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spfrank New user East Texas 29 Posts |
I'm sure nothing is original, but I thought of this sponge ball routine while riding home from work and I wanted your opinions and input. Here's the bare bones.
After producing 2 sponge balls I explain that they have names. "One is "To Be" (2B) and the other is "Not To Be" (N2B). "When I put 2B where he shouldn't be, (in left hand) and N2B in my right hand then almost immediately 2B jumps to where he should be with N2B." "It even works in the hand of a Would Be spectator." (repeat effect) Then adding a third palmed ball put 2B and N2B in the spectators hand. Picking up an 'invisible ball' from the table and placing it on the back of their closed fist I state that it can't be seen because he's a Wanna Be. When their hand is opened all three balls are seen. I then place Wanna Be in my pocket. I place 2B in my left hand, place N2B in my left hand with a retention vanish and then state that I am going to reach back into my fist and remove one of the balls. I then place both balls in my pocket and ask, "Which one is left in my hand?" "2B or N2B?" After a pause I say, "That is the question". and show my hands empty. I've been having fun with all the "Be" phrases. Whadaya think? |
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Bill Palmer Eternal Order Only Jonathan Townsend has more than 24312 Posts |
An ending for this has telegraphed itself to me. Get some 1 inch to 2 inch thick polyfoam sheet. Cut out a large question mark. Cut out several discs of foam about 1 1/2 to 2 inches in diameter.
To do the cutting, use an electric knife or a very sharp X-Acto® knife (and very little pressure.) Now, using your favorite Rit dye, or equivalent, dye the whole mess, rinse, and follow the instructions as written on the package. Do the routine as you have been conceiving it, up until the last bit. Then do a kind of hands to pocket thing. The last time, substitute the squeezed up question mark, which if you are really bold, you might be able to get into the spec's hand instead of yours. The you point to the hand with the "sponge ball" in it and say. "This brings up something actors have asked for years -- '2B or not 2B' " (pause). "That is the question." Reveal question mark simultaneously with the statement.
"The Swatter"
Founder of CODBAMMC My Chickasaw name is "Throws Money at Cups." www.cupsandballsmuseum.com |
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spfrank New user East Texas 29 Posts |
Thanks, Bill. I like it. Btw, I live in East Texas but I get down to Houston a couple times a year (isn't that where you live?) Is there a good magic store to visit there?
Scott |
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panlives Inner circle 2087 Posts |
Quote:
On 2010-10-27 12:52, Bill Palmer wrote: Brilliant. So brilliant!
"Is there any point to which you would wish to draw my attention?"
"To the curious incident of the dog in the night-time." "The dog did nothing in the night-time." "That was the curious incident," remarked Sherlock Holmes. |
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mediamonk Regular user Walla Walla 103 Posts |
Sometimes I think I need to hire a writer...love the story and Bill's ending is great.
"There are two ways of living life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is." -Albert Einstein
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magicians Inner circle Teacher and Legend 2898 Posts |
You could produce a small sponge skull and say
Alas poor yurok.
Illusionist, Illusionist consulting, product development, stage consultant, seasoned performer for over 35 years. Specializing in original effects. Highly opinionated, usually correct, and not afraid of jealous critics. I've been a puppet, a pirate, a pawn and a King. Free lance gynecologist.
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Bill Palmer Eternal Order Only Jonathan Townsend has more than 24312 Posts |
Or, perhaps, a sponge cube to dragon and say, "Alas, poor Yuris."
Quote:
On 2010-10-27 13:37, spfrank wrote: Frankel's is probably the best.
"The Swatter"
Founder of CODBAMMC My Chickasaw name is "Throws Money at Cups." www.cupsandballsmuseum.com |
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motown Inner circle Atlanta by way of Detroit 6127 Posts |
Bill,
Now I think you've gone to far.
"If you ever write anything about me after I'm gone, I will come back and haunt you."
