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TheTableTopTrixta Special user 708 Posts |
I've been performing my Deans Box for a couple of years now, mainly for special guests to the restaurant and always at my private intimate bookings!
I've recently been thinking that it has all the elements needed to create a buzz and different performance peice on the street! Is anyone else using it out there? How's it been received? Ash |
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Ivan Nikolayevich Ponyryov New user 85 Posts |
I remember seeing a video of Tom Franks rehearsing Dean's Box. He has a blog somewhere.
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gaddy Inner circle Agent of Chaos 3526 Posts |
Of course someone who has "made this trick their own" could make this trick work on the streets, however, for my tastes the action of this trick takes place in far too small/dark an area, far too removed from the framing of my upper torso/head/smile that I like for the magic to take place.
On the other hand, the framing of the magic happening in a box held between 2 speckies holding rope in front of your crowd is a very nice " picture " and deserves more consideration! Also, that box might be too fragile/expensive to risk in an outdoor environment. Dean's Box is an awesome trick, but like anything, it needs to play in the right venue. Great thinking though. I'm always glad to see someone trying to push the envelope and try new things
*due to the editorial policies here, words on this site attributed to me cannot necessarily be held to be my own.*
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Ivan Nikolayevich Ponyryov New user 85 Posts |
I can see how it might be a good way to draw a crowd and anchor some volunteers in place. It would be quite a curious sight.
Gaddy has a point about the framing. I wonder if the audience might think, "There is a guy with a clever box." On the other hand. if you could work out a way to produce an iron inside there you might be on to something! ;-) Matt |
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TheTableTopTrixta Special user 708 Posts |
Thanks for your thoughts guys!
Matt too small for an iron, but love your thinking! lol My main thoughts are - 1 - The box is indeed a curious item and you can have this out on the table from the very start and draw attention to the 'box of wonder' 2 - The ropes can be handed out to the audience to exam and get them involved 3 - The framing as you say is great with 2 specs, especially kids!! 4 - The effect itself is strong and difficult to explain 5 - The box would make for a great 'HAT' they can come and examine and also drop in a few coins!!!! The main problem is that I'm not sure if it can have the required 'killer' finish that the C&B's can give you, although Dean has a lovely touch where you load and then produce a orange or something alike from the box! This could be the ideal finish! anyway, il give it a try and report back Best Ash |
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TheAmbitiousCard Eternal Order Northern California 13425 Posts |
I am picturing playing it like a flea circus in a "Step right up..." kinda way.
The box would certainly add some mystery and make people want to know "what's in that damm box, anyhow". We've been making padded suede bags to keep the box safe. I believe Tom Frank has one. We are also now making much cheaper padded nylon cases to keep them safe as well. If you're interested, PM me a shoot.
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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ROBERT BLAKE Inner circle 1472 Posts |
The effect is great but not for the street IMHO. why? my question is CAN YOU DO THIS EFFECT WITH OUT SPEAKING? you have to explain what is going to happen. people don't have the time to stop - look - understand and be amazed. if you want to make it work you have to involve the people use hype. give them the ropes even pass the box. I would definitly use a different box. it is to expansive. I like this from THE MAGICNOOK:
http://www.magicnook.com/wizTEN/wj1006.htm you can use the box to store and bring you stuff. |
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61magic Special user Sacramento California 775 Posts |
Okay I've been using Dean's Box in my street act for several years, it totally kills.
The ropes are a great way to catch people by handing them out, same goes for the ring. The box is amazing because they can look all they want and find nothing. I'm not sure what Robert Blake is getting at there... Most street magic acts use patter to build the crowd and keep them so patter for Dean's Box is not a problem at all. The only draw back is the box is nice woodwork and subject to damage, as long as that doesn't bother you try it. The effect is not seen very often so it is unusual to street audiences, much more unique than the good old Cups and Balls.
Professor J. P. Fawkes
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TheTableTopTrixta Special user 708 Posts |
61 - I totally agree with you mate!
