stomach from laughing at that. How come you are never on Skype anymore?

Regards
Wolflock

I do a few escapes but I don't classify myself as an escape artist...I am a sideshow performer...I am incredibly skinny, 5'10( or about 6 foot with the hair) and around 120lbs. I use my build to my advantage.


Brett.

Alittle help, I am looking for a good diet to get to the perfect ea weight and body size as well as an exercise program. I am just starting in escapes,i am 35 years old, 200lbs, and 5 feet, 6 inches tall. can you help