Oookkaayy.
My performing persona, or character, is very much 'Me'. I don't affect an alter ego, I have a very laid back conversational style, and I think that it is recognisable to the spectator, putting them at ease. My initial focus is to connect with the audience, but to do that, I really think that we have to be comfortable, and having a good time ourselves. Good spirits are easy to spread, and if you are having a good time, it is much easier for the audience to have a good time too!
I recently wrote on my routining on
www.magicplazza.com, But I will briefly re-iterate here, Anybody wanting to know the full overview can check it out there...
Basically, I do not go out with a set routine. I have a stock of effects which I always try to perform, but apart from that, I very much 'jazz' my way through. This is because, I like to lead ny example, And firmly believe that if I want to keep a spectator on her toes, I may as well be right there with her! And no, It's not a s irresponsible as you may think, as my many professional bookings attest to!
That said, I do (as mentioned) have a set of stock effects which i always TRY to perform. They are...
-Charming Chinese Challenge (Troy Hooser). I love this effect, and it's great for walkaround, as it's one of those rare things- an actual performance piece which can be performed in the hands, with LOTS of audience participation. Plus it is VERY visual. I tweaked the ending a little to end clean, but other than that I do it very much in it's original form.
-Stigmata (Wayne Houchin). Need I say more? It's a very hard hitting effect, and again, gets a spectator involved.
-Some of my own effects...
*Sandwiched stretch. A very visual and strange card effect with some very disarming set up and a very strange visual moment. To be released soon.
*UVT. Literally, 'Ultra Visual Triumph'. It does what it says on the tin. Very commercial, and the most visual Triumph moment I've ever seen. Not to blow my owm trumpet! To be released soon.
*Drop. I don't want to say too much about this one, but it will be released soon.
*Artistic Licence. A very cool transformation of a drawing to suit a chosen card. This reads dry but is very cool, and very visual. I've shared this with a few pro's, and Cameron Francis and Morgan Bondett have praised it very highly! To be released soon.
So there you go.
A few tips from my working head!
CL