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jmathai1 New user Alexandria, Virginia 85 Posts |
About once a year, I perform a show for 35 to 40 friends; gives me a chance to try some new material, all the while knowing that since the audience knows me, they are more likely to laugh/applaud at whatever I do. I would recommend to anyone who wants more performing experience to just try this out; have a party and do a magic show; there is really nothing to lose for you as the performer or your friends who are invited. Here is a 15-minute clip of some highlights from the show; shown are my performances of the following (I credited as best as possible):
1. Vanishing Pizza (Rune Klan) 2. Blindfolded Rubiks Cube Solve (based on ideas from both Mark Eldsdon and Mark Calabrese Penguin lectures) 3. Coin on Shoulder (Gregory Wilson) 4. Triad Coins (Joshua Jay) 5. Ace Cutting Triumph (based on ideas from John Bannon, Joshua Jay and probably many others) 6. Diminishing Lift Sequence (based on trick taught from Chad Long Penguin lecture) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjfA-K4uqfg
John Mathai
Alexandria, Virginia |
troy thornton New user 51 Posts |
The only shows I have done have been for family and friends the best audience.
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Paul Rathbun Inner circle Michigan 2543 Posts |
Quote:
On Dec 15, 2018, troy thornton wrote: Sorry guys but I have to totally disagree with you about family and friends being good audience members. My experiences are that strangers are much more respectful of personal space, props, and manners in general. I find with family and friends that since they know you they think it is okay to call you out with theories and grab props. Granted, I have gotten better over the years (after 10+ years of table hopping) at audience management (including friends and family) but when I was just a hobbyist I found performing for friends and family very frustrating. Just my opinion, maybe my friends and family just aren't nice.
https://www.penguinmagic.com/p/9160
Sleightly Better Magic Reviews - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9rkXnNp8CxftN-rxU_WcbQ |
Mindpro Eternal Order 10587 Posts |
I couldn't agree more. With those I coach or train my first rule is never to perform for family or friend audiences. They will stun and prevent your growth and you will never get a true read of your talent, skills, and feedback.
Also, I disagree with the use of the word "shows" as well. A show is a created, designed and structured performance with all of the many dynamics of a theatrical or dramatic performance. When people perform for family and friends it is not a show. It is using terms out of context here that leads to many arguments, derails discussions, and brings out the worst of the Café and its members. Especially with so many working pros here, it is a term quite often misused and out of context. |
HeronsHorse Loyal user Scotland 207 Posts |
I watched it and it looked like fun. They had a good time and you did good.
I agree with the last two opinions! I have found, in my limited experience that I thirst for performing to strangers! I can perform to friends and family any time but they do speak at times when they ought to be quiet. They can sometimes talk amongst themselves, or be looking at phones. Friends that is, my family have better manners. But they are too familiar with my work to date and so they know much of it. Also, when I'm in front of strangers and I gesture here or look there, they will follow as per textbook. Family and friends, not so much. They suspect me simply because I was not much of a gesturing type until I started magic. They know I'm doing it as part of the deception and try to look elsewhere to catch me out. Or shout 'what's in that hand', etc. They are a bad audience for me.
Quote of the Month
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 |
Mindpro Eternal Order 10587 Posts |
I agree, and they more than others will want to know" how you did it" and persuade you to "let them in" compromising and forfeiting the secrets to magic and the true mystery of the performance and art. It defeats so much while giving yourself little to gain. You can't ever get a true read on your skills or true reactions. Performing for non-family and friends will be so much more rewarding for you as a performer.
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Futureal Inner circle 1695 Posts |
Your show didn’t build theatrically. By doing the card stuff at the end it actually got smaller.
The Rune Klan pizza idea you did at the start is quite funny. Work on ways to make your personality and your show get bigger not get smaller. |
debjit Loyal user India 213 Posts |
That was a pretty good show. Thanks for sharing. My only note would be to involve the audience more in your tricks.
My new effect: www.penguinmagic.com/p/10638
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