magic performance, speech of silence

kittynh · 4th June 2009, 01:11 PM

So I'm going to be performing a magic trick. Do I do a Penn or a Teller?

My first thought is "go quiet" because I"m nervous enough having to do this trick.

vIQleS · 4th June 2009, 03:08 PM

The first time I did a big show in front of a large audience I did it silent (mime w/ piano music in the background).

That was mostly because I hadn't had enough time to prepare a script and I was a bit nervous about winging it the way I usually do...

I'm doing a similar show (starts next week) and this time I sat down and wrote a script. I'm a lot more confident knowing exactly what I'm supposed to do in advance...

So my advice is try writing a script - if you don't like it after the 20th or 30th draft throw it away and try silent.

PS - I can help if you want...

PPS - You have to find your style as well - you may find that mime / silent is the way that your character presents magic. See also Paul Romhany...

NoZed Avenger · 4th June 2009, 03:29 PM

Originally Posted by kittynh

So I'm going to be performing a magic trick. Do I do a Penn or a Teller?

My first thought is "go quiet" because I"m nervous enough having to do this trick.

It is (IMO) more difficult to perform a trick well silently than talking. If you are trying to be entertaining with it, I mean. It can be done, and when done well it is very effective, but don't think it's an easy way out.

Good Luck; Wow em.

kittynh · 4th June 2009, 07:03 PM

oh boy...

well I'm working with puppets also.

but yeah I'm getting that being quiet isn't any shortcut

Senex · 4th June 2009, 07:41 PM

Originally Posted by kittynh

So I'm going to be performing a magic trick. Do I do a Penn or a Teller?

A magic trick can be done any way you wish. A magic routine can't be performed silent and effective by a novice. You have no verbal misdirection.

kittynh · 4th June 2009, 07:53 PM

well perhaps two.

But the second trick is just an encore if needed.

I've got 5 minutes only.

Rabbit out of hat. Things go wrong. Very wrong.

Senex · 4th June 2009, 08:31 PM

I may be guilty of projecting (however I'm projecting conventional wisdom) but you can't perform just two effects in five minutes (especially silent effects).

Puppets don't work well with silent acts as a rule either.

Embrace your inner performer. Tell a story and misdirect the hell out of the crowd

vIQleS · 4th June 2009, 09:30 PM

Telling a story can be hard tho - especially if you're not feeling any inspiration...

You're the only one that decide whether the trick will look better with talking or done silently... (presumably to music?) Unless you want to video it both ways and stick it on YT. then we can all vote on which way is better...

When you get a script let me know - I'll proof it and give you some feedback and ideas.

ETA: you can perform one trick for 5 minutes... If it's long and interesting enough (especially with lots of "Things go[ing] wrong")

Senex · 5th June 2009, 05:21 AM

Originally Posted by vIQleS

ETA: you can perform one trick for 5 minutes... If it's long and interesting enough (especially with lots of "Things go[ing] wrong")

Unless the things going wrong are wardrobe malfunctions five minutes is an eternity on stage without speaking.

NoZed Avenger · 5th June 2009, 08:19 AM

Originally Posted by Senex

Unless the things going wrong are wardrobe malfunctions . . . .

Are they filming the talent shows?

JoeTheJuggler · 5th June 2009, 01:20 PM

I'm a juggler not a magician, but I absolutely hate to do silent routines. I think it's a matter of personality more than anything. I'm more comfortable chattering away non-stop in performance.

vIQleS · 5th June 2009, 03:59 PM

Originally Posted by Senex

Unless the things going wrong are wardrobe malfunctions five minutes is an eternity on stage without speaking.

The act I did was about 15 minutes. I'm not saying it was great, but I made do...

I even made them build me a sub trunk. And a trap door in the stage so I could vanish my assistant at the end... All without speaking...

I have video, but it will be a cold day in hell before anyone sees it.

PS - I think a wardrobe malfunction is a great idea. Send us the video...

ETA: I'll show you mine if you show me yours...

kittynh · 5th June 2009, 04:11 PM

ohhhh this is interesting....

I'm going to give it a go without speech and then do one with patter...

we'll see which the test audience likes best.

Senex · 6th June 2009, 09:14 AM

Originally Posted by kittynh

ohhhh this is interesting....

I'm going to give it a go without speech and then do one with patter...

we'll see which the test audience likes best.

If your going to the trouble of rounding up a test audience you might as well give it a go without wardrobe malfunction and then do one with...

Let's see which the test audience likes best

BenBurch · 6th June 2009, 04:04 PM

I knew a stripper who did magic on stage. Having a complete wardrobe malfunction going on made hiding things a challenge, but she had the fact that nobody was looking too closely at her hands working in her favor.

kittynh · 7th June 2009, 08:17 PM

thankfully this trick does not take skill. Well, no skill needed from ME.