Can I ask, do you close with it? or use it to build? I'm a big believer in closing with an effect that isn't a copy C&B's routine as everyone who has seen a busking magician has seen and is expecting the C&B's. I fear that soon there is going to be a case when people will just give away the ending or catch you loading! Ash |
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RiffRaff Special user 671 Posts |
Robert makes two important points:
1) The item is very expensive. In my experience, I have dropped every single prop that I own. I have had props soaked by rain. I have had spectators accidentally drop beer and ice cream on my stuff. I have had kids trip over my stuff. 2) If anything needs to be explained it won't work on the street. If you need to explain what a prop is, it won't work. If you need to explain the procedure you're taking, it won't work. If you need to explain your motivation, it won't work. Everything must be self-evident. BTW, didn't Paul Curry publish a version that doesn't require a box? |
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TheTableTopTrixta Special user 708 Posts |
I guess what works for one doesn't always work for another!
Like 61 says he has tried it and it does work! I'm going to give it a go for sure! |
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TheAmbitiousCard Eternal Order Northern California 13425 Posts |
I don't think everything has to be self-evident once you've gotten your edge and they trust they are seeing a good show.
When I think of a closer for a street act I think of a sudden impact (final load) kind of kicker. Can you do something along the lines of producing a grapefruit out of the box for that final KICK?
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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TheTableTopTrixta Special user 708 Posts |
Agree Frank!
I know Dean does a lovely force of a fruit and then produces it as a kicker! The force could happen at the start of the show and then re call it at the end! Nice kick! |
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gaddy Inner circle Agent of Chaos 3526 Posts |
The "milk crate sefilaja" definitely has me thinking!
Quote: On 2011-01-06 01:49, ROBERT BLAKE wrote:
*due to the editorial policies here, words on this site attributed to me cannot necessarily be held to be my own.*
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Ivan Nikolayevich Ponyryov New user 85 Posts |
Milk Crate- Stand on with a megaphone.
" Watch this I am the only magician who has a magical milk float. Sounds like a joke. I wish it was, but I have to feed my wives and 12 kids so come and see this." |
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DanielMooncalf Regular user Kansas City 113 Posts |
All I am seeing is a $300 dollar trick that will get knocked off your table and break on the ground.
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RiffRaff Special user 671 Posts |
Quote:
On 2011-02-05 06:50, DanielMooncalf wrote: Daniel, what you don't seem to understand is that that box totally KILLS! |
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Harry Murphy Inner circle Maryland 5444 Posts |
For the street? Sure why not.
This is a linking rope routine using a box. It has a phase that is a truly impossible looking ring on rope. The basic routine is right out of Harry Lorayne’s 1977 book “The Magic Book”. It was written for the general public. The basic routine can be used (as was published and as I perform it) without a box. The routine that Robert Blake mentions above is a longer and more varied version of James Stewart’s “Safrala” (sp?). It is a nice haunted box routine that includes the linking rope bits. It costs next to nothing to put together (maybe $10.00 at the most). Frankly, any box can be used. I’ve actually used a modified cigar box (yes I have an original Dean’s box). It cost me next to nothing to make and it also made more sense to my character. The big plus was I didn’t worry about it being dropped, stolen, or abused by the weather. The routine can be performed without saying anything. It screams for an ending since the phases just sit there and go nowhere (ropes links, unlink, and a ring comes off a rope). As Frank mentioned the ending of the show should have a “wow” or “pow” factor to encourage tips. I believe that Scott Alexander produces a glass full of a fluid as a finish to his routine. Since it is a box you can load just about anything that will fit inside as a final load (not without difficulty).
The artist formally known as Mumblepeas!
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Mr. Mystoffelees Inner circle I haven't changed anyone's opinion in 3623 Posts |
Sefalalgia, from the medical term cephalalgia, for "headache"...
Jim
Also known, when doing rope magic, as "Cordini"
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jolyonjenkins Inner circle United Kingdom 1181 Posts |
Nearly. Sefalaljia
Jolyon Jenkins
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