Posts
Newsletter of IBM Ring #170
The Bev Bergeron Ring
Next general meeting Wednesday, 03/16/2011 at 7:30 PM SHARP
Meeting Performance Theme - Pot Luck
I-HOP Kirkman Road
5203 Kirkman Road, Orlando, Florida 32819
Please join us for dinner beforehand
Lunch meetings in the McDonald’s at 7344 Sand Lake Road, Orlando. It’s two blocks WEST of the intersection of Interstate 4 and Sand Lake Road. We meet every Tuesday at noon upstairs.
Website: http://www.ring170.com/
F. A. M. E. is the Florida Association of Magical Entertainers
*************************************************************
Directory
Craig J. Fennessy – President – CraigFennessy@gmail.com
Chris Dunn- Vice President – Youngdunns@yahoo.com
Art Thomas – Treasurer – artthomas31@Earthlink.net
Sheldon Brook- Acting Secretary – mrbrook33@yahoo.com
James Songster- Director at Large, - JjTjMagic@aol.com
Joe Vecciarelli- Sgt at Arms - talkingmute@tampabay.rr.com
Stefan Bartelski – Editor of “Famulus”- Famulus@illusioneer.com
*************************************************************
GET PUBLISHED!
Got an idea for an article to add to the next FAMULUS? Put it in the body of an email or in a Word document attached to an email. Send it to Famulus@illusioneer.com, and we will get you in print.
Please, please, please, use the above e-mail address, your messages are in danger of getting lost if you do not do so.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
2011-03 From the Editor
Last months meeting was quite shocking, what with a large number of Broken Wand announcements, and the news of Art Thomas' resignation from the club. Art will be sorely missed, I think many people do not realize how much he did for the club. It was especially hard to lose him just before the Flea Market, which has always been one of the events that had his stamp on it. And while the rest of the crew did a great job this year again, Art's absence was felt.
There are a couple of videos in this months edition, both very worthwhile watching.
Thanks to our regular contributors Dennis and Sheldon, without them this would be an empty newsletter. Come on members, how about some input? It could be reviews of (new) magic effects, reviews of a TV program or reminiscences from times gone by. Go on, hit the keyboard and email your submission to famulus@illlusioneer.com.
Your editor
There are a couple of videos in this months edition, both very worthwhile watching.
Thanks to our regular contributors Dennis and Sheldon, without them this would be an empty newsletter. Come on members, how about some input? It could be reviews of (new) magic effects, reviews of a TV program or reminiscences from times gone by. Go on, hit the keyboard and email your submission to famulus@illlusioneer.com.
Your editor
2011-03 Ring Report
President Craig Fennessey called the meeting to order on February 16th with 27 members and guests in attendance. He sadly announced that in the past month there were Broken Wand Ceremonies for Pavel, Terry Seabrooke and Tim Conover all of whom had either lectured or appeared in our area. He next reported that Art Thomas, our Ring Treasurer had submitted his letter of resignation which was read by Bev Bergeron. Art did many fine things for the Ring and his absence will be deeply felt. Craig went on to say that any member wishing to replace Art should contact him (Craig) for consideration.
He further announced that we had two lectures scheduled May, Tony Clark and Danny Garcia. We were encouraged to participate in the Make a Wish Foundation's Walk for Wishes which will be held in late March.
Our Annual Flea Market and Auction will be held on Feb 21st with Joe Zimmer and Phil Schwartz handling the Auction. Twenty-four (24) tables have been reserved for the Flea Market.
It was announced that John Calvert would be lecturing at Abbott's Convention in Colon, Michigan on August 5th and several of our members will be attending.
Phil Schwartz was up next with his Magic History Moment #28. The subject was Carl De-voy Williams whom Phil held in high esteem. Born in 1922 and still active today, Williams, raised in Pasadena, California, had an interest in puppets and magic. He spent much of his leisure time watching the lathe workings of Floyd Thayer, a nearby neighbor.
Educated, after a stint in the Navy, at Cal Tech he joined Lockheed as an electrical engineer. After a long professional career, he retired in 1988 and began making magic. He is a skilled craftsman and is known for many creations, including Wands of the Masters, the Houdini Wand, and cages for Lance Burton.
Following a short break, six of our members performed, starting with Chuck Smith, who with the aid of an audience volunteer, predicted the outcome of a random number calculation. Doug Kalcik followed with 2 well performed card effects. Chuck Pfrogner demonstrated an intriguing coin transport. Dan Stapleton, with the assistance of three volunteers and IHOP place settings entertained the group with a seemingly impossible exchange of utensils. Richard Hewitt closed the show with finding a selected card by an audience volunteer.
A fine time was had by all.
He further announced that we had two lectures scheduled May, Tony Clark and Danny Garcia. We were encouraged to participate in the Make a Wish Foundation's Walk for Wishes which will be held in late March.
Our Annual Flea Market and Auction will be held on Feb 21st with Joe Zimmer and Phil Schwartz handling the Auction. Twenty-four (24) tables have been reserved for the Flea Market.
It was announced that John Calvert would be lecturing at Abbott's Convention in Colon, Michigan on August 5th and several of our members will be attending.
Phil Schwartz was up next with his Magic History Moment #28. The subject was Carl De-voy Williams whom Phil held in high esteem. Born in 1922 and still active today, Williams, raised in Pasadena, California, had an interest in puppets and magic. He spent much of his leisure time watching the lathe workings of Floyd Thayer, a nearby neighbor.
Educated, after a stint in the Navy, at Cal Tech he joined Lockheed as an electrical engineer. After a long professional career, he retired in 1988 and began making magic. He is a skilled craftsman and is known for many creations, including Wands of the Masters, the Houdini Wand, and cages for Lance Burton.
Following a short break, six of our members performed, starting with Chuck Smith, who with the aid of an audience volunteer, predicted the outcome of a random number calculation. Doug Kalcik followed with 2 well performed card effects. Chuck Pfrogner demonstrated an intriguing coin transport. Dan Stapleton, with the assistance of three volunteers and IHOP place settings entertained the group with a seemingly impossible exchange of utensils. Richard Hewitt closed the show with finding a selected card by an audience volunteer.
A fine time was had by all.
2011-03 magician creates a storm of protests
Based on Dennis' comments about YouTube magic, this posting is perhaps very timely. If you have not yet seen the Chinese fish trick, then be sure to view the video, it is dynamite. Unfortunately no subtitles for the Chinese language soundtrack, but not needed! Babede-babede-ba!
2011-03 Dennis' Deliberations
There are good reasons why I stay away from using the term magician, especially in any public school shows that I book.
You should hear the nightmare stories that I hear about totally incompetent performers as well as people who book shows and are horrible.
I was at the Hookah Lounge and was using my closing line:
If you liked the show, remember my name is “Dennis Phillips” if you didn’t like the show my name is “Criss Angel”! It gets a laugh… One guy called me over and said, “Whatever happened to that guy who used to vanish the Statue of Liberty? I saw him on TV when I was real young.”
I said, “You mean David Copperfield”. He said, “I think that was his name…Uh I heard somewhere that he is in jail for raping a girl or some famous model. No, he tried to kill his wife!”
It is tough for any “magician” to be seen in a positive light. We are seen by the public as freaks and kinks.
The old Duck and Chicken “Changing Heads” trick is back. Fu Manchu did it, David Copperfield did it 20 years ago on one of his network specials.
Penn and Teller had a magic special on English TV in January and it was called “Fool Me”. The invited magicians from all over to come and “fool them”. One magician did the Duck and Chicken Trick.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0RRSgfBJpw&feature=player_embedded
Penn and Teller acted like they had never seen this effect before. The look of delight on their faces was an indication of how much they appreciated good performance. It wasn't so much the TRICK that amazed them (P&T could do it blindfolded), but from their perspective (and ours) the Ali Cook's gestures were cool. People in the "know" enjoyed the performer as much as the trick! The magician who virtually wrote the book on COOL was Larry Wilson. As the cliché saying goes, "I'd watch that guy eating lunch." ... This short bio tells it all:
Larry Wilson doesn't take magic seriously. But that's no surprise to anyone who's seen him starring in his psychedelic extravaganza, "Wonderland," at Harrah's Hotel & Casino in Reno. The debate over whether Larry Wilson is a comedian or magician leaves him unconcerned. Audiences are laughing so hard they don't even seem to realize that the astounding and freaky visuals taking place all around them are actually magic. "I don't want to fool you," Larry Wilson candidly admits, "I just want to blow your mind a little." His latest creation, "Wonderland," does that in full measure. His high-energy performance combined with a gift for lightning-fast ad-libs makes it all the more impossible to determine what's really planned and what's simply a spontaneous happening. And that's what "Wonderland" is all about. As Larry Wilson explains, "It's not a place; it's a state of mind."
How did Larry Wilson, this self-professed refugee from the Summer of Love wind up producing his own theatrical spectacles? Larry is the first to admit it's been an unusual career. He began his performing career at the Magic Castle in Hollywood, a private club for magicians. He was somewhat apprehensive about presenting his mix of comedy and magic because of the Castle's reputation as a reserved and dignified forum for magicians. Fortunately, his satirical advertising pitch for the "Famous Magicians School" was an immediate success and even the most diehard magicians were delighted with his spoofing of the art.
In no time at all Larry Wilson found himself in places like Las Vegas, Atlantic City and Lake Tahoe performing with the likes of Sammy Davis, Jr., Ann-Margret, and The Pointer Sisters. This, in turn, Ied to a long string of television appearances with his zany assistants, the Flying Cavettis, and it was an appearance with this stage troupe which garnered Larry Wilson his first Emmy nomination as a performer.
Larry Wilson is also quite in demand as a technical consultant for magic and special effects.in movies and T.V. He's taught sleight of hand to a host of famous actors including Patrick Dempsey, Nick Nolte, Timothy Hutton and Brooke Shields. He was hand-chosen to create the now famous comedy-magic sequence that Leslie Nielsen performed in the classic comedy hit "Airplane!" Larry Wilson has displayed his sleight of hand skills on "Hard Copy," as a crooked casino dealer on ABC's "Line of Fire" and on the A&E special, "Stealth Technology," where he demonstrated how the military uses many of the same principles of illusion in modern warfare.