It's really all up to the rabbit! He's got it covered he assures me.

Problem is I hear all the rabbits in Vegas belong to the Magicians Union...let's just hope my rabbit doesn't get wind of this. I have my rabbit convinced that since this is a "charity performance" he can work for half his usual carrot allowance.

kittynh · 8th June 2009, 04:43 PM

well thanks everyone ....

Now I'm leaning more toward speech. Before I was so focused on getting the magic trick down that I wasn't able to even think about what to say. It was "well what would I say" But now that I'm feeling more confident some patter is coming almost naturally.

My daughter said "so what is the rabbit's name?" And a funny name popped into my head and I thought "well I could introduce the rabbit, that would be funny".

Then a whole little story began to write itself around the trick (actually now two tricks involving the rabbit).

I'm still not sure which way I''m going to go, but before I hadn't a clue what I could say. I mean I'm pulling a rabbit out of a hat.. what is there to say? But give the rabbit a name and a bit of a personality, and things might need to be said.

I'm feeling much better already about these tricks. I'll have to make sure it is videotaped so everyone that helped can see how it went. (it's not until TAM, so I've got a lot of time to work on it).

Mind you, this rabbit is a problem!

JPK · 9th June 2009, 06:45 AM

Good morning Kittynh.

I've always found that the most enjoyable mysteries I've witnessed are the ones that have the right balance of verbal story telling and appropriate silence.
The words used should create a sence of intrigue. However they should not step on the moment of magic. When I first write done what I think should be said durring a performance it is almost always way too long winded. I put it away and come back to it after practicing the effect for a while. I then take out the original script and cut out as much as I can focusing only on what needs to be said. I do this several times. When I'm done, the finished script/outline is far shorter then what I started with. This works for me. I'm sure for a differant character this might be the opposite of what might be done.
Good look with your performance. Remember what they say about working with animals and children.

kittynh · 9th June 2009, 09:19 AM

Originally Posted by JPK

Good morning Kittynh.

I've always found that the most enjoyable mysteries I've witnessed are the ones that have the right balance of verbal story telling and appropriate silence.
The words used should create a sence of intrigue. However they should not step on the moment of magic. When I first write done what I think should be said durring a performance it is almost always way too long winded. I put it away and come back to it after practicing the effect for a while. I then take out the original script and cut out as much as I can focusing only on what needs to be said. I do this several times. When I'm done, the finished script/outline is far shorter then what I started with. This works for me. I'm sure for a differant character this might be the opposite of what might be done.
Good look with your performance. Remember what they say about working with animals and children.

oh terrific advice! Thank you!

And yes, I know the rabbit will be the star of the show....

Senex · 11th June 2009, 04:49 AM

Originally Posted by kittynh

oh terrific advice! Thank you!

And yes, I know the rabbit will be the star of the show....

The rabbit will be the star of the show? I guess you decided not to go wardrobe malfunction.

Yes, well, that can work if your rabbit is especially charismatic.

Not the way I would have gone but best of luck

Ron_Tomkins · 11th June 2009, 11:42 AM

Originally Posted by Senex

A magic trick can be done any way you wish. A magic routine can't be performed silent and effective by a novice. You have no verbal misdirection.

You mean as opposed to the Indian Rope trick?

fuelair · 11th June 2009, 06:55 PM

Originally Posted by BenBurch

I knew a stripper who did magic on stage. Having a complete wardrobe malfunction going on made hiding things a challenge, but she had the fact that nobody was looking too closely at her hands working in her favor.

Ursula Martinez?

kittynh · 11th June 2009, 09:07 PM

well as soon as I have all my props I'm going to do a lot of run throughs and tweeking. It's interesting how little of the performance is the actual trick (or tricks).

It's also interesting how my mind is going over the performance several times a day. I put something in mentally, I take it out... I'm editing and rewriting each day while running errands.

Some jokes are writing themselves, and as I have been assured my UFO talks are "clever" and "funny" I might be able to pull this off. Or not. It's 5 minutes, but so far I think I've put in hours and hours!

A full act? HA! I'll stick with UFO lectures from now on.

Though I have to admit the rabbit has a terrific name.

kittynh · 11th June 2009, 09:08 PM

seriously, my "how to photograph a UFO" lecture is considered THE last word on the subject. Part of it was posted on soccergirl... (Pats self on back then panics again)

Mick Houlahan · 13th June 2009, 04:52 PM

Originally Posted by Senex

A magic trick can be done any way you wish. A magic routine can't be performed silent and effective by a novice. You have no verbal misdirection.

Rather sweeping statement. "Verbal misdirection?"

