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Michel Fouche New user Dumb as 70 Posts |
There have been a number of successful comedy stage characters over the years that have been socially awkward. The comedy works well, and these have been well loved. My question is, how do you translate this to close-up. Generally people don't like to spend time with dorky geeks. These characters work well on stage where they can be viewed at a safe distance, but close up they can be a bit too much.
So, has anyone had any success doing close-up magic with this type of character? To see where I'm coming from have a look at my stage character's facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/HiuKanTu I have had success with him mainly because I do this type of character well, but I don't do suave well at all. Many people have said he suits me. Unfortunately he is a silent character which doesn't work so well doing close-up strolling magic. magically yours, Michel Fouche |
Michael Baker Eternal Order Near a river in the Midwest 11172 Posts |
Like the silent movie stars attempting to make the transition to "talkies", some could, some couldn't. Will your voice work for the character?
~michael baker
The Magic Company |
Alan Munro Inner circle Kentwood, Michigan, USA 5952 Posts |
Even if you don't talk, you can use nonverbal communication. This is especially good in places where you would have difficulty being heard or understood, like nightclubs or places where English isn't spoken. It would have to be immediately apparent that you're the entertainment, however - not sure if your character gives off that vibe or not.
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Dr_J_Ayala Inner circle In search of Vlad Dracul and his 2169 Posts |
I agree with both Michael and Alan.
BUT - on the other side of what Alan said (and in line with what Michael pointed out) - not all people are good at non-verbal communication either. If it is something you are good at, it can be hard to imagine how others can struggle with it, but it happens more often that you would think. A good example that I can think of is the video of Shankar Jr. performing his Indian cups and balls on The Magic Hour. Even though he speaks English, he tells the audience that he will perform the routine in an Indian language and although they may not follow the language, they would enjoy the rhythm in it. My point there is that even if you do not speak the same language as your audience members, and if you are not that great at non-verbal communication, you can still perform in another language and get your point across with the magic itself. |
Michel Fouche New user Dumb as 70 Posts |
I guess my point is not so much the silent part as it is the socially awkward character. This type of person can be uncomfortable to be around.. The magician as the life of the party relaxes people. The socially awkward character is funny at a distance but can be too confronting close up. So how do I overcome this?
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Michel Fouche New user Dumb as 70 Posts |
I guess my point is not so much the silent part as it is the socially awkward character. This type of person can be uncomfortable to be around.. The magician as the life of the party relaxes people. The socially awkward character is funny at a distance but can be too confronting close up. So how do I overcome this?
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MickNZ Special user Auckland, New Zealand 576 Posts |
Would you describe Tom Mullica's character as a geek? He did pretty well for himself.
Mind you he was also hysterically funny. |
slyhand Inner circle Good ole Virginia 1908 Posts |
If you are funny and people know it's only a character then it should play well.
So, yes, if they think you really are that dork/geek then they may feel a little weirded out.
I am getting so tired of slitting the throats of people who say that I am a violent psychopath.
Alec |
Alan Munro Inner circle Kentwood, Michigan, USA 5952 Posts |
Quote:
On 2012-03-18 06:06, Michel Fouche wrote: There are other ways to gain distance in a character, than physical proximity. You may be able to make the character just a little less awkward, so the audience will be able to laugh at the character, rather than pity him. |
Michael Baker Eternal Order Near a river in the Midwest 11172 Posts |
Quote:
On 2012-03-18 07:34, slyhand wrote: Excellent point. This is the difference between the stage character and close-up. It has a lot to do with that "wall" of the footlights that exists with any dramatic presentation. Even Mullica had that luxury. In a close-up situation, that wall can still exists, but it is extremely thin, because the performer is so very close to invading the personal space of the audience, which in such a case is each individual spectator being encountered. It begins on a personal level, but can quickly become collective. It would be necessary for them to be immediately comfortable with the character. Imagine sitting in a fun, relaxed-atmosphere seafood restaurant along some vacation beach on the Gulf Coast. If a person dressed as a pirate suddenly approached the table to see how you were doing, you would immediately buy into the character, because you would instantly dismiss this as non-threatening. The character is somewhat outside the framework of what we see as normal characters for the given environment. Weird, but given the context, probably tolerable. But, with a character that COULD be real, be it a dork, a bully, someone contagiously diseased, etc., the potential for this to be real immediately raises lots of red flags with many people, and hair starts to bristle. This obviously means the need for a very high level of charisma on the part of the performer. He must be immediately interesting, non-threatening, and endearing. The power status must remain with the audience, until they are given reason to relinquish it willingly. Having them come to the realization that this is a put-on is one way to do this, but being genuinely likable, even if weird, is another. Once you attain that level, then you are good to go.
~michael baker
The Magic Company |
Dr_J_Ayala Inner circle In search of Vlad Dracul and his 2169 Posts |
Well said Mr. Baker!
Magicians must realize that friendliness goes a long, long way, regardless of your character. There is already a stigmata of sorts, or maybe rather a challenge situation, between yourself and an audience when you say that you are a magician, or worse (and we have all seen many other magicians do this), when you just pull out a pack of cards and/or thrust it in their faces. When many people think of magicians, they think of scam artists, crooks, peddlers, etc. Thrusting magic in the faces of an audience is rightly called ambush magic, which does not suit me, my characters nor my style, but many magicians do that, and it really only serves to cast magic and magicians in a bad light. By being friendly, open, endearing, etc., we can erase that. All it takes is asking them for permission to share you magic with them, or if they like magic. I always ask if they like magic, and if so, I proceed. I say all of this because with or without a character (regardless of the type), the process is essentially the same. As Michael stated above, be friendly and non-threatening to your adience and all will be well. |
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