Stage Performance

[Rmana]

Hey everyone...

I'm about to do a short set on stage for the first time. I usually just do stuff on the street and for small groups of like 1 - 10 people at most and I'm doing this show for maybe a hundred people or so. I'm not really sure, could be more, could be less, but it's definitely different than performing for just a few people.

Anyways, I'm just wondering what kind of tricks could play well in a bigger setting. I usually just do street / close-up magic but I feel like working a big stage is going to be a lot different.

Stuff I usually do is my ACR and sandwich effects and a lot of stuff that happens in the spectator's hands.

I guess my question is, what kind of effects do you think work well in the bigger setting?

I'm thinking of doing Distortion, Witness, Oz Perlman's Clutch, possibly an ACR and the Anniversary Waltz. Anyone have any other suggestions?

The set will just be 10 - 15 minutes.

 

[praetoritevong]

You should time everything - for fifteen minutes, no more than 3 effects or you'll go way overtime, if you routine everything properly. Well it kinda depends what you're into but you just need to make sure everyone can see what you're doing... Effects that play big (note: this does NOT mean stronger effects!). Honestly, ACR is probably too small. No-one will be able to see anything. It kinda depends on the venue too - are you standing, sitting, on an elevated stage, on the floor, are you audience standing, sitting, etc. If you have a mirror, stand 10-15 metres away and perform for your mirror. If you can see what's going on clearly, it'll work. If you have no idea what's happening by looking at your reflection, your audience probably won't either.

 

[D ICE R]

To continue with what was said earlier you really need to what the stage setting is before you can commit to a set routine. Anyway seeing as you mainly do close up you will need to play on the reactions of the spectators. I would also not try to use exclusively cards either. I suppose because it is a short show you could get away from it, however the audience will still think it is all you can do. If I were to do a set I would have about 2 people on my right hand side and one on my left all sitting at a poker table like a panel (sort of like the Lennart Green TED thing). However I know this does not play that well for the audience but it is the best you can do. I would also try to get a feed to a projector if possible as it will make everything a lot clearer to the audience.

Anyway the routine I would use is;
Witness + Distortion combo.
A sandwich routine like Cameo
Finish with Clutch

However this does not really go anywhere and is more or less just a series of tricks as opposed to a show. Look bat the Green TED lecture he gives a premise to his whole routine as an unnatural level of skill and controling cards even after they are shuffled but a spectator.

 

[Randomwrath]

I wouldn't really use cards, maybe for one trick if you have a camera projecting onto a screen, but no more. As Praetoritevong said, too small. You want something strong and not too long (hey, that rhymes!) for your opener, something a bit more involved and probably with audience participation for your middle, and some mentalism for your closer, preferably with a prediction that's been in sight the whole show (as it builds suspense). You don't have to follow this plan, but that's what I'd be aiming for if I was doing a stage magic show. Hope that helped.

 

[Mentalizing]

Fiber Optics and Fiber Optics. To me it was easy to learn and simple to do in front of large people. Your audience will be trying to wonder what the hell you are doing with that rope of yours and then each routine with is pure putty in your hands. My second effect is Smart Ass and it involves cards but is BIG cards, costs about 50 bucks and fiber optics is 35. Get them at sandersfx.com and mjmmagic.com for good prices.

 

[datskanars]

i agree. Perform Fiber Optics! but i dont know if you will be able to get the routines down untill the show.
IF you are using cards it is always good to "magically" produce the deck in the beginning and vanish it in the end.
I wouldnt start with Witness because it plays really BIG, i would most likely close with it. THREAD is also a great effect i would do on stage .
Also some direct mindreading would be great. depending on how many people will be there i would try Benjamin Earl's "Mental Voyage" which is lovely .
If i had a table i would definitely perform Derren Brown's "3 card routine''
And Wayne Houchin's "indescent" would be a good trick to perform after "witness"."let me show you how your card appeard in the zip-lock bag"


these are some of the tricks i would use but keep in mind that a projector will greatly enhance your spectators' experience , especially if you plan to use small props.

 

[quick_trick]

Hi Rmana,

I would only go with a card effect like Clutch, that plays huge and is so easy you can spend all your effort on performing to the entire audience. - You could always to "Here Then There" with jumbo cards just put it under their foot or hand of you've a table.

Any rope trick will do in the middle of a show if you have one practised and rehearsed.

Something with fire to either open with or finish with, crowds love a flash of light - it lets people up the back know something magic is happening even if they can't quite see it.

On stage it's more about the performance and not the so much the tricks/illusions, as long as you're entertaining and can have fun with your audience you'll do fine!