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imgic Inner circle Moved back to Midwest to see 1336 Posts |
Recent post was near this topic, but I'd like to hear more from others
How do you engage your audiences on a large scale. I've seen musicians getting groups singing along. Jugglers are great at getting crowd to count, cheer, etc. What do you do (or have seen) to get the whole audience going? Not talking about getting volunteers...but things that get whole crowd involved.
"Imagination is more important than knowledge."
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DoctorCognos Elite user 413 Posts |
There are two issues here, masquerading as one.
The first one is involving/engaging the current audience, in the magic. In this one, make sure that you "touch" each person either physically, visually(eye contact) or vocally (addressing them individually or as a narrow enough group to relate) Also included here is the contact of team play. Getting everyone to participate in a common activity. Side Note (random thought): don't hide behind your table expecting them to feel loved, just because you are there. When I start out, after drawing a few folks, I start paper clipped by Sankey. The "Prediction card" is produced, and it's significance is played up. I place it on the middle of the table, and tell them, that it is critical, the fate of the earth may even depend on it, that this card be protected from anyone/everyone. Therefore to secure the fate of the world, if anyone comes near it, they must yell at the top of their lungs, or if necessary, they can use the middle of bottom of their lungs too. Then I "test them" by reaching for it, and if they don't react, I act horrified and explain again how important that nobody,, not even me, especially me, touches that card until the final revelation. Then I ramble on about something else, and act as if I am slyly trying to take the card, and they explode yelling, screaming etc. I go through the rest of the routine, occasionally reaching for the card in the middle of the table, drawing more noisy responses while by now almost everyone is involved. The second is using the current audience to draw more. For me, the above routine etc, also acts as a draw because others passing by, hear the noise and curiously join the pitch. But throughout it all, whether trying to build the pitch or involve them, it is all about "touching them", one way or another. The Doctor
The Doctor Knows.....
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imgic Inner circle Moved back to Midwest to see 1336 Posts |
Great answer Doctor
"Imagination is more important than knowledge."
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Dick Oslund Inner circle 8357 Posts |
Darn good medical (oops) magical advice, Doctor!
I'm sure that you noticed how Doc sets up a simple premise, gets "them" involved--and then by building on the premise, he gets his immediate tip to help build the tip!!! Interaction,involvement,participation. The ancient gag of having the audience ("when I say, GO") "Turn around and shake hands with the person behind you!" (Yes, it's old stuff to us--but most of the "marks" don't know about it.) If you do a "just stand there and watch me do this clever stuff" act. You AINT INVOLVING THEM!!! --and with a "dynamic" situation, the "marks" can vote with their feet! Don't talk TO or AT them! Talk WITH them. Tear down the "fourth wall of the theatre". ESPECIALLY, I THINK, THIS IS IMPORTANT IF YOU ARE BUSKING, but it's important no matter where you are performing. You need to be holding a "CONVERSATION" with the audience. Get them vocally responding, nodding their heads, applauding,laughing, holding a prop, ETC. Build the tip--Nail the tip--turn the tip--INVOLVEMENT is the "KEY"!!!!!!!!!!!
SNEAKY, UNDERHANDED, DEVIOUS,& SURREPTITIOUS ITINERANT MOUNTEBANK
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DoctorCognos Elite user 413 Posts |
Thanks for the kind comments...
One of lines that gets me the best response, both vocal and in the hat, is telling them repeatedly how good the magic is worth paying for, and if they like the magic, they need to applaud with their wallets. And to build credibility, you need to convince them that this magic is worthy of an even greater stage. When I first approached Kozmos pitch in front of the cigar store, after working Jefferson Park in New Orleans, everyone was talking about how this guy was so good, he was on Letterman, next week, or last week, oz next month, nobody was sure, but they knew it was true, and that he was that good. Because he told them so. And then he made them laugh, and amaxed them. Maybe you missed him on Letterman... But don;t feel bad. So did the rest of the world. But nobody, who saw him that day, or any day he performs, doubts it for a moment. He owned then all, all day. I lost money that day by not performing more, but that day, it was a awesome investment to just stand there and watch him work. I counted Cellini as a friend, but we met more than once and I guess that he was probably more of my idol. And I love Gazzo, and the pouch he made me, and the Masters class where he insulted me continuously, and improved me immeasurably with cups and balls. And Kozmo is someone to watch and listen. Others are out there too. Danny Hustle, Frank Starsini, and so many more, I am too drunk to talk about tonight. Listen and learn, then get out there, and try it on for yourself. I met with a group of other magicians last week, where some were extolling the joy of the stage. Because people applaud just because you are there. I had to think about it. But the opposite is exactly why I love the street. To me the money is one reason why I do it. But the real challenge, is that you are out to prove you can do it. And just like fishing, you have to know where are, and know how to catch them, know how to skin them, and know how to cook them. Then it is matter of sitting back and enjoying the meal. And nothing tastes as good as fish you caught yourself. I know that what I just said may offend some people by my calling the specs fish, but get over it. It is just an analogy. I have the deepest respect for the people who pay me because I am the best they have ever seen. I may not be the best magician out there, but I am one heck of a performer. And I am sure that you know the names of some of my magicians who meet occasionally and I attend when I am not drunk or chasing a skirt. But my magician friends appreciate what I do. Not because I am a magicians magician, but because even when they know what I do is easy, the appreciate that the story makes it memorable, and make it fun. Too much wine tonight.. God Bless, and Thanks again for the kind comments. Doctor Cognos
The Doctor Knows.....
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bropaul Loyal user Florida 222 Posts |
Hey Doc... LMFAO. I've never heard it said that way, but you've nailed it. That's what busking is all about. I'm laughing and smiling while I write this line to thank you for summing up the past 40 some years of my performing life. I look back, at this moment and... Well... It's all about fish now. Who'd a thunk.
Thank you for your post and I'm in hopes that everyone that reads it can relate to or will relate to someday what you just wrote in your blurred state of conciseness. See you on the next corner... |
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