"Eventually Larry Wilson realized that if I broke away from the preconceived ideas of magic and did something that was true to what I am it would be something really unique," Larry says. "So I did a little inventory on myself and decided that the things I have such great fondness for all came from the 60's-the music, the clothes, the lifestyle. All at once, it seemed so clear, the perfect theatrical framework to combine these fantastic cultural influences was just ready and waiting for me-"Alice in Wonderland." It's the trippiest, most surreal, otherworldly tale. And everybody knows all about it. Or, at least, they think they do." That was the jumping off point for "Wonderland." His long history with Harrah's casinos made it a natural choice to launch this ambitious project and the response has been phenomenal right from the opening night performance.
Years and years of working in gambling cities also allowed Larry Wilson plenty of time to hone his card-playing skills and he is well known on the poker tournament circuit. "I got to play with some of the top Hold 'Em players in the world, and, fortunately, some of them took pity on me and were kind enough to point out everything I was doing wrong. Gradually my game began to improve enough until I started winning small tournaments. I may be the only guy whose job actually coincides neatly with his love of playing poker."
Larry Wilson is very pleased about the public's acceptance of his peculiar mix of magic, comedy and theatricality. "Nowadays audiences crave a more intense theatrical experience. When they go out to see a show, they want to be immersed in something, they want to feel something." That's why "Wonderland" has been received so enthusiastically by audiences of such a broad spectrum. "Magic isn't about the tricks; it's supposed to be about going on a little trip to an alternative reality." Does that make Larry Wilson the next Houdini? "Oh, no," he's quick to say. "That stuff with the handcuffs I leave to the pros... like Paris Hilton."
Now that is a superb quote that all magicians should take to heart, and more -- put into action! : "Magic isn't about the tricks; it's supposed to be about going on a little trip to an alternative reality." How many performers can you say actually fulfill THAT requirement? When you stop looking at the props (the half-naked babes excepted) and find yourself riveted by the magician, then you know you're watching good magic! Do we watch Channing Pollock's act, or do we watch the complete package that includes his ever bodily nuance and suave facial expression? Another point (this could be turned into and essay!) -- when we see a magician, say, an illusionist, do a "standard" routine and think, "That man has turned it into a masterpiece that only HE can do!" -- then, and only then, do we have CLASSIC MAGIC presented in all its glory. Richiardi's Broom Suspension is a case in point, and I'm sure you can think of other examples. (The Blackstone Floating Lightbulb? I dunno: It always seemed to me that a bulb with the screw-end at the TOP screams "hanging" from something but the overall effect is amazing and poetic, especially sending it out over the audience)
One of the true sad things is that YouTube videos are watchable again and again and again. The magically naive can do exactly that, including "freeze frames", and then jump in there with some semi-revealing feedback on the aspects that don't look quite right." Magic seen only once, LIVE, doesn't have that problem. THAT'S WHY -- if I did any magic that relied on being seen only ONCE for best effect (an effect that FOOLS) I sure as heck wouldn't want it to be put on YouTube.
You should hear the nightmare stories that I hear about totally incompetent performers as well as people who book shows and are horrible.
I was at the Hookah Lounge and was using my closing line:
If you liked the show, remember my name is “Dennis Phillips” if you didn’t like the show my name is “Criss Angel”! It gets a laugh… One guy called me over and said, “Whatever happened to that guy who used to vanish the Statue of Liberty? I saw him on TV when I was real young.”
I said, “You mean David Copperfield”. He said, “I think that was his name…Uh I heard somewhere that he is in jail for raping a girl or some famous model. No, he tried to kill his wife!”
It is tough for any “magician” to be seen in a positive light. We are seen by the public as freaks and kinks.
The old Duck and Chicken “Changing Heads” trick is back. Fu Manchu did it, David Copperfield did it 20 years ago on one of his network specials.
Penn and Teller had a magic special on English TV in January and it was called “Fool Me”. The invited magicians from all over to come and “fool them”. One magician did the Duck and Chicken Trick.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0RRSgfBJpw&feature=player_embedded
Penn and Teller acted like they had never seen this effect before. The look of delight on their faces was an indication of how much they appreciated good performance. It wasn't so much the TRICK that amazed them (P&T could do it blindfolded), but from their perspective (and ours) the Ali Cook's gestures were cool. People in the "know" enjoyed the performer as much as the trick! The magician who virtually wrote the book on COOL was Larry Wilson. As the cliché saying goes, "I'd watch that guy eating lunch." ... This short bio tells it all:
Larry Wilson doesn't take magic seriously. But that's no surprise to anyone who's seen him starring in his psychedelic extravaganza, "Wonderland," at Harrah's Hotel & Casino in Reno. The debate over whether Larry Wilson is a comedian or magician leaves him unconcerned. Audiences are laughing so hard they don't even seem to realize that the astounding and freaky visuals taking place all around them are actually magic. "I don't want to fool you," Larry Wilson candidly admits, "I just want to blow your mind a little." His latest creation, "Wonderland," does that in full measure. His high-energy performance combined with a gift for lightning-fast ad-libs makes it all the more impossible to determine what's really planned and what's simply a spontaneous happening. And that's what "Wonderland" is all about. As Larry Wilson explains, "It's not a place; it's a state of mind."
How did Larry Wilson, this self-professed refugee from the Summer of Love wind up producing his own theatrical spectacles? Larry is the first to admit it's been an unusual career. He began his performing career at the Magic Castle in Hollywood, a private club for magicians. He was somewhat apprehensive about presenting his mix of comedy and magic because of the Castle's reputation as a reserved and dignified forum for magicians. Fortunately, his satirical advertising pitch for the "Famous Magicians School" was an immediate success and even the most diehard magicians were delighted with his spoofing of the art.
In no time at all Larry Wilson found himself in places like Las Vegas, Atlantic City and Lake Tahoe performing with the likes of Sammy Davis, Jr., Ann-Margret, and The Pointer Sisters. This, in turn, Ied to a long string of television appearances with his zany assistants, the Flying Cavettis, and it was an appearance with this stage troupe which garnered Larry Wilson his first Emmy nomination as a performer.
Larry Wilson is also quite in demand as a technical consultant for magic and special effects.in movies and T.V. He's taught sleight of hand to a host of famous actors including Patrick Dempsey, Nick Nolte, Timothy Hutton and Brooke Shields. He was hand-chosen to create the now famous comedy-magic sequence that Leslie Nielsen performed in the classic comedy hit "Airplane!" Larry Wilson has displayed his sleight of hand skills on "Hard Copy," as a crooked casino dealer on ABC's "Line of Fire" and on the A&E special, "Stealth Technology," where he demonstrated how the military uses many of the same principles of illusion in modern warfare.
"Eventually Larry Wilson realized that if I broke away from the preconceived ideas of magic and did something that was true to what I am it would be something really unique," Larry says. "So I did a little inventory on myself and decided that the things I have such great fondness for all came from the 60's-the music, the clothes, the lifestyle. All at once, it seemed so clear, the perfect theatrical framework to combine these fantastic cultural influences was just ready and waiting for me-"Alice in Wonderland." It's the trippiest, most surreal, otherworldly tale. And everybody knows all about it. Or, at least, they think they do." That was the jumping off point for "Wonderland." His long history with Harrah's casinos made it a natural choice to launch this ambitious project and the response has been phenomenal right from the opening night performance.
Years and years of working in gambling cities also allowed Larry Wilson plenty of time to hone his card-playing skills and he is well known on the poker tournament circuit. "I got to play with some of the top Hold 'Em players in the world, and, fortunately, some of them took pity on me and were kind enough to point out everything I was doing wrong. Gradually my game began to improve enough until I started winning small tournaments. I may be the only guy whose job actually coincides neatly with his love of playing poker."
Larry Wilson is very pleased about the public's acceptance of his peculiar mix of magic, comedy and theatricality. "Nowadays audiences crave a more intense theatrical experience. When they go out to see a show, they want to be immersed in something, they want to feel something." That's why "Wonderland" has been received so enthusiastically by audiences of such a broad spectrum. "Magic isn't about the tricks; it's supposed to be about going on a little trip to an alternative reality." Does that make Larry Wilson the next Houdini? "Oh, no," he's quick to say. "That stuff with the handcuffs I leave to the pros... like Paris Hilton."
Now that is a superb quote that all magicians should take to heart, and more -- put into action! : "Magic isn't about the tricks; it's supposed to be about going on a little trip to an alternative reality." How many performers can you say actually fulfill THAT requirement? When you stop looking at the props (the half-naked babes excepted) and find yourself riveted by the magician, then you know you're watching good magic! Do we watch Channing Pollock's act, or do we watch the complete package that includes his ever bodily nuance and suave facial expression? Another point (this could be turned into and essay!) -- when we see a magician, say, an illusionist, do a "standard" routine and think, "That man has turned it into a masterpiece that only HE can do!" -- then, and only then, do we have CLASSIC MAGIC presented in all its glory. Richiardi's Broom Suspension is a case in point, and I'm sure you can think of other examples. (The Blackstone Floating Lightbulb? I dunno: It always seemed to me that a bulb with the screw-end at the TOP screams "hanging" from something but the overall effect is amazing and poetic, especially sending it out over the audience)
One of the true sad things is that YouTube videos are watchable again and again and again. The magically naive can do exactly that, including "freeze frames", and then jump in there with some semi-revealing feedback on the aspects that don't look quite right." Magic seen only once, LIVE, doesn't have that problem. THAT'S WHY -- if I did any magic that relied on being seen only ONCE for best effect (an effect that FOOLS) I sure as heck wouldn't want it to be put on YouTube.
