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tommyellison Regular user 159 Posts |
I am preparing a small presentation for a trade show for a Baptist Pastor's conference being held in a Church meeting hall.
I am thinking that there may be some sensitivities about playing cards in the church. Should I take the chance or tailor a few packet effects instead for the event, e.g., Color monte as a Public Service Announcement patter, "Twisting the faces", etc. Tommy |
0pus Inner circle New Jersey 1739 Posts |
Who better to ask than the pastor?
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zippy New user PA 54 Posts |
I agree with Opus. I have used cards before in churches but it is with my USA Map trick (cards are marked with the 50 states) which takes the heat off of a normal deck of cards.
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tommyellison Regular user 159 Posts |
The problem is this is a conference with multiple pastors. I'm probably gonna do one and feel out the response for more....
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davidpaul$ Inner circle Georgetown, South Carolina 3086 Posts |
I have performed at many church denomination functions and even for nuns/sisters in a convent without a problem.
Yes there are some that feel cards or anything related to the word magic are taboo. If your presentation and demeanor are respectful, you should not have a problem.......
Guilt will betray you before technique betrays you!
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bowers Inner circle Oakboro N.C. 7024 Posts |
I have never had a problem with cards in church funtions.
But I would check with the pastor for there are some that do not allow it. Todd |
Dick Oslund Inner circle 8357 Posts |
On the road, I usually had at least one evening program at a church boarding school. They were always scheduled for early evening on a Saturday.
My card "trick" was a routine of the fancy shuffles, and fans. I never did a card TRICK in schools due to the age spread of many audiences. (KINDERGARTEN to SENIOR HIGH). I ALWAYS checked with the principal of the religious school. All of the schools that booked me, were from the same religious affiliation. Interestingly enough, some principals said OK to the card shuffle routine. Others thanked me for asking them, and said, "Please don't do anything with cards!" I had replacement material, so it didn't affect the program. Here is a quick anecdote that fits somewhat this thread, and may be of interest. I parked my RV overnight in the school parking lot, as I was scheduled for an early AM program. In the morning, I checked in and met the principal. He invited me for coffee, and, being a Norwegian, I was happy to accept! His name was Toivo Koskimaki (yup! a Finlander)--We got along fine!!! As soon as we were seated in his office, he said, "I almost had to cancel your program!" I blinked, and he continued, "When I announced that a magician was going to present a program at our school, a "committee" of women from the ___________ church, in town, visited me, to protest about witchcraft and Satanism," He went on to tell how he had explained about "magic",etc. The women departed, but appeared "not too convinced". I expressed my appreciation and noted that I did a brief explanation of "magic and illusion" in the program that demonstrated how the "magic" happened only in the audience's minds, and how it was all "caused" by our senses, sending confused "messages" to our minds. (I used the ancient "boomerangs" and the "What's Next" (six spot, three spot, one spot, four spot, eight spot card) to demonstrate how our "not infallible" senses, made the "magic" happen==IN OUR MINDS. He thanked me, we had a second cup of coffee, and I did the program for a fine elementary school audience. I had noticed several ladies (not teachers) seated in the rear of the auditorium. As I was returning to the RV, one of the ladies approached and asked, "Do you always do that in your program?" I realized "where she was going", and replied, "Do what?"; She responded,as I expected, "Talk about illusions and things?" I replied, "Yes, I'm curious. Why do you ask?" She said, "Well, I'm a Christian!" I came back with, "Me, too!" She looked "relieved" and said, "Gooodbye." Even in the 20th Century, some people think that magicians are "in league" with the Devil!" My good friend Duane Laflin does the same "disclaimer" at the start of his program. Principals would comment on my "explanaation/demonstration". They appreciated the educational aspect. Some high schools now offer "pre-college" courses in basic psychology, etc. I would often be approached by the psychology course teacher, after the program, and be invited to visit hia class. Whenever my schedule permitted, I would accept. It was delightful to meet these young folks, as a "guest lecturer".
SNEAKY, UNDERHANDED, DEVIOUS,& SURREPTITIOUS ITINERANT MOUNTEBANK
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george1953 Inner circle Mallorca (Spain) 5943 Posts |
Great story Dick, reminds me of when I first came to live in Spain.. I placed an advert in the local rag for an assistant, I was paying well and so had numerous responses.. In 4 of these cases the girls later told me that their fathers wouldn't let them work with me because it wasn't normal it was the work of the devil.
Even now there are Hotels here that have a strange ceremony at the beginning of every season to ensure that the season will be a good one. 👿
By failing to prepare, we are preparing to fail.
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themagiciansapprentice Inner circle Essex, UK 1381 Posts |
Check with the booker, they may be able to give you an insight.
Aim at doing a monte using a few cards, not a full packet. I use A-4 cards so that they can all see. Many different versions are suitable, for a few look at the Laflin Magic web-site. Duane also gives suggested patter for Church situations. Also look in the FCM and Gospel Magic threads on this forums. It's been addressed many times.
Have wand will travel! Performing children's magic in the UK for Winter 2014 and Spring 2015.
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tommyellison Regular user 159 Posts |
Thanks for all the feedback. Will let you know how it goes...
Tommy |
Stanyon Inner circle Landrum, S.C. by way of Chicago 3433 Posts |
Learn "The Soldier's Deck Of Cards"...you'll never have a problem.
FWIW
Stanyon
aka Steve Taylor "Every move a move!" "If you've enjoyed my performance half as much as I've enjoyed performing for you, then you've enjoyed it twice as much as me!" |
Alan Munro Inner circle Kentwood, Michigan, USA 5952 Posts |
Sometimes, you never know if someone is going to be offended, even if you ask. I performed at a church where the pastor said it was okay, but since the church had no creed, it attracted those with a wide range of beliefs.
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Dick Oslund Inner circle 8357 Posts |
Right Stanyon! I thought of that, but when I got typing, I totally forgot!
I have several versions in my file. Interesting situation, Alan! How did it play out?
SNEAKY, UNDERHANDED, DEVIOUS,& SURREPTITIOUS ITINERANT MOUNTEBANK
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tommyellison Regular user 159 Posts |
Well the trade show was today and the card deal was a non-issue. I opened with a few non-card items (Sponge balls, ring off rope, and $100 bill switch and then brought out the Color Monte packet. From their I broke out the cards and performed Chicago Opener, ACR and Blaine's Two Card monte. All went well and the booth stayed busy all day... Thanks for all the feedback and moral support.
https://www.facebook.com/tomfoolerymagic......&theater Tommy |
Poof-Daddy Inner circle Considering Stopping At Exactly 5313 Posts |
Quote:
On Nov 5, 2014, Stanyon wrote: With a Justin Flom Twist
Cancer Sux - It is time to find a Cure
Don't spend so much time trying not to die that you forget how to live - H's wife to H on CSI Miami (paraphrased). |
RoyHarper New user 26 Posts |
Nice routine there.
Thanks for sharing it. |
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