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Theamazing... New user Daytona Beach, FL 30 Posts |
Hey guys, just thought of something that you probably could give me advice on. Is it taboo to sit down with the table your performing for? Whats normal, to stand or sit when performing for a table. I've seen both, and equal number of times locally.
Thanks for any advice! Vic |
Scott F. Guinn Inner circle "Great Scott!" aka "Palms of Putty" & "Poof Daddy G" 6586 Posts |
There is almost always a big fuss every time this topic comes up, because people are so polarized about it, and of course, everyone thinks HIS OWN is the only correct view.
For what it's worth, IMO it totally depends on the performer, the table, and the venue. As far as my own restaurant work, I always stand, unless I am INVITED to sit with them--if they WANT me to sit as I perform. Then I will sit with them--I feel it would be rude, or at the very least, "stand offish" not to. This in no way implies that is what YOU should do. In the end, it doesn't really matter as long as everyone (guests, management and you) is happy with the performance. Why tie yourself down to someone else's rules? Do what's best for YOU, YOUR restaurant, and its guests. When you find out what that is, stick with it and ignore advice from other magicians thousands of miles away who have never seen you perform and have never stepped foot into your venue!
"Love God, laugh more, spend more time with the ones you love, play with children, do good to those in need, and eat more ice cream. There is more to life than magic tricks." - Scott F. Guinn
My Lybrary Page |
Scott F. Guinn Inner circle "Great Scott!" aka "Palms of Putty" & "Poof Daddy G" 6586 Posts |
Quote:
On 2002-08-15 22:45, Scott F. Guinn wrote: Especially if it's some longwinded hack from Idaho!!!!
"Love God, laugh more, spend more time with the ones you love, play with children, do good to those in need, and eat more ice cream. There is more to life than magic tricks." - Scott F. Guinn
My Lybrary Page |
Theamazing... New user Daytona Beach, FL 30 Posts |
LOL. Thanks again Scott. I have some pretty extensive background in entertainment, so I'll just play it by ear and do what feels right.
-Vic |
Andy Charlton Veteran user Palma Nova Mallorca Spain 311 Posts |
Well Said Scott.
I would only add that, You can ALWAYS work standing up and in the hands, You CAN'T always work sitting down or using the table top. Therefore have at least enoght stuff so that you can do 10 minutes or so completely out of the hands. Cheers Andy
"Keep that smile on your face, that excitement in your eyes." - Don Driver
Check out www.andyandjeansbigadventure.com or www.andysmagic.com |
Steven Steele Chief of Staff 1868 Posts |
Scott's right on. Do what is comfortable.
Eugene Berger did an excellant essay on this somewhere (I forget exactly). It might be worth looking up, because as he says, he only wants to make you think...not tell you what to do. It made me think. It might be in his "Mastering the Art of Magic", but I sure can't find it... By the way...I almost always stand too, however, there are exceptions.
Coram Deo
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p.b.jones Inner circle Milford Haven. Pembrokeshire wales U.K. 2642 Posts |
Hi,
You can perform any was that works for you, Personaly (for table hopping) I work standing without using the table for the following reasons. 1. I think it is far more visual as I am usualy working for groups of 8 - 12 people 2.At banquets ext it would be immpossible to sit down as the tables would be full and no spare seats or room to squidge in. 3. often I entertain in the crowded bar area before they are seated for the meal. there is no tables or seating to talk of and the effects must be performed standing up without a table. so tend to only use items that fit that criteria Phillip |
Dowdy New user 23 Posts |
This topic is always funny to me. Of course magicians never think about the patron. I know there are circumstances where you'll find yourself standing, but here's what I'm talking about...Every magician seems to forget about the table that's behind them. How would you like to be having dinner and all of a sudden, standing beside you is somebody's A**? The magician can't help it, he's too focused on himself and the table he's doing tricks for. And besides, for most magicians, it's easier to do their tricks standing, they don't feel comfortable "intruding" on a table by sitting. Well, how about the table that's right behind you that you're "intruding" by sticking your butt right at head level? No one ever seems to think about that. How about the fact that when you're standing, the people that are sitting have to look at your hands, then your face, then your hands, then your face...get the idea? There's quite a distance from your hands to your face when you're standing. Anytime you're standing at a table, people have to look up. This isn't comfortable for them for any length of time. You're supposed to be doing the work, not them! How do you go about sitting at a table without making everyone feel awkward? Well, of course there are several ways if you'll think about it. First of all, put yourself in the place of the patron...(who's paying for your being there!) Here's an idea...How would you like to be treated? You could introduce yourself to the table and ask if they would mind if you joined them for a few minutes and you'll show them a few tricks. How hard is that? If there aren't any extra chairs at their table, grab one from another table. Be POLITE! If they'd rather you didn't sit at the table, we'll, I guess you'll know what to do. Ideally, it's better to sit for the reason of "polarizing" the audience. This is supposed to be fun for everyone. Think of the patron, not your tricks. It's not about the tricks anyway. OK, I've never been in your venue. So what, the fact is, people are going to that venue just as they would the venue I have here. Is it the same? The people are the same. And people like to be treated with respect. Hope that helps.