Monday, February 07, 2011
2011-02 Famulus Newsletter
Newsletter of IBM Ring #170
The Bev Bergeron Ring
Next general meeting Wednesday, 02/16/2011 at 7:30 PM SHARP
Meeting Performance Theme - Valentine's Magic
I-HOP Kirkman Road
5203 Kirkman Road, Orlando, Florida 32819
Please join us for dinner beforehand
Lunch meetings in the McDonald’s at 7344 Sand Lake Road, Orlando. It’s two blocks WEST of the intersection of Interstate 4 and Sand Lake Road. We meet every Tuesday at noon upstairs.
Website: http://www.ring170.com/
F. A. M. E. is the Florida Association of Magical Entertainers
*************************************************************
Directory
Craig J. Fennessy – President – CraigFennessy@gmail.com
Chris Dunn- Vice President – Youngdunns@yahoo.com
Art Thomas – Treasurer – artthomas31@Earthlink.net
Sheldon Brook- Acting Secretary – mrbrook33@yahoo.com
James Songster- Director at Large, - JjTjMagic@aol.com
Joe Vecciarelli- Sgt at Arms - talkingmute@tampabay.rr.com
Stefan Bartelski – Editor of “Famulus”- Famulus@illusioneer.com
*************************************************************
GET PUBLISHED!
Got an idea for an article to add to the next FAMULUS? Put it in the body of an email or in a Word document attached to an email. Send it to Famulus@illusioneer.com, and we will get you in print.
Please, please, please, use the above e-mail address, your messages are in danger of getting lost if you do not do so.
The Bev Bergeron Ring
Next general meeting Wednesday, 02/16/2011 at 7:30 PM SHARP
Meeting Performance Theme - Valentine's Magic
I-HOP Kirkman Road
5203 Kirkman Road, Orlando, Florida 32819
Please join us for dinner beforehand
Lunch meetings in the McDonald’s at 7344 Sand Lake Road, Orlando. It’s two blocks WEST of the intersection of Interstate 4 and Sand Lake Road. We meet every Tuesday at noon upstairs.
Website: http://www.ring170.com/
F. A. M. E. is the Florida Association of Magical Entertainers
*************************************************************
Directory
Craig J. Fennessy – President – CraigFennessy@gmail.com
Chris Dunn- Vice President – Youngdunns@yahoo.com
Art Thomas – Treasurer – artthomas31@Earthlink.net
Sheldon Brook- Acting Secretary – mrbrook33@yahoo.com
James Songster- Director at Large, - JjTjMagic@aol.com
Joe Vecciarelli- Sgt at Arms - talkingmute@tampabay.rr.com
Stefan Bartelski – Editor of “Famulus”- Famulus@illusioneer.com
*************************************************************
GET PUBLISHED!
Got an idea for an article to add to the next FAMULUS? Put it in the body of an email or in a Word document attached to an email. Send it to Famulus@illusioneer.com, and we will get you in print.
Please, please, please, use the above e-mail address, your messages are in danger of getting lost if you do not do so.
2011-02 From the Editor
February remains colder than normal, what happened to global warming? After spending a few days in a VERY cold Denver I was glad to get back to Central Florida, where recently it has been quite hot. Maybe not in temperatures, but certainly in magic. Wizardz Monday night shows are drawing full houses time after time, especially when the big names come. This week was Jon Armstrong, originally from Orlando, who has made it big on the magic scene of the West Coast. Jon was back in town and joined us for the excellent Jonathon Levitt lecture, as well as performing at Wizardz. If you missed either event, you missed a lot!
In addition, we were treated to Penn & Teller performing at the Hard Rock, and quite a number of members were able to attend and enjoy another evening of magical entertainment.
Coming up soon is another not to be missed event, the Annual Flea Market and Show. Great performers and lectures, do not miss it.
Your editor
Stefan
P.S. Remember, clicking on the Google ads at the top of this newsletter helps support the club!
In addition, we were treated to Penn & Teller performing at the Hard Rock, and quite a number of members were able to attend and enjoy another evening of magical entertainment.
Coming up soon is another not to be missed event, the Annual Flea Market and Show. Great performers and lectures, do not miss it.
Your editor
Stefan
P.S. Remember, clicking on the Google ads at the top of this newsletter helps support the club!
2011-02 Ring Report
President Craig Fennessey called the meeting to order on January 19th and announced that because of a scheduled lecture this evening by Geoffrey Williams that the business meeting would be brief. He announced that our annual Flea Market and Auction would be held on February 19th at the usual location. There will also be a lecture and workshop by Rachel and Aldo Columbini. A second lecturer will be announced. (Kostya Kimlat - Ed)
The membership present enjoyed the lecture and expressed their enthusiasm with Geoffrey's presentation.
Dan Stapleton announced that the S.A.M. National Council will be holding An Evening of Magic and Dinner at the Radisson Resort Orlando-Celebration in Kissimmee on Friday, March 11, 2011. Reservations are a must (407-491-3287) and everyone is welcome.
The meeting broke up at about 10:30.
A fine time was had by all.
Sheldon Brook
The membership present enjoyed the lecture and expressed their enthusiasm with Geoffrey's presentation.
Dan Stapleton announced that the S.A.M. National Council will be holding An Evening of Magic and Dinner at the Radisson Resort Orlando-Celebration in Kissimmee on Friday, March 11, 2011. Reservations are a must (407-491-3287) and everyone is welcome.
The meeting broke up at about 10:30.
A fine time was had by all.
Sheldon Brook
2011-02 Ring 170 Flea Market & Auction
*Attention Magicians,*
It’s that time of the year again!FAME of Greater Orlando
IBM RING 170
PRESENTS
Saturday, February 19, 2011
9:00AM – 5:00PM
Magic Flea Market / Auction
with 2 Free Lectures
GENERAL ADMISSION: Still only $10.00 !!!**
*PLEASE PASS THE WORD ONTO ALL YOUR MAGIC FRIENDS…*
A full day of magic…great deals…two lectures…and still only $10.00 admission
*Great Fun…Great Deals…New & Used Magic*
*- Plenty of ** FREE ** parking –*
*Rent table space and sell your old unused magic*
*For full table $15.00, plus $10.00 per person admission*
E-mail: CraigFennessy@gmail.com to reserve a table. Payment at the door
SCHEDULE:
8:30am- Flea Market Load-in & set-up
9:00am – Flea Market Opens
10:00am – 11:30am – Private workshop, Aldo & Rachael Colombini
(Workshop is limited to 12 people, $25.00 extra. Reservations recommended)
11:45 – 12:45 – Mini FREE lecture with Kostya Kimlat
12:00pm – Flea Market Closes
1:00pm – 2:30pm – Headliner lecture, Aldo Colombini, Free with admission
2:30 – 4:30pm – Auction
5:00pm – Events ends
*Food & Drink available on site*
*LOCATION:*
Christ the King Lutheran Church – Barnabas Hall
4962 Apopka-Vineland Rd., Orlando, Florida 32819
*DIRECTIONS:*
* Take I-4 to Exit74A-Sandlake/International Dr. exit.
* Turn west onto Sandlake Rd. go 1.3 miles to Apopke-Vineland Rd.
* Turn right onto Apopka-Vineland, go north 3 miles (4 traffic lights)
* First left driveway after Woodbreeze Rd. traffic light.
The optional workshop with *Aldo Colombini* is up close and personnel.
Submit in advance your suggestions of what you would like Aldo to teach during the workshop.
E-mail: CraigFennessy@gmail.com for workshop reservations…*LIMITED SEATING*
Go to www.Ring170.com
Call: 407-947-1182 for more information
2011-02 Evening of Magic Dinner
An evening of Magic presented by the SAM National Council, starring:
Bev Bergeron
Dan Stapleton
Phillip Kaiser
Nathan Coe Marsh
6:00pm Mingle & Cocktails
7:30pm 3 course served dinner
8:30pm Dinner show
$25 per person (dinner included)
RSVP a must - 407 491-3287
Radisson Resort Orlando Celebration
2900 Parkway Blvd
Kissimmee, FL 34747
Bev Bergeron
Dan Stapleton
Phillip Kaiser
Nathan Coe Marsh
6:00pm Mingle & Cocktails
7:30pm 3 course served dinner
8:30pm Dinner show
$25 per person (dinner included)
RSVP a must - 407 491-3287
Radisson Resort Orlando Celebration
2900 Parkway Blvd
Kissimmee, FL 34747
2011-02 Hardcopy of the Newsletter
Would you like to print all the Newsletters of one year in a professionally bound book? Then take a look at: http://blogspot.sharedbook.com/serve/blog2go/bridge.html?blog_domain=ring170-famulus.blogspot.com&source_referer=google_blogger
2011-02 Dennis' Deliberations
I was 12 years old and active with the IBM Ring in Norfolk, Virginia at Earl Edward’s Magic Shop.
One of the things Bob McAllister always insisted was that we write our own introduction for him to read when he was the MC for the monthly Ring Show. He wanted a different one every time. His idea was that the more you tell audiences to expect good things, the more they will start out on your side.
So we all hyped our intros. I ran out of ideas after using, “He was raised by missionaries in the High Himalayas where he learned the secrets of ancient mysteries…” and other utter nonsense. One show I made up another wild tale, “And he is the 3rd generation of wonder workers. His grand-father and father were magicians. Magicians run in his family….” Bob added, with a sarcastic voice, “And as they should!”
A relative emailed me a clip of David Copperfield "flying", and asked me how it's done. He and his wife saw it live in Las Vegas. What do I tell him? He probably wants to know how David Blaine levitates too! (And who IS this guy, Ball Doochy??) (The video clip the relative kindly relayed to me, like we magicians never saw it before.)
Taking on most of the entire alphabet (well, down to the letter "T'") I came up with these answers to his question:
A) I could tell you but then I'd have to shoot you - standard reply no. 1.
B) If I told you I'd be kicked out of the International Magicians' Union and that means they hunt me down, torture me and execute me. - standard reply no. 2.
C) If I told you then David Copperfield would kill me - non-standard reply; no. 3.
