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EscapeMaster Loyal user 296 Posts |
A lot of escapologists use equipment in their acts that they like to have on display with the rest of their handcuffs and restraints. This can often be a hassle when preparing to go for a gig.
If you are an amateur looking to start going pro, here is something for which to aim: try and have a suitcase (I use a suitcase sized flight case called an engineer's box) containing everything you need for your act. The aim is to have a small case which can travel anywhere and which you can pick up instantly, leave the house and be ready to perform with for a certain amount of time without preparation, simply by standing on stage and opening the case. Not only is this very practical in the real world but is a useful exercise for pinning down your act and ensuring simplicity of equipment. Obviously for a full stage show which you are installing in a theatre you might have some large-scale props but I think all escapists could benefit from putting together a case such as that described. If gives one a lot of confidence when talking to bookers and it gives one a lot of confidence before going out to perform (both when leaving the house and when standing in the wings) that you know exactly what you need is with you and you know exactly what you are going to do. Working out of a case is very practical and a useful tip if you are working in a new act is to pin a cue sheet to the inside of the lid so when the box is open you can remember your running order and any new lines to include. I would be interested to hear if anybody here uses such an 'all-in-one escape box'. If you do not, try and put one together and let us know how you succeed. |
SANTINI Loyal user SANTINI 293 Posts |
Hi,
The premise of a portable equipment box is an old tried and true one having been used by not only escapists but also by magicians and even stand up comics. It certainly does have it's place in certain performance venues. Regards, Steve Santini |
Kondini Inner circle 3609 Posts |
Been useing a stanley mobile work trolley for the past two seasons, all can travel inside, you can wheel onto the cabaret floor or stage, have used it on the streets, comes complete with a swivel dump bin at the base, made of steel and diamond plate, close the lid and there is your table top, will carry all chains etc and make a nice noise when you pull them out !!, Straps at both sides (Supplied) carry my swords lead mike flex and the whole lot when packed will take the mike, props, leeds, tapes, cue sheets, publicity cards and fire fluids. Also used with my human toolbox act everything in keeping, B&Q, worth its weight in gold.
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SANTINI Loyal user SANTINI 293 Posts |
A good friend of mine, a magician named David Moon, happens to look a great deal like "Merlin the Wizard".
In keeping with his image, Dave performed his close up table magic in robes like Merlin and he made a custom performance box which resembled a magical book of spells. When he would go to a table to perform he would set this book on it's edge and open it up with it's contents facing him. He now had ready access to all of the cards, cup and balls, and other tools of his trade all the while concealing them and transporting them in a utility type box that no longer looked like a bare bones box and which was perfectly suited to his character. The uses and forms such performance boxes can take are indeed many. Regards, Steve Santini |
KingStardog Inner circle 2134 Posts |
My escape gear is all housed in two small carry on type suitcases with exending handles and wheels.
One thing you should do, is write your name and drivers lic# inside the case in one or more places. Include your cell# if you have one. I have heard this same story two or three times now, once being Margarette from right here in the Café. When your whole show is in a suitcase, or ATA type case and it gets lost,your out of buisiness for a while. In a pinch, leave some of your buisness cards inside.
...think not that all wisdom is in your school. You may have studied other paths,but, it is important to remember that no matter who you are or where you come from, there is always more to learn.
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Margarette Special user Memphis area 956 Posts |
My escape show is contained within one backpack that has several compartments in it. The big space is for mailbag, straitjacket, and rope, and the smaller compartments are for handcuffs and other miscellaneous items. It works fine for me.
Yes, I did have most of my escape show lost, but I had all types of contact information contained in the suitcase....it is still missing, but then, it was lost by the airline on a return flight home. Margarette
The only stupid question is the one not asked.
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Kondini Inner circle 3609 Posts |
Thoughts !! If your props are in a Black box the airlines would always find them !!
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AJP807 Special user New York City 559 Posts |
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Margarette Special user Memphis area 956 Posts |
Quote:
On 2004-03-03 04:51, Kondini wrote: ...only if it's painted orange, only if it's painted orange! Margarette
The only stupid question is the one not asked.
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