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Logan Inner circle 2289 Posts |
Hi guys,
I posted this topic in the Secret Sessions but I figured that this thread would be a more appropriate place to put it. This topic is with regards to the classic rope/chain escape that we all know and love. I'm talking about the one where your hands and legs are tied together whilst sitting on a chair and a cloth covers the rope/chain and you are able to escape in less than a second. There is also the comedy version which I love watching, where the magician's hand is seen to come out of the cloth several times before he finally escapes. Now, whilst the routine is classic and very effective, I can't help but feel that there is so much more capable with the effect and that currently, to me, it falls short. I want to do this effect, and if I do, it would go down in either one of 2 ways. I will list them and explain my problem. 1. I do the comedy version, where my hand comes out several times, i.e. running gag. But here is my problem with this version, I feel, personally, that since you've made escaping such a 'gag' that when you finally finish the routine, it's not very amazing. I don't know how to describe it. It's like, you're tied up, your hand pops out a few times, a few laughs and then what, you escape? But you just did a few moments ago, and a few moments before that! Where's the magic? So, I decided that a kicker is due. Perhaps when you ask the audience to countdown from 10, the rope or chain vanishes and you're left with a deck of cards, ready for the next effect. Or perhaps do a glass of water production. Problem is, how to attain that? Vanishing a heavy 60 inch chain quietly isn't easy. Or are there any other magical things that can be done? By doing so, when you're done, it becomes a comedy bit, but with also a bit of magic to leave the audience amazed, like how the Hippity Hop Rabbits effect is structured. So, what would be a good kicker? 2. I do the serious version, where I am tied/chained and left there to escape under a specific time. But, again, my gripe, I don't mind doing a serious escape, but I would like to do it FOR something or do it BEFORE something happens. Have some initiative to escape, so that the tension and drama factor is multiplied. I don't want to escape only to find a persons card all under 2 minutes, makes me look really obsessive, but rather escape before...well, that's where I'm stuck. What would be a good drama builder? So, I'm pretty much out of ideas, I know what I want, but I don't know how to attain it, so this is where my fellow Café members step in. What are your thoughts/ideas/suggestions on versions 1 and 2? Thanks for your time guys, Take care, Logan
You've been hit by, you've been struck by, a smooth criminal.
Singapore's Hairiest Corporate Comedy Magician! |
Kondini Inner circle 3609 Posts |
Mixing a card trick with an escape is ok providing you are entertaining as a magician not an escapologist.
I feel a card trick would lighten an escape from a dramatic point of view. Regarding useing the escape as a feature,,, content in escapology is often less equals more. Classic is classic for a reason. Just my view OK. Ken. |
Logan Inner circle 2289 Posts |
Hi Ken,
I've read a few of your posts, you are a knowlegable escapologist. Thank you for your insights, I will ponder upon them. I have begun working on a few ideas already. If anyone else has suggestions, please, don't hesistate to share them. Take care Ken, Logan
You've been hit by, you've been struck by, a smooth criminal.
Singapore's Hairiest Corporate Comedy Magician! |
Mtripp New user 99 Posts |
Mark Wilson Course in Magic.
After the in and out, the ropes pass through your legs. The tie is Billy Bishops and one of the best. |
Harley Newman Inner circle 5117 Posts |
Kondini says "Keep it simple." He's right.
If you add in too many elements, the audience becomes either bored or confused. The Mark WIlson course is great stuff, right up there with Tarbell and Hoffmann. Specifically for escapes, the Novak series is a great start for an overall approach. Other threads here detail everybody's favorite books.
“You can’t depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus” -Mark Twain
www.bladewalker.com |
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » All tied up! » » Rope/Chain Escape, not enough? (0 Likes) |
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