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Ony Carcamo Special user Manila, PHILIPPINES 608 Posts |
As one who travels a lot (about 50 plane trips a year), I was "forced" to develop a show that packs small and plays big. I use 2 puppets/figures and small magic items (egg bag, T&R newspaper, MDB, etc.). My goal is to just carry ONE suitcase for my typical 45-min kidshow.
For my typical adult gigs, I am more portable, since I normally just use one figure (at most 2) per show. (I am talking about my typical gigs here. In my special shows--those bigger stage shows--I may use a more elaborate set-up.) I know there are performers (especially magicians and illusionists) who prefer to fill the stage with props, but I am more comfortable with the minimalist approach. How about you? |
tacrowl Inner circle Maryland 1633 Posts |
My show fits in a porter case that is a carry on and costuming/clothes go into a checked bag.
My act (45 - 50 min.) consists of a talking tennis ball, the MDB, Dangerous and the two mask Human Puppet routine. I carry a small drawing board in the porter case, but always bring my large version in the suitcase because I like the visibility of it. Good topic. |
Joseph_Then Special user 747 Posts |
After a few years of performing, I have managed to stick to just one bag, carrying just the 3 soft puppets. However, for this Christmas season, I need to bring one carrying bag and one suitcase that I need to roll. The suitcase contains my Santa Claus hard puppet, which is essential.
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Wanlu Inner circle Manila, Philippines 3058 Posts |
It is my goal to one day have a regular act with just 1 or 2 puppets.
Today, in two gigs, we tried it and it worked out well. Just 1 soft puppet and 1 hard figure plus the 2 masks. When we toured the country for a product launch and a TV show promotion, a total of about 25 flights in 4 months, we managed to fit everything we need in one suitcase which included 2 soft puppets, 1 figure, 2 masks, a few handy magic tricks and the headworn mic. This is what I bring when I am allowed to bring an assistant with me particularly for the product launch. However, for the TV show promotion, I had to go on my own without an assistant, so I brought just 1 bag with 1 soft puppet and the 2 masks and my mic. Sometimes, I bring a suitcase with the hard figure's body, the masks, my clothes and my mic. The head I hand carry in a small bag with my laptop. However, since I now have a new act and it involves more puppets, I need to bring more stuff. Good thing they can all fit in two big suitcases. This is the act that we did on-board Star Cruises. A gig where we had to fly to a different country but we managed to fit all we need in 2 big suitcases with wheels.
"The Old Path"
www.angdatingdaan.org Wanlu's Affordable Puppets http://wanlu.net/ventpuppets.html Wanlu and his Puppets http://wanlu.net |
Wanlu Inner circle Manila, Philippines 3058 Posts |
I just realized, my local act is not that portable since I bring my own sound system with a monitor speaker
But without the sound system, everything can fit in two big suitcases.
"The Old Path"
www.angdatingdaan.org Wanlu's Affordable Puppets http://wanlu.net/ventpuppets.html Wanlu and his Puppets http://wanlu.net |
Wanlu Inner circle Manila, Philippines 3058 Posts |
While my goal is to someday have a regular act with just one or two puppets, portability is the least of my concerns at the moment.
I believe having your own reliable and quality sound system, a nice set, and of course an entertaining act can help make clients feel that your act is worth every cent of their hard earned money.
"The Old Path"
www.angdatingdaan.org Wanlu's Affordable Puppets http://wanlu.net/ventpuppets.html Wanlu and his Puppets http://wanlu.net |
TonyB2009 Inner circle 5006 Posts |
At the moment I am gigging in Lapland, Finland, and my act (three 45 minutes kids shows) had to be portable. All the magic goes in the hand-luggage, leaving room for a good book, toiletries, etc. Two soft puppets went in checked-in luggage.
Check out Tony's new thriller Dead or Alive http://www.amazon.co.uk/Alive-Varrick-Bo......n+carson
http://www.PartyMagic.ie |
Wanlu Inner circle Manila, Philippines 3058 Posts |
That's portable enough for me too
In my case, if I need to fly to a gig, 2 checked in suitcases and 1 hand carried bag are portable enough.
"The Old Path"
www.angdatingdaan.org Wanlu's Affordable Puppets http://wanlu.net/ventpuppets.html Wanlu and his Puppets http://wanlu.net |
Ony Carcamo Special user Manila, PHILIPPINES 608 Posts |
And this really depends on how you want to package yourself as an entertainer. You may want to be a one-figure standup comedy vent like Willie Tyler and Otto Petersen (of Otto and George fame)--in which case you need to just carry one figure in your gigs.
Or be a multi-figure vent like Dunham or Fator. |
ColinDymond Special user Gloucestershire, England 675 Posts |
My kid's show is huge, two fight cases full of puppets and magic. My main Dragon character is 3-4foot long! a sound system and a backdrop!
My aduly comedy spot fits in a small holdall as it's just my Axtell parrot with arm, a change bag for his trick and one mask. That gets me 10-15mins. I most work on getting the kids show smaller, I'm not getting any younger!
Colin Dymond
www.aceofdiamonds.co.uk |
Howie Diddot Inner circle San Francisco & Los Angeles California 3288 Posts |
I am not very portable, I arrive with a Jeff Jones backdrop, a PA system and my figure, a folding table and 4 tubs of magic props; most times I bring a kid that I pay to haul the stuff in and out to the truck for me and it works out this way.
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Kyle^Ravin Inner circle I slammed my head against 1070 Posts |
I have to say, my friend Joseph has the most amazing set up time before a show. Glad to have seen your 1min set up Jo!
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Joseph_Then Special user 747 Posts |
Quote:
On 2011-12-24 13:27, Kyle^Ravin wrote: Envy right? This is what magicians call "instant reset"! |
Wanlu Inner circle Manila, Philippines 3058 Posts |
Envy is so true!!!
"The Old Path"
www.angdatingdaan.org Wanlu's Affordable Puppets http://wanlu.net/ventpuppets.html Wanlu and his Puppets http://wanlu.net |
ljlvent New user iowa 95 Posts |
I have a folding rock n' roller cart that I use to hold my cases and my sound system and my Magic Backdrop so everything fits and even though I have a lot of "stuff" I can get everything in with one trip all by myself. Works great and it was the best $99 I spent. I got mine from Amazon although if you google Rock n' Roller cart you will find many places to buy them. They are very durable, fold up nicely and everything fits perfectly. People are always amazed that I can get everything in by myself.
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