What do you look for in audience volunteers?

[AshleyHall]

Hey all,

Due to the fantastic performance advice that was given in this forum post, this post has been edited. Thanks to all who offered and shared their view points and advice.

 

[Krash]

Hey all,

I'm not at the performance stage of my magikal ventures yet. As stated I have been an onstage audience volunteer for Copperfield twice. I don't know how David selects his audience volunteers, don't know how he or why he selected me of all people to participate onstage with him back in May of 2007, and 05, I'm sure glad he did though Anyway, what I want to know is, what do YOU look for in a potential audience volunteer for some one on one slight of hand or an illusion? Do you chose male or female volunteers from the audience, both young or old? Have you ever had a scared or shy audience volunteer, how did you deal with them and the situation? I'm asking cause I was that scared girl afraid to go up onstage not so long ago with the magician too... so I can relate to those hesitant in the crowd especially if its a well known performer.

Great question Ashley!

Well, even though I do not perform very often due to wanting to build up my chops in private practice I tend to look for some very key characteristics of my audience for voulenteers.

I ask myself a few questions to myself before hand.

- Do these people look to be the "touchy/feely" kind of people? Or are these people more of the obediant type?

- Do these people look like they are having a good time? If they are, great! If not, I try to amp up my performance by becoming more involved in my audience. I try very hard not to seem like I'm performing for a stranger, but more like an old friend.

- Are these people looking for a good heckle session or do they truly just want to sit back and enjoy the entertainment?

I usually stick to these criteria, but I'm sure that others will chime in with some information that will be just as good, if not, better.

Hope this helps,

Shane K.

 

[The Dark Angel]

I suppose "attractiveness" shouldn't be my answer, now should it?

Actually, I look for someone who I don't think would be a heckler and who appears to be enjoying themselves. If they look pissed off and have been calling me out on my moves, then that person wouldn't be at the top of my list. But if they have been laughing, and appear to be enjoying the performance, then I would invite them to help me.

 

[Close-Up Expert]

Ashley,

This is a great question and shows that you're on the right path...good for you!

When I'm performing at Red Robin, I have maybe 20-25 tables a night I go to...doesn't seem like a lot, but it is when I'm doing a 6-8 minute routine. Finding the right person to help me is crucial, otherwise my whole show at that particular table will be hell if I get off on the wrong foot. Sure, I'd come back and surprise them to death, but it still wouldn't be the same.

How *I* find the right people to assist me is done with a few things. First, approaching the table. As I'm walking up to them, I'm scanning and trying to find out who the MAIN person is.....the one getting all the attention and more likely looking to have a good time. That's the person I want to win over and make my friend. If they're having a good time, others will naturally follow.

Also, my opener. I always start off by asking them how they're doing, even before I introduce myself as a magician. The talkative ones are my friends, and they are the ones I want to have help me. If they're openly answering my questions and we're carrying on a conversation, this is building a nice rapport for myself. A *key* element in making sure the show goes well.

As you see, by the time I'm at the table, I already have at least 1 person in mind to help me. That's all I need at the moment. They help with the first trick, and then whoever seems most interested and eager, and gives me the best reaction is the person I'll have help me with my next one. They all keep feeding off of each other, and that makes my job that much easier.

Hope I answered your question, and don't hesitate to PM me if you need anything.

Best.
Steve