I need a slice of cheese and some mustard to go with that baloney.

kittynh · 13th June 2009, 05:29 PM

all I know is the rabbit and the understudy rabbit arrived today. Training starts on Monday, I have to let them recover from the trip.

They seem like nice rabbits.

As long as they don't find out about the magician union I'm fine. I'm sure.

really...

come Monday we see what these bunnies can do.

kittynh · 7th July 2009, 11:35 AM

I'm hoping the trick gets taped. I wish this wasn't the first time I'm performing it for a crowd. I've done it in front of a few people and used their input to refine it. But it's all packed and ready to go and oddly the rabbits seem fine with the carry on and it's ok with the airline and hotel that they are coming.

Yikes! wish me luck

Senex · 7th July 2009, 01:29 PM

Break a foot!

kittynh · 7th July 2009, 01:37 PM

with all those rabbit feet how can I fail?

Bob Klase · 7th July 2009, 02:18 PM

Originally Posted by kittynh

with all those rabbit feet how can I fail?

I used to carry a lucky rabbit foot when I was a kid, until I realized how much luck it had brought the rabbit.

critterrice · 15th July 2009, 11:08 PM

IMHO,
Silent or not should be way down the list of questions, below "Who am I as an entertainer?" If we define our 'character' first and our magic skills are 'second nature' then presentation works itself out.

kittynh · 16th July 2009, 09:53 AM

Originally Posted by critterrice

IMHO,
Silent or not should be way down the list of questions, below "Who am I as an entertainer?" If we define our 'character' first and our magic skills are 'second nature' then presentation works itself out.

hahahahaha! No I'm not laughing at YOU, I'm laughing at ME! Because I am so NOT a magician! I just as a joke said "yeah I'll pull a rabbit out of a hat" when someone suggested I apply for a spot in the TAM talent show. I forgot, JREF has a lot of magicians! I got picked.

I went for speech! I found most importantly the PERFECT assistant. Even though we had NEVER met before she watched a youtube of my act OVER and OVER. We practiced ONCE, and yet (nerves and all and boy were we nervous) we were perfect in our timing.

I had a lot of help from Jonathan the mentalist! He's a real pro and helped with some mike difficulties as well as just getting us CALM.

IT was a REAL stage with a REALLY lot of people and about 800 people watching it live stream. Ofcourse I picked a beautiful assistant that everyone fell in love with!

Good feedback all around (though I'm tired of saying "no I don't have her phone number").

THank you for ALL the feedback here. Speaking worked! In fact the names of the bunnies "Egg" and "Quasimodo" were a big laugh (once explained).

Also I learned that if a magician WALKS out after the curtain is raised, somehow the audience assumes there isn't anyone hiding out there. I was told if I was just waiting by the table people would be more likely to think there was someone UNDER the table.

I has too many bunnies... Egg an Quasimodo have been up to something

thanksfully the big bunny with white ears that was under the table helped make everything work perfectly! though we do seem to have a giant orb there with us...

Senex · 16th July 2009, 11:28 AM

Originally Posted by kittynh

I went for speech! .

THank you for ALL the feedback here. Speaking worked! In fact the names of the bunnies "Egg" and "Quasimodo" were a big laugh (once explained).

Congratulations!

hehehe... You chose wise advice over the advice of pikers

JPK · 16th July 2009, 01:42 PM

Good for you Kittynh.
It sounds like you had a good time and if you did, your audience probably did as well.
So, will you be perfoming again?

kittynh · 16th July 2009, 04:32 PM

oh yeah paperskater and I are going to be available for weddings and bar mitzvahs!

Let's say next year if there is a tam talent show... paperskater and I will do something really WOW! Like, I'll saw her in half. I can do it. Yeah...

(ohhh... see one taste of the stage and I'm hooked).

I can never remember being more nervous! Never tell a performer, "hey there are over 800 people watching on line now" right before you go out!

A lot of the feedback from this thread was put into the act as it was refined over and over. We had great fun and rabbits humping on stage is always good for a laugh. (just my advice)

critterrice · 16th July 2009, 04:52 PM

Good job. Looks like a fun event.

JPK · 17th July 2009, 06:26 AM

Good morning Kittynh.

Originally Posted by kittynh

Let's say next year if there is a tam talent show... paperskater and I will do something really WOW! Like, I'll saw her in half. I can do it. Yeah...

(ohhh... see one taste of the stage and I'm hooked).

Just remember, the tricky part isn't the sawing her in half. It's putting her back together unharmed is where the magic is.

JoeTheJuggler · 17th July 2009, 08:47 AM

Originally Posted by critterrice

IMHO,
Silent or not should be way down the list of questions, below "Who am I as an entertainer?" If we define our 'character' first and our magic skills are 'second nature' then presentation works itself out.

