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Eirik Special user Oslo 879 Posts |
Hi David,
Since you beeing a professional I guess you often get requests to perform something when you're not "equipped", like at a dinnerparty with friends, at a family reunion etc. How do you deal with situations like this, do you perform a small set, or kindly turn down their request? -e-
...As long as i`m not a world-champion at anything, the great reactions of doin` magic will do just fine.....
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David Acer V.I.P. 177 Posts |
I used to walk around with THE PROFESSOR CHEERS ROPE TRICK set up on my body at all times for just such an occasion, but then I read some terrific advice from Michael Weber in the foreword to his excellent book, LIFESAVERS:
"Someone once asked me to identify my favorite impromptu effect. I told him I didn't know of any truly impromptu magic. By accurate definition, an impromptu effect would be one which was devised or performed without any prior planning or rehearsal. Even the age-old thumb amputation requires practice to be effective. The presentation of magic which has not been prepared or rehearsed is precisely what is actively avoided by the professional performer. "The performer of magic should always be thinking about any opportunity of which he may take advantage. Instead of setting aside some specific time for planning, the ideal magician is constantly on the lookout for favorable circumstances which occur naturally and can be exploited. This distinction is the not so subtle difference between the contrived presentation of a trick and a miraculous occurrence. "In place of impromptu magic, I prefer routines which can be quickly improvised. The goal is to constantly remain several steps of those around you. By the time someone asks you to perform something for them, you have already secretly composed whatever you require from available materials." If you're looking for material that fits this bill, I recommend you buy Michael Weber's LIFESAVERS and Martin Gardner's ENCYCLOPEDIA OF IMPROMPTU MAGIC. |
paulmagic Loyal user Malaysia, now In New Zealand 290 Posts |
Man, a great gem of advice. Thanks again David!
I used to carry a pouch with some magic props / stuff that can be used for "impromput magic" but after a while it was kinda lame as someone (also into magic) said to me. "Show me something - know you want to - if not you wouldn't be wearing the pouch." Ouch! No fun after that! I "killed myself" before even had the chance to start. Must ponder more on practical improvisation.
Many Blessings!!
Paul |
Chad Long V.I.P. 229 Posts |
When someone asks me to perform on the spot and I'm not ready, I say, "Meet me back here tomorrow at exactly 7:00 PM, and I'll do something impromptu for you then."
Another option would be to just take a prediction out of your pocket that reads: "You Will Ask Me To Do A Trick And I Won't Be Ready". |
Paul Sherman Inner circle Arlington, VA 1511 Posts |
Chad,
I'm going to print that on the back of my business cards. Then they'll never forget who it was that blew them away with that prediction! Paul (At the last Chad Long lecture I went to, he also told me to put the word "Professional" on there. Worked like a charm.)
"The finished card expert considers nothing too trivial that in any way contributes to his success..." Erdnase
some youtube videos |
Ctgalex New user Melbourne Australia 60 Posts |
I just couldn't stop laughing when I attended Chad's lecture few years ago. great skills, great jokes and great chick.... trick, I mean...
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