– Karl Germain |
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Bill Palmer Eternal Order Only Jonathan Townsend has more than 24312 Posts |
Quote:
On 2010-10-27 14:15, panlives wrote: Thanks. This goes back to something that I have experienced on a couple of occasions, which I call, "The Incomplete Punch Line." There is a classic joke that illustrates the principle of timing. It goes like this: Comedy Instructor: "Ask me the secret of great comedy." Comedy Student: "What is the secret of" Comedy instructor: "TIMING!" So, I was waiting for the noon parade to start at the Texas Renaissance Festival, when one of the other participants came up to me and said, "Ask me the secret of great comedy." I replied, "I've heard this one." She said, "No, this is new." "Okay, what is the secret of great comedy?" She replied, "Location, location, location." And she waited for a laugh. I said, "Finish the punch line." "That's it." "No. You had to BE there." She said, "THAT'S IT!!!!!" So, don't quit until you have finished the punch line.
"The Swatter"
Founder of CODBAMMC My Chickasaw name is "Throws Money at Cups." www.cupsandballsmuseum.com |
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Lawrence O Inner circle French Riviera 6811 Posts |
To use your smart idea without telegraphing it, try using more the potential in audience participation, if only for misdirection: "This ball is call 2B and this one is not called 2B because it's not 2B! Any idea of what the question is?" Allow them to put themselves the words in their own minds, it's going to be more entertaining for them (they will feel smart) and will supply you extended moments of misdirection.
Magic is the art of emotionally sharing live impossible situations
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Bill Palmer Eternal Order Only Jonathan Townsend has more than 24312 Posts |
Exactly!!!
"The Swatter"
Founder of CODBAMMC My Chickasaw name is "Throws Money at Cups." www.cupsandballsmuseum.com |
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spfrank New user East Texas 29 Posts |
I enjoy all the great tips. Just last night I did a close-up booth at the community Fall Festival. The sponge bunnies and balls were a hit. It was non-stop and wore me out. I stood for a solid 3 1/2 hours doing about 6 effects over and over. You're tips are helping me to improve. Thanks, again.
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Bill Palmer Eternal Order Only Jonathan Townsend has more than 24312 Posts |
Nothing will improve your performance more than constant performing.
"The Swatter"
Founder of CODBAMMC My Chickasaw name is "Throws Money at Cups." www.cupsandballsmuseum.com |
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formfoam New user 75 Posts |
Quote:
On 2010-10-27 19:50, Bill Palmer wrote: Bill! I am still a live! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0eekI6xyMI 2B or N2B? That is the question! Yuris. |
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Bill Palmer Eternal Order Only Jonathan Townsend has more than 24312 Posts |
I knew that!
And I'm glad you are still alive. That is a great video! очень хорошо! гениально!
"The Swatter"
Founder of CODBAMMC My Chickasaw name is "Throws Money at Cups." www.cupsandballsmuseum.com |
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Magic Patrick Inner circle Minnesota 1591 Posts |
I have been using this 2b and not 2 b line for many years. I then also use the 'that is the question' at the end. I thought I was the first but I guess nothing is original in the magic community. LOL!
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Bill Palmer Eternal Order Only Jonathan Townsend has more than 24312 Posts |
Well, considering that Shakespeare used the line 400 years ago, it's not so much a matter of originality but of application!
"The Swatter"
Founder of CODBAMMC My Chickasaw name is "Throws Money at Cups." www.cupsandballsmuseum.com |
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Magic Patrick Inner circle Minnesota 1591 Posts |
LORL! You are right. Well spoken. I forgot about that guy.
Happy Holidays! Patrick |
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Ken Rabalais New user Houston, Texas 41 Posts |
What a great thread. Great ideas and thanks for the report on audience reaction. It is always nice to hear how things play out. Groaners are fun but real entertainers are exactly that. One effect that is an entertainer beats three groaners, my amatuer opinion.
This is an entertianer. Ken |
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Bill Palmer Eternal Order Only Jonathan Townsend has more than 24312 Posts |
I think you have spotted a really important distinction.
"The Swatter"
Founder of CODBAMMC My Chickasaw name is "Throws Money at Cups." www.cupsandballsmuseum.com |
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