Well said.

I aspired to be a magician when I was young. At about age 10 I learned that I couldn't entertain people with magic. Technically, I was OK, but I just couldn't make it fit my personality or vice versa.

As a juggler, my character is a quick-talking, vaguely 19th-Century flim flam man---and it's all about being verbal. Words are just as important to me as props.

I can do silent routines when it's necessary, but it's stressful and uncomfortable for me.

Senex · 17th July 2009, 04:27 PM

Originally Posted by kittynh

oh yeah paperskater and I are going to be available for weddings and bar mitzvahs!

My new girlfriend was yacking about some sort of foreskin ritual I need to go through. It's going to be a big party i think. Maybe you two can get some entertaining experience that day

kittynh · 17th July 2009, 09:24 PM

Originally Posted by Senex

My new girlfriend was yacking about some sort of foreskin ritual I need to go through. It's going to be a big party i think. Maybe you two can get some entertaining experience that day

Hmmm well I will need some practice with sharp objects for my "sawing paperskater in half" act....sure I'll do it!

4th June 2009, 01:11 PM	#1
kittynh The Hupsu Detective auctioneer Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: If I told the aliens could find me, and you know they read this forum Posts: 20,645	magic performance, speech of silence So I'm going to be performing a magic trick. Do I do a Penn or a Teller? My first thought is "go quiet" because I"m nervous enough having to do this trick.
	__________________ "The Bible is like a person, if you torture it long enough you can get it to say anything" (some minister on National Geographic! I don't know his name but he rocks in my book) WWW.BADALIEN.ORG - not all the buttons work yet, and the science content is coming...but it's ALIVE!

4th June 2009, 03:08 PM	#2
vIQleS Muse Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Auckland NZ Posts: 730	The first time I did a big show in front of a large audience I did it silent (mime w/ piano music in the background). That was mostly because I hadn't had enough time to prepare a script and I was a bit nervous about winging it the way I usually do... I'm doing a similar show (starts next week) and this time I sat down and wrote a script. I'm a lot more confident knowing exactly what I'm supposed to do in advance... So my advice is try writing a script - if you don't like it after the 20th or 30th draft throw it away and try silent. PS - I can help if you want... PPS - You have to find your style as well - you may find that mime / silent is the way that your character presents magic. See also Paul Romhany...
	__________________ ==--New NZ Skeptical Podcast--== TheCusp Episode Zero is Live!!! http://thecusp.org.nz RSS feed: http://thecusp.org.nz/podcast/rss

4th June 2009, 03:29 PM	#3
NoZed Avenger Bitter Whiner Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 8,793	Originally Posted by kittynh So I'm going to be performing a magic trick. Do I do a Penn or a Teller? My first thought is "go quiet" because I"m nervous enough having to do this trick. It is (IMO) more difficult to perform a trick well silently than talking. If you are trying to be entertaining with it, I mean. It can be done, and when done well it is very effective, but don't think it's an easy way out. Good Luck; Wow em.
	__________________ There is no substitute for good manners. Except fast reflexes.

4th June 2009, 07:03 PM	#4
kittynh The Hupsu Detective auctioneer Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: If I told the aliens could find me, and you know they read this forum Posts: 20,645	oh boy... well I'm working with puppets also. but yeah I'm getting that being quiet isn't any shortcut
	__________________ "The Bible is like a person, if you torture it long enough you can get it to say anything" (some minister on National Geographic! I don't know his name but he rocks in my book) WWW.BADALIEN.ORG - not all the buttons work yet, and the science content is coming...but it's ALIVE!

4th June 2009, 07:41 PM	#5
Senex Graduate Poster Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: An autobody repair shop in Connecticut Posts: 1,835	Originally Posted by kittynh So I'm going to be performing a magic trick. Do I do a Penn or a Teller? A magic trick can be done any way you wish. A magic routine can't be performed silent and effective by a novice. You have no verbal misdirection.
	__________________ I cannot call to mind a single instance where I have ever been irreverent, except toward the things which were sacred to other people. Mark Twain

4th June 2009, 07:53 PM	#6
kittynh The Hupsu Detective auctioneer Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: If I told the aliens could find me, and you know they read this forum Posts: 20,645	well perhaps two. But the second trick is just an encore if needed. I've got 5 minutes only. Rabbit out of hat. Things go wrong. Very wrong.
	__________________ "The Bible is like a person, if you torture it long enough you can get it to say anything" (some minister on National Geographic! I don't know his name but he rocks in my book) WWW.BADALIEN.ORG - not all the buttons work yet, and the science content is coming...but it's ALIVE!

