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Slimfrinky Regular user Nicholson, MS 153 Posts |
Hi there, I wanted some peoples opinions.
During my time in magic I have noticed a trend of amazingly bad performers. I don't mean bad in a technical sense, many of their card moves would be beyond par, but rather how they performed seemed condescending to the audience. There would be jokes that would be insulting to the spectators, sucker tricks where at the end the spectators are left feeling like they have been made into fools, and so forth. It almost seemed as if when these people would perform they immediately became unlikable. After some years away from magic I am getting into it again, and thinking back on my past performances I would say that I was one of those unlikable performers. Currently I am working on a routine to show people, but I would like some advice on how to make my performances better, not from a technical standpoint, I know my slight of hand for what I do is great, but rather, from a performance standpoint. Ultimately I'm left asking myself what my goal is in performing, and I have narrowed it down to two things. I want to instill in people a sense of wonder, and also I simply want to make sure the people are entertained. So how do I go about doing this? Currently I have a list of about five tricks I do in order, which I feel lead sequentially from less amazing to most amazing. On top of this I am working on formulating an actual script which links all of the effects together, which focuses on a fortune telling aspect. I think that by having the level of impossibility ramp up, combined with an actual script for my effects I am halfway to creating an entertaining presentation, but I am wondering if there is anything else I should focus on. Currently there is one thing I don't like about my routine, I don't think there is enough audience interaction, which might make it seem like I am just doing stuff with cards for no reason. Another thing I am concerned with is keeping the script fluid enough that I can interact with the people who I am performing for. Long story short, does anyone have any advice on putting together a solid routine and how to be truly entertaining and not just some jerk with a deck of cards? Thoughts?
The eye of Katrina went right over my house. I now have a distinct distrust of nature.
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Lance Pierce Special user 878 Posts |
The question you ask and the approach you're taking don't perfectly weave together. You want to know how to better relate to people, and you're trying to select effects that will do that for you. Some tricks are better than others, of course, but for the most part, the audience doesn't like or dislike a performer based on the tricks he does. At the root of it, you're inquiring into the field of human relations, so some resources dealing with human relations are appropriate, like books by Dale Carnegie and so forth.
Just a thought. |
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SilvaAce Regular user Fargo, ND 156 Posts |
The only advice I can offer is that today I perform magic for the pleasure of the people watching my magic. When I was younger it was a little more about me, "Hey, look I have special powers", that sort of thing. Alright, I wasn't that bad.
Anyway, today my goal is to leave the person/people with a sense of wonderment but also give them a feel for what our art is all about. Now people go and tell their friends that they now someone who is a magician, not just someone that does tricks. Watch Bill Malone, Rene Lavand and Juan Tamariz!
All you have to do to change your life, is to change your daily habits!
Carlos Silva |
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Rói Heinason Regular user 101 Posts |
Well there really are multiple ways of being entertaining.
One of the most popular ways is by adding comedy. This in my opinion is one of the best way, Bill Malone is a great example of this as is David Williamson. The amount of comedy vs magic depends on the performer, you can do it the David Williamson way where you have quite a bit of comedy and some great magic. Or maybe the way Derren Brown uses it with his stage shows where he lightens the mood by throwing a joke in or two. We also have the performers who focus entirely on astonishment. Where everything is focus on that one moment of wonder. This I feel is better where you maybe are doing a show and people pay to see your magic. I feel that this wont get the proper "respect" in a walkaround situation. Though of course there are some performers that are able to do this quite successfully. Story telling is also a way to make sure that your patter though telling a story(duh.) still creates interest in the audience. Eugene Burger is in my opinion the best at this and I recommend looking at some of his performances. Recommended reading I can recommend: Maximum Entertainment Strong Magic Designing Miracles These are the ones I have had the most pleasure reading and learning from though I am sure someone else will tip in some more. |
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walid ahumada Special user sinaloa, mexico 892 Posts |
How can you become a better performer? A short answer is "performing."
“Magic becomes art when it has nothing to hide.” BEN OKRI quote
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ropeadope Elite user Mississippi 453 Posts |
Pay close attention to your audience and their reactions. Listen close to their comments to you and maybe even easedrop on their conversations among themselves. They usually can give you much information on your routines,some you don`t want to here, but if you are thickskined it could be very good constructive criticism. The more you perform the more you will hear what THEY like and don`t like. So therefore you can tweak your routines accordingly.
John
Nothing is better than more.
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TopChange Regular user Connecticut 166 Posts |
Bill Malone, enough said..
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Mnemonimage New user 64 Posts |
For some wonderful advice, try the master, Juan Tamariz. He has written several books that shed light on performance, specifically "The Magic Way" and "5 Points in Magic". His video series "Lessons in Magic" is excellent, and really gives you insight into his thinking about performance. Tamariz is someone who wants to create miracles, not just do tricks. He truly LOVES his spectators, as close friends, members of his family, that kind of thing. Just watching him brings a smile to my face, and I believe it is that joy that translates into good performances. Check out anything you can by Tamariz. You won't regret it.
