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tim_mantis Regular user UK 117 Posts |
I've been reading the posts on this (sub)forum and have been enjoying them a lot - thanks for some fascinating contributions! I have a question that I'm sure some here will be able to help me out with.
I'm putting together a performance routine of bunko scams that will have the Endless Chain as an opener/crowd build and the Three Shell Game as a finale, but I'm missing out on something to do in the middle. As the Endless Chain and Three Shell Game are both based around the premise of an audience member choosing an option and getting it wrong, I'm looking more for some kind of demonstration routine. For the same reason, I'd like to avoid the Three Card Monte as it's based on that same premise and I want a bit of variety. Just to be a bit more awkward I'd also like to avoid doing anything with cards as the places where I'm booked might have had card magicians and I want to offer something different (or at least something that won't be perceived as being the same). I use Cover The Spot in some situations but don't feel it lends itself well to performance. So does anybody have any suggestions of amazing performance routines or demonstrations inspired by street/fairground/gambling/bar scams or bets? I'm thinking something with dice, coins or bills might be good but am open to anything that would work for small-medium crowds. I'm thinking that magic tricks are fine as long as they fit the criteria - my preference is to entertain rather than stick to anything particularly authentic - I'm confident that I can sort that out in my spiel. I know that this place is for a serious discussion of scams and I'm asking for ideas on a performance inspired by the 'real work', but thought that the people here would be the best to suggest some ideas. Thanks! |
jakeg Inner circle 1741 Posts |
Reading your question, it appears as if you are very new to magic.
First of all, I wouldn't winery about working with another magician. It will only become an issue is when, (and if), you have a specific booking. That being said, look at 3 disc Monte. |
Feral Chorus Elite user CA 495 Posts |
Something different than the endless chain and shells that would fit right in among them would be a short change routine. Hornswoggled (George Starke), Hornswoggled Again (Bauer), Bunko (Steinmeyer) would all be a good choice. You might also be able to work in something like an EZ Money, Extreme Burn, type effect if you wanted to include something more directly magical.
-Feral |
shellgame-al Veteran user Arizona, USA 352 Posts |
There are some nice dice stacking routines that could work for what you're looking for.
But to do a good dice routine, it will take much practice to get the skills.
Manufacture of 3 Shell Game Sets & 3 Disk Monte Sets
3shells.com and magicswindles.com |
tim_mantis Regular user UK 117 Posts |
Feral Chorus thanks very much for the great suggestions - I think a short change routine could work really well. I'll look into Bunko by Steinmeyer as it seems to have universally excellent reviews. I don't really like the sound of using specially printed bills though - using real cash is a great technique for drawing a crowd - but perhaps there's a workaround somehow.
Shellgame-al I really like the idea of a dice-stacking routine, thanks for the suggestion. I have done some dice stacking but a long time ago and just for fun, never in performance, but I'm sure I could pick it up again. Do you have any suggestions for turning the basic demos into a nice routine? The setup lends itself well to final loads a la cups and balls so that could be a good option to end on. Any good teaching material you'd recommend? Jakeg, interesting that you'd infer that I'm very new - it's certainly not the case As I mentioned, I'm avoiding the three card monte because I think the premise is too similar to the three shell game and fast and loose to be placed in the same set as them. That's my opinion, but I can't see a good reason to put them together. I'd say exactly the same goes for the three disc monte, or am I missing something? My point about not wanting to do card routines is not through an insecurity about working with magicians: the scam routines are refreshingly different from card magic and I think adding card tricks would blur the boundaries a little. Sometimes it's a good thing to not be perceived as a magician by the audience or the booker - offering something different can be a very good thing. |
shellgame-al Veteran user Arizona, USA 352 Posts |
Another way is by displaying the dice in the hand or maybe both. Hand display and stacking of dice.
Here is a dice routine that might work for you called; Crooked - by Ronnie Ramin It comes with a DVD and dice. $35 http://www.trcky.com/crooked.html One of the bad things with dice stacking, it takes some space to perform. Where the Crooked dice routine is easy to carry and takes no space. There are a lot of dice stacking videos on YouTube you can view.
Manufacture of 3 Shell Game Sets & 3 Disk Monte Sets
3shells.com and magicswindles.com |
Cameron Roat Special user Michigan 728 Posts |
I second the recommendation of Ron Bauer's "Hornswoggled Again." Café member and Bauer student Tom Gaddis posted a video recently... http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......orum=217
You can get it at http://thinklikeaconjurer.com/ |
Docc Hilford V.I.P. 377 Posts |
Tim,
Five years later... The Flora and Co. DVD, Docc’s Conman Video has many original routines based on cons and frame ups. The Invisible Dice has been a staple in my shows for many years. Ricki Dunn thought my 6 Bill Short Change Routine was good enough to open his nightclub act. I’m sure a vintage copy floating around can be had. I hope you’re still doing this act. Hahahaha Peace Docc |
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