|
|
|
|||
| Go to page [Previous] 1~2~3~4 [Next] | ||||||||||
Bill Hegbli Eternal Order Fort Wayne, Indiana 22791 Posts 
|
Quote:
On Dec 4, 2016, Pop Haydn wrote: Pop, okay, I forgot to say, "for the purposes of the Café to categorize this discussion topic". Although, I have to disagree with you, as just because a small trick requires a full stage setting, does not make it a Grand Illusion, it is an illusion that has large requirements. If you definition would be considered, then all your tricks, would be Grand Illusions, because you present them as such. I guess you could say, you are even a Grand Illusion, as you are bigger then life on stage or even in a close up situation. |
|||||||||
Paul Budd Elite user It's a shame he's only made 457 Posts
|
I am reminded of a lecture Gregory Wilson gave in Longview, Texas some years back. Some funny things happened (club family members wandering in, etc.), whom Greg used as 'example' spectators, etc. It was truly a blend of a show AND a lecture, I promise! He basically had: a stack of postcards, a deck of cards, 4 or 5 coins, a pen, a poker chip and a couple of gimmicks in his pocket(s)....that's it! He owned that room for 2 straight hours. He did it because that's WHO AND WHAT HE IS!! I've seen guys pull a $1700 illusion on stage and look totally lost before! Who and what you are as a performer makes the performance.
His face isn't really this long in-person!
___________________________________________ Once Upon A Magician blog |
|||||||||
Rainboguy Inner circle 1924 Posts
|
About 30 years ago or so, I headed down to Chicago from my home in Green Bay to meet Eugene Burger at his apartment, then headed out to dinner with him, and afterwards, we drove out to the Chicago suburbs to see Max Maven do his one-man show at one of the hotels.
His show lasted a bit over an hour, and his props consisted of a deck of cards, some pencils, and pads of paper. Max absolutely DESTROYED that paying civilian audience with his "shtick"; the audience reactions were priceless. Let me say this: Common sense says that the older you get, the less you want to schlep around, and the less time you want to take setting up and breaking down. I have had the privilege of having Dick Oslund as my friend and mentor for the last 30 years and THE MAN KNOWS WHAT HE IS TALKING ABOUT when it comes to preparing for a show and ENTERTAINING people. Do I use props in my shows? Of course I do....BUT.....the props are less important to me now than they were many years ago. What is important as a Magician? Entertaining people! NOT props! So, I suggest we focus on ENTERTAINING, and NOT the props we use to entertain with. Patter packs flatter than props!! |
|||||||||
|
Dick Oslund Inner circle 8356 Posts
|
WELL~! Now, I need to go buy a bigger hat, again!
Thanks for the kind words. I didn't know "all that", when I started out, in 1945! I was fortunate to meet and know some fine magicians as a youth, and, also some fine magicians as an adult. --THAT, plus. years of experience, ON THE ROAD, has made the difference.
SNEAKY, UNDERHANDED, DEVIOUS,& SURREPTITIOUS ITINERANT MOUNTEBANK
|
|||||||||
|
JCISBACK New user 30 Posts
|
Great post. I personally think a show should start small and end on the big spectrum. Scaling your show according to the venue. If you perform a restaurant or bar gig, after you've done all your coin and card work, you should use flash paper and produce a wine bottle at the end. If you perform a library gig with silks and such, produce a parrot as the finale. If you are working a small theater venue of 200 or less seats, like the Magic Castle, end with an illusion. Definitely know your character and play with your strengths. Its not how big the tricks are but I do feel they need to get bigger and flashier as your show progresses. Case in point, take David Blaine on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. He did his usual shtick with cards and ended his act with a frog coming out from his mouth.
Anyhow, I think you get my point and that's how I feel about the packs small, plays big concept. |
|||||||||
George Ledo Magic Café Columnist SF Bay Area 3363 Posts
|
I see this topic here in the Café now and then, and I don't think the phrase "pack small play big" makes any sense as it relates to props.
You pack a prop. You play yourself: how you present to the audience. We've all seen examples of the opposite, which is "pack big play small." Someone can "kill" (in one sense) with just a deck of cards, and someone else can "kill" (in a different sense) with a huge illusion. No different than a good musician bringing tears to the audience with "Happy Birthday" and a poor musician bringing (another type of) tears to the audience with Brahms' "Piano Concerto No. 1."
