Personally, I don't think use of blue material or swearing is necessarily for lack of talent. Certainly in some cases, but not in others. While I personally find it amazing that people can "act" offended (and I do believe that is all it is) by mere words, or descriptions of acts found in holy scripture - they do claim to be offended (read the Song of Solomon for some real raunch!). Because of this, you must be "clean" to do most corporate work. If you are wiling to forgo corporate and family venues, it may be better off to go a little blue.

I am sitting here, watching my parrot playing with herself and panting loudly, and I wonder how anything could be more natural. BTW, she uses a toy to rub herself . . . is this considered tool use? This is really all happening in front of me now, but she does do it a lot - nearly every night while the family is eating in front of her cage. You can tell she likes to perform! Perhaps this is how tools first started being used? Is there a market for parrot porno? My 10 y/o son has no idea what is happening . . .

T. Durden, GREAT idea on the Parental Advisory stamps all over.

KC, I LOL'ed man.

My two cents here: We live in a world where the long tail and technology allow almost anyone to find an audience. I know stand up comedians who work fetish clubs and I know magicians who have a rope act that would have gotten you thrown in jail a generation ago.

Be yourself -- but also be aware of your market and how far you can go (both on stage and at the bank). The more extreme you get, the more savvy you have to be with your marketing. There's also a renaissance in private parties (thanks to social media, in part), and those can get crazy *depending* -- but also carry a lot of risk if you tick off the host...

There are probably some good stories on that note

I find that most adults don't mind that type of comedy as long as the joke is actually clever. When performing close-up magic at least, shock comedy and explicit references to touchy subjects doesn't really work. It's too personal and will make the situation awkward. If you make a good, witty sexual reference that isn't too explicit, it get's a laugh.

The Seinfeld episode "The Contest" is a good example in my opinion of the type of jokes that would work. For those who have seen the episode, you will know that it doesn't actually talk about the physical act, but makes references to the subject without being gross.

Nate, I agree with you . . . most times. Still, if you get a group of older women together and do close-up at their table - beware! I don't thing any group can be dirtier than a group of older women.

With all due respect "foul language" can be considered art and a talent.
My act is stand up comedy, involving a lot of so called foul language and
my intent is to spice that act up with some magic, probably mentalism to
make it even more entertaining.

If I don't like a specific type of magic, it doesn't mean I consider the
practitioners of that genre as lacking talent.

I'd agree with booker's post early in the thread and add, that all
acts need to be adjusted to the audience by the performer.

I have recently abandoned family/kidshow magic for a more nightclub/comedy club style. I have done the show several times, and it seems to be very well received. I would say it is probably "PG-13+". I neber really say anything "dirty", but there is a lot of double entendre and innuendo in the patter.

I make sure that anyone who hires me knows what I do.

My favourite comedy magician is Mel Mellers, I have his dvds, And use some of his jokes, Would love to buy his new book, But here in uk its about £45.