D) I don't know.. sort of... but then again... - Cop-out no. 1 (there ain’t no 2 and 3!)
E) It's done with 200 miles of what magicians call, "Invisible Thread". If you use enough, it'll pick up far more than just a floating crunched-up dollar bill.
F) You don't really want to know: Magic's biggest propaganda statement is, "It's FUN to be fooled!"
G) "I think it's a big magnet!" - my wife's conjecture (she's always right...)
H) God gave David (God's partial to names like "David") the Gift of Flying and told him "Ssssh!! Let everyone think it's a conjuring trick and they'll be none the wiser!"
I) An invisible anesthetic gas fills the room and seduces everyone into believing they see a magician flying, when in reality he's out in the wings taking a coffee break.
J) A new technology, not yet commercially available, creates a giant holographic illusion of a real stage and a real magician flying; it'll be in the next giant TV set everyone will be suckered into buying.
K) It's James Cameron's secret trick he developed while making Avatar. And who knows what magic he'll come up with next, now that he's 3 billion dollars richer?
L) Copperfield's actually in a huge tank of blue-stained, bubble-free water and "swims" around in it. And David Blaine taught him to hold his breath for (how long is that video clip?) precisely 4 minutes and 30 seconds.
M) Science has finally learned how to make Jules Verne's "Cavorite" which shields the air above from Earth's gravity, enabling men to go to the moon - and magicians named 'David' to fly.
N) People are put to sleep and given a virtual reality dream that convinces them they actually saw a flying magician. The same dream convinces them they can take more money out of Las Vegas than they put into it.
O) The magician had an extra-big helping of Chili at one of the hotel buffets and it gave him lots of gas.
P) Someone out on the Internet swears he has two tiny helicopters taped to his ankles -- don't believe it!
Q) Some people think it's hilarious to give spoof explanations on video clips -- like helium -- but not me! (see: http://www.metacafe.com/watch/624333/helium_levitation_spoof_parody_new_levitation_for_tv_magic/)
R) Spoiler Alert!! There's an explanation at http://www.bambinidisatana.com/illusionismo/copperfield/fly.html -- but don't go there, as it'll rot your brain and destroy your belief in magic.
S) In fact, the "secret" of David Copperfield's flying (and David Blaine's; and Criss Angel's who changed his name from "David Andgoliath") is all over the Internet. So is the patent!
T) Now that you know "flying tricks" by every magician named David are explained on the Internet -- if you still have to ask a magician friend, you can't be very interested in knowing one of magic's greatest UNkept secrets.
There is six inches of snow outside on the ground as I submit this issue. We are warm, dry and safe here in the bucolic Shenandoah Valley of Virginia and there is always magic going on!
Dennis Phillips
One of the things Bob McAllister always insisted was that we write our own introduction for him to read when he was the MC for the monthly Ring Show. He wanted a different one every time. His idea was that the more you tell audiences to expect good things, the more they will start out on your side.
So we all hyped our intros. I ran out of ideas after using, “He was raised by missionaries in the High Himalayas where he learned the secrets of ancient mysteries…” and other utter nonsense. One show I made up another wild tale, “And he is the 3rd generation of wonder workers. His grand-father and father were magicians. Magicians run in his family….” Bob added, with a sarcastic voice, “And as they should!”
A relative emailed me a clip of David Copperfield "flying", and asked me how it's done. He and his wife saw it live in Las Vegas. What do I tell him? He probably wants to know how David Blaine levitates too! (And who IS this guy, Ball Doochy??) (The video clip the relative kindly relayed to me, like we magicians never saw it before.)
Taking on most of the entire alphabet (well, down to the letter "T'") I came up with these answers to his question:
A) I could tell you but then I'd have to shoot you - standard reply no. 1.
B) If I told you I'd be kicked out of the International Magicians' Union and that means they hunt me down, torture me and execute me. - standard reply no. 2.
C) If I told you then David Copperfield would kill me - non-standard reply; no. 3.
D) I don't know.. sort of... but then again... - Cop-out no. 1 (there ain’t no 2 and 3!)
E) It's done with 200 miles of what magicians call, "Invisible Thread". If you use enough, it'll pick up far more than just a floating crunched-up dollar bill.
F) You don't really want to know: Magic's biggest propaganda statement is, "It's FUN to be fooled!"
G) "I think it's a big magnet!" - my wife's conjecture (she's always right...)
H) God gave David (God's partial to names like "David") the Gift of Flying and told him "Ssssh!! Let everyone think it's a conjuring trick and they'll be none the wiser!"
I) An invisible anesthetic gas fills the room and seduces everyone into believing they see a magician flying, when in reality he's out in the wings taking a coffee break.
J) A new technology, not yet commercially available, creates a giant holographic illusion of a real stage and a real magician flying; it'll be in the next giant TV set everyone will be suckered into buying.
K) It's James Cameron's secret trick he developed while making Avatar. And who knows what magic he'll come up with next, now that he's 3 billion dollars richer?
L) Copperfield's actually in a huge tank of blue-stained, bubble-free water and "swims" around in it. And David Blaine taught him to hold his breath for (how long is that video clip?) precisely 4 minutes and 30 seconds.
M) Science has finally learned how to make Jules Verne's "Cavorite" which shields the air above from Earth's gravity, enabling men to go to the moon - and magicians named 'David' to fly.
N) People are put to sleep and given a virtual reality dream that convinces them they actually saw a flying magician. The same dream convinces them they can take more money out of Las Vegas than they put into it.
O) The magician had an extra-big helping of Chili at one of the hotel buffets and it gave him lots of gas.
P) Someone out on the Internet swears he has two tiny helicopters taped to his ankles -- don't believe it!
Q) Some people think it's hilarious to give spoof explanations on video clips -- like helium -- but not me! (see: http://www.metacafe.com/watch/624333/helium_levitation_spoof_parody_new_levitation_for_tv_magic/)
R) Spoiler Alert!! There's an explanation at http://www.bambinidisatana.com/illusionismo/copperfield/fly.html -- but don't go there, as it'll rot your brain and destroy your belief in magic.
S) In fact, the "secret" of David Copperfield's flying (and David Blaine's; and Criss Angel's who changed his name from "David Andgoliath") is all over the Internet. So is the patent!
T) Now that you know "flying tricks" by every magician named David are explained on the Internet -- if you still have to ask a magician friend, you can't be very interested in knowing one of magic's greatest UNkept secrets.
There is six inches of snow outside on the ground as I submit this issue. We are warm, dry and safe here in the bucolic Shenandoah Valley of Virginia and there is always magic going on!
Dennis Phillips
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
2011-01 Famulus Newsletter
Newsletter of IBM Ring #170
The Bev Bergeron Ring
Next general meeting Wednesday, 01/19/2011 at 7:30 PM SHARP
Geoff Williams Lecture
I-HOP Kirkman Road
5203 Kirkman Road, Orlando, Florida 32819
Please join us for dinner beforehand
Lunch meetings in the McDonald’s at 7344 Sand Lake Road, Orlando. It’s two blocks WEST of the intersection of Interstate 4 and Sand Lake Road. We meet every Tuesday at noon upstairs.
Website: http://www.ring170.com/
F. A. M. E. is the Florida Association of Magical Entertainers
*************************************************************
Directory
Craig J. Fennessy – President – CraigFennessy@gmail.com
Chris Dunn- Vice President – Youngdunns@yahoo.com
Art Thomas – Treasurer – artthomas31@Earthlink.net
Sheldon Brook- Acting Secretary – mrbrook33@yahoo.com
James Songster- Director at Large, - JjTjMagic@aol.com
Joe Vecciarelli- Sgt at Arms - talkingmute@tampabay.rr.com
Stefan Bartelski – Editor of “Famulus”- Famulus@illusioneer.com
*************************************************************
GET PUBLISHED!
Got an idea for an article to add to the next FAMULUS? Put it in the body of an email or in a Word document attached to an email. Send it to Famulus@illusioneer.com, and we will get you in print.
Please, please, please, use the above e-mail address, your messages are in danger of getting lost if you do not do so.
The Bev Bergeron Ring
Next general meeting Wednesday, 01/19/2011 at 7:30 PM SHARP
Geoff Williams Lecture
I-HOP Kirkman Road
5203 Kirkman Road, Orlando, Florida 32819
Please join us for dinner beforehand
Lunch meetings in the McDonald’s at 7344 Sand Lake Road, Orlando. It’s two blocks WEST of the intersection of Interstate 4 and Sand Lake Road. We meet every Tuesday at noon upstairs.
Website: http://www.ring170.com/
F. A. M. E. is the Florida Association of Magical Entertainers
*************************************************************
Directory
Craig J. Fennessy – President – CraigFennessy@gmail.com
Chris Dunn- Vice President – Youngdunns@yahoo.com
Art Thomas – Treasurer – artthomas31@Earthlink.net
Sheldon Brook- Acting Secretary – mrbrook33@yahoo.com
James Songster- Director at Large, - JjTjMagic@aol.com
Joe Vecciarelli- Sgt at Arms - talkingmute@tampabay.rr.com
Stefan Bartelski – Editor of “Famulus”- Famulus@illusioneer.com
*************************************************************
GET PUBLISHED!
Got an idea for an article to add to the next FAMULUS? Put it in the body of an email or in a Word document attached to an email. Send it to Famulus@illusioneer.com, and we will get you in print.
Please, please, please, use the above e-mail address, your messages are in danger of getting lost if you do not do so.
2011-01 From the Editor
A very happy, prosperous and safe New Year to everyone. 2011 is going to be a great year (think positive), as evidenced by the excellent lecture in our first meeting of the year. Don't miss it!
Our professional members must have had a busy holiday season, and the rest taken a good rest, as there were not submissions for the newsletter beyond that from Dennis and Sheldon. My grateful thanks to both of them for that. As for everyone else, come on folks, it is not that difficult and if you are worried about spelling and grammar, my title is "Editor", I will help with that.