-Mnemonimage |
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Slimfrinky Regular user Nicholson, MS 153 Posts |
Thanks for the advice people. I think I will look into some stuff by Tamariz and Burger. While I like Malone he simply isn't my 'style'. Just not heavy into comedy, although I do love watching him perform.
The eye of Katrina went right over my house. I now have a distinct distrust of nature.
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studentoflife Veteran user Paris, France 310 Posts |
Five points in magic, by Juan Tamariz...
Read that book, absorb every part of it, and try to consider each chapter on every effect you do
- Y
<BR>"Nothing is difficult...it's all about what you want, and how bad you want it." |
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Turk Inner circle Portland, OR 3546 Posts |
IMHO, the very first rule should be to get the audience to like you as a person. If they don't like you, it doesn't matter what you do or how technically brilliantly you perform.
Next, you have to perform magic that is entertaining and has good presentation. Doesn't have to be knuckle-busters but it does have to be entertaining. Many of the prior posters have suggested many excellent books. I have read a number of them--but not all of them. I cut my teeth on two Eugene Burger manuscripts: Secrets and Mysteries for the Close-up Entertainer, and, Intimate Power Both of these manuscripts and many of Burger's other short manuscripts have been compiled in a book called Mastering the Art of Magic. This book quickly went OOP but fortunately it has been re-released in a 2nd edition. I also have drawn many insights from watching videos of the master performances. Magicians such as Bill Malone, Tommy Wonder, David Williamson, Johnny Thompson, John Mendoza...the list goes on and on. These magicians all have different styles but what they have in common is that all these wonderful magicians are both likable and they are entertaining. In sum, read as many of the aofresaid magic books that have been recommended in this thread. And, watch as many videos of the top notch magicians as you can. And all the while you are doing all of this, keep asking yourself questions as to why a magician did a certain thing, how he got the audience to like him and to be on his side and last, but not least, what does it mean to be entertaining and how does a person achieve that? Of course, you have to be technically proficient but there is much more to it than that. You should have a presentation down that you have honed and refined and whcih is personal to you. Be original and be yourself. Don't be a copy-cat (it never works and the audience can see through it in a New York Minute). I love Mick Ayres "five word" mnemonic on the study of conjuring, to-wit: "The 5 Obligations of Conjuring: STUDY. PRACTICE. SCRIPT. REHEARSE. PERFORM." Mick is a member of the Café and is very helpful to those who are sincere and who ask. Hope this helps. Just, IMHO, your mileage may vary.
Magic is a vanishing Art.
This must not be Kansas anymore, Toto. Eschew obfuscation. |
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Scott F. Guinn Inner circle "Great Scott!" aka "Palms of Putty" & "Poof Daddy G" 6586 Posts |
Lance Pierce knows whereof he speaks.
The tricks are the least important part of the act. Given, there are good tricks and bad tricks. But the same two performers can do the same five tricks with the same level of skill, and one can be great and another awful. One can relate well to the audience and instill a sense of wonder and the other can make them hate magic for life. Much more primary to becoming a better performer, IMHO, is understanding that, as Goshman said, YOU are the magic and the props only come along for the ride, and that the show should be about the audience--geared toward their entertainment and positive experience. I could stop doing every trick in my repertoire and replace them with completely different tricks. After I learned them well enough to perform publicly, I would still get repeat and referral bookings. Because my show is all about the audience having a good time and making the person who booked me happy. It's not about what tricks I do.
"Love God, laugh more, spend more time with the ones you love, play with children, do good to those in need, and eat more ice cream. There is more to life than magic tricks." - Scott F. Guinn
My Lybrary Page |
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Troels Loyal user Denmark 205 Posts |
Don't forget Strong Magic by Darwin Ortiz!
A few years ago I felt exactly like you. I almost stopped doing magic beceause I felt uncomfortable with my own style and presentations. The first book that opened my eyes was the little (and old book) Magic And Showmanship by Henning Nelms. That was the beginning of my new passion for magic. Of course I still read books with just tricks and sleights with great interest. But the books I really study are about style and presentation: Darwin Ortiz, Tommy Wonder, Eugene Burger, Robert E. Neale. Tamariz will be the next. Today I only choose those tricks that create stories in my own mind and inspire me to create interesting presentations. I spend much time writing and changing scripts. Have fun Trolle |
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Roger Kelly Inner circle Kent, England 3332 Posts |
A good point you raise, and the very reason many people squirm when they hear the word 'magicican' - (esp one who reveals a deck of cards!)