4th June 2009, 08:31 PM	#7
Senex Graduate Poster Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: An autobody repair shop in Connecticut Posts: 1,835	I may be guilty of projecting (however I'm projecting conventional wisdom) but you can't perform just two effects in five minutes (especially silent effects). Puppets don't work well with silent acts as a rule either. Embrace your inner performer. Tell a story and misdirect the hell out of the crowd
	__________________ I cannot call to mind a single instance where I have ever been irreverent, except toward the things which were sacred to other people. Mark Twain

4th June 2009, 09:30 PM	#8
vIQleS Muse Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Auckland NZ Posts: 730	Telling a story can be hard tho - especially if you're not feeling any inspiration... You're the only one that decide whether the trick will look better with talking or done silently... (presumably to music?) Unless you want to video it both ways and stick it on YT. then we can all vote on which way is better... When you get a script let me know - I'll proof it and give you some feedback and ideas. ETA: you can perform one trick for 5 minutes... If it's long and interesting enough (especially with lots of "Things go[ing] wrong")
	__________________ ==--New NZ Skeptical Podcast--== TheCusp Episode Zero is Live!!! http://thecusp.org.nz RSS feed: http://thecusp.org.nz/podcast/rss Last edited by vIQleS; 4th June 2009 at 09:32 PM.

5th June 2009, 05:21 AM	#9
Senex Graduate Poster Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: An autobody repair shop in Connecticut Posts: 1,835	Originally Posted by vIQleS ETA: you can perform one trick for 5 minutes... If it's long and interesting enough (especially with lots of "Things go[ing] wrong") Unless the things going wrong are wardrobe malfunctions five minutes is an eternity on stage without speaking.
	__________________ I cannot call to mind a single instance where I have ever been irreverent, except toward the things which were sacred to other people. Mark Twain

5th June 2009, 08:19 AM	#10
NoZed Avenger Bitter Whiner Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 8,793	Originally Posted by Senex Unless the things going wrong are wardrobe malfunctions . . . . Are they filming the talent shows?
	__________________ There is no substitute for good manners. Except fast reflexes.

5th June 2009, 01:20 PM	#11
JoeTheJuggler Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: St. Louis Posts: 10,998	I'm a juggler not a magician, but I absolutely hate to do silent routines. I think it's a matter of personality more than anything. I'm more comfortable chattering away non-stop in performance.
	__________________ "That is a very graphic analogy which aids understanding wonderfully while being, strictly speaking, wrong in every possible way." —Ponder Stibbons

5th June 2009, 03:59 PM	#12
vIQleS Muse Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Auckland NZ Posts: 730	Originally Posted by Senex Unless the things going wrong are wardrobe malfunctions five minutes is an eternity on stage without speaking. The act I did was about 15 minutes. I'm not saying it was great, but I made do... I even made them build me a sub trunk. And a trap door in the stage so I could vanish my assistant at the end... All without speaking... I have video, but it will be a cold day in hell before anyone sees it. PS - I think a wardrobe malfunction is a great idea. Send us the video... ETA: I'll show you mine if you show me yours...
	__________________ ==--New NZ Skeptical Podcast--== TheCusp Episode Zero is Live!!! http://thecusp.org.nz RSS feed: http://thecusp.org.nz/podcast/rss

5th June 2009, 04:11 PM	#13
kittynh The Hupsu Detective auctioneer Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: If I told the aliens could find me, and you know they read this forum Posts: 20,645	ohhhh this is interesting.... I'm going to give it a go without speech and then do one with patter... we'll see which the test audience likes best.
	__________________ "The Bible is like a person, if you torture it long enough you can get it to say anything" (some minister on National Geographic! I don't know his name but he rocks in my book) WWW.BADALIEN.ORG - not all the buttons work yet, and the science content is coming...but it's ALIVE!

6th June 2009, 09:14 AM	#14
Senex Graduate Poster Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: An autobody repair shop in Connecticut Posts: 1,835	Originally Posted by kittynh ohhhh this is interesting.... I'm going to give it a go without speech and then do one with patter... we'll see which the test audience likes best. If your going to the trouble of rounding up a test audience you might as well give it a go without wardrobe malfunction and then do one with... Let's see which the test audience likes best
	__________________ I cannot call to mind a single instance where I have ever been irreverent, except toward the things which were sacred to other people. Mark Twain

6th June 2009, 04:04 PM	#15
BenBurch Gatekeeper of The Left Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: The Universe 35.2 ms ahead of this one. Posts: 13,786	I knew a stripper who did magic on stage. Having a complete wardrobe malfunction going on made hiding things a challenge, but she had the fact that nobody was looking too closely at her hands working in her favor.
	__________________ A Liberal Dose of Talk Dog is my co-pilot. GENERATION 7: The first time you see this, copy it into your sig on any forum and add 1 to the generation. Social experiment.