Don't forget that the January meeting has a special lecture,
Your editor
Stefan
Our professional members must have had a busy holiday season, and the rest taken a good rest, as there were not submissions for the newsletter beyond that from Dennis and Sheldon. My grateful thanks to both of them for that. As for everyone else, come on folks, it is not that difficult and if you are worried about spelling and grammar, my title is "Editor", I will help with that.
Don't forget that the January meeting has a special lecture,
Your editor
Stefan
2011-01 Ring Report
President Craig Fennessey called the meeting to order on December 15th and introduced the Ring's 0fficers to the 33 members and guests in attendance. He opened the floor to nominations for Ring Officers for 2011. There were no names offered on the floor for consideration but the officers presently in office agreed to stay on for another term and the membership unanimously agreed to the slate. There will be a lecture at the next meeting by Geoff Williams and there will be no admission charge to those members whose dues obligation has been met by that time.
Craig named Mike Martin to emcee the Annual Christmas Gift Exchange. Jackie Manna was originally scheduled to do the give away but was unable to attend the event. She did leave a message with Mike and he relayed it to those present with the skill of a gifted ventriloquist.
Following the opening of the gifts and a brief break in the festivities, Chris Dunn emceed the performance segment of the evening. Four members agreed to perform with Bob Swadling leading off. Bob very ably performed three of his
creations; Bob's Box, The King's Shilling, and Bob's Diary. All were very impressive and memorable effects. Doug Kalcik followed Bob with a bit of mentalism and word association. Dan Stapleton entertained with more mentalism
from the Del Ray biography with a result that I'm sure never happened to the late esteemed performer. Mark Fitzgerald closed the show with some excellent card magic and manipulation.
A fine time was had by all.
Craig named Mike Martin to emcee the Annual Christmas Gift Exchange. Jackie Manna was originally scheduled to do the give away but was unable to attend the event. She did leave a message with Mike and he relayed it to those present with the skill of a gifted ventriloquist.
Following the opening of the gifts and a brief break in the festivities, Chris Dunn emceed the performance segment of the evening. Four members agreed to perform with Bob Swadling leading off. Bob very ably performed three of his
creations; Bob's Box, The King's Shilling, and Bob's Diary. All were very impressive and memorable effects. Doug Kalcik followed Bob with a bit of mentalism and word association. Dan Stapleton entertained with more mentalism
from the Del Ray biography with a result that I'm sure never happened to the late esteemed performer. Mark Fitzgerald closed the show with some excellent card magic and manipulation.
A fine time was had by all.
2011-01 Dennis' Deliberations
I know that you folks had some cold weather in Orlando. We had the same here, plus a couple of moderate snowfalls. Things warmed up for New Years Day.
I wish everyone a great 2011. I sure I hope that I have a better year that 2010. Probably all of us do!
Holiday Story: It could happen anywhere, Harrisonburg, Virginia, Orlando, Florida, and Calgary, Canada. The gig was a birthday party for a family with the boy turning six. It was held in a downtown restaurant in a larger town a bit away. I'm not fond of working downtown among the crowded buildings. I had to leave way early to 'dry run' the show earlier in the day just to check out the downtown parking, and I discovered it was abysmal: no place to park next to the restaurant, where I could unload my stuff, and then leave my car in that spot. So I had to rely on the good graces of my wife to drive with me to the venue, wait and pick me up again afterwards and on a bitterly cold winter evening.
I set up my show and began to entertain the crowd. The kids were on the floor in front of me, with adults in the back at tables. One quarter of the way into my 45 minute set, the father suddenly comes up to me, and holding four fingers high in the air, asks, "Excuse me, can I make an announcement?" Like I'm going to say no?? "Sure," I said. The father then told everyone to go up and get their first course food, from a buffet that was immediately behind me.
I had to stop for twenty minutes until all 50-or-so guests had filled up their plates with food. Once back at their tables, I resumed my program. It was the first time since I started doing paid gigs (like, four decades) that anything like this has happened.
But ya gotta "go with the flow" as they say, and along with that, there was a buddy of the father who was determined to film my entire gig with a large camera on a tripod, using blindingly bright floodlights. I politely but aggressively wrestled him down verbally, to a draw: I finally told him he could video the highlights, when I had kids up to help. And that I'd inform him when to turn on his camera. None of my explanation as to why the entire show couldn't be caught on video made any sense to this guy. And just as I started the show, up popped two more video cameras in the audience. Telling them that they couldn't capture all of the show as well, was awkward, to say the least, since the first dude was busy capturing my first (opening) "highlight" of a flash production of two doves. Almost no one ever edits their videos.
Then I was coerced into staying after my show, to have supper, and that took another half-hour of waiting. If you try to politely refuse these nice people, by making up some excuse as to why you have to leave right after your show, they take it as a severe insult. I phoned my wife to explain why I was so late, and said she could leave Denny’s when I phoned her again. The food finally arrived, and it consisted of a lot of strange dishes loaded with curry and spices. – Good by it really wasn't my thing! I ended up filling up mostly on salad.
Still, the fifty-dollar tip was nice, and in the final analysis, it was all financially worth the hassle ($550), lousy parking and all. (That works out to $10 a head which is reasonable for a live show. My fee was in the ballpark. The travel was a bit much, however.)
How would YOU have handled the situation? Make a federal case out of being video'd, and telling the host you couldn't stop the show once it had been started? Refused the meal, telling the parents of the birthday child you have a delicate stomach or some such, or an "emergency" appointment to run off to? ... Personally, I think handled the evening perfectly, and I got lots of compliments on the show afterwards. BUT--- as they say... different strokes for different folks. I can imagine some entertainers telling me, no uncertain terms, how I botched the evening by acting very unprofessionally. -- OR MAYBE NOT.
BUT- BUT- BUT! Then comes the “fallout” from another competitive magician, in that town, who had also been contacted about the gig:
He E-mails me after he found my name and the details on the show from another magician, who I know and related the story to ---
Hey Pal,
Let me guess... The show was in a downtown Restaurant, He called late Saturday morning for Sunday evening, you had about 20 kids, and a good number of adults, the Birthday Child of the family was say... about 5 yrs old, but the other children were up to 12 years....
Am I close??
If so... Yes we too, talked!
I counted it as a small "Christmas Party" Show.
First, it was not a house party, but held in a Restaurant.
Secondly, because there were also 60 adults going to attend. That is definitely not a Birthday Party show.
Thirdly, they were serving a full meal, not just lunch.
Now, where some tell-tale give aways as to the direction that client is going...You can tell this when you are talking with him...
The guy is trying to make a "Big Impression" to his staff, or friends, to look like the Big Shot... the Big spender!!
The guy was, CHEAP... get as much as I can for as little as possible and make a Big Impression.
His budget was only $500, which would be pretty good if it was as he was saying, just a Birthday party. But any dummy can tell, it is not that! That is NO BIRTHDAY PARTY!
I had quoted him for a small Christmas Party, then when he says that he has to talk with his wife about the fee, when he's putting on a party of this magnitude, you know very well ... that you will not hear back from him. He's not the Big Shot that he is trying to look like, when he has to go to his wife to make a decision on the extra $150. I quoted him $650 for the show that he was describing, which was NOT a Birthday Party. It was a Banquet Show!
After that I heard what you did... making the extra trip with a dry run ...parking hassles ...get your driver to drop you off and wait ... break the show in half for 20 minutes ... etc., etc. and you tell me it was well worth the hassle for $500 and you are excited about a $50. tip??? That doesn't even cover your GAS man!! You got cheated!! That's my thoughts!
I don't know what your other shows are like, but if you are pleased with this, then so be it!
I got the job, he didn’t. Times are tough.
I hope 2011 shines brighter for you.
Dennis Phillips
I wish everyone a great 2011. I sure I hope that I have a better year that 2010. Probably all of us do!
Holiday Story: It could happen anywhere, Harrisonburg, Virginia, Orlando, Florida, and Calgary, Canada. The gig was a birthday party for a family with the boy turning six. It was held in a downtown restaurant in a larger town a bit away. I'm not fond of working downtown among the crowded buildings. I had to leave way early to 'dry run' the show earlier in the day just to check out the downtown parking, and I discovered it was abysmal: no place to park next to the restaurant, where I could unload my stuff, and then leave my car in that spot. So I had to rely on the good graces of my wife to drive with me to the venue, wait and pick me up again afterwards and on a bitterly cold winter evening.
I set up my show and began to entertain the crowd. The kids were on the floor in front of me, with adults in the back at tables. One quarter of the way into my 45 minute set, the father suddenly comes up to me, and holding four fingers high in the air, asks, "Excuse me, can I make an announcement?" Like I'm going to say no?? "Sure," I said. The father then told everyone to go up and get their first course food, from a buffet that was immediately behind me.
I had to stop for twenty minutes until all 50-or-so guests had filled up their plates with food. Once back at their tables, I resumed my program. It was the first time since I started doing paid gigs (like, four decades) that anything like this has happened.
But ya gotta "go with the flow" as they say, and along with that, there was a buddy of the father who was determined to film my entire gig with a large camera on a tripod, using blindingly bright floodlights. I politely but aggressively wrestled him down verbally, to a draw: I finally told him he could video the highlights, when I had kids up to help. And that I'd inform him when to turn on his camera. None of my explanation as to why the entire show couldn't be caught on video made any sense to this guy. And just as I started the show, up popped two more video cameras in the audience. Telling them that they couldn't capture all of the show as well, was awkward, to say the least, since the first dude was busy capturing my first (opening) "highlight" of a flash production of two doves. Almost no one ever edits their videos.
Then I was coerced into staying after my show, to have supper, and that took another half-hour of waiting. If you try to politely refuse these nice people, by making up some excuse as to why you have to leave right after your show, they take it as a severe insult. I phoned my wife to explain why I was so late, and said she could leave Denny’s when I phoned her again. The food finally arrived, and it consisted of a lot of strange dishes loaded with curry and spices. – Good by it really wasn't my thing! I ended up filling up mostly on salad.