I try hard to distance myself from the very image you speak of and sometimes go to lengths, if anyone is prepared to listen, to explain that the magic fraternity is not full of the bumbling geeks who insult their spectators' intelligence with cheap unfunny, and often ridiculing, jokes whilst flicking cards from hand to hand or in their face! I'm also very much of the Bannon school of thought now, where I generally only perform to people who "ask twice" (Dear Mr Fantasy) thereby assuring there is a genuine interest in the first place. It's also true that you should weigh up your audience prior to your performance and adjust your style/presentation accordingly. The books I found to be most helpful to achieve my level of performance - in no particular order are: Absolute Magic - Derren Brown Scripting Magic - Pete McCabe Maximum Entertainment - Ken Webber It might also help to video record your rehearsals. You'll be amazed at how many times you make yourself wince! When you do - drop the offending article! You'll probably discpover an astonishing amount of times you repeat particular phrases. So much so that your listeners will soon find them annoying and switch off. For example; "What I'm going to do now is..." When you've found a patter that is acceptable for public consumption, SCRIPT it and learn it like the words of your favourite song! A general rule of thumb would be to ask yourself whilst rehearsing, "Would I be entertained by this?..." A more experienced (performing) magic mentor might be a good idea, along with an appreciative but constructive critic too. Local magic clubs can often be a help. The downside is, they can sometimes be overun by the very people you are trying to avoid! |
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ProgrammingAce New user 27 Posts |
When I perform, I'm careful in how I describe a trick. I'll say things like "Let's try an experiment together" or "I want to try this, and I hope you'll help me". If I need a spec to show me their card, I'll say "Don't worry, it's all right. We're doing this experiment together". Things like that go a long way to keeping the audience on your side.
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Adam1975 Special user UK 900 Posts |
I 2nd Roger Kelly`s idea,watch yourself on video.Theres no escape and you will see habits you didn't even realise you wish you didn't have! (if that makes sense!)They can be both verbal and/or physical....ie I found I was always squaring an already squared deck,its quite annoying to me watching it back and there was a couple of other things also I noticed,which I never realised without the unforgiving,unblinking video camera right in front of me! Do it,its good advice.
Ive upped my standards.Now,up yours!
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ScHeRzO New user Ecuador 63 Posts |
What about creating a character? That is a huge resource. For example Scherzo is the magical character, in other words my alter ego. I am studying the real meaning of magic, and that is acting. Try to build a character that is strong.
Scherzo Posted: Oct 15, 2009 10:45pm ------------------------------- "Adequate rehearsal is what makes things look unrehearsed". Darwin Ortiz. Scherzo |
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JoeHohman Special user Erie 706 Posts |
There are a lot of good suggestions and points here -- as always, I agree with virtually everything Scott Guinn says, and I think Lance and Programming Ace have some good suggestions.
Keep in mind... magicians are down there with mimes on the evolutionary scale. You are fighting an uphill fight, and as Roger points out, some people will recoil when they see you approach them with a deck of cards. For this very reason, I almost never open with cards on the occasions that I perform. I am going to diverge from Scott on one topic. I would not recommend (at least initially) that you learn a whole new set of "spectator friendlier" effects. Yeah, it is true that some effects are better than others.... But I would suggest that you just practice the daylights out of the tricks you already know, and get those performances down to where you could do them if somebody woke you up at 3 in the morning and asked you to perform. The reason I suggest this is because when you get to a point where you don't have to think about what you are doing, you can devote more of your brainpower to your personality -- being friendly, learning (not just asking) your spectator's name, listening to their story about the time they were a kid and a magician pulled a turnip out of their ear, etc. Just listening is one of the best things you can do! Another reason I suggest this is because while it is natural to want to learn new tricks all the time, the simple facts are that most of us are hobbyists -- that's what you do in a hobby, you invest more time or money into it, constantly. What I'm saying is, invest your time into really murdering about a dozen tricks instead of trying to learn fifty. In a few years, those other 38 tricks will still be there waiting for you. I appreciate what you are trying to do. I don't know what it is about magic, but it does seem to attract some people who are just so wholly unsuited to performing... And we have to remember, at all times, that this is a performing art. Wow, am I opinionated or what? Good luck, Slimfrinky! |
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TheAmbitiousCard Eternal Order Northern California 13425 Posts |
Stop reading magic books.
Start reading a classic (book). Go to a museum. See a play. Travel to a different country. Be interesting. Be yourself. Don't be afraid to break a fundamental rule of magic but do it for a reason that you believe in.
www.theambitiouscard.com Hand Crafted Magic
Trophy Husband, Father of the Year Candidate, Chippendale's Dancer applicant, Unofficial World Record Holder. |
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John Pilotzi Veteran user 321 Posts |
I guess it's a good idea to perform as much as you can and learn by both your mistakes and good times. I love card magic and card magic PERFORMERS. J. C Wagner, Harry Lorayne, Jerry Sadowitz, Bill Malone and Paul Gordon. In fact, I just got Mr. Gordon's non-trick book, The Real Secrets of Card Magic. Awesome advice and stuff! Pi**ed my pants with the stories.
JP |
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