7th June 2009, 08:17 PM	#16
kittynh The Hupsu Detective auctioneer Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: If I told the aliens could find me, and you know they read this forum Posts: 20,645	thankfully this trick does not take skill. Well, no skill needed from ME. It's really all up to the rabbit! He's got it covered he assures me. Problem is I hear all the rabbits in Vegas belong to the Magicians Union...let's just hope my rabbit doesn't get wind of this. I have my rabbit convinced that since this is a "charity performance" he can work for half his usual carrot allowance.
	__________________ "The Bible is like a person, if you torture it long enough you can get it to say anything" (some minister on National Geographic! I don't know his name but he rocks in my book) WWW.BADALIEN.ORG - not all the buttons work yet, and the science content is coming...but it's ALIVE!

8th June 2009, 04:43 PM	#17
kittynh The Hupsu Detective auctioneer Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: If I told the aliens could find me, and you know they read this forum Posts: 20,645	well thanks everyone .... Now I'm leaning more toward speech. Before I was so focused on getting the magic trick down that I wasn't able to even think about what to say. It was "well what would I say" But now that I'm feeling more confident some patter is coming almost naturally. My daughter said "so what is the rabbit's name?" And a funny name popped into my head and I thought "well I could introduce the rabbit, that would be funny". Then a whole little story began to write itself around the trick (actually now two tricks involving the rabbit). I'm still not sure which way I''m going to go, but before I hadn't a clue what I could say. I mean I'm pulling a rabbit out of a hat.. what is there to say? But give the rabbit a name and a bit of a personality, and things might need to be said. I'm feeling much better already about these tricks. I'll have to make sure it is videotaped so everyone that helped can see how it went. (it's not until TAM, so I've got a lot of time to work on it). Mind you, this rabbit is a problem!
	__________________ "The Bible is like a person, if you torture it long enough you can get it to say anything" (some minister on National Geographic! I don't know his name but he rocks in my book) WWW.BADALIEN.ORG - not all the buttons work yet, and the science content is coming...but it's ALIVE!

9th June 2009, 06:45 AM	#18
JPK Muse Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 970	Good morning Kittynh. I've always found that the most enjoyable mysteries I've witnessed are the ones that have the right balance of verbal story telling and appropriate silence. The words used should create a sence of intrigue. However they should not step on the moment of magic. When I first write done what I think should be said durring a performance it is almost always way too long winded. I put it away and come back to it after practicing the effect for a while. I then take out the original script and cut out as much as I can focusing only on what needs to be said. I do this several times. When I'm done, the finished script/outline is far shorter then what I started with. This works for me. I'm sure for a differant character this might be the opposite of what might be done. Good look with your performance. Remember what they say about working with animals and children.
JPK Muse Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 970	__________________ "I think it's better to have ideas. You can change an idea. Changing a belief is trickier... A belief's a dangerous thing. People die for it. People kill for it." Rufus, the 13th apostle, Dogma "You can't prove air." Sylvia Browne www.StopSylvia.com John Kardel

9th June 2009, 09:19 AM	#19
kittynh The Hupsu Detective auctioneer Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: If I told the aliens could find me, and you know they read this forum Posts: 20,645	Originally Posted by JPK Good morning Kittynh. I've always found that the most enjoyable mysteries I've witnessed are the ones that have the right balance of verbal story telling and appropriate silence. The words used should create a sence of intrigue. However they should not step on the moment of magic. When I first write done what I think should be said durring a performance it is almost always way too long winded. I put it away and come back to it after practicing the effect for a while. I then take out the original script and cut out as much as I can focusing only on what needs to be said. I do this several times. When I'm done, the finished script/outline is far shorter then what I started with. This works for me. I'm sure for a differant character this might be the opposite of what might be done. Good look with your performance. Remember what they say about working with animals and children. oh terrific advice! Thank you! And yes, I know the rabbit will be the star of the show....
	__________________ "The Bible is like a person, if you torture it long enough you can get it to say anything" (some minister on National Geographic! I don't know his name but he rocks in my book) WWW.BADALIEN.ORG - not all the buttons work yet, and the science content is coming...but it's ALIVE!