That's our departed buddy Burt, aka The Great Burtini, doing his famous Cups and Mice routine
www.georgefledo.net Latest column: "If I were to do an illusion show" |
|||||||||
|
Mac_Stone Inner circle Miami, FL 1525 Posts
|
Most Mentalism seems to Pack Small and Play Big.
|
|||||||||
Brent McLeod Inner circle 1835 Posts
|
Interesting subject, as a Professional performer for near 20yrs in the corporate market, I agree with Dick in his comments, I know I must entertain the audience with an act that contains props that create a top event, I don't do Illusions as that's a different ballgame altogether & great to watch.. I have seen Mentalists create total wonder & comedy with 3 people on stage & a small blackboard,is this an Illusion-No however it creates a larger than life skit in front of 500 people which creates an impression of a larger show, Ive seen cards across done on stage to absolute hilarity with 2 people on cruise ships to 1000 people etc the main point in my own shows is entertainment first and foremost and creating that environmentwith people on stage etc creates a larger show and top dollar value for you & your client. Think Jeff Hobson with 1 person on stage & the absolute hilarity he createsin 4000 seat theatres..all about entertainment..not what you do how you do it..keep busy people..cheers
Professional Corporate Entertainer
https://brentmcleodmagic.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9jnyEMZzX8 |
|||||||||
|
Blindside785 Inner circle WA 4619 Posts
|
Bank Night
Fiber Optics/Cut and Restored Rope Newspaper Tear Bill to impossible location/Bill to Lemon 5/6 Card Repeat Invisible Deck Cardiographic Cola Cap Perfect Square, any cube routine |
|||||||||
|
Dick Oslund Inner circle 8356 Posts
|
Well Blindside, I could submit a "list" of the "catalog" names of the tricks/routines that I performed in my 45 minute school assembly program, but, a "laundry list" does not a SHOW make!
I mentioned above that my program was developed and produced to play for "almost anyone, almost anywhere". To do that, I wrote a list of "criteria". I didn't just walk into Abbott's, and hand Greg a list taken from his catalog! I selected tricks/routines that "fit" my criteria. Most of the material used generic props (silks, rope, golf ball(s) etc. A few props were "dedicated" (egg bag, linking rings, etc., but they all "fit" my criteria. What those props needed, was a presentation! THAT had to be provided by me. Even though I provided that presentation, there was still some "fine tuning" to do. I booked a few "little schools" in small local towns, to test, and adjust, the tempo, timing and, time. Then, I contacted one of the school assembly bureaus, to audition. The management, made a few suggestions, which I could make. I made them. For 50 years, I toured the USA, coast to coast, and, border to border. After my first tour, the various managers would call ME. I was never at liberty. I'm sure that you meant well, but a show is not just a box full of props, as I think more than a few contributors have noted. Professional magicians are in "show business" --and, they spell that: $how bu$ine$$! This is not meant as criticism, I only mean to explain, and, clarify.
SNEAKY, UNDERHANDED, DEVIOUS,& SURREPTITIOUS ITINERANT MOUNTEBANK
|
|||||||||
|
Rainboguy Inner circle 1924 Posts
|
Last week, I performed two hours of Table-Hopping for the Corporate Staff of Wisconsin's largest supermarket chain. Upon arrival, I checked in with my contact named in the contract, who welcomed me and asked me..."Do you need help bringing in your props?"....to which I replied...."Thank you.....but all of my props for tonight's show are in this little bag (a Doctor's bag which I got from Dick Oslund years ago).
