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wizardofsorts Special user Chicago, IL 935 Posts |
Notice the subject line is not "tricks" but "tips."
I've just written my first manipulation routine that includes card productions and a version of zombie. I'm now in the rehearsal phase and I was wondering what tips anyone has for doing manipulation. I'm thinking of things such as: 1. Always have a check list of props. 2. Always keep your manipulation cards in a _________ or never allow your cards to become ___________. 3. etc I'm looking for some wise wizards to fill in those blanks and more. Serious responses appreciated. Edd
Edd Fairman, Wizard of Sorts is a corporate magician available for your next trade show, hospitality suite, client luncheon, or company event. http://www.wizardofsorts.com
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Jon Royer New user Warminster, PA 70 Posts |
I found a lot of useful tips of the trade in a book entitled "Road Warrior: The Professional Traveling Entertainer's Survival Guide". The book is just a collection of tips from a whole range of magicians. The only thing I can think of off the top of my head that I do is instead of carrying around a card press, I just put a manipulation deck sandwiched between a couple of regular cards in a cheap card clip. Another weird thing I heard for regular cards(applicable if you use steamboats) is to faro the cards face up into face down and put them back in the box and put them in a refrigerator. I never did it but a friend of mine does it to his practice decks.
Hope this helps, Jon |
magic4u02 Eternal Order Philadelphia, PA 15110 Posts |
Tips:
- always have backups for most of your entire act and store them in a separate location. The reason is that you will forget things, lose things or break things. Having a back up helps prevent nitemares. - always carry with you what I refer to as the manipulators tool kit. This is a small case filled with things you can most always use or need. These can be extra clips, black tape, duct tape, safety pins, card clamps, extra cards, scissors, thread etc. Just items you know you need or can use from time to time. Having it with you or in your card can save you a ot of time. - Have gloves with you at all times. there is no way you will be able to do effective manipulation if your hands are cold. wear gloves backstage or as ou load and unload to prtotect your hands and keep them warm before you go on. - Bring a towel with you. a towel will help you keep your hands dry and free from sweat before you go out on stage. - You may want to bring some differen forms of manipulators lotion. there are many out there. It helps give your hands a bit of tack to them. - carry with you a check list not only of your props but also one of your loads and where things go as well as an outline of your act itself. When you are backstage and nervous chanes are you do not think as clearly as you want to think. Having these is a huge help to refer to. - Make a sign for yourself that reads " slow down.. relax.. you are supposed to be having fun stupid". This sounds fnny but trust me on this. Keep this sign or signs in your prop cases so you can see it. Too many of us speed up because we are nervous and uptight and on edge. This sign helps me remind myself of why I am there doing what I do. - bring a portable cd player or your iPod with you that has your music on it and bring head phones. It is really great to be able to get set up and to relax yourself, play the music with the headphones on. This helps you get into the mood of the act before you even hit the stage. It also helps you to run through the act pantomime a few times before you hit the stage. - Always Always double check your set up before it is placed on stage an before you begin. Chances are something can shift or someone back stage may have bumped something and thought they were helping you by TRYING to put it back. Always double check just to be sure. - Check your angles at every location long before the show begins. So many times manipulators get to an event and forget to check the audience angles. by doing so, you will no where to strike the stage and what may have to be adjusted so you do not flash anything during performance. I will leave it at this for now. I hope they are of help. My 2 cents. Kyle
Kyle Peron
http://www.kylekellymagic.com Entertainers Product Site http://kpmagicproducts.com Join Our Facebook Fan Page at http://facebook.com/perondesign |
Deucemc Regular user originally Honolulu, Hawaii 116 Posts |
Put your check list on an audio cd. If you have someone around to help you verbally check your bag(s).
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harris Inner circle Harris Deutsch 8812 Posts |
Check your or the house sound system.
Packing list to and from the show.. Prop placement list for pockets...etc. Thank you notes post show. Listen to your audience Use a mentor / director that will tell you the truth not feed your ego Use stuff that fits you not last nights T.V. magician or comedian Teach, mentor others it will help you as well. Take your work seriously and your self lightly
Harris Deutsch aka dr laugh
drlaugh4u@gmail.com music, magic and marvelous toys http://magician.org/member/drlaugh4u |
wizardofsorts Special user Chicago, IL 935 Posts |
I just ordered the "Road Warrior" book. I should have it in the next day or two. Thanks for the great tips.
Duecemc, what advantage to you see to putting the check list on a cd rather then just writing it down? Edd
Edd Fairman, Wizard of Sorts is a corporate magician available for your next trade show, hospitality suite, client luncheon, or company event. http://www.wizardofsorts.com
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