|
|
Go to page [Previous] 1~2 | ||||||||||
Al Angello Eternal Order Collegeville, Pa. USA 11045 Posts |
I performed for about a dozen years just trying to combine my juggling, magic, and stand up comedy experiences to be different than all the other performers in my area. Then it happened, after one of my shows a woman came up to me and said "I loved your show, and you remind me so much of Steve Martin" I have never gotten over meating that lady who told me that I reminded her of one of my idols, and until I met her I thought I was just trying to be a funny version me.
HAVE FUN Al Angello
Al Angello The Comic Juggler/Magician
http://www.juggleral.com http://home.comcast.net/~juggleral/ "Footprints on your ceiling are almost gone" |
|||||||||
RandyStewart Inner circle Texas (USA) 1989 Posts |
Quote:
On 2006-06-14 20:31, Al Angello wrote: That is a nice compliment Al. Actually you do look like him never having seen you perform. I recently finished a show for a private party and was actually leaving when a lady and her company rushed up to me and told me what a great job I had done. She then said she didn't mean to embarrass me but wanted me to know that my performance reminded her of David Copperfield at his best. I was shocked and nervously chuckled and thanked her. The birds by the window were chirping loud enough to wake me from this wonderful dream. To add insult to injury, they woke me just five seconds before the annoying alarm went off to the song "Dream Weaver". And yes, it was a Monday morning. |
|||||||||
Moyle with Parkinsons Loyal user Australia 281 Posts |
These are all great ideas I am beginning to slowly work out character traits, of course I haven't even tried these yet and it will obviously as you have told me take years to really nut these out but I have and idea of where I am going now.
As I have been reading your replies and collating my ideas though over the past few days I have been thinking about including a character trait that could go over really really well or really really terrible and I thought I would as you guys what you think of it before I go ahead and test it perhaps someone here has tried it and can give me some results to go on so that I don't offend or embarrass anyone. I have been thinking about a character who introduces himself as a card handler "No! not a magician I am simply a card handler" he would say. He would then continue to have cards taken out and noted as he displays his 'incredible' shuffle, for example. Then the card is returned to the deck and another card is given to the spec the character displays his shuffles again and then asks for the card back "Wait a minute this is not the card I gave you. How did you do that you changed my card!" Obviously being the noted card. Ok so a poor example but this I think is a line that I could go down where the character is not magic at all it just seems that when he performs magic occurs if you get my drift. "Oh my god how did that card get from the deck to that apple pie!" What do you think? Any ideas on whether it will sink or swim? I know it is defiantely a trait that I could act out convincly and satirically. Moyle
"Signatures cause far too much trouble!" an original quote by Moyle With Parkinsons.
|
|||||||||
Al Angello Eternal Order Collegeville, Pa. USA 11045 Posts |
I just have to say that a moyle with parkinsons is quite a scary image.
Al Angello
Al Angello The Comic Juggler/Magician
http://www.juggleral.com http://home.comcast.net/~juggleral/ "Footprints on your ceiling are almost gone" |
|||||||||
Jaz Inner circle NJ, U.S. 6111 Posts |
Quote:
On 2006-06-14 22:38, Moyle with Parkinsons wrote: There's nothing wrong with giving a demonstration of gambling skills. Especially with cards. Quite a few 'magicians' do this and it still seems like magic. Saying that you're not a magician may not be the best thing to do. For me it would seem better to let your magic and the character you've developed do the talking. However, the character you're considering would likely stay with a gambling or hustler theme. Effects with poker chips, dice, dominoes, coins, bills. My idea would be to not strictly do gambling demos but to stay with the theme by using related patter, props and stories of people met. It should be fun and magical. Routines might include the shell game and fast & loose and effects pertaining to roulette, the racetrack, billiards and scams. Best, |
|||||||||
Dave V Inner circle Las Vegas, NV 4824 Posts |
Moyle,
If you're interested in creating a gambler or hustler persona, if you're not already a member I suggest you come visit http://www.scoundrelsforum.com Whit Haydn and the rest of the School for Scoundrels gang specialize in that sort of entertainment.
