by Michael Jay » Jul 20th, '04, 19:24
As already stated, it is a personal thing as to how long any effect is worked on before it is unveiled to an audience. Some things come quickly and naturally, or are just slight changes to something that you already do and therefore come easily, and so will make their way to the light of performance quickly. Other things will be difficult and will take, quite possibly, months before they are used.
As an example, when I bought my micro cups, I didn't perform them for an audience for 6 months. That is how long it took me to come up with a presentation that I was happy with, even though I'm a good hand at single cup and ball effects. Presentation held me up, rather than technical skill. Each trick or effect must be approached seperately.
I think the important thing here is not how long you wait before presenting an effect, but how you work on evolving that effect once you start performing it. Even though you may be happy with your presentation and all the work you put into it, it still may not be 100% entertaining or liked by your audience. So, you keep the parts that work a treat, and cut out the parts that don't seem to be well met (and, you cut them with extreme prejudice, even though it may just kill you because it was your favorite part - the audience's reaction is more important that your personal opinions and emotions).
I hope this was of some help.
Mike.