11th June 2009, 04:49 AM	#20
Senex Graduate Poster Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: An autobody repair shop in Connecticut Posts: 1,835	Originally Posted by kittynh oh terrific advice! Thank you! And yes, I know the rabbit will be the star of the show.... The rabbit will be the star of the show? I guess you decided not to go wardrobe malfunction. Yes, well, that can work if your rabbit is especially charismatic. Not the way I would have gone but best of luck
	__________________ I cannot call to mind a single instance where I have ever been irreverent, except toward the things which were sacred to other people. Mark Twain

11th June 2009, 11:42 AM	#21
Ron_Tomkins Satan's Helper Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: NYC Posts: 15,120	Originally Posted by Senex A magic trick can be done any way you wish. A magic routine can't be performed silent and effective by a novice. You have no verbal misdirection. You mean as opposed to the Indian Rope trick?
	__________________ "I am a collection of water, calcium and organic molecules called Carl Sagan" Carl Sagan

11th June 2009, 06:55 PM	#22
fuelair Cythraul Enfys Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 16,733	Originally Posted by BenBurch I knew a stripper who did magic on stage. Having a complete wardrobe malfunction going on made hiding things a challenge, but she had the fact that nobody was looking too closely at her hands working in her favor. Ursula Martinez?
fuelair Cythraul Enfys Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 16,733	__________________ There is no problem so great that it cannot be fixed by small explosives carefully placed. Wash this space!

11th June 2009, 09:07 PM	#23
kittynh The Hupsu Detective auctioneer Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: If I told the aliens could find me, and you know they read this forum Posts: 20,645	well as soon as I have all my props I'm going to do a lot of run throughs and tweeking. It's interesting how little of the performance is the actual trick (or tricks). It's also interesting how my mind is going over the performance several times a day. I put something in mentally, I take it out... I'm editing and rewriting each day while running errands. Some jokes are writing themselves, and as I have been assured my UFO talks are "clever" and "funny" I might be able to pull this off. Or not. It's 5 minutes, but so far I think I've put in hours and hours! A full act? HA! I'll stick with UFO lectures from now on. Though I have to admit the rabbit has a terrific name.
	__________________ "The Bible is like a person, if you torture it long enough you can get it to say anything" (some minister on National Geographic! I don't know his name but he rocks in my book) WWW.BADALIEN.ORG - not all the buttons work yet, and the science content is coming...but it's ALIVE!

11th June 2009, 09:08 PM	#24
kittynh The Hupsu Detective auctioneer Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: If I told the aliens could find me, and you know they read this forum Posts: 20,645	seriously, my "how to photograph a UFO" lecture is considered THE last word on the subject. Part of it was posted on soccergirl... (Pats self on back then panics again)
	__________________ "The Bible is like a person, if you torture it long enough you can get it to say anything" (some minister on National Geographic! I don't know his name but he rocks in my book) WWW.BADALIEN.ORG - not all the buttons work yet, and the science content is coming...but it's ALIVE!

13th June 2009, 04:52 PM	#25
Mick Houlahan Scholar Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Chicago 'burbs Posts: 112	Originally Posted by Senex A magic trick can be done any way you wish. A magic routine can't be performed silent and effective by a novice. You have no verbal misdirection. Rather sweeping statement. "Verbal misdirection?" I need a slice of cheese and some mustard to go with that baloney.

13th June 2009, 05:29 PM	#26
kittynh The Hupsu Detective auctioneer Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: If I told the aliens could find me, and you know they read this forum Posts: 20,645	all I know is the rabbit and the understudy rabbit arrived today. Training starts on Monday, I have to let them recover from the trip. They seem like nice rabbits. As long as they don't find out about the magician union I'm fine. I'm sure. really... come Monday we see what these bunnies can do.
	__________________ "The Bible is like a person, if you torture it long enough you can get it to say anything" (some minister on National Geographic! I don't know his name but he rocks in my book) WWW.BADALIEN.ORG - not all the buttons work yet, and the science content is coming...but it's ALIVE!

7th July 2009, 11:35 AM	#27
kittynh The Hupsu Detective auctioneer Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: If I told the aliens could find me, and you know they read this forum Posts: 20,645	I'm hoping the trick gets taped. I wish this wasn't the first time I'm performing it for a crowd. I've done it in front of a few people and used their input to refine it. But it's all packed and ready to go and oddly the rabbits seem fine with the carry on and it's ok with the airline and hotel that they are coming. Yikes! wish me luck
	__________________ "The Bible is like a person, if you torture it long enough you can get it to say anything" (some minister on National Geographic! I don't know his name but he rocks in my book) WWW.BADALIEN.ORG - not all the buttons work yet, and the science content is coming...but it's ALIVE!

7th July 2009, 01:29 PM	#28
Senex Graduate Poster Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: An autobody repair shop in Connecticut Posts: 1,835	Break a foot!
	__________________ I cannot call to mind a single instance where I have ever been irreverent, except toward the things which were sacred to other people. Mark Twain

7th July 2009, 01:37 PM	#29
kittynh The Hupsu Detective auctioneer Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: If I told the aliens could find me, and you know they read this forum Posts: 20,645	with all those rabbit feet how can I fail?
	__________________ "The Bible is like a person, if you torture it long enough you can get it to say anything" (some minister on National Geographic! I don't know his name but he rocks in my book) WWW.BADALIEN.ORG - not all the buttons work yet, and the science content is coming...but it's ALIVE!

