Live Performances (And an introduction to me)

[CasenW]

Hello guys, some of you may know me as magicianandyoyoer if you visit the penguin forums much, but if not, let me introduce myself, i have been doing magic seriously for about a year and a half, but i have been INTO magic since, well, forever. my brother used to do magic, but he quit when he was around thirteen, he makes fun of me, but i don't care, I'm the pife of the larty (lol).
with that said, i would like to share some videos, these are from my old youtube account, as i haven't uploaded any real magic videos to my new account yet.

this is my live performances video :http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2p5nzPjXDA

and this is my second live performances video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfgby3VFM1M

Look forward to learning new stuff about magic, and making some new friends!

 

[praetoritevong]

Hey buddy,

Welcome to the forums! I'm sure you will make some good friends here. There are people who represent a whole range of experiences and performance styles.

If I can give you one tip based on your first live performance video, it's to make sure you're clear with your instructions, and to try and develop your stage presence. I know it's hard, especially when you're young (I'm a bit older than you, but still young), but yeah.

Thanks for posting those vids!

 

[CasenW]

Thanks, and yeah, i was mumbling a bit that night, and i had allergies. is that what you were talking about? or i wasn't telling them what to do properly?

 

[praetoritevong]

Thanks, and yeah, i was mumbling a bit that night, and i had allergies. is that what you were talking about? or i wasn't telling them what to do properly?

Not exactly... I didn't mind the fact that I couldn't really hear what you were saying, mostly because the sound wasn't great, which is in no way a knock against you - it's a fact of life for most of us who aren't great editors...

I think it's more just that, in my personal opinion, you should be more thorough with what you tell them. For example, the first girl asked where to sign it, that sort of stuff. You turn around so quickly, with good intentions, that I think it almost feels a bit rushed. Slow down a bit and be really clear with what you want them to do, what you mean, whatever your presentation is and whatever you happen to be talking about whether it be with the trick or just talking to them.

Other times, it's not that they're unclear about what to do - but I think you could be clearer anyway. It will help if your spectator is a bit out of it, or just generally easily confused. It will also help with the second thing I mentioned, a sense of stage presence. I think it really comes across well for you as a person if you're clear and direct about what you say, and what you'd like them to do. It has the same effect as not saying "Umm" and "Ahh" in performances.

 

[CasenW]

Thanks! i know what you mean now. i just get so excited sometimes, you know that little rush you get when your performing? haha, but i will definitely work on it.

 

[praetoritevong]

Thanks! i know what you mean now. i just get so excited sometimes, you know that little rush you get when your performing? haha, but i will definitely work on it.

Absolutely dude. Never lose track of that rush, it's a great feeling.

 

[CasenW]

yup! did you watch both videos?

 

[praetoritevong]

Just had a quick look now mate. It basically confirms what I suspected before - you should try to slow down a little more! You sound like you're on something rather illegal. I mean, it's a natural tendency, and I totally understand it. I would say this, though - when you talk slower, it feels weird, but it doesn't sound weird to the listener! Some of the most well spoken businessmen I know give off that vibe precisely because they speak when they are sure of what they want to say.

This relates to more than just speaking, though - try slowing down with your actions. Some of your reveals in the ACR were just too quick - "Youturnitoverthistime" - *Thrusts deck towards spectator*. You know what I mean? I'm sorry if this comes over as too critical, it's obviously an exaggerated comment, but I hope you get the idea. Same with "Andyourcardrisestothetop". Slow down there! Break up your speech pattern. Pick up the card, start to turn it over, pause for a moment, and then slowly finish the job. It makes for a much nicer moment of magic.

Also, give your spectators time to react. Let their reactions play out, don't interrupt their thought process with the next phase of the trick. You did well - enjoy it, take a deep breath, and a step back.

This speed issue carries over to your card handling too. Sometimes, you don't look comfortable with the deck - the way you display a card, the way you spread the deck, the way you square up the pack. Slow down - make your actions deliberate, and you will look more confident, and your card handling will be more elegant. Be sure with your hands. Don't worry about the sleights. You're doing plenty that's right, so try taking it slow.

Hope this helps. Sorry the whole post is about criticism. As I just mentioned, there are plenty of things you're doing right - these are just some of the few steps I personally think you should be taking next

 

[SKSleighofHand]

First of all, you're on the right direction and I know that you will grow as a performer through experiences and etc. I pretty much agreed of what praetoritvong said. For more helpful tips, go to the links below.

MagicHat Patter

Keep what you are doing! Remember, even though there are criticism, it's only the beginning of becoming a great performer.

 

[CasenW]

Just had a quick look now mate. It basically confirms what I suspected before - you should try to slow down a little more! You sound like you're on something rather illegal. I mean, it's a natural tendency, and I totally understand it. I would say this, though - when you talk slower, it feels weird, but it doesn't sound weird to the listener! Some of the most well spoken businessmen I know give off that vibe precisely because they speak when they are sure of what they want to say.

This relates to more than just speaking, though - try slowing down with your actions. Some of your reveals in the ACR were just too quick - "Youturnitoverthistime" - *Thrusts deck towards spectator*. You know what I mean? I'm sorry if this comes over as too critical, it's obviously an exaggerated comment, but I hope you get the idea. Same with "Andyourcardrisestothetop". Slow down there! Break up your speech pattern. Pick up the card, start to turn it over, pause for a moment, and then slowly finish the job. It makes for a much nicer moment of magic.

Also, give your spectators time to react. Let their reactions play out, don't interrupt their thought process with the next phase of the trick. You did well - enjoy it, take a deep breath, and a step back.

This speed issue carries over to your card handling too. Sometimes, you don't look comfortable with the deck - the way you display a card, the way you spread the deck, the way you square up the pack. Slow down - make your actions deliberate, and you will look more confident, and your card handling will be more elegant. Be sure with your hands. Don't worry about the sleights. You're doing plenty that's right, so try taking it slow.

Hope this helps. Sorry the whole post is about criticism. As I just mentioned, there are plenty of things you're doing right - these are just some of the few steps I personally think you should be taking next

Yeah, i see what you mean.. i often compare myself to Noblezada in that sense, but even he doesn't talk as fast as i do.

and, i THINK the reason i go so fast might be because sometimes i think "the faster i go, the less chance of them noticing anything" haha.

and to SKSleightofHand, thanks!

 

[praetoritevong]

Yeah, i see what you mean.. i often compare myself to Noblezada in that sense, but even he doesn't talk as fast as i do.

and, i THINK the reason i go so fast might be because sometimes i think "the faster i go, the less chance of them noticing anything" haha.

and to SKSleightofHand, thanks!

Haha yeah, I know that feeling. But sometimes, when you go faster, you arouse suspicion, and suspicion, it is often said, (them knowing that something has been done) is as bad as them knowing exactly how it was done.

But really, looking at your video, there were no glaring sleight errors - practice, definitely - some of the handling could look smoother - but be confident in yourself, cause you've done a great job. Practice, then trust yourself when you actually go perform. You're doing great

 

[CasenW]

haha, yeah, Thanks.