Decisions!

[kingkid]

So I did some research and found it a bit hard to go through it all, but did end up finding some topics on the general topic that I wanted but not exact. So here's some background information. I am registering for Tannen's Magic Camp this summer and it asks me to decide between stage and close-up magic, and I am having a really hard time deciding. No I am not looking for an answer, I am going to make my own decision. However, I would like to hear some testimonies to possibly get a feel of positive and negative experiences that you all here on the forums have had.

Background information on myself-
I have been seriously into magic for a bit over a year and have been happy with the progress I have made. I have tried my hand in both stage and close-up magic and like both equally. I have a gig lined up in June to do what would technically be considered platform magic at the hospital near me, and am constantly looking for more opportunities to perform professionally. I have a love for big larger theatrics and have been involved in theater for a large part of my life and the ability to develop an in depth character for my routine and performance is a big draw for me. Along with this as a child I imagined fantasy depictions of myself (nerdy I know) and I love the idea of large scale illusions for a big audience. However if I decide to focus on close up I feel as though I might have more opportunities to perform for friends, in school and at social of family gatherings. I am very torn. I am 16 years old and love magic (obviously), and am very deeply torn between close-up and stage magic and am looking not for an answer, but for testimonies.

If you've bared with my post this long then I appreciate it. Here is what I am looking for in my testimony from those in our wonderful community-

What style you personally perform. If you perform both (or a different style) please state that also state which you prefer?

Why did you choose to perform the style you perform, what influenced you and did you have a hard time making this decision?

What part of the style magic you like better and perform more often do you like the most?

If you could have decided differently the path you chose to follow in the style magic you perform, would you? Why?

What character do you play whilst performing?

Any other miscellaneous information you find important in your personal experiences with your magic.

I appreciate all the help in advance, and it is okay if someone said your style magic already because I'm asking for personal testimonies! Thank you all again in advance!

-Brendan

 

[moviesandmagic3]

for me, i prefer close-up magic to stage magic. the closest i have ever come to performing stage magic was at a parlor magic contest. i still performed my regular close-up set because its what i'm most comfortable doing. i enjoyed using sleight of hand and everyday objects at the contest as opposed to what some of the other contestants used (bigger props and objects to which you know there's a trick). so, using close-up objects, it feels more real, which is why i prefer it. if i do perform on a stage, i try to make the close-up tricks as "stagey" (if that's a word) as possible for the sake of the audience being able to see what's going on.

when it comes to "playing a character", i don't. i'm myself. it's good to change your character in terms of attitude and the type of response you want to receive (sloppy shuffle triumph vs. control). many of the guys in the contest acted like a completely different person and performed as if every movement or word was scripted. if they spoke like that when not performing, you would get annoyed (at least i would). like lee asher said in the t11 beginners video, if you are yourself in magic, everybody will like you.

so, just think about the type of tricks you like to perform and go with your instinct and do what feels right. also, watch the beginners video because it definitely answers a lot of the questions you asked.

 

[Morgan B]

You don't have to choose for life, just for the camp.

A few points to consider:

Close up magic will give you a good foundation for stage...stage won't give you a good foundation for close up.

Even Copperfield does close up in his stage show.

You will get more use out of close up at your age and natural market.

You don't have to do close up forever, just for this camp. But, in close up, you will be able to put what you learn to practice right away, a little more than you would in stage.

There is no wrong choice - do what you love.

 

[worldwideme]

You don't have to choose for life, just for the camp.

A few points to consider:

Close up magic will give you a good foundation for stage...stage won't give you a good foundation for close up.

Even Copperfield does close up in his stage show.

You will get more use out of close up at your age and natural market.

You don't have to do close up forever, just for this camp. But, in close up, you will be able to put what you learn to practice right away, a little more than you would in stage.

There is no wrong choice - do what you love.

this guy knows his stuff.

close up magic will give you a stronger foundation for stage later. its only a week.

you can use close up more frequently. like if your just chillin with friends and they are getting bored. you can't pull out a dove and do some dove work. well, i guess you could but i doubt it would be near as practical and nonchalant as a pack of cards or a quarter.

just some thoughts. i would go close up. and i might ask my parents if i can go.

 

[Morgan B]

Thanks Web.

I hope you can go to the camp, it will alter your magic in great ways.

Later,
Morgician

 

[kingkid]

Well I filled out my application today and have finalized my decision. I am going to go for close-up. After reading everything form here and another place I posted this same question I started to lean more and more towards close-up. I appreciate the help! And feel free to use this thread to discuss stage vs. close-up if you want.. My feelings won't be hurt, I promise!

 

[WilliamMckeehan]

i love it WATCH stage magic Because i have no clue how any of it works!

 

[Brad Henderson]

. like lee asher said in the t11 beginners video, if you are yourself in magic, everybody will like you.

This presumes that you 'yourself' are indeed likable.

Ammar used to joke that for a lot of guys the LAST thing they should do is be 'themselves' in performance.

I think we often confuse being yourself with being natural.

I am sure jeffrey dahmer was being himself as he was eating those people. That doesn't mean they also enjoyed his ambitious card routine.

 

[WitchDocIsIn]

I am sure jeffrey dahmer was being himself as he was eating those people. That doesn't mean they also enjoyed his ambitious card routine.

How do you know? Did you ask them? I heard it was a real scream.

 

[Brad Henderson]

On the wall was found a bloody scrawl reading 'at least it wasn't oil and water'

 

[worldwideme]

On the wall was found a bloody scrawl reading 'at least it wasn't oil and water'

and in the corner some soul carved "thank God there were no thimbles"

 

[Derrin]

I just wanted to say that as far as the camp is concerned that you'll have the opportunity to change once you're there, but more importantly, deciding between close and stage doesn't matter as much as taking advantage of the experience as a whole. Having been there for almost 20 years, I can say there always has been and always will be plenty of opportunities to learn all aspects of magic. All you have to do is ask, and everyone's ready to help.

 

[kingkid]

I just wanted to say that as far as the camp is concerned that you'll have the opportunity to change once you're there, but more importantly, deciding between close and stage doesn't matter as much as taking advantage of the experience as a whole. Having been there for almost 20 years, I can say there always has been and always will be plenty of opportunities to learn all aspects of magic. All you have to do is ask, and everyone's ready to help.

Thanks! I am extremely excited to go there this summer. I have heard many good things about it. You say that you have been there for 20 years? Will you be there this year as well?

 

[Derrin]

Yes, I'll be there this year, and for as many years as possible.

If you have any questions about it, feel free to ask. I'm happy to help.

 

[kingkid]

Yes, I'll be there this year, and for as many years as possible.

If you have any questions about it, feel free to ask. I'm happy to help.

Thanks I sent you a PM!

Worldwideme,

If you end up going let me know!