No trees were killed in the making of this message, but a large number of electrons were terribly inconvenienced.
|
|||||||||
RandyStewart Inner circle Texas (USA) 1989 Posts |
Yes it sounds like he may be leaning toward a 'card sharp', 'gambling/hustler', or 'con game'. Start saving your dollars as you may be investing in a river boat gambling costume or similar.
Check out some of the hardcore characters at School For Scoundrels and see what I mean. I've also noticed within your posts an interest in card effects. You may consider looking into the S4S video instruction on 3 card monte. In addition to this maybe look into Fast & Loose or 3 shell game. Can you smell a character and routine brewing now? |
|||||||||
JackScratch Inner circle 2151 Posts |
There is a lot of variety to be found, even in the "card sharp" genre'. You have your Victorian Western, your Chicago 20s' Gangster, your modern NewYork street hustler, and more. Whichever the cardsharp chooses, don't miss a single detail. The costume will do a large portion of your work for you. I myself do a variety of these, but I will always be most fond of my Victorian Western.
|
|||||||||
RandyStewart Inner circle Texas (USA) 1989 Posts |
Great point Drew. Nice to know there is much to pick from and suit one's fancy if going in this direction.
|
|||||||||
Professor Piper Special user Somewhere, out there... 770 Posts |
What I like most about this thread?
The fact that performers are taking such a detailed and informed look at how they present themselves to the public... Rather than some of the others that are out there that give no thought what-so-ever to their overall 'audience image'... I see it a lot here in Branson....They come in droves at the beginning of the season looking for work...It's almost embarrassing at auditions to see them muddle through, obviously having not worked one bit on anything other than their 'act'... Sorry, got on my soap-box, but I'm just loving see folks who see things the way I do talk and work together. Prof. Piper
"Nemo has been found! He was on an Admiral's Platter at Red Lobster!"
|
|||||||||
Moyle with Parkinsons Loyal user Australia 281 Posts |
I think perhaps the post of my idea was mistaken. Although I do really enjoy the gambler/hustler genre and perhaps it may be something that I look into. The idea that I was suggesting was the type of character that is in no way magical, he has no card skills that may involve slieght of hand or any of the traditional things that a layperson may expect to see from someone presenting them a performance with a deck of cards. This character almost considers himself a pure XCMer or flourisher he just like to be able to show the crowd the things he can do with a deck of cards and yet to his amazement everytime he performs his routines magic happens, he doesn't know how it just does. E.g. "Notice how polished I hand the deck when I do this shuffle...oh... what was that I felt a tickle up my arm and down to my pocket...HEY what is this card doing here.. well now that distraction is gone let's get back to this shuffle" Do you understand what I mean? Is almost, as BDC describe it in a post he wrote perhaps in another thread, my character will be a victim of his own magic he just wants to show off his card but magic always seems to get in the way. What do you think? Sink or swim? I could just see it going over badly if the audience perceives that the character is blaming them for ruining his card handling if you know what I mean. But then again it could be a comedic gem what do you think?
Moyle
"Signatures cause far too much trouble!" an original quote by Moyle With Parkinsons.
|
|||||||||
Moyle with Parkinsons Loyal user Australia 281 Posts |
Oh any btw Prof in reply to your post, I am loving getting the advice off all these professionals. Being a hobbyist trying to create a show that I can market to slowly become a professional is certainly a very dawnting task and one that I beleive wont be acheive for quiet some time but having mentors like you guys available to guide me through it having done it yourselves is something that I think will greatly benefit me. And ultimately I was lead to beleive that this is what this website is all about as it says "Magicians helping Magicians" its a beautiful thing when it happens like that.
Moyle
"Signatures cause far too much trouble!" an original quote by Moyle With Parkinsons.
|
|||||||||
JackScratch Inner circle 2151 Posts |
Moyle, you jst discribed Cardini's routine. If you ever get a chance to see the old footage of it, it's beutiful. Things appear in his hands and he is startled by them.