Still, the fifty-dollar tip was nice, and in the final analysis, it was all financially worth the hassle ($550), lousy parking and all. (That works out to $10 a head which is reasonable for a live show. My fee was in the ballpark. The travel was a bit much, however.)
How would YOU have handled the situation? Make a federal case out of being video'd, and telling the host you couldn't stop the show once it had been started? Refused the meal, telling the parents of the birthday child you have a delicate stomach or some such, or an "emergency" appointment to run off to? ... Personally, I think handled the evening perfectly, and I got lots of compliments on the show afterwards. BUT--- as they say... different strokes for different folks. I can imagine some entertainers telling me, no uncertain terms, how I botched the evening by acting very unprofessionally. -- OR MAYBE NOT.
BUT- BUT- BUT! Then comes the “fallout” from another competitive magician, in that town, who had also been contacted about the gig:
He E-mails me after he found my name and the details on the show from another magician, who I know and related the story to ---
Hey Pal,
Let me guess... The show was in a downtown Restaurant, He called late Saturday morning for Sunday evening, you had about 20 kids, and a good number of adults, the Birthday Child of the family was say... about 5 yrs old, but the other children were up to 12 years....
Am I close??
If so... Yes we too, talked!
I counted it as a small "Christmas Party" Show.
First, it was not a house party, but held in a Restaurant.
Secondly, because there were also 60 adults going to attend. That is definitely not a Birthday Party show.
Thirdly, they were serving a full meal, not just lunch.
Now, where some tell-tale give aways as to the direction that client is going...You can tell this when you are talking with him...
The guy is trying to make a "Big Impression" to his staff, or friends, to look like the Big Shot... the Big spender!!
The guy was, CHEAP... get as much as I can for as little as possible and make a Big Impression.
His budget was only $500, which would be pretty good if it was as he was saying, just a Birthday party. But any dummy can tell, it is not that! That is NO BIRTHDAY PARTY!
I had quoted him for a small Christmas Party, then when he says that he has to talk with his wife about the fee, when he's putting on a party of this magnitude, you know very well ... that you will not hear back from him. He's not the Big Shot that he is trying to look like, when he has to go to his wife to make a decision on the extra $150. I quoted him $650 for the show that he was describing, which was NOT a Birthday Party. It was a Banquet Show!
After that I heard what you did... making the extra trip with a dry run ...parking hassles ...get your driver to drop you off and wait ... break the show in half for 20 minutes ... etc., etc. and you tell me it was well worth the hassle for $500 and you are excited about a $50. tip??? That doesn't even cover your GAS man!! You got cheated!! That's my thoughts!
I don't know what your other shows are like, but if you are pleased with this, then so be it!
I got the job, he didn’t. Times are tough.
I hope 2011 shines brighter for you.
Dennis Phillips
Thursday, December 09, 2010
2010-12 Famulus Newsletter
Newsletter of IBM Ring #170
The Bev Bergeron Ring
Next general meeting Wednesday, 12/15/2010 at 7:30 PM SHARP
Christmas Party with Gift Exchange
I-HOP Kirkman Road
5203 Kirkman Road, Orlando, Florida 32819
Please join us for dinner beforehand
Lunch meetings in the McDonald’s at 7344 Sand Lake Road, Orlando. It’s two blocks WEST of the intersection of Interstate 4 and Sand Lake Road. We meet every Tuesday at noon upstairs.
Website: http://www.ring170.com/
F. A. M. E. is the Florida Association of Magical Entertainers
*************************************************************
Directory
Craig J. Fennessy – President – CraigFennessy@gmail.com
Chris Dunn- Vice President – Youngdunns@yahoo.com
Art Thomas – Treasurer – artthomas31@Earthlink.net
Sheldon Brook- Acting Secretary – mrbrook33@yahoo.com
James Songster- Director at Large, - JjTjMagic@aol.com
Joe Vecciarelli- Sgt at Arms - talkingmute@tampabay.rr.com
Stefan Bartelski – Editor of “Famulus”- Famulus@illusioneer.com
*************************************************************
GET PUBLISHED!
Got an idea for an article to add to the next FAMULUS? Put it in the body of an email or in a Word document attached to an email. Send it to Famulus@illusioneer.com, and we will get you in print.
Please, please, please, use the above e-mail address, your messages are in danger of getting lost if you do not do so.
The Bev Bergeron Ring
Next general meeting Wednesday, 12/15/2010 at 7:30 PM SHARP
Christmas Party with Gift Exchange
I-HOP Kirkman Road
5203 Kirkman Road, Orlando, Florida 32819
Please join us for dinner beforehand
Lunch meetings in the McDonald’s at 7344 Sand Lake Road, Orlando. It’s two blocks WEST of the intersection of Interstate 4 and Sand Lake Road. We meet every Tuesday at noon upstairs.
Website: http://www.ring170.com/
F. A. M. E. is the Florida Association of Magical Entertainers
*************************************************************
Directory
Craig J. Fennessy – President – CraigFennessy@gmail.com
Chris Dunn- Vice President – Youngdunns@yahoo.com
Art Thomas – Treasurer – artthomas31@Earthlink.net
Sheldon Brook- Acting Secretary – mrbrook33@yahoo.com
James Songster- Director at Large, - JjTjMagic@aol.com
Joe Vecciarelli- Sgt at Arms - talkingmute@tampabay.rr.com
Stefan Bartelski – Editor of “Famulus”- Famulus@illusioneer.com
*************************************************************
GET PUBLISHED!
Got an idea for an article to add to the next FAMULUS? Put it in the body of an email or in a Word document attached to an email. Send it to Famulus@illusioneer.com, and we will get you in print.
Please, please, please, use the above e-mail address, your messages are in danger of getting lost if you do not do so.
2012-12 From the Editor
Time flies when you are having fun, and even if you are not, so we have already reached the last newsletter of 2010. I wish all members a Merry Christmas, as also Happy Hanukkah (at least the last of it). For anyone else, not covered by the above Season's Greetings.
This newsletter comes to you from the land of Tenyo, where I am about to get on a plane for the long sit back to the US. It was interesting riding the trains here and watching commercials for a card trick (or show). Not sure exactly what it was for as my Japanese does not extend beyond "hello", "goodbye" and "one beer".
Thanks to Dennis and Sheldon for their contributions this month. All the best to everyone for the coming weeks and have a Happy New Year.
Your editor
Stefan
This newsletter comes to you from the land of Tenyo, where I am about to get on a plane for the long sit back to the US. It was interesting riding the trains here and watching commercials for a card trick (or show). Not sure exactly what it was for as my Japanese does not extend beyond "hello", "goodbye" and "one beer".
Thanks to Dennis and Sheldon for their contributions this month. All the best to everyone for the coming weeks and have a Happy New Year.
Your editor
Stefan
2010-12 Ring report
President Craig Fennessey called the meeting to order on November 17 and introduced the Ring's officers to the 24 members and guests in attendance. He briefly discussed the Christmas gift exchange which will be held at our next meeting in December. Craig noted that a great many Ring Members had attended the Daytona Beach Convention and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Notably, our youngest active member of the Ring, Sebastian Midtvaage, took 1st Place in the close-up competition. Bev Bergeron emceed many of the events and also received a 50th Anniversary Award for his work with Nani Darnell and Mark Wilson on the TV series, The Magic Land of Allakazam (1960).
Phil Schwartz, Bob and Valerie Swadling reported on their experience at the 13th Yankee Event, NEMCA, the New England Magic Collectors Association. They praised everything from the Houdini display, the auction to the many speakers who gave of themselves.
James Songster reported on the continuing participation in performing for the children and families at "Give Kids the World" in Kissimmee. He gave an open invitation to the membership who might wish to entertain the children during the coming year. Dan Knapp has also worked with James as a regular and his contribution is appreciated.
Bev Bergeron continued his monthly demonstration of impromptu magic with 3 large coins presented as a puzzle.
Phil Schwartz presented Magic History Moment #27 a brief history of the magician, Harry Kellar, nee Heinrich Keller. Born in 1849 in Erie, Pa. Phil indicated that Kellar was not especially known for his originality; but he worked hard to develop his performing skills and stage presence and was known for, among other illusions, The Levitation of Princess Karnac. Kellar was a contemporary and friend of Houdini. He passed away in Los Angeles in 1922.
Following a brief break in the meeting, Chris Dunn introduced 3 members, Wallace Murphy, Dan Stapleton, and Charlie Pfrogner who wished to perform for the audience. Wallace went on to show his collection of paddles, hot rods, color changing knives and jumping gems and briefly demonstrated how they were used. Dan showed the audience an interesting and clever prediction effect known as Lubor Fiedler's 5 color chance.
Charlie ended the evening with a 3 card monte and a large clip.
A fine time was had by all.
Phil Schwartz, Bob and Valerie Swadling reported on their experience at the 13th Yankee Event, NEMCA, the New England Magic Collectors Association. They praised everything from the Houdini display, the auction to the many speakers who gave of themselves.
James Songster reported on the continuing participation in performing for the children and families at "Give Kids the World" in Kissimmee. He gave an open invitation to the membership who might wish to entertain the children during the coming year. Dan Knapp has also worked with James as a regular and his contribution is appreciated.
Bev Bergeron continued his monthly demonstration of impromptu magic with 3 large coins presented as a puzzle.
Phil Schwartz presented Magic History Moment #27 a brief history of the magician, Harry Kellar, nee Heinrich Keller. Born in 1849 in Erie, Pa. Phil indicated that Kellar was not especially known for his originality; but he worked hard to develop his performing skills and stage presence and was known for, among other illusions, The Levitation of Princess Karnac. Kellar was a contemporary and friend of Houdini. He passed away in Los Angeles in 1922.
Following a brief break in the meeting, Chris Dunn introduced 3 members, Wallace Murphy, Dan Stapleton, and Charlie Pfrogner who wished to perform for the audience. Wallace went on to show his collection of paddles, hot rods, color changing knives and jumping gems and briefly demonstrated how they were used. Dan showed the audience an interesting and clever prediction effect known as Lubor Fiedler's 5 color chance.
