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drwilson Inner circle Bar Harbor, ME 2191 Posts |
Dear Todd,
I wonder if you can tell us what you think the audience sees in the sideshow. What does it communicate to them? What human need is addressed by seeing these feats? If you don't want to generalize, tell us what you think one of your specific feats conveys to the audience. Thanks! Yours, Paul |
Todd Robbins V.I.P. New York 2922 Posts |
Sideshow is many things to many people.
For some, it's just stupid. Moving right along to the next group, some find it brings a profound sense of amazement that goes beyond what a magic trick can create. For others, it is a puzzle because they have a notion in their minds that what is being done is impossible. This group breaks apart with one cluster of folks (the saddest)dismissing the performance as a bunch of tricks They refuse to accept that they might not know everything and they might be wrong in their assumtions. Some of the puzzle group will tumble to the fact it is real and this is a beautiful moment to be part of. Others of this group will not be able to parse exactly what is going on and will leave a bit confused. And young folks think it's the coolest thing ever! |
Curtis Kam V.I.P. same as you, plus 3 and enough to make 3498 Posts |
Todd, I hadn't realized this until you mentioned it, but the possibility that the audience might be seeing the real thing is also identified as one of the strong points of mentalism. This prompts some questions:
When performing sideshow effects, do you feel it's important to admit that the presentation is meant to be entertainment? Or do you just present it as real, and leave it at that? Do you use a disclaimer? Further, it seems that often, the stunts speak for themsleves. How important is one's script in sideshow work? Is a good presentation essential, or is it better to get out of the way and just do the thing?
Is THAT a PALMS OF STEEL 5 Banner I see? YARRRRGH! Please visit The Magic Bakery
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Todd Robbins V.I.P. New York 2922 Posts |
There's no need for a disclaimer because it is real.
Presentation is vitally important, because if you don't let the audience know why you are doing what you are doing, they may come up with an answer you don't want. |
handa Inner circle Pittsburgh, PA 1357 Posts |
We tend to think of disclaimers as only having to do with whether something is "real" or not, and I already know and agree with your stance on this type of disclaimer.
But I recall that you do use both claims (yes this is absolutely real and can and will hurt you if you do this and don't know what you are doing) and disclaimers regarding trying this at home as well as in relation to the age and level of squeamishness of the audidnce. I've seen at least one adult and one family use the opportunity to take quiet leave of the room after one of your warnings. I'll admit that for me, half of the fun of watching any working act is sitting as far back as possible and watching the audience reaction. It always amazes me when I watch any working act from this viewpoint and some person (usually male) turns to somebody else (usually female) and whispers loud enough for me to hear something about the stunt being a trick and the supposed method the performer is using. I've heard everything from the "candy glass" to the "collapsable nails in nose" to the "cool burning fire theory." Do you feel that your scripting and presentation counters these innacurate conclusions in a way that there is less question about the genuine nature of the stunts you perform? Chris |
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