talkmagic.co.uk

Hey everyone.

First of all, I'd like to say that some of the things I suggest in this thread might make some peoples toes cringe, but I would like to hear some other peoples opinions of some thoughts I've been having for a while.

I've been to a few festivals this year (Roskilde Festival for instance, and I was completely blown away by Bruce Springsteen and the E-street band, so if you have the opporunity go see him, you'll never forget it! Anyway back on topic)

While I was at these festivals or street parties in Copenhagen, I did perform quite a lot of magic, and I got good reactions and had a lot of fun with the spectators. But the thing that annoyed me a bit was that a was always a bit tipsy when performing. I guess I like having a few drinks beforehand to get me in the that good mood. Not that I can't do without, it just helps with the nerves, and I tend to be more creative and unprdictable that way People in such places are usually in a good mood and would more than often love to see some magic. So I was thinking that I wanted to practice my confidence by approaching people without the use of alcohol. Now please don't believe that I'm addicted to alcohol and can't talk to people without having a few drinks beforehand, I'm a very social guy and have no problems whatsoever talking to new people. I've been backpacking Japan, USA, Canada and New Zealand and talked to a big amount of people over the years. And anyway most people go to a festival for the drinking and having fun. This is just background story that leads into my ideas.

I was thinking about going out in the city and approach people who were sitting in parks and other places enjoying the sun. (And this is where the frowning might appear ) I would perform some magic for them just to see how people would react to be performed magic to, in a place they never thought they would. Keep in mind that this is Copenhagen, and we don't see many street performers, only the "living-statues" and those eastern europeans "perfoming" the "find the lady" trick and ripping people off though there are warnings in most shop windows. So I would make it or break it.

First off all I would go there only with the purpose of having fun for myself and my spectators. I would perform for smaller groups of perhaps 3-10 people. I wouldn't start to "go busking"? (don't know the progressive aspect)
If I got a feeling of this "Street Magic" (Oh no! not that!) worked out well, I would take my younger brother along the next time. He's getting into making small video sketches, music videos and editing etc. Then we would record me performing magic to the public which I believe could have some greats benefits for both of us:

- I would get live practice and have more fun than I do practicing in front of my mirror.
- Confidence and crowd experierence
- I would get to see myself performing in a live situation, and therefore get the change to study myself in terms of speed, patter, body language and so on.
- My brother would practice his skills in editing a small promo video for me.
- I would get a promo video to "help me get off the streets"

So, I know many of you frown upon Street Magic, and I don't intend to be the next Blaine or Angel type, I've got my own personality, style and charm. And I sincerely believe that this small "project" could work out very well and be great fun at the same time.

So what are your thoughts if any? Shoot!

Yup, there's no substitute for experience. What's the worst that can happen? No one dies.

Go for it, why not? You might want to make sure that you're not going to be breaking the law by performing in public places but as long as you're not expecting any money then I'd guess you should be ok but a good idea to check first.

Be prepared for some knock backs, you're always going to get that if you're approaching people out of the blue but as long as you can take that and don't let it affect your confidence then good luck with it.

I'm the same with the drink thing as I only ever perform in pubs/clubs for friends or people who want to see magic. I've noticed recently my drunk patter comes out when I am practicing or showing a new trick when not drinking. I just try and know my limits because after 6/7 pints I start to believe myself that I just made that guys credit card float in the air.

Go for it man, if they say no, just walk away you haven't lost anything. But I've found that with more TV on magic a lot more people are curious and want to see it up close.

When I'm hosting SciBar I prefer to have a couple of pints to relax and "find the funny". Then again, I'm not the focus of attention. I just introduce it, do a couple of jokes, do the news, bark on the turn then manage the questions at the end. I just have mental stepping stones.

An hour in front of a live audience is worth ten in front of a mirror.

The problem with 'Street magic' is mostly to do with the 'Magicians' who perform it. If you focus on entertaining the people you won't go far wrong - best of luck!

Thank you ladies and gentlemen for your kind support, it's highly appreciated. Have a nice weekend everone!