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mleskanic Regular user 152 Posts |
I was reading Magic and Showmanship (A handbook for conjurers) written by Henning Nelms and he mentions a lot about one's character onstage. I have been trying to develop a character of my own, with little sucess (I'm 15). The easiest thing for me is to be myself, but how do I make myself into a character or develop a character?
Any help would be greatly appreciated, Thanks, Matt
Matt Leskanic
www.cardsharkentertainment.net |
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Magic_Steve Inner circle Maryland 1476 Posts |
For one, it depends on your personality. I am a fun guy, and thus it rubs off on my performances. They're more upbeat and high-tempo. If you're a more easy going guy, and not as energetic, it will show though.
Have your friends describe your personality in 1 word, and see what the most common thought is. That will be the best route to go to help with character development. Best. Steve |
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Ken Northridge Inner circle Atlantic City, NJ 2392 Posts |
Actually, I think you're on to something. What makes you laugh? What amazes you? What entertains you? What do you like to see? Sometimes people over analyze this. If you like and respect what you are doing the audience will pick up on it.
This is a great starting point, just listen to your audience and let them refine your character. PS You've asked a very good question, but it is so broad I'm not sure it belongs in 'the clothes we wear.'
"Love is the real magic." -Doug Henning
www.KenNorthridge.com |
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Big Daddy Cool Inner circle 1604 Posts |
Do a search for the thread Character Development 101.
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Natanel Special user 739 Posts |
I think (and hope) he's talking from a clothing perspective. Remember "less is more" often holds true.
Clothing can be a good starting point. Look through the 2009 runway shows on mens.style.com for some inspiration. Are you drawn to bright colors and busy patterns? dark tones and monochromatic pieces? How would someone who dresses like that perform magic. Personally I really like designers that tend to draw on a darker, rock'n'roll aesthetics but in a subtle and dressy way. Rick Owens does this really well. His pieces are dark, slim but often flowing and drapey and usually worn-in and distressed. Beatup leather jacket, wrinkled cotton tee shirt and pants, with a big pair of hightops - all black or dark gray. Rock-n-roll with just a hint of camp. I like to think this fits my magic style, which skews towards the serious and dramatic but is punctuated by self-deprecating humor. In my restaurant set I do some coin manipulations, followed by a series of psychological (and pseudo psychological card routines) and then generally conclude with ashes on palm or a PK touch. I could certainly see myself wearing all Rick Owens clothing while I do this (and budget permitting I would)
People who work for Theory 11: Do you want a young guy without a stupid gelled haircut or eurotrash jeans for your videos? PM me.
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mleskanic Regular user 152 Posts |
Thanks so much, I definitely try these.
I wasn't sure where to put this thread btw. Matt
Matt Leskanic
www.cardsharkentertainment.net |
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thegreatnippulini Inner circle of Hell because I've made 2582 Posts |
How do you develop character?
Through adversity.... heh heh, sorry I just had to.
The Great Nippulini: body piercer, Guinness World Record holder, blacksmith and man with The World's Strongest Nipples! Does the WORLD care? We shall see...
http://www.greatnippulini.com |
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David Bilan Special user Clarksville, TN 714 Posts |
And the character you are today is not necessarily the character you will be in the future.
From the 1950's to the early 70's Tom Palmer was a comedy magician. He then swichted to bizzare magic and has performed under the names/characters of Tony Andruzzi, Masklyn ye Mage, and Daemon Ecks. Whit Haydn has performed as a contemporary scoundrel (See his seb site School for Scoundrels), and has transitioned to a 19th Century Purveyor of Pop's Miracle Oil. Big Daddy Cool can slip in and out of his character like a pair of comfortable shoes becuase he has broken in his character... But his character isn't that far removed from who he is (extrovert, high energy, but tight control). He adds the accent, drops in the lingo and uses mannerisms and costume to help complete the picture. Good scripting, stong magic and years of prctice... He makes it look easy. Steve makes a great point: Start with who you are. Later, you can stretch your acting. When I was performing at fifteen, I was a smart-alec kid. That was my character on stage as well... The difference was making the character bigger than life. My character was was brash, showed too much confidence and my sucker effects had me as the sucker. When the trick worked out right, I was always slightly surprised myself. 35 years later, I'm still surprised. Being the best character means being all you can be. Look at Nippulini.... here's a guy who knows his strengths and works with them. Best of luck.
