|
|
Pakar Ilusi Inner circle 5777 Posts |
Coming from a Professional Magic background, I've always found that Hypnotism is a great art. Done correctly, it looks like real Magic, if there were such a thing...
Now here comes the "but"... Why bring up sooo many people onstage at once? Imho, from a purely presentational angle, three or less volunteers onstage at a time creates more focus on the effects of Hypnosis that the Hypnotist is trying to showcase... In simpler words, too many people onstage makes the show look too messy... If you can get two people to get stuck to their chairs, why do it with ten people? The point still gets across yah? I understand that you have to find the really good few who will respond well so in the beginning you need many onstage. But why keep sooo many at the end at one time is all I'm asking? Just my thoughts... Yours?
"Dreams aren't a matter of Chance but a matter of Choice." -DC-
|
Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
Hedging your bets. You have a better chance of finding those who are great in a larger sample.
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
Pakar Ilusi Inner circle 5777 Posts |
I completely understand that. In the beginning of the Show.
But why keep 10 to 15 of them onstage once you've gotten them. 5 of the best responding will do. Even less, from a presentational aspect... Imho...
"Dreams aren't a matter of Chance but a matter of Choice." -DC-
|
TonyB2009 Inner circle 5006 Posts |
I had never even considered that, Pakar. But now that I have, I will have to take it on board. Of course you are right. A panel of five brilliant volunteers, from which two or three can be chosen for each sketch, could make a brilliant show. After admitting that, I know I will have to try out the practical experiment. And if I fall flat on my face, I will be back to give out to you.
Check out Tony's new thriller Dead or Alive http://www.amazon.co.uk/Alive-Varrick-Bo......n+carson
http://www.PartyMagic.ie |
Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
Obviouasly Paul you have never seen my show.
I weed down to 8. Almost without fail. If they are responding fine keep them. But what I don't get is why people keep the NON RESPONDERS on stage. To me this takes away from the show as a whole. The eye is drawn to the "unusual" and what is "unusual" in that case are those NOT RESPONDING! What you end up doing is having the audience saying to their friends "look at that guy not doing anything I wonder why". Certainly this is not the respoinse anyone wants. Just my opinion.
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
Pakar Ilusi Inner circle 5777 Posts |
Thanks Tony for willing to give it a try...
Tell us how it goes yah!
"Dreams aren't a matter of Chance but a matter of Choice." -DC-
|
Mindpro Eternal Order 10586 Posts |
BOR!
|
jessewjoseph New user California 82 Posts |
I was considering only using a few people and doing a short show/'demonstration' in a parlor setting (because I can't find a large enough captive audience to weed down from 50).
My thinking would be to start the set piece (Ant broke my habit of saying 'pre-test') with everyone in the audience (like magnetic fingers), bring the most responsive up front with me, and hypnotize them during a magnetic hands or stiff arm. Not sure where to go from there, as the show would be 20-30 minutes I'm not sure what routines would play and build well... any thoughts? |
jessewjoseph New user California 82 Posts |
Sorry, a clarification to my previous post, I'd intend to only have about 3 people on stage with me, so I was (and this is congruent with the topic, happily) wondering what people's thoughts are on routines to do with only a few people.
|
mindpunisher Inner circle 6132 Posts |
If you have a big stage I think some hypnotists rather have most of the chairs filled to sort of dress the stage.
There are different kind of non responders. Sometimes a few who have come out of trance can add to the stage with their responses as to what is happening on stage. If they are totally amazed or laughing loudly by being closeup it can sometimes add to the events on stage. Although its best to get rid of non responders who do not respond at the start totally. |
suspectacts Elite user Boston 493 Posts |
Two issues I have found are:
'Waking' and dismissing volunteers isn't the most dramatic process; yet I am always careful to make sure that each person who leaves the stage is fully out of trance. This can slow the show. Of course you HAVE to dismiss people who just aren't finding trance, but if people are under but just not your choice to work with, It's far easier to leave them sleeping then take the time to get them off the stage and safely to their seats. Also, often the best audience reaction comes NOT from seeing 'someone' glued to their seat but their friend, spouse or co-worker. Why not give them that thrill. Third, to quote that minimalist poet MindPro - BOR! Finally, sometimes more people on stage means more creativity. I can't tell you how many times a person who I had originally judged as 'not that interesting' turns out to be a superstar once they get the right kind of suggestion. Some people really shine when you give them a verbal assignment, others are great mimics, etc. I want to give lots of opportunities for them to shine. Great topic, P.I.! peter |
Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
One valid point of view is if they are not taking away from the show, why NOT keep them?
It is as much their show as your show so give them the opportunity. I get rid of non responders and let things go from there. Sometimes it is a nice way to point out that people all react "within their own personality".
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
Nongard1 Special user 664 Posts |
Beacause the more people you have onstage, the more likely the people in the audience will have a freind/relative and personal connection to the particiapants, which makes the audience more respononsive and more likely to validate.
And of course, the more people onstage, the more after show DVD's... Those are two *really* good reasons....
Dr. Richard Nongard, Professional Hypnosis Training
Learn how to master the art of SpeedTrance, Clinical and Stage Hypnosis |
RSD Special user Toronto, Ontario 534 Posts |
I find having a small amount of chairs on stage sitting their ominously waiting for the show to start, attracts better volunteers. The supply and demand of knowing that "he's only accepting 8 volunteers" will normally get you great volunteers in a large house.
I hate when I see a stage full of 30 chairs or so. It looks messy, and its hard for the audience to focus on the stars of the show without being distracted by the seat fillers. |
mindpunisher Inner circle 6132 Posts |
My mentor many years ago said you should do your pre-talk then ask for volunteers to come up and take a seat. He wouldn't start until the seats were full. ( I would never have 30 most Ive ever had was 14 for a big venue).
He said that those that volunteer right at start there is a good chance you will have a few good subjects. Then do the handclasp with everyone. He would then throw a few back and take the best from the audience. I have used it many times and it seems a good way to do things in smallish venues. |
Pakar Ilusi Inner circle 5777 Posts |
Thanks for the replies, interesting thoughts to say the least.
"Dreams aren't a matter of Chance but a matter of Choice." -DC-
|
A.G. Special user Vancouver- Canada 960 Posts |
I just finished a conference gig with 1400 in the audience, I have 50 chairs on stage I have 2 assistants that are trained by myself.
I ended up with 40 left for the show. One aspect of group/mass hypnosis is the dynamic of seeing so many people under on stage performing as a group, its really something to see. In contrast, when you do single ONE person out, it is very effective, the rest become an audience member for a moment. After my shows, many people comment on the fact that I had so many people out, they brag about this to others, I don't mind, I think there are benefits to having a large number of people on stage, growing up my hero Reveen toured Canada and had 75+ people on stage every night, it looked religious ! There are dangers of having small amounts as well, if you lose a couple half way through.... people may say .. He could only hypnotize 5 people. Just thought I would comment as I think there is so many sides, not right or wrong, just perspectives and experience. Note* for corporate audiences I will only have 20-25 people on stage, theaters are a different story. Also the configuration is 2 rows with a break in the center of both ( 4 sections) alll the best Gerard
Well then...
|
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » You are getting sleepy...very sleepy... » » Why so many people onstage? (0 Likes) |
[ Top of Page ] |
All content & postings Copyright © 2001-2024 Steve Brooks. All Rights Reserved. This page was created in 0.03 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 < |