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magic_man64 New user Canada 27 Posts |
Hello Everyone.
Last night I was tinkering away at ideas for a show I will be performing in a couple months. I cam up with an idea for a "full view" on stage crate escape. Basically, its a wooden crate with a plexiglass window on the fron of it. The audience inspects the crate, find no trickery, yadda yadda yadda. The performer is cuffes and shackled, and locked inside the crate with chains, and padlocks, all of which is actually regulation. The window is covered, and t he performer is given 60 seconds to fully escape. 60 Seconds pass, and the curtain covering the view window is ripped away, only the performer isn't inside! After the audience has finished reacting, the performer stands up from behind the crate, free of his restriants. My questions are as follows: If there is a plexiglass window in the crate, do you thikn the audience will associate the window as the "weak spot" where there must be some kind of a trap door? Remember, this is in the AUDIENCE's mind. This is not where the secret is located. Im interested in hearing everyones general opinions on this type of thing, I think it could be a huge success! Best, MM |
KerryJK Special user Northampton UK 621 Posts |
I don't think the window sounds like the obvious weak spot. Process of elimination will lead to the actual position of the trapdoor, but presented right it shouldn't matter too much, this could be a good routine. Better still if you can arrange an escape route through the back of the stage in order to re-appear elsewhere.
I don't think you really need the full 60 seconds with the window covered (that sort of defeats the definition of a "fully visible" escape), but just shutting it off for the last little bit would be telegraphing the routine somewhat. So why not scrap the time limit and just have the cloth twitched aside every ten seconds or so, so you can build the tension, get the audience used to seeing you still struggling before hitting them with the empty box when the time is right (it'd take a bit of rehearsal and experimentation to work out the ideal timing). Thinking about it, this could be a cool metamorphosis variation; instead of the empty box being revealed the last time, instead we see a different performer. |
Harley Newman Inner circle 5117 Posts |
It's very clean and simple. Helen's comments about the timing are right on. This could be a beautiful piece.
“You can’t depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus” -Mark Twain
www.bladewalker.com |
Chiguy New user Chicago 6 Posts |
There was a local magician a few years ago who did a
similar escape. His box was the shape of an old wood coffen. It stood upright with a plexiglass front. He did it on a magic show.After the show and talking with people they all said that it was obvious that he went out a trap in the back. They were right. |
RickSilmser Special user 869 Posts |
Don't sweat it, kid. As long as the committee see's that it's solid and well bolted in...no worries. You can even play up on the fact that it's clear and they can see no trap.
There must be something in the air about packing crate escapes...I've put my own together...my crate is absolutely solid, no traps. ~Rick~ |
TrickeryMagic New user NJ 77 Posts |
While the actual name escapes me (no pun intended), this was manufactured by Mak Magic about 10 years ago when they used to offer larger illusions.
Next time I speak to Jimmy King, I'll ask him the name. |
CARNEGIE Loyal user 267 Posts |
MM,
Have you given any thought to 'enterology' instead of escapology? By that I mean, if you have a crate with a plexiglass front, and you have it inspected, and locked and roped and so forth. And then you actually ENTER it and you can easily be revealed by the window in the front. And if you use one of the suggestions from above about covering the the plexiglass with a curtain, then the curtain is opened to reveal you inside. Just a thought. |
Viano Regular user 110 Posts |
Beautiful thinking "outside the box", Mr. Carnegie.
Viano |
The Donster Inner circle 4817 Posts |
Wgy not put some chains around it. that way it can possibly eliminate the possibility of a trap door.
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Dr_Stephen_Midnight Inner circle SW Ohio, USA 1555 Posts |
The suspicion, maybe, but not the possibility.
Steve
Dr. Lao: "Do you know what wisdom is?"
Mike: "No." Dr. Lao: "Wise answer." |
The Donster Inner circle 4817 Posts |
If it is done in full view why use a curtain.
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