Charlie ended the evening with a 3 card monte and a large clip.
A fine time was had by all.
2010-12 Dennis’ Deliberations
I did fly back to Orlando for a few days the first of this month but family business, fixing our house and attending a cataract operation for my brother took all my time.
Cindy had already been there for a few weeks with her car so we returned on the road. On the way back, on Saturday, we hit snow on I-77 just north of Charlotte, NC and followed the tracks of snowplows for 3 hours through the mountains and in southwest Virginia. Here in Harrisonburg we only had a light dusting but the temperatures have been in the 20s and strong winds. More snow expected.
The Christmas Holiday Party Season is looking pretty bleak up here for shows as most companies have cut way back again this year but I have my regular shows doing restaurant magic. I do hope that all of you have a happy holiday season and things will be looking up for next year. Many of us have been down for so long we don’t know what “up” looks like. I have a new school show going on the road in January and I will keep you updated. In the meantime, I am still doing radio work and substitute teaching. Ring #320 here elected me their Secretary so you will again read my Ring Reports in the Linking Ring.
There has to be a new paradigm in magic marketing and Jay Sankey seems to understand it well.
Ya gotta hand it to him, Jay Sankey is working the Internet like a violin. And likely, profiting handsomely from it. If so, then if I ever meet him again (his hard luck), I'll say to him "GOOD ON YA!" -- as it's always nice to see magicians giving back as much as they get. ... Or some such.
But!! His magic "Advice for Beginners" gave me a chance to genuinely question some of it. It's not so much that it is "wrong", as that it is often incomplete, and as such, misses a number of essential points and subtleties that ... to be fair ... the intermediate and professional entertainers will understand and appreciate more than the beginner, after each piece of advice given by Jay. With the help of my friend, Canada’s Larry Thornton, I decided to enhance some of Jay’s thinking.
Jay Sankey gives some of his best tips, advice and inspiration for new magicians and says:
Practice Makes Perfect: before you show anyone a trick be sure to practice it at least a few times. Much better chance of performing it well!
Yeah, at least "a few times" -- like three! Then you'll be performing the trick so well, that you'll be ready to print-up some business cards and go out and do paid gigs.
Never repeat a trick: I don't mean, never show a trick more than once to anyone, just to the same audience! If you repeat the trick, they will have a much better chance of figuring out the method.
After you've fooled your mom, dad, the neighbors, and your friends at school, having no more audience to show the trick to, you can get "further mileage" out of the trick by showing them all how it was done! --NO, I’m kidding. Seriously, there are many tricks that, in fact, are designed to be repeated before the same audience, as each showing contains minor variations that make the effect progressively stronger. ("Ah!! I think I saw a few lights go on in the minds of some of you. You think you know how it's done? Then let me show you again..." -- patter I've never used, but maybe someday...).
Be an entertainer, not a trickster: people only like being fooled when you make it FUN. Don't just try to "fool them" (i.e. make fools of them) but try to ENTERTAIN them.
Jay must have matured: The last time I saw him perform (back when the Dead Sea was only sick…) he never made fools of anyone, but rather, treated them from the start as if they were already fools.
Fewer the words the better: most magic can speak for itself so be sure to keep your script or words to a minimum. Then practice those few sentences until you know them by heart.
Never practice to the extent that your patter begins to sound robotically "rote". Most magic, unlike theatre, is primarily an interactive medium that involves direct interplay with your audience. Breaking "the fourth wall" in magic is a rule rather than an exception. Practice a routine until you know it so well, that if you are interrupted, you'll see an opportunity to inject a bit of spontaneous by-play or humor into it (depending on audience response), so go for it! Always remember, you are dealing with real people who don't always react in the same way.
Only show your magic to people who like magic! As wonderful as it is, not everyone likes magic. Also, you want people to be polite and supportive of what you are doing! They will also make for the best audiences!
Good advice, except that the larger the audience, the less you know the degree to which some of them "dislike magic". Your job is to do your very best to awaken in even the most magic-phobic individuals a 'like" -- if not outright love -- for magic. Perhaps such jaded souls had the unfortunate experience of being an unintentional witness to some mediocre magic act in their forgettable past. Only they didn't forget that the magic was mediocre! Many professional magicians 'break through' to these people through the use of humor; so much so, that some have turned themselves primarily into comedians who do magic. Remember: nobody was born disliking magic -- they have to have a legitimate reason to hate it.
Avoid the "the hand is quicker than the eye cliche" and perform your magic SLOWLY. This will take a lot of practice because you might be a little nervous, but you will be able to do it with enough experience. Slower is clearer and much more magical.
"The hand is quicker than the eye", a popular notion of the public, completely misses the psychology of the art. Science tells us that the human eye is, in fact, infinitely faster than any hand. In rare cases it applies, but it is an aphorism more suited to boxing. (Well, you wouldn't have argued the point with Muhammad Ali in his prime!) On the other hand, magic PROPS can be quicker than the eye. Examples include the Vanishing Bird Cage, the vanishing and appearing Walsh Canes, and the vanishing Botania. The Metamorphosis illusion (aka Sub Trunk) as performed by the Pendragons may, or may not apply.
Don't be a pest. As excited as you are about magic, try not to "burn out" your friends or family by showing them a trick every single day. Instead, try to show them magic only once or twice a week and wait for a time that works for them, not just you!
The peculiarity of magic is that it is the only form of entertainment that has the problem of amateurs bungling it and becoming a constant nuisance to others in the process. Do people who decide to take up singing go around doing it for others at the drop of hat? Do dancers, musicians, actors -- I've made my point. In no other branch of the performing arts does any advice-giver have to beg beginners not to become an idiotic nuisance to others.
Learn everything you can about magic. You can find books about magic in your local library and there is lots of information on-line. You can also purchase magic tricks, books and DVDs from your local magic dealer.
Astute advice, but "finding books about magic in your local library" went out with the dinosaurs and eight-track tapes. This is the digital age, where anyone with a sincere interest in magic can find a ton of information online (as Jay does acknowledge); and magic tricks, books and DVDs need no longer come from a local magic dealer. Most smaller cities and towns don't have a magic shop anymore (if they ever did). Street-level magic shops are becoming as rare as an ice cube in the Sahara desert, while hundreds of online "magic shops" can be found very easily at the click of a mouse. And dealer's demos can now be seen via video clips on YouTube, where the "golden rule" of magic is shattered by their endless repeatability. But that's another story...
Don’t reveal the secret to a trick! This is hard not to do because it's fun to show the cool trick behind the magic. Also, friends and family will often push you to tell them, but don't. They will be disappointed and think less of the marvelous magic you do.
These days the "bigger game" is to go on YouTube and tell the entire world how your trick is done. --Even if the trick is a commercially-sold item that you have no business exposing. So Jay's advice here should be expanded to include not only your personal and local "friends and family", but everyone!
Mirror practice: spend time on a regular basis practicing your tricks in front of a mirror so you can see how the tricks will look to your audience. This will teach you a great deal about performing magic.
That may satisfy your narcissistic urges. Today, you will want a video recorder so you can watch every move. You never can get a complete view with a mirror.
Surprise is one of the golden keys. Don't tell the audience what you are going to do before you do it or you increase the chances of getting caught. It also lessens the drama of any story you are telling.
The element of surprise is paramount. But you needn't always be secretive about what you are about to do. I routinely do an effect where I tell the audience "I'm going to attempt to turn these two doves into a rab -- oops! I nearly gave it away!" and after some more by-play of that nature (you had to be there) the doves disappear totally in a break-apart box. There's no expected rabbit to be seen anywhere (at least not until the end of the show). The point here, is that you can tell the audience what you are "going to do" (albeit with tongue-in-cheek) with a very small number of effects; but for beginners, Jay's advice is largely correct. Perhaps I'm splitting "hares" here , pardon the pun.
Every trick should have a magic moment, some moment when you snap your fingers or wave your hand or when the magic is supposed to have JUST happened. That makes for good theatre.
Every trick? Some tricks, like the Six Card Repeat, or the Linking Rings, just to name two of many, have a continuous blending of unfolding "moments". With a lot of magic, the journey can be as much of a reward as the final surprise ending. (If you truly want to call yourself an entertainer, the "journey" should be entertaining even if the trick has only magical moment.)
You don't have to be funny! You can be serious, silly, witty, funny, thoughtful or anything you want when you present your magic! If you don't feel comfortable trying to be funny, don't worry, just be yourself!!!
Show me any young person who, if they were asked, "Just who are you?" could give an answer. Or someone of any age for that matter. If a magician is really an actor playing the part of a magician, then what kind of advice is it to say, "Just be yourself!" ? If I was truly myself, I wouldn't be getting in front of audiences and pretending to do the impossible while I lied through my teeth about it. You should try to reach beyond yourself and practice, practice, practice playing a character who can actually DO the impossible: a magician with the skills to defeat the laws of logic and common sense, starting, say, with that venerable chestnut of a card trick that has the line in it, "And now tell me what row it's in!"
Make the magic yours! Develop your own presentations and even the way you go from one trick to another. Bring your own unique style to your magic.
This assumes that everyone can conjure up a unique style. The popular myth is that by inventing your own unique presentation, you'll be the best performer that you can be. If that were so, then thousands of magicians wouldn't be doing the same tricks in the same way, almost word-for-word. If magicians had to be totally original in order to succeed, most of them would abandon magic.
Get the audiences involved as much as possible. Shuffle the cards, think of a number, examine a prop, etc. The more they get involved, the more they will care about what you do!
The last time I tried to get a bunch of adults involved, I had to tell six of them I wouldn't be able to begin until they pocketed their Blackberries and iPhones. The more they got involved with their addicting toys, the less they cared about what I was about to do. Welcome to the second decade of the 21s century.
Get a magic buddy! Not only can you watch this show together, you can learn a lot by watching each other and rehearsing together!
Maybe this is a hint to come to ring meetings and luncheons and have a lot of magic friends!
