Question:
In order to preserve mystery and drama, what type of female stage magician can most effectively grab an audience? When an icon, or archetype is introduced, the flow of the act becomes more natural because the audience has brought into the icon that is "telling the story". What kinds of icons would be realistically effective in portraying a powerful, female magician?

I don't think there really is an "archetypal" female magician- all of them have their own unique style, necessary to avoid being pidgeon-holed in such a male-dominated field.

I would think the mass audience, on hearing the words, "female magician" may first think of someone like Melinda, but as an archetype, that may play against a character more than for them.

If you define your own archetype, (I would say Doug Henning defined his own archetype, for example) you have a much more powerful relationship with the audience.

-Erik

A "personality" such as Melinda does try to have a relationship with the audience immediately, but Just for argument's sake: if an audience sits in the dark, awaiting the curtain to come up, and as the music is cued, out steps a female magician appearing as.....? Rather than the same fishnet stockings, black attire, gloves, etc. surely there are iconic images that strike an immediate chord with all people and begin to pull them in with just the "look" they are wearing? Obviously, there is a theme established with the appearance of the artist, so everything has to flow to keep continuity, ie props, effects, movement, etc.

Most folks probably look to movies or other fantasy sources for female magician archetypes.

Morgan le Fay, Lady of the Lake, Circe and Medea are couple that come to mind.

Tina Lennert's wash woman act is one of my favorites.
Not typical but certainly engaging.

If Tina can create an "icon" for herself, what other personas could create "magical performer" in a female artist?
1. Cat jewel thief
2. Diana the Huntress
3. Jasmine from Disney movie
4. Female Indiana Jones
5. Red Riding Hood
6. Snow White
Ideas? Must keep the mystery when first appearing on stage-rather than be cartoonish

Jaz, I was thinking along the same lines as you as I read this thread. With today's Harry Potter mania, a younger female could be a Hermione Granger type and an older woman a Professor McGonnagle type.

Rather than obvious icons-what about characters that convey mystery, or whimsey-and perform a magical experience the audience "buys"?

I think Sue-Anne Webster has hit on a great one here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6akhd3tfas

Tim, I couldn't agree more! That is one of my favorite acts by a female magician, ever! It's soooo perfect... It's also the first time I saw a female magician and was jealous of the concept. I sat there smiling like an idiot, thinking--I wish I had thought of that first!!! It wouldn't suit me though...

*sigh* I show that act to anyone who asks me what some of my favorite acts are...


I've been working on a very unique act for some time which I'm apprehensive to post on here, but I think it is in line with this thread. I'm so excited about it...

And I am excited about it as well. I can not wait for you to showcase your act and act ideas nell. I think you have some wonderfully creative thoughts and I really enjoyed sharing and talking to you about them at the convention.

Kyle

A few of the female archetypes in mythology:
Seductress, Priestess, Healer, Witch, Crone.

The Mists of Avalon, Marion Zimmer Bradley's re-telling of the Arthurian legend from the female's perspective, is a good read for anyone interested in strong and compelling female mages.


Posted: Oct 14, 2008 3:13pm
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Nell, you have me curious about your unique act. Do tell... or send me a pm.

Todd