Dowdy http://www.thinklikeaconjurer.com |
Andy Charlton Veteran user Palma Nova Mallorca Spain 311 Posts |
Dowdy.
I'm not sure what you mean here. If there is space at the table to sit, there is space to stand without intruding on other peoples tables, also in a limited space situation, It's easier to move to let people pass if you are standing than sitting. I do most of my effects at chest level so everyone at the table can see, Not a lot of distance to the chest to face. Of course, theer will be times when it is appropriate to sit, When invited etc, and then I always do, but I think it's far better to be prepared to stand and sit at times, than only have stuff that needs a table top or a lap, and struggle if you can't sit down. Of course, non of this may apply to your situation, and we are all different. Cheers Andy
"Keep that smile on your face, that excitement in your eyes." - Don Driver
Check out www.andyandjeansbigadventure.com or www.andysmagic.com |
Dowdy New user 23 Posts |
Andy,
I'm not sure what you mean here. If there is space at the table to sit, there is space to stand without intruding on other peoples tables??? What do you mean? <<I do most of my effects at chest level so everyone at the table can see, Not a lot of distance to the chest to face. >> Are you one of the "Little People?" I agree...you do have to be prepared to sit or stand. Ideally, you should try to sit. What I'm trying to say is, for some reason, "Table Hoppers" don't seem to think about the patron. How would you like to be eating dinner and someone's butt is in your face? Of course, the "Table Hopper" doesn't usually think about their butt being in anyone else's face b/c they're too busy doing tricks for those in front of them. Think of the patron, Think of the patron, Think of the patron!!! That's all I'm saying. It has nothing to do with "my situation" or "we're all different." I don't agree with you on that. IDEALLY, try to sit. That's all, Dowdy http://www.thinklikeaconjurer.com |
p.b.jones Inner circle Milford Haven. Pembrokeshire wales U.K. 2642 Posts |
Hi,
I do not think I have ever worked any Venues where that tables are so close together that this is a problem and I have quite a large AR**! Visibility, However is often a problem so personaly I will stick to standing. But I see your point. Phillip |
Andy Charlton Veteran user Palma Nova Mallorca Spain 311 Posts |
Dowdy,
you say you didn't understand. You were saying that if you stand you stick your A*** in someone else's face. I was saying that if there is space to sit, (Your solution,) There is space to stand without sticking your A*** in someone's face. If there isn't space to sit, you are more mobile, and less intrusive of "The Patrons" than pulling up a chair and trying to fit it in. Of course, I usually work to full tables........... When I work I think of everyone, People I am working for, People I am going to work for, People who I have worked for. At a crowded table, Standing is more convenient in the situations that I usually work in, for EVERYONE. As for the Idea that I am only thinking of the tricks, there are loads of effects that I would love to do, Cups and balls at the top of the list, that I almost never do because I feel it would be too intrusive in most of the situations I work in. Tonight I worked a Medieval Banquet, 90 people sat, shoulder to shoulder round two tables, no way for me to sit. A couple of weeks ago I worked an open air music festival, People sitting on picnic blankets etc, Loads of space to sit, I sat a lot. But most of my gigs are the former. We are all different, situations are different, whether you agree or not. Hands to face:- Sit down, relax imagine a person standing in front of you holding something in front of his chest. now imagine looking at his face. Now look down at the table top, and look up at the imaginary face of a person sitting opposite you. I would suggest that the angle of deflection is greater in the second case that the first. And that's not taking into account Wine bottles and flower vases in the way. Bottom Line. Sometimes i stand, Sometimes i sit.We ARE all different, and we all work in different circumstances. Don't knock other successfull, performers for what works for them. Andy
"Keep that smile on your face, that excitement in your eyes." - Don Driver
Check out www.andyandjeansbigadventure.com or www.andysmagic.com |
Scott F. Guinn Inner circle "Great Scott!" aka "Palms of Putty" & "Poof Daddy G" 6586 Posts |
So, as I said, there's a big fuss every time this comes up because people are so polarized. If you think a restaurant magicians should sit, do so. If you don't, then don't! In the grand scheme of things, I don't think it makes much difference. I seriously doubt 50 years from now that people will say of your performance tonight: "Can you believe that magician SAT at our table all those years ago instead of standing?" Or vice versa.
At the risk of sounding egotistical, I'll repeat my earlier advice before locking this topic: Experiment with both. Then...do what's comfortable--what works--for YOU.
"Love God, laugh more, spend more time with the ones you love, play with children, do good to those in need, and eat more ice cream. There is more to life than magic tricks." - Scott F. Guinn
My Lybrary Page |
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