Yes, I am a magician. No I did not make my hare (hair) disappear... it just took early retirement.
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Big Daddy Cool Inner circle 1604 Posts |
Quote:
On 2009-02-20 13:52, David Bilan wrote: David, Here's how powerful that comfortable pair of shoes can be... Last Friday I tweaked by back again. Couldn't even walk over the weekend. Couldn't stand up straight on Mon. Mon night we had rehearsal for the new show. Guess what? BDC didn't tweak his back, and had no problems standing, walking or moving with power and energy. Even I was amazed... |
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Alan Munro Inner circle Kentwood, Michigan, USA 5952 Posts |
One of the hardest things to do, especially when you're young, is to be yourself. A big part of the problem is not knowing who you really are. Many think they know who they are, but they're usually mistaken. It's a hard thing to figure out, because it may require stripping away your upbringing and see who you are at the core.
On the other hand, creating a character may be easier, and in the process you may figure out who you are. Start with the physical traits, how you move and talk - all the things that an audience can observe about you. Then, work from there. |
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Al Angello Eternal Order Collegeville, Pa. USA 11045 Posts |
To develop character you must be sincere, and if you can't be sincere you must learn to fake it.
Al Angello The Comic Juggler/Magician
http://www.juggleral.com http://home.comcast.net/~juggleral/ "Footprints on your ceiling are almost gone" |
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Big Daddy Cool Inner circle 1604 Posts |
Well, since we are talking about it here, I might as well mention that my book Theatrical Magic includes a chapter on character development called the 12 Step Program. I think it is the most important chapter in the book. I also included a personality inventory worksheet/exercise and an example of in depth character study.
AND it is back in stock at http://www.theatricalmagic.net. |
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puppeterry Regular user Sanger, CA 114 Posts |
Matt, don't be afraid to let your character change and evolve. As a librarian, I've seen some magicians year after year for our Summer Reading Program. I remember one young man who started out performing in a bright outfit, very brash, and yet he did some very gentle manipulation routines. Over the years, he stopped trying to be grown-up, with the result that he really grew up!. He ditched the coat, softened his performing character, and became a better magician.
TV Mc Arthur The Librician
TV Mc Arthur
The Librician Fresno (CA) County Public Library "They don't get better.....just faster." |
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Big Daddy Cool Inner circle 1604 Posts |
And of course since clothes make the man I do spend time in the 12 Steps discussing costuming, which is step that happens before you select any magic to do. That's how important the costuming is. It comes before the magic!
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thegreatnippulini Inner circle of Hell because I've made 2582 Posts |
Quote:
On 2009-02-25 12:22, Alan Munro wrote: I agree, when I was 15 I had no idea what I wanted in life and who I really was as a human being. I used to have horrible sleepless nights as a young child because I couldn't come to terms about WHAT I was, let alone who I was (humanity can be a scary thing). I think you need to take on a quest of any type, it will help you build who you are as a human being. Set goals, accomplish them, let the goals cause your failure, for only through failure can you learn and succeed in life. Know your fears, conquer them, those that cannot be conquered, accept them into your life and know them, keep them at arms length. ALWAYS learn from the world. Never think you know everything... that is impossible.
The Great Nippulini: body piercer, Guinness World Record holder, blacksmith and man with The World's Strongest Nipples! Does the WORLD care? We shall see...
http://www.greatnippulini.com |
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Big Daddy Cool Inner circle 1604 Posts |
Again, this is part of the personality inventory as a part of the 12 Step Program in Theatrical Magic.
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David Bilan Special user Clarksville, TN 714 Posts |
John,
How's the back feeling when you are out of character?
Yes, I am a magician. No I did not make my hare (hair) disappear... it just took early retirement.
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Big Daddy Cool Inner circle 1604 Posts |
Like I'm gonna die.
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Jethro Magic Regular user 148 Posts |
Best way to develop a character is being yourself on stage.this way,no one can say that your copying someone else's style,jokes,the way they dress up.etc...
just my opinion. |
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Big Daddy Cool Inner circle 1604 Posts |
Problem is most people don't have a clue who they are. That is why you must still go through the 12 Step Program in Theatrical magic (or something like it).
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