7th July 2009, 02:18 PM	#30
Bob Klase Master Poster Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Largo, FL Posts: 2,445	Originally Posted by kittynh with all those rabbit feet how can I fail? I used to carry a lucky rabbit foot when I was a kid, until I realized how much luck it had brought the rabbit.

15th July 2009, 11:08 PM	#31
critterrice Scholar Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 78	IMHO, Silent or not should be way down the list of questions, below "Who am I as an entertainer?" If we define our 'character' first and our magic skills are 'second nature' then presentation works itself out.

16th July 2009, 09:53 AM	#32
kittynh The Hupsu Detective auctioneer Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: If I told the aliens could find me, and you know they read this forum Posts: 20,645	Originally Posted by critterrice IMHO, Silent or not should be way down the list of questions, below "Who am I as an entertainer?" If we define our 'character' first and our magic skills are 'second nature' then presentation works itself out. hahahahaha! No I'm not laughing at YOU, I'm laughing at ME! Because I am so NOT a magician! I just as a joke said "yeah I'll pull a rabbit out of a hat" when someone suggested I apply for a spot in the TAM talent show. I forgot, JREF has a lot of magicians! I got picked. I went for speech! I found most importantly the PERFECT assistant. Even though we had NEVER met before she watched a youtube of my act OVER and OVER. We practiced ONCE, and yet (nerves and all and boy were we nervous) we were perfect in our timing. I had a lot of help from Jonathan the mentalist! He's a real pro and helped with some mike difficulties as well as just getting us CALM. IT was a REAL stage with a REALLY lot of people and about 800 people watching it live stream. Ofcourse I picked a beautiful assistant that everyone fell in love with! Good feedback all around (though I'm tired of saying "no I don't have her phone number"). THank you for ALL the feedback here. Speaking worked! In fact the names of the bunnies "Egg" and "Quasimodo" were a big laugh (once explained). Also I learned that if a magician WALKS out after the curtain is raised, somehow the audience assumes there isn't anyone hiding out there. I was told if I was just waiting by the table people would be more likely to think there was someone UNDER the table. I has too many bunnies... Egg an Quasimodo have been up to something thanksfully the big bunny with white ears that was under the table helped make everything work perfectly! though we do seem to have a giant orb there with us...
	__________________ "The Bible is like a person, if you torture it long enough you can get it to say anything" (some minister on National Geographic! I don't know his name but he rocks in my book) WWW.BADALIEN.ORG - not all the buttons work yet, and the science content is coming...but it's ALIVE!

16th July 2009, 11:28 AM	#33
Senex Graduate Poster Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: An autobody repair shop in Connecticut Posts: 1,835	Originally Posted by kittynh I went for speech! . THank you for ALL the feedback here. Speaking worked! In fact the names of the bunnies "Egg" and "Quasimodo" were a big laugh (once explained). Congratulations! hehehe... You chose wise advice over the advice of pikers
	__________________ I cannot call to mind a single instance where I have ever been irreverent, except toward the things which were sacred to other people. Mark Twain

16th July 2009, 01:42 PM	#34
JPK Muse Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 970	Good for you Kittynh. It sounds like you had a good time and if you did, your audience probably did as well. So, will you be perfoming again?
JPK Muse Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 970	__________________ "I think it's better to have ideas. You can change an idea. Changing a belief is trickier... A belief's a dangerous thing. People die for it. People kill for it." Rufus, the 13th apostle, Dogma "You can't prove air." Sylvia Browne www.StopSylvia.com John Kardel

16th July 2009, 04:32 PM	#35
kittynh The Hupsu Detective auctioneer Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: If I told the aliens could find me, and you know they read this forum Posts: 20,645	oh yeah paperskater and I are going to be available for weddings and bar mitzvahs! Let's say next year if there is a tam talent show... paperskater and I will do something really WOW! Like, I'll saw her in half. I can do it. Yeah... (ohhh... see one taste of the stage and I'm hooked). I can never remember being more nervous! Never tell a performer, "hey there are over 800 people watching on line now" right before you go out! A lot of the feedback from this thread was put into the act as it was refined over and over. We had great fun and rabbits humping on stage is always good for a laugh. (just my advice)
	__________________ "The Bible is like a person, if you torture it long enough you can get it to say anything" (some minister on National Geographic! I don't know his name but he rocks in my book) WWW.BADALIEN.ORG - not all the buttons work yet, and the science content is coming...but it's ALIVE!