Hi all - I had a quick look around but couldn't really find anything on this topic so here goes:

Background: I'm 27 and specialize in close-up and impromptu magic. 90% of all my performances are for young adults (19-27 or so) and in informal settings. In non-performance situations I'm generally polite and well spoken but: I have found that I get my best reactions and crowd connection by doing pretty impolite and sometimes downright blue patter. I'm doing pretty well with writing it (I'd give examples but I don't feel like getting banned - PM me) but I was wondering if anyone could suggest any resources or magicians who specialize in this sort of thing. I know it's a bit immature and unusual but....if it works, right?

The other situation that sometimes arises is when a spectator arrives in the middle of a performance and I get the immediate read that they aren't going to like my performance style but are still seriously interested in seeing some magic. I'm struggling between whether to change my character mid-performance, switch to an alternate patter (throwing off everyone who was previously watching) or just giving them a quick warning, thereby still breaking character and also possibly losing a spectator.

I already know that the simple answer is just not to use blue material in the first place, and I have alternate patter for all my routines when I know from the start it won't be well received. However by and large I'm not interested in changing my schtick right now as it's far too effective in most situations.

Thoughts?

You know that I have a routine using 20th Century Silks and Silk to Egg and it is called "I Don't Do Blue Material"? It is described and reviewed in several places here on The Magic Café. There are several sets of props for the routine still available with white or brown eggs.

It has been surprising how magicians all over the world understand that concept and we have shipped "I Don't Do Blue Material" to magicians all over the world also.

I suspect you have no idea what REAL "blue" material is. Maybe you walk the line of semi-inappropriate and think that qualifies, but truly blue material is an entirely different matter.

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I think you are over estimating the commercial value of audences for blue material. Especially for a closeup guy, getting a reputation for doing blue material kills your chances for becoming the spokesperson for good tradeshow prospects. It will also limit the tradeshows that will accept you.

Pick your audiences carefully. They define your offering.

Agree 100%. Blue material is not necessary to entertain any audience and having a reputation for doing Blue material will eliminate you from consideration for corporate gigs.

Hudson

Thanks all for the feedback! I think that magicwatcher is probably right - after some careful examination of my routining, there's not actually much that's terribly offensive, bar some expletives that I could easily cut out. While in general I'm unconcerned about bookings as the majority of my work is unsolicited walkaround, the points made about future opportunities are well taken. Thanks again.