Is there a problem with confederates and stooges? I know some people think that it's in some way cheating but I know that I've used them more than once. Surely they're just another tool in the magician's box of tricks.
Are you talking about the card trick in the clear bag?? I don't think P&T are that naive to think the card went from the bag to his mouth, it was obvious what had happened, I've seen multiple effects like this regarding signatures, there may have been some suggestion on where to sign the card etc. There is to be no preshow or stooges involved in the show, to my knowledge anyway
My view on stooges is that they should be used very sparingly. Please note that I am not saying NEVER. Just sparingly. They can be a very effective tool at the right time and the right place but you can have too much of a good thing. There are several disadvantages to using them so the less the better and when you do use such a device then you had better be very selective as to when and where.
The disadvantages are as follows. 1. There is a danger that as time goes by the stooge will talk. They may use the experience as an amusing anecdote they relate to other people and that can't do a lot for your reputation. 2. Audiences are intelligent animals and can often spot the confederate either by their demeanour (a lot of stooges overact) or because the trick is just too impossible and cannot be done any other way. 3. The magician becomes a stooge addict and because of the ease of operation and sometimes very strong reactions he starts to use them far more often than he should.
If you want to use them do so but at least be aware of the disadvantages and don't do too much of it. The less the better.
I thought Johnny Thompson, billed as one of the producers of the show, was there behind the scenes to ensure that P&T's guesses are correct so he would know if any unacceptable processes were involved. Presumably the method(s) used were OK'd by him?
Magic1Jim wrote:There is to be no preshow or stooges involved in the show, to my knowledge anyway
Exactly. I wasn't saying this is good or bad, but the show is adamant about no confederates, legit random people from audience, no camera tricks. They are trying to help magic, not hurt it.