What Makes Good "Street Magic?"

Brown · 21st July 2003, 10:54 AM

I watched Lance Burton's "Guerilla Magic" show on the Animal Planet channel, which purported to show street magic. But some of it wasn't really "street magic," as I would define it. Some of the effects were performed outdoors, but they were basically stage illusions. These illusions appeared to rely, at least in part, upon control of camera views and angles.

To me, "street magic" is more than "magic that is performed outdoors." I would think "street magic" would generally connote a portability, i.e., a notion that the performer could walk across the street and perform the same effect. (In other words, magic that requires lugging bulky props from place to place would not ordinarily qualify as "street magic.")

"Street magic" is also a more "in your face" performance, where the perfomer is less concerned about fooling a camera than fooling a group of people congregated around him.

GroundStrength · 21st July 2003, 11:09 AM

I agree,

I feel that "street magic" is in-your-face and up-close-and-personal. Getting the crowd really involved is what I think of. At first I wanted to say "more impromptu" but that may not be right

Lavie Enrose · 21st July 2003, 03:50 PM

To me, "Street Magic" is Jeff Sheridan.

rustypouch · 21st July 2003, 04:43 PM

I find that "street magic" is about quick, stunning performances with few, if any props. This limits it to card, coin, and tricks using only your own body. I think that elabotate illusions are out, as is anything that requires the use of a table top. It is best performed while standing.

I think it involves doing one or two powerful tricks to a limited audience, half a dozen at most, and then walking away.

It isn't about recognition or money, just about showing people something they haven't seen before and hopefully shaking up their world a little bit.

Lavie Enrose · 21st July 2003, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by rustypouch
This limits it to card, coin, and tricks using only your own body. I think that elabotate illusions are out, as is anything that requires the use of a table top. It is best performed while standing.

I have to disagree. Thimbles, balls, silks, and rope, can also be used. As for the not using a table, well, the Cups and Balls has been performed on the street for centuries....

I think it all depends on what one's definition of "Street Magic" is....

volant · 21st July 2003, 10:00 PM

Cellini, is the best(IMHO) street magician, with Gazzo coming in as a close second. Of course, most people have a distorted view of what real street magic is, thanks to David Blaine...

But what makes good "street magic?" Same as good close-up, stage, etc. A good performer.

NoZed Avenger · 21st July 2003, 10:12 PM

Bingo - right on the money.

21st July 2003, 10:54 AM	#1
Brown Philosopher Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Twin Cities, Canada Posts: 9,025	What Makes Good "Street Magic?" I watched Lance Burton's "Guerilla Magic" show on the Animal Planet channel, which purported to show street magic. But some of it wasn't really "street magic," as I would define it. Some of the effects were performed outdoors, but they were basically stage illusions. These illusions appeared to rely, at least in part, upon control of camera views and angles. To me, "street magic" is more than "magic that is performed outdoors." I would think "street magic" would generally connote a portability, i.e., a notion that the performer could walk across the street and perform the same effect. (In other words, magic that requires lugging bulky props from place to place would not ordinarily qualify as "street magic.") "Street magic" is also a more "in your face" performance, where the perfomer is less concerned about fooling a camera than fooling a group of people congregated around him.
	__________________ Klaatu: I'm impatient with stupidity. My people have learned to live without it. Mr. Harley: I'm afraid my people haven't. I am very sorry. I wish it were otherwise. -- The Day The Earth Stood Still, screenplay by Edmund H. North "Don't you get me wrong. I only want to know." -- Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar, lyrics by Tim Rice

21st July 2003, 11:09 AM	#2
GroundStrength Scourge of the Attentionwhore Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Houston Baby! Posts: 649	I agree, I feel that "street magic" is in-your-face and up-close-and-personal. Getting the crowd really involved is what I think of. At first I wanted to say "more impromptu" but that may not be right

21st July 2003, 03:50 PM	#3
Lavie Enrose Graduate Poster Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 1,961	To me, "Street Magic" is Jeff Sheridan.

21st July 2003, 04:43 PM	#4
rustypouch Master Poster Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Calgary... Posts: 2,584	I find that "street magic" is about quick, stunning performances with few, if any props. This limits it to card, coin, and tricks using only your own body. I think that elabotate illusions are out, as is anything that requires the use of a table top. It is best performed while standing. I think it involves doing one or two powerful tricks to a limited audience, half a dozen at most, and then walking away. It isn't about recognition or money, just about showing people something they haven't seen before and hopefully shaking up their world a little bit.

21st July 2003, 07:27 PM	#5
Lavie Enrose Graduate Poster Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 1,961	Quote: Originally posted by rustypouch This limits it to card, coin, and tricks using only your own body. I think that elabotate illusions are out, as is anything that requires the use of a table top. It is best performed while standing. I have to disagree. Thimbles, balls, silks, and rope, can also be used. As for the not using a table, well, the Cups and Balls has been performed on the street for centuries.... I think it all depends on what one's definition of "Street Magic" is....

21st July 2003, 10:00 PM	#6
volant Muse Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The sea Posts: 969	Cellini, is the best(IMHO) street magician, with Gazzo coming in as a close second. Of course, most people have a distorted view of what real street magic is, thanks to David Blaine... But what makes good "street magic?" Same as good close-up, stage, etc. A good performer.

21st July 2003, 10:12 PM	#7
NoZed Avenger Bitter Whiner Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 8,411	Bingo - right on the money.