talkmagic.co.uk

Hello again TM.

A quick question,
Is my ACR too long?

Let me explain...
My full ACR from top to tail is a little over six minutes, including selection, sign and so forth. Although this works in a more 'formal' setting I've always found this a touch too long and it has stopped me from performing it as much as I would like. Especially in clubs and places where attention is limited.

Now, I like my routine. It's not the best, but it has a nice rhythm and I like it's structure. Each stage follows from the next nicely and each part presents a set of slightly more difficult circumstances. Since this took me a while to get this sorted I'm naturally a bit loath to cut parts out. Plus, it'll spoil the flow.

Is it too long?
Should I be ruthless and cut it to shreds? I've tried improvising but I become very conscious of the extra time that I'm taking while thinking about the next few steps.

Regards,

Mark

What reactions are you getting?
If the specs are enjoying it from start to finish then it's not too long, Daryl's ACR on his DVD is longer than yours and superb.

If the specs interest wanes during it then it's either too long or you need to restructure it. The beauty of an ACR is the more it happens, the more amazing it becomes to a spec, especially if you seem to make it more impossible than each sucessive 'rising'.

Six minutes is pretty long for an ACR, but it all depends on presentation, obviously. If you're keeping the audience interested and engaged for the entire time then good stuff and keep it the way it is. If there are parts where specs tend to drift off a bit then be ruthless and cut them out or change them. It's always difficult to do this, particularly if you enjoy a certain move or patter line but unfortunately that's not a good enough reason to keep it in.

Sounds like you've got a solid routine, perhaps you could try modifying it for different situations? For example in a club an ACR is a good way to go anyway as it's very easy to follow without patter. I've had some of the best reactions from just going through the motions like that.

Marvo,

I don't think 6mins is too long but judge on how the spectators enjoy iy.

Also, as Bronz said, I would tailor the routine so that you have a couple of stages you can take out it you want to shorten it.

I wing this effect and never do it the same way twice. I add or remove stages according to my whim at the time !!

I like Daryl's way of thinking on ACRs: knowing how you're going to start, knowing how you're going to finish, and just making it up as you go along in the middle, like jazz.
It's the way i go about doing tricks like that, so you can gauge how receptive a person is being and adjust accordingly (and in some cases, just skip straight to the end)

Yes, Marky, if you don't have it, do check out Daryl's ACR DVD. It's great and will give you a lot of inspiration.

Thank you gentlemen, I have indeed taken your advice.

I played my full ACR several times on saturday night to drunk people and I made a point of focussing on reactions. I did notice two sticky points.
I played about with these parts over the weekend and I managed to cut one effect out and combine another two, without losing any of the rhythm.
Result! Much shorter and snappier but with the same flow. Brilliant, cheers guys.

And yes thanks I already have Daryls ACR DVD and it is excellent. I think this is where I first realised how effective the routine can be if presented correctly.
I'd love to be able to improvise in this routine but I find it difficult, even though I have no problem improvising during other effects. Hmm. I think my problems lies in the little delay that occurs where I try to figure what effects can be done from my current position. Strangely though, I've found I can improvise more easily when I'm drunk, but naturally this is when I tend to lose the ability to hold the cards properly. More performing is needed!

Anyways.. thanks guys, most helpful.

Mark

I agree that as long as the specs are enjoying it you can play up to it..

you could even use it as a gag throughout your routine as if the selection is muxling its way in on other tricks.. then use the finale of your routine as an ACR closer..

then your entire routine becomes an ACR with different effects in between..

thats just a sudden thought with no real consideration given to it but it may be intersting..

My ACR is only about 5 stages long but I use my ACR to set myself up for about 2 or 3 effects to follow.