On Mar 4, 2017, Gerry Walkowski wrote:
Seeing that video does give one an entirely different perspective on that illusion. Visually I think it looks VERY GOOD.

No measurements were given on the first link, at least I didn't see any, so the illusion looked A LOT BIGGER. Seeing it on the video, though, the illusion seems more compact than I originally thought.

Still, here are my thoughts on this particular illusion for you to consider:

Get the general measurements of the illusion upright and when it's condensed down for packing. Also, what is the weight with and without the transport case? (Also, how comfortable would you feel lugging that thing around without a transport case?)

If you don't have an assistant, can you physically handle lifting and carrying that illusion? Would you be able to carry it up several flights of stairs? I don't know your age, but could you handle carry that weight in say 5 years?

Will that illusion fit inside your normal transport vehicle? About how long does it take to set it up and then strike it? Realistically, could you handle that if you had several back to back shows on the same day?

One problem with the illusion might be the sight lines, and you really should consider that as well. If children are sitting on a floor, or you're working on a stage or elevated platform, that shouldn't be an issue. However, if people are sitting on regular chairs, I doubt that anyone sitting beyond 5 rows back will be able to see this illusion because it isn't highly elevated like most sawing thru illusions.

If you haven't read Dick Oslund's book, Road Scholar, I would highly suggest that you pick up a copy. Dick knew the ins and outs of working school assembly programs. He had no big props, but his stuff was highly visible and could set up and strike his show within a few minutes.

I've always been of the opinion that there's nothing wrong with transporting a few bigger effects, especially if they truly complement the performer's style, personality, etc. Unfortunately, too many performers use bigger effects as crutch to compensate for other shortcomings.

Gerry