My contact looked at me and said.."Really?".......and, with a smile, I replied...."I think you and your guests will be happy!" My props consisted of A Chop Cup and the Final Loads....a lemon and two oranges....a length of rope, a harnass ring, a finger ring, a rising pencil, a Hopping Half set, two decks of cards, some rubber bands, and a stack of gimmicked bills. Along with that, I brought with me about 60 years of performing experience, and a sincere desire to "leave "em wanting more.".....And they did! At the end of the show, my contact said to me..."You were right....we're happy!" And then presented me with my four-figure check. It's been said here before....but......allow me to emphasize this...IT AIN"T WHAT YA DO....IT'S HOW YA DO IT... I'm being paid to ENTERTAIN PEOPLE.......NOT to do "The adventures of the props in the hands".....a skilled entertainer knows how to use all of the "Tools of the trade" TO ENTERTAIN.... In my opinion, if more magicians focused on ENTERTAINING, and not the props they use...... I want them to remember ME....NOT my props! |
|||||||||
|
Dick Oslund Inner circle 8356 Posts
|
Yup! That was Jack Gwynne's philosophy, too.
The Gwynnes did a flash act in night clubs, when night clubs were big! Jack did "things" like the Temple of Benares (his own concept, and, presentation) livestock stuff, his stack of goldfish bowls, etc. But, he closed with a torn and restored paper trick. When asked "why", he said, "I want them to REMEMBER ME, not those props!
SNEAKY, UNDERHANDED, DEVIOUS,& SURREPTITIOUS ITINERANT MOUNTEBANK
|
|||||||||
gimpy2 Special user 960 Posts
|
I like props always have. There are guys like Dick that can be very entertaining with whats in their pockets. Some performers are a complete bore with this type of show and might be with a stage full of stuff as well. Wether you use props or not you have to know how to entertain. I don't think that because you use props you are any less for it. I think most lay people expect to see props in a magic show. don't see anything wrong with giving them what they expect if that's what you want to do.
A comedian with no props and a spolight can be very entertaining. That dosent mean a full stage theatrical comedy with sets, costumes and props are something audiences wont want to see. But I admit I have a bias as I build and sell these props.
Gimpy
www.gimpysmagic.com |
|||||||||
|
Blindside785 Inner circle WA 4619 Posts
|
Quote:
On Jan 25, 2018, Dick Oslund wrote: I agree, however some people like to get a routine or list that can start them off in the right direction. Yes they will need to add their own entertainment expertise to be successful with that routine or method, I'm catering to the list people. To be honest there is a reason why you do the routines the way you do, they must not be weak, sometimes you have to fool them hard as well with today's up and coming generation. |
|||||||||
ebackes88 Regular user 153 Posts
|
Quote:
On Jan 25, 2018, Rainboguy wrote: Blindside was more helpful as to what was asked. We all know tricks need a presentation, we're not idiots |
|||||||||
|
Dick Oslund Inner circle 8356 Posts
|
OK. Here's the "list". I doubt whether it will help anyone, though. (See note below.)
1-2-1 rope color change silk applause bit illusion routine boomerangs spot card (What's Next) silk thru mike golf ball flourishes Perpetual ball visible ball thru silk rope Ovette knot, Hunter Shoe Lace Knot (pad with Chefalo) Prof. Nightmare My YOYO (Folowing with girl helping) Square Knot Vanish (commonly called by new magicians, "Slydini Knots) Needke thru balloon Egg Bag --in high schools, sponge balls, napkin balls over head Linking Rings Girl Returns to seat Card flourishes and fancy shuffles Serpentine Silk Mutilated parasol --in high schools, routine with 4 boys: with wands, (comedy, brakawa wand, shooting wand, brakawa fan) Prof. Nightmare, Misers Dream Comedy Balloon Pump --with boy from audience 20th Century Silks " " " " Misers Dream --up to 20 boys & girls from audience --in high schools, TipCee bottle "Those who think that magic consists of doing tricks, are strangers to magic. Tricks are only the crude residue from which the lifeblood of magic has been drained." --S.H.Sharpe and, from Dariel Fitzkee's "The Trick Brain" (pp308-309): "I must insist that tricks are but tools. This eagerness to add new tools to the workshop, at the expense of learning how to use the tools we already possess, definitely results in overcrowded workshops, but unskilled artisans."
SNEAKY, UNDERHANDED, DEVIOUS,& SURREPTITIOUS ITINERANT MOUNTEBANK
|
|||||||||
|
Dick Oslund Inner circle 8356 Posts
|
Blindside! Kindly refer to your post at at 3:31, this morning, January 26. I don't know how to quote anyone, unless I print the entire post.
