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Hey guys

I have finally decided to put together a silent magic/ illusion act, but have no idea where to start. Also, what props would be good for the act? i pan to get some canes (appearing and vanishing) some candles and maybe some dove effects.

Whats the right way to go about it?


Cheers guys, i look forward to hearing from your combined experteese!

Cyas

Mark

well firstly id like to point out that ive never done this sort of thing so my opinions may not be valid BUT from a spectator point of view the things i have watched and enjoyed were simple but visual effects.. appearing canes/candles etc BUT after 2 or 3 appearances i start to get bored.. sort of "yeah yeah you already did it 3 times and i know that your gonna do it again when you wave that hankie/paperbag etc"... also depending on the size of venue the size of props will have to be taken into account... i saw Jay Scott Berry perform the the palace of magic recently and was lucky enough to be in the front row so when he used his "cloaking device" (he was about 6 feet away from me) it looked awesome... but the folks at the back probably couldnt see what was going on so well. Cards productions usually go down well but again only if there are not too many of the same thing... so basically what im trying to say is visual is good but repetition isnt!


dunno if this is gonna help at all but you did ask!

I don't know if your into doves (not like that!) but if I were you I'd try and get hold of a copy of Lance Burton's Dove act. Most people consider it the best Dove act around. It's also a brilliant example of how to perform in silence. Lance's control of the audience's attention is masterful and there is never a moment when you feel bored or uninterested.

I hope this helps.

All the best,

Will

You could try The Butterfly trick if you're into IT work.

A version can be found at allmagicreader's site.

Hi

Yes, im definatly interested in doing some dove work, but not too much, maybe 2 productions and then a vanish, what would be the best dove props to use?

The one i saw was like a book that you show empty, then when you re open it again, a dove flys out.

Any other ideas?

cheers

A very greatful mark

dove "props"?
If you mean what is the best box, pan net etc for producing a dove, i would have to say none of them. You can not beat a dove production from a silk. I would stronly urge you to do a hell of a lot of reseach into this before buying some birds though.
Looking at the question, i am worried that you have not done this.
I say this, because even the most simple book on dove work, gives hints and tips on production aparatus.

You should try and buy some of the books by Ian Adair. some of which are expensive, yes. Some of which are not so expensive.But the books will be a drop in the ocean compared to the cost of upkeep where doves go.

Hi Dale,

doves would be a new venture for me, completely so i dont plan to rush into dove work for the sake of the birds, maybe add them in at a later date.

For the dove from silks, would i need a dove pll (if thats what theyre called) or the like?

cheers guys

Mark

No, doves are held in a dove harness, or holder. There are a number of different patterns availabe.
The books I have sugested will give more information on this.
Also self contained items are available, like the dove streamer which are also in the Adair books.
You might find that you will have to make the holders yourself to fit the birds.

Cheers mate, i will do some research into the harnesses then!

cheers once again

Mark

Make sure that you don't have any bird allergies!

You'd be surprised (or not) how many people have allergies to birds that they don't know about until they start to get close and handle on a regular basis. These can take a few months or even years to manifest as well.

I know a couple of magicians who used to perform with doves and were top acts too, but they had to give up for this very reason.

For my stage act I do a canes and candle routine I use a bit of IT but I tend to steer clear as I once did an act where the IT showed. I mainly learnt form other magicians. E.G. Scott Penrose. I use dancing, appearing and dissapearing canes in my act and it is easy to do. If you want some simple tricks why not try a zombie or dove pan with fake doves. The music you chose affects the mood of your act. Any help pm me.

A month has gone by sice this was posted, but I was surprised nobody suggested the old standard: Linking rings. Set to music, and with various handling it can be quite ellegant and entertaining, even if everybody in the audience had a mysto magic set as a kid. If you get a locking key you can even make it look more clean and ellegant. consider reading through "symphony of the Rings" a time or two. then pick your favorite moves and handling.