|
|
Shodan Special user Isle of Man 663 Posts |
Hey all,
So I've not been performing professionally for too long, but last night I did in fact encounter my worst table of spectators so far. I was performing at a friend's wedding reception and everyone was really friendly and enthusiastic about the magic - for the bride and groom I did something similar to the Anniversary Waltz which I think ended up being really special for them - and I was having a great time. However, one table was just a collection of drunken idiots who I could tell from the first moment were going to give me a hard time. My favourite card effect at the moment is a modular colour changing backs routine, which really blows people away. I've had the chance to show it to other magicians who were enthusiastic about it and many laypeople at gigs so far have been blown away. It's strong, direct magic and definitely one of my best bits. So I decided to hit em with my best shot, and if it all went downhill I could quit anytime, as its modular in nature. The first part of the effect it Paul Harris' Bizarre Twist - and they weren't even prepared to admit that something magical was happening! "yeah, that's my 6 of clubs, so what?" I thought, fair enough, wait til the back changes colour! And so I pressed on..."oh, so now its blue. So?" At this stage, I knew they just weren't interested in me other than a punching bag, so I thanked them for their attention, wished them a pleasant evening and moved on. The thing that really sucks is that the only two sober people on the table were my agents! I was really looking forward to the opportunity to show them what I could do in real world conditions, but it was exactly the wrong crowd. Thankfully though, the rest of the tables were so enthusiastic that I think they got the picture I think it would have got me down more, except that I know now from experience that I'm a good, entertaining magician and I was performing strong material. Sometimes, your audience really IS the problem! I figured it was simply a better use of my time to entertain those who would appreciate it. No real point to this, just thought I would share. PS - after watching and studying the material on Link! on the crazy man's handcuffs, I got better reactions from this effect tonight than ever before. If you perform this effect, I recommend that you pick it up.
"You don't go up to strangers with a stick and come at their head...introduce yourself first, then come at them with a stick." - David Williamson
|
Nash Inner circle Hong Kong ~ USA 1101 Posts |
"The thing that really sucks is that the only two sober people on the table were my agents!"
oh dude I hate that. From my experience, when someone is reallllly drunk, card tricks are too complex for them to follow. Do something straight forward and visual. Pick their pockets... crack a joke, punch his mom in the face.. something that gets his attention. Now if he is a heckler that has no intention on watching magic, then I just move away to a different table.. INVITE your two agents to come along and have them be part of your next trick for the next table. ps: Link does look good... but is it resetable?
I teach leaders the magic of curiosity and empathetic communication. keynote Speaker | Seattle magician
|
Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
Magic for drunks. What fun. Falls into the WHY BOTHER catagory LOL.
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
MAKMagic Special user I got banned for one of my 555 Posts |
Quote:
On 2007-08-12 13:26, Nash wrote: LOL nice Were we separated at birth?
.:Michael Kelley
On the Level, By the Square |
MagicSanta Inner circle Northern Nevada 5841 Posts |
I would have, after seeing the situation, not worked the table. If the agents asked I would tell them that some tables are not worth the hassle of doing because of their behavior. If your agents were sober they realized that and likely wondered why better sense was used.
|
Shodan Special user Isle of Man 663 Posts |
I wonder if I wasn't clear - after getting to the table, introducing myself and what I was there to do, I realised that it was a difficult crowd. I picked a modular effect and quit at the first climax when I realised that they just weren't up for it and made a polite exit. If you're familiar with Bizarre Twist, you'll know that it only takes about a minute to get to the colour changing climax, and that really was the first opportunity to get outta there with my dignity intact. All in all, I think I made the best of a bad situation.
It was a consolation that my agents were totally blown away by the effect as well
"You don't go up to strangers with a stick and come at their head...introduce yourself first, then come at them with a stick." - David Williamson
|
Futureal Inner circle 1695 Posts |
"K.I.S.S."
..... especially for drunks. |
MagicSanta Inner circle Northern Nevada 5841 Posts |
Okay, I thought you hung in there for awhile for the agents....
|
mrunge Inner circle Charleston, SC 3716 Posts |
I think you handled the situation perfectly. You were not intimidated. You came over and tried. Your agents saw you working the room, and their table, and NOT getting frustrated in a trying situation.
Congratulations! Hopefully, you'll get more work from these agents, and NOT the drunken bar crowd events. Wherever drinks are served, you'll run into this exact situation. In working tables and walk-around, I once heard someone say "Sometimes you're the dog...sometimes you're the hydrant!" Think about it. Mark. |
TheAmbitiousCard Eternal Order Northern California 13425 Posts |
I'm sure the agents noticed people cheering and clapping, high-fiving and doing The Wave at the other tables when you performed. If so, now they see how you handle drunks AND others.
www.theambitiouscard.com Hand Crafted Magic
Trophy Husband, Father of the Year Candidate, Chippendale's Dancer applicant, Unofficial World Record Holder. |
Shodan Special user Isle of Man 663 Posts |
Cheers guys. Close up magic definitely has its good times and its really sucky times - often within 5 minutes of each other!
"You don't go up to strangers with a stick and come at their head...introduce yourself first, then come at them with a stick." - David Williamson
|
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Table hoppers & party strollers » » Awful spectators last night (0 Likes) |
[ Top of Page ] |
All content & postings Copyright © 2001-2024 Steve Brooks. All Rights Reserved. This page was created in 0.02 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 < |