talkmagic.co.uk

Morning, guys & girls. Question for the general magic community – say you wanted to “test drive” a new show, how would you go about it

Originally, my thinking would be to rent a few geographically diverse venues, perform (free) to a mixture of invited guests (maybe magicians/entertainers who would be assessing rather than enjoying) and general public – then gather whatever feedback I could before offering the “product/service” to a paying master. Obviously, this may cost a few bob (what market research doesn't? ), but one should get some real world feedback. In essence, in the absence of opportunities like open mike nights, how would, you test new routines?

Thanx

TI

For me, after I've videoed it a few times, watched it back and am happy with it, the first test run is in my front room in front of my boyfriend.

After that, I might invite a few friends around for their opinion but that's usually all I do for a test run. If you've got access to a good venue, then maybe you could put on a little test show for friends and family.

Thanks for yr input, Lady of Mystery. I think it's a good idea but in my case I would need to be mindful of the "terrible toos" - watching myself on video, I'm likely to be too critical (I can't believe I said that & Wow, that handling was really pony, etcetera).

Performing for family, conversely, they might be too supportive - in itself, not a bad thing. However, on second thoughts, my 13 year old daughter is a good sounding board in that everything magic is viewed through jaundiced eye....

Once again, thanx

TI

Make a video of the performance and post it here on TM! We're an honest bunch!

I'd also support the suggestion of video recording your performance as a first step and then iron out the rough bits.

Once you've got it to the stage when you are happy then perform for a number of people who know what they are watching and looking for, and will be capable of providing constructive feedback.

Avoid the general public until you're FINALLY ready to take your show out on the road.

Not sure of your background and what I am about to say may not apply to you....do you currently have a "show" and are looking to add something new, or do you not have a "Show" at all and are trying to see if it is worthy?

The reason I ask....if you already have a show, and are simply looking at new material, I would not suggest changing your show in its entirety. I believe that a slow evolution of your act should take place, with some things being put in while others are slowly wearing themselves out. I aim for about 1/2 to 1/3 of my routine be freshened up each year, but not in one block. When you take a tried and tested routine, you are able to demo a few new pieces sandwiched between known big hitters and it takes the pressure off of them and allows you gauge them in a real world to a real world audience.

Bottom line...if you are getting booked because of your act, people want to see your act. For example, if someone saw my show in June and approached me to do their event in December, they are looking to book the "Show" they just watched..that would mean that a good portion of it should remain intact so you are not giving something entirely differnt than what they booked.

This is why I am not a big advocate of wholesale changes to an entire act - unless you are a touring professional like copperfield, etc - it should transform slowly be able to ensure that they get what they see for the most part.

Just my thoughts...but as mentioned, may not be relavant as I may have misunderstood where you are comnig from with the question, so again do you already have but want to change your show, or are you testing your first show?

Thanks for the input, guys. In essence, it would be an extension of repetoire. I presently perform kidshows and if I'm going to try anything new of that nature, I merely introduce it into a few gigs and see what the take up is like. If it works it stays in & if not then it doesn't. Interesting point about one's existing "show" moodini - on a repeat performance, I was asked to do "the thing you did last year with the balloon". So some audiences do not necessarily always want something new and you will indeed get booked on the basis of your existing show.

However, I wish to augment existing line of services with a more adult (as in older not XXX rated ) show, hopefully introducing a comedic element. In a couple of extreme examples, say Max Maven wanted to put together a kidshow or David Ginn wanted to concentrate entirely on card magic, I was wondering how would they go about testing the new show? In the first example, Max Maven may have to give consideration to changing the image (unless it's a Halloween themed show ) - therefore, image is important, as is content, pacing, etcetera. It just finding a forum upon which to test drive (totally) new material - possibly free gigs