Something you need to consider, what does this fellow you want to play look like? How does he dress? If you go for the "average Joe on the street" look, you will run into problems. People are taught from birth not to randomly walk up and speak to each other. You will be fighting that training hard unless you have an outstanding hook. I'm not saying it's impossible, or that you shouldn't do it. I am saying you should tread this path oooooohhhh soooooo carefully. |
|||||||||
airship Inner circle In my day, I have driven 1594 Posts |
LOL, Moyle, I just had this image of you walking down the street, jumping this way and that in total surpise as appearing canes, showers of cards, spring flowers, silks, and rabbits emerge from your sleeves, hat, coat, and pants legs! It's like you rubbed a magic lamp and wished to be a great magician and some impish genie granted your wish, but gave you absolutely no control over your magical powers!
My vision is too cinematic for real life, unfortunately, but you could try to run with the idea and see what is actually possible.
'The central secret of conjuring is a manipulation of interest.' - Henry Hay
|
|||||||||
Big Daddy Cool Inner circle 1604 Posts |
A Gen now version of Cardini might be cool. Homage to a great act by one of the great masters.
One of the things I have never touched on is the homage character. I think there is a lot of potential in that field. And an homage can be a parody too. Like Carney's Mr. Mysto, or even my Uncle Eddie. But, homage could e cool. Just remember that if you do an homage act, that the same rules of character development still apply. Even if you are playing a real person - IE Houdini, Cardini, Channing Pollock, etc... May not be the direction you are looking, but that was an interesting idea that occurred to me out of this thread. |
|||||||||
JackScratch Inner circle 2151 Posts |
Any impersonation of Pollock would be a pale one. Dimare comes oh so close, but Pollock was a monster on stage. I still don't know how one goes about having their personality pressed.
|
|||||||||
Big Daddy Cool Inner circle 1604 Posts |
A Gen now version of Cardini might be cool. Homage to a great act by one of the great masters.
One of the things I have never touched on is the homage character. I think there is a lot of potential in that field. And an homage can be a parody too. Like Carney's Mr. Mysto, or even my Uncle Eddie. But, homage could e cool. Just remember that if you do an homage act, that the same rules of character development still apply. Even if you are playing a real person - IE Houdini, Cardini, Channing Pollock, etc... May not be the direction you are looking, but that was an interesting idea that occurred to me out of this thread. |
|||||||||
Moyle with Parkinsons Loyal user Australia 281 Posts |
Where might I read up or acquire footage on this Cardini routine? It certainly would be nice to get an idea of the realm of possiblity for this character.
Moyle
"Signatures cause far too much trouble!" an original quote by Moyle With Parkinsons.
|
|||||||||
RandyStewart Inner circle Texas (USA) 1989 Posts |
Moyle,
I'm not a member of the site but there's a clip of Cardini here: http://www.expertmagic.com/html/magicians/videos.html Browse through the footage under 'TV' and its the third one down titled 'Some of the ONLY video of the Great Cardini'. Click on the Quicktime button to the left. I think it's still there as I didn't try to downlod the whole thing but only the first few seconds and it works. |
|||||||||
kregg Inner circle 1950 Posts |
For a man who's given shaking the baby a whole new meaning, have no fear. Super-sized personas don't "feel" natural. Most people who play them are more than likely shy. If it feels uncomfortable, you are pushing your personal boundaries.
I've worked with actor's who make detailed, lengthy bios, when working on a role. Other's build the character by playing dress up. I was playing a character once and the director gave me a direction to add an affectation to his speech. I've travelled extensively and never heard of such a thing, but, I did it anyway and the audience loved the character. A few years later, I was traveling to Seattle with a stopover in Salt Lake City. When we re-boarded the plane, I was seated next to the character that I'd been directed to play a few years prior. This is why I never question the director- unless my life's at risk. It's a big task to sort through all of what's been written on this subject by other's on the Magic Café'. But, there are some hidden gems on this site. If it seems too hard to find the right character, you may already be one! Good Luck, Kregg
POOF!
|
|||||||||
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Food for thought » » Inspiration for Large personas (0 Likes) | ||||||||||
Go to page [Previous] 1~2 |
[ Top of Page ] |
All content & postings Copyright © 2001-2024 Steve Brooks. All Rights Reserved. This page was created in 0.04 seconds requiring 5 database queries. |
The views and comments expressed on The Magic Café are not necessarily those of The Magic Café, Steve Brooks, or Steve Brooks Magic. > Privacy Statement < |