What channel may I ask, can I see you perform?
First, the premise that one must be on tv in order to have a valid critique of someone who is on tv is baseless. By that standard we would only ever see a bunch of backslapping and self congratulatory circle jerking by those in the biz deluding themselves that what they are offering is of quality. We have that already. Its called Masters of Illusions.
Besides, if I were to list my credits, the most it would do is come across as a desperate plea for attention. If you want my cv you can pm me.
When it comes to critiquing the only requisite is knowledge. Has the person seen the work in question, and (other than simple 'I liked it opinions) do they have the knowledge to evaluate the performance in context. In other words: Whether I make millions as an unknown performer, free meals as a reality tv star, or if I have my own show on broadway - none of that has any bearing on the opinions and criticism I - or anyone - can have of a performance. However, I can understand that if someone has never seen magic before how they may believe an awful performer is great as they have no basis for comparison. So to assure you, I have been performing magic for over 30years, it is my sole source of income, I have acted as an advisor and consultant for several magicians and on several magic projects, and because of my experience and background I was asked to be a reviewer for magic magazine (which I have been for 5 years, I think), and have authored several critical works for them and other major magazines. So, am I allowed to have an opinion now?
To wit: Draven, there was no implication in my post. While methodologically you handled the effect adequately, presntationally neither you as a persona nor your verbal/dramatic handling conveyed any sense of power or compelled interest. You were simply doing something. You might have well have been scrambling eggs. Now part of this results from choices made by the producers, however more importabtly, most came from the lack of any dramatic verbal set up or any type of conyenance theatrically of what was happening. Now, so you know I am not talking out of my behind, I have worked with some very experienced side show performers and even myself guided one of the country's if not the world's most commercially successful purveyors of such oddities. I know the stunt, I know what can be had from it, and you left the impact on the table.
(Note; I am not refering to the reactions of the audience around you. People who judge magic based on the reactions of people in the 'demo video' are ignorant neophytes without the ability of critical consideration. I am talking about the lack of impact on the viewing audience. Having said that, I would encourage you to watch the tape again. Perhaps your definition of 'strong reaction' and mine are just different,)
I know, I know. This is magic and we are all supposed to hug each other and tell everyone they are great. But this glad handing only leads to mediocrity in the art. When you put something out before the public, which is a choice YOU made, William, then you should expect criticism.
Finally, I should leave you with this observation: a hat and funny outfit does not a character make. While some may find odd interesting for its own sake, some who watched the show with me commented 'what's the guy in the weird get up supposed to be?'. I say this not to hurt your feelings nor discourage you from having a unique sense of style, but to let you know that inspite of your intentions or how you think you may be coming off, that which is being put forth is unclear to at least the majority of viewers in the sample I have discussed this with.
If you know anything about the theater, you know that one of the most important goals we can have is to learn how we are perceived by others. Hopefully this information will prove valuable in that regard.
Brad Henderson