You say in your statement, under my post, which you quoted: "I'm catering to the list people." I'm sure by now, you know. that I don't cater. and. have not catered, in this thread, to ANYONE. I have only explained what has worked for me. I'm not, nor have I ever been, interested in working 5,000 seat "rooms" in Las Vegas. I have played my share of 2,000 seat high school auditoriums, and, I've received standing ovations, in them. I don't do $10,000 gigs! I have played a "few" $1,000 gigs. --and, thousands of $400. gigs. (It's not how much per gig, it's how much money is in your bank account, at the end of the season.) I don't need to look at the right side of the menu, when I order dinner, and,I've never bought a car, or motor home, on "time" in my life. So! You do what works for you. I've mentored a dozen or so young guys, over the years. Those who listened, and turned full time, are doing just fine. I've said all that I'm going to say about this.
SNEAKY, UNDERHANDED, DEVIOUS,& SURREPTITIOUS ITINERANT MOUNTEBANK
|
|||||||||
|
Rainboguy Inner circle 1924 Posts
|
Friend Erik:
Quoting ebackes88..."Blindside was more helpful as to what was asked. We all know tricks need a presentation, we're not idiots" I'm sorry if my post, above, rubbed you the wrong way, and made you feel that I was talking to users here on the Magic Café as if they were "a bunch of idiots". For what it's worth, I, for one, don't see a question in the OP's post....but rather his comments regarding his personal preferences as to what works for him......it's his perspective on what Pack Small, Play Big Means to HIM. The point of my post above was this: You can pack a LOT of ENTERTAINMENT VALUE in a small bag if you focus on THE ENTERTAINING. ebackes88...I have gone back to read your posts........ May I suggest you invest a bit of your time reading the posts here in The Magic Café of my dear friend and mentor for the past 30 plus years Dick Oslund? I feel quite priviledged that the autograph to me in his book "DICK OSLUND: ROAD SCHOLAR" is....."To my friend Rick who understands $how Busine$$". |
|||||||||
magic4545 Inner circle Jimmy Fingers 1163 Posts
|
Personal observation.
The guys who get booked the most regularly in my big city bring more props, sometimes doubling as a DJ. I'm not saying that I like this. If someone doesn't have at least enough equipment to have rolling wheels on their case, I'm probably going to become really bored with a bunch of lines and material that I've seen and heard before. The lay audience might not know better. That being said, if they have to make more than one trip to the car, they'll be TOO prop dependent, and not skillful enough to be special. So, to me, it's about moderation. The worst thing for the 'art' of magic is when a newbie sees one of these minimal magic 'charmers', and they think that they're going to be interesting enough to go out and do the same thing. Great magic is a balance of personality and chops. Creativity and dexterity oriented. Parlor and club sized magic are in my blood. |
|||||||||
|
George Ledo Magic Café Columnist SF Bay Area 3363 Posts
|
Quote:
On Jan 21, 2019, magic4545 wrote: Yes, you're going to be bored, and I'm going to be bored, and the folks at the magic club might be bored. But who cares? If you're performing for a general audience, and it works for them and they enjoy it... game won. And as far as knowing better: a general audience doesn't need to "know better." Sorry, but IMHO, that comment is a put-down of the audiences we should be focusing on playing to and entertaining Dick Oslund performed for a long time using the same props and routines for different audiences, and it worked for him. He wasn't trying to impress "the boys at the magic club:" -- he was making a living performing magic.
That's our departed buddy Burt, aka The Great Burtini, doing his famous Cups and Mice routine
www.georgefledo.net Latest column: "If I were to do an illusion show" |
|||||||||
| The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Boxes, tubes & bags » » Pack Small, Play Big (64 Likes) | ||||||||||
| Go to page [Previous] 1~2~3~4 [Next] | ||||||||||
Posted: Dec 5, 2016 07:24 am 
| [ Top of Page ] |
|
All content & postings Copyright © 2001-2026 Steve Brooks. All Rights Reserved. This page was created in 0.07 seconds requiring 5 database queries. |
|
The views and comments expressed on The Magic Café are not necessarily those of The Magic Café, Steve Brooks, or Steve Brooks Magic. > Privacy Statement < 
|