By Jay Sankey - Be sure to check out Jay's website: SankeyMagic.com
From our house to yours, Cindy and I wish you the best from the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia!
Dennis
Cindy had already been there for a few weeks with her car so we returned on the road. On the way back, on Saturday, we hit snow on I-77 just north of Charlotte, NC and followed the tracks of snowplows for 3 hours through the mountains and in southwest Virginia. Here in Harrisonburg we only had a light dusting but the temperatures have been in the 20s and strong winds. More snow expected.
The Christmas Holiday Party Season is looking pretty bleak up here for shows as most companies have cut way back again this year but I have my regular shows doing restaurant magic. I do hope that all of you have a happy holiday season and things will be looking up for next year. Many of us have been down for so long we don’t know what “up” looks like. I have a new school show going on the road in January and I will keep you updated. In the meantime, I am still doing radio work and substitute teaching. Ring #320 here elected me their Secretary so you will again read my Ring Reports in the Linking Ring.
There has to be a new paradigm in magic marketing and Jay Sankey seems to understand it well.
Ya gotta hand it to him, Jay Sankey is working the Internet like a violin. And likely, profiting handsomely from it. If so, then if I ever meet him again (his hard luck), I'll say to him "GOOD ON YA!" -- as it's always nice to see magicians giving back as much as they get. ... Or some such.
But!! His magic "Advice for Beginners" gave me a chance to genuinely question some of it. It's not so much that it is "wrong", as that it is often incomplete, and as such, misses a number of essential points and subtleties that ... to be fair ... the intermediate and professional entertainers will understand and appreciate more than the beginner, after each piece of advice given by Jay. With the help of my friend, Canada’s Larry Thornton, I decided to enhance some of Jay’s thinking.
Jay Sankey gives some of his best tips, advice and inspiration for new magicians and says:
Practice Makes Perfect: before you show anyone a trick be sure to practice it at least a few times. Much better chance of performing it well!
Yeah, at least "a few times" -- like three! Then you'll be performing the trick so well, that you'll be ready to print-up some business cards and go out and do paid gigs.
Never repeat a trick: I don't mean, never show a trick more than once to anyone, just to the same audience! If you repeat the trick, they will have a much better chance of figuring out the method.
After you've fooled your mom, dad, the neighbors, and your friends at school, having no more audience to show the trick to, you can get "further mileage" out of the trick by showing them all how it was done! --NO, I’m kidding. Seriously, there are many tricks that, in fact, are designed to be repeated before the same audience, as each showing contains minor variations that make the effect progressively stronger. ("Ah!! I think I saw a few lights go on in the minds of some of you. You think you know how it's done? Then let me show you again..." -- patter I've never used, but maybe someday...).
Be an entertainer, not a trickster: people only like being fooled when you make it FUN. Don't just try to "fool them" (i.e. make fools of them) but try to ENTERTAIN them.
Jay must have matured: The last time I saw him perform (back when the Dead Sea was only sick…) he never made fools of anyone, but rather, treated them from the start as if they were already fools.
Fewer the words the better: most magic can speak for itself so be sure to keep your script or words to a minimum. Then practice those few sentences until you know them by heart.
Never practice to the extent that your patter begins to sound robotically "rote". Most magic, unlike theatre, is primarily an interactive medium that involves direct interplay with your audience. Breaking "the fourth wall" in magic is a rule rather than an exception. Practice a routine until you know it so well, that if you are interrupted, you'll see an opportunity to inject a bit of spontaneous by-play or humor into it (depending on audience response), so go for it! Always remember, you are dealing with real people who don't always react in the same way.
Only show your magic to people who like magic! As wonderful as it is, not everyone likes magic. Also, you want people to be polite and supportive of what you are doing! They will also make for the best audiences!
Good advice, except that the larger the audience, the less you know the degree to which some of them "dislike magic". Your job is to do your very best to awaken in even the most magic-phobic individuals a 'like" -- if not outright love -- for magic. Perhaps such jaded souls had the unfortunate experience of being an unintentional witness to some mediocre magic act in their forgettable past. Only they didn't forget that the magic was mediocre! Many professional magicians 'break through' to these people through the use of humor; so much so, that some have turned themselves primarily into comedians who do magic. Remember: nobody was born disliking magic -- they have to have a legitimate reason to hate it.
Avoid the "the hand is quicker than the eye cliche" and perform your magic SLOWLY. This will take a lot of practice because you might be a little nervous, but you will be able to do it with enough experience. Slower is clearer and much more magical.
"The hand is quicker than the eye", a popular notion of the public, completely misses the psychology of the art. Science tells us that the human eye is, in fact, infinitely faster than any hand. In rare cases it applies, but it is an aphorism more suited to boxing. (Well, you wouldn't have argued the point with Muhammad Ali in his prime!) On the other hand, magic PROPS can be quicker than the eye. Examples include the Vanishing Bird Cage, the vanishing and appearing Walsh Canes, and the vanishing Botania. The Metamorphosis illusion (aka Sub Trunk) as performed by the Pendragons may, or may not apply.
Don't be a pest. As excited as you are about magic, try not to "burn out" your friends or family by showing them a trick every single day. Instead, try to show them magic only once or twice a week and wait for a time that works for them, not just you!
The peculiarity of magic is that it is the only form of entertainment that has the problem of amateurs bungling it and becoming a constant nuisance to others in the process. Do people who decide to take up singing go around doing it for others at the drop of hat? Do dancers, musicians, actors -- I've made my point. In no other branch of the performing arts does any advice-giver have to beg beginners not to become an idiotic nuisance to others.
Learn everything you can about magic. You can find books about magic in your local library and there is lots of information on-line. You can also purchase magic tricks, books and DVDs from your local magic dealer.
Astute advice, but "finding books about magic in your local library" went out with the dinosaurs and eight-track tapes. This is the digital age, where anyone with a sincere interest in magic can find a ton of information online (as Jay does acknowledge); and magic tricks, books and DVDs need no longer come from a local magic dealer. Most smaller cities and towns don't have a magic shop anymore (if they ever did). Street-level magic shops are becoming as rare as an ice cube in the Sahara desert, while hundreds of online "magic shops" can be found very easily at the click of a mouse. And dealer's demos can now be seen via video clips on YouTube, where the "golden rule" of magic is shattered by their endless repeatability. But that's another story...
Don’t reveal the secret to a trick! This is hard not to do because it's fun to show the cool trick behind the magic. Also, friends and family will often push you to tell them, but don't. They will be disappointed and think less of the marvelous magic you do.
These days the "bigger game" is to go on YouTube and tell the entire world how your trick is done. --Even if the trick is a commercially-sold item that you have no business exposing. So Jay's advice here should be expanded to include not only your personal and local "friends and family", but everyone!
Mirror practice: spend time on a regular basis practicing your tricks in front of a mirror so you can see how the tricks will look to your audience. This will teach you a great deal about performing magic.
That may satisfy your narcissistic urges. Today, you will want a video recorder so you can watch every move. You never can get a complete view with a mirror.
Surprise is one of the golden keys. Don't tell the audience what you are going to do before you do it or you increase the chances of getting caught. It also lessens the drama of any story you are telling.
The element of surprise is paramount. But you needn't always be secretive about what you are about to do. I routinely do an effect where I tell the audience "I'm going to attempt to turn these two doves into a rab -- oops! I nearly gave it away!" and after some more by-play of that nature (you had to be there) the doves disappear totally in a break-apart box. There's no expected rabbit to be seen anywhere (at least not until the end of the show). The point here, is that you can tell the audience what you are "going to do" (albeit with tongue-in-cheek) with a very small number of effects; but for beginners, Jay's advice is largely correct. Perhaps I'm splitting "hares" here , pardon the pun.
Every trick should have a magic moment, some moment when you snap your fingers or wave your hand or when the magic is supposed to have JUST happened. That makes for good theatre.
Every trick? Some tricks, like the Six Card Repeat, or the Linking Rings, just to name two of many, have a continuous blending of unfolding "moments". With a lot of magic, the journey can be as much of a reward as the final surprise ending. (If you truly want to call yourself an entertainer, the "journey" should be entertaining even if the trick has only magical moment.)
You don't have to be funny! You can be serious, silly, witty, funny, thoughtful or anything you want when you present your magic! If you don't feel comfortable trying to be funny, don't worry, just be yourself!!!
Show me any young person who, if they were asked, "Just who are you?" could give an answer. Or someone of any age for that matter. If a magician is really an actor playing the part of a magician, then what kind of advice is it to say, "Just be yourself!" ? If I was truly myself, I wouldn't be getting in front of audiences and pretending to do the impossible while I lied through my teeth about it. You should try to reach beyond yourself and practice, practice, practice playing a character who can actually DO the impossible: a magician with the skills to defeat the laws of logic and common sense, starting, say, with that venerable chestnut of a card trick that has the line in it, "And now tell me what row it's in!"
Make the magic yours! Develop your own presentations and even the way you go from one trick to another. Bring your own unique style to your magic.
This assumes that everyone can conjure up a unique style. The popular myth is that by inventing your own unique presentation, you'll be the best performer that you can be. If that were so, then thousands of magicians wouldn't be doing the same tricks in the same way, almost word-for-word. If magicians had to be totally original in order to succeed, most of them would abandon magic.
Get the audiences involved as much as possible. Shuffle the cards, think of a number, examine a prop, etc. The more they get involved, the more they will care about what you do!
The last time I tried to get a bunch of adults involved, I had to tell six of them I wouldn't be able to begin until they pocketed their Blackberries and iPhones. The more they got involved with their addicting toys, the less they cared about what I was about to do. Welcome to the second decade of the 21s century.
Get a magic buddy! Not only can you watch this show together, you can learn a lot by watching each other and rehearsing together!
Maybe this is a hint to come to ring meetings and luncheons and have a lot of magic friends!
By Jay Sankey - Be sure to check out Jay's website: SankeyMagic.com
From our house to yours, Cindy and I wish you the best from the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia!
Dennis
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