WHAT IS SHOWMANSHIP?
Well, a showman is a person in charge of a theatrical peice or musical. So how does this relate to magic at all, you ask? Well in magic you need tto act much like in a theatre.
The below is two examples of acting in a performance of Stigmata.
You do not want to be like: "Watch. Squeeze...uh....this arm and your card is there. cool so i'm gonna go to KFC now."
You should however do this: "You all saw the card correct? Good now can I have you squeeze my wrist right here. Squeeze tight and don't let go no matter what." Deep breathing here. "Ok. Stop. You see how my arm is red, look carefully. was your card a se...seven...of diamonds...the seven of diamonds maybe?"
This is more powerful then just being so bland about the trick and not playing up the moment. If there is no decent acting then the spectators do not enjoy it as much.
EXAMPLES OF GOOD SHOWMANSHIP.
There are many of great examples of showman ship that you may learn from. first of all I would highly recomend going to see a dramatic , sad, or action packed play. These allow you to see how the actors change their tones of voice and facial expression depending on the moment. If you are unable to attend a play due to lack of money or a near by theatre then try watching these:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_m2CqYGvSxQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFyIUlBBDzk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JXILIWELt8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7Wvk-CVN-Y
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SuKWpcomic8&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpjHZniw184
Notice that only one of them is criss angel. Now many people may disagree here but I beg you to keep it to yourself, I did not put a lot of Criss angel for the fact that I think he overdoes it...
CAN I ACT TOO MUCH? IF SO HOW?
Now there is such a thing as going over the top and if you've seen many of Criss Angel's illusions it seems to me that he takes it way to far. For example it is unessecary, i believe, for him to breath deeply for 2 minute before anything happens. I also think that when he startsto shake and then swallows the camera that it is over the top.
Now many would say that he is a great magician and most of the time he is. (except for the stunts he computer edits.) but that is beside the point. When I watch mindfreak the overdose of acting really kills it for me.
So all you have to do is act but don't take it too far. Find a good acting level that suits you.
NO 1 WAY TO BE A GOOD SHOWMAN
The number one way to act without fail is to have your audiance under control. If they are under control then they will not give you a hard time. You can have them undercontrol by dealing with the hecklers as described here: http://forums.theory11.com/showthread.php?t=7383
you can also manage your adiance by keeping them entertained. So perform your best tricks for them.
MY ACTING LEVEL CHART.
In order to show the many levels of showmanship I have designed this chart. It starts at one, meaning no acting at all, and goes all the way to 10, which means over the top. Here it is:
Level 1: No acting was used. The audiance was bored quickly and did not have the best time ever. This is the worst level you could have and is never ideal in any situation.
level 2: You may have snapped your fingers but to no effect. Audiance did not enjoy it. Not ideal in any situation.
level 3: a wave or gesture was made and there was an attempt to impress the people. Only 25% of people like you and the rest were unhappy. Not ideal.
level 4: Magical gestures were made and you tried very hard to play up the moment. at least 80% of people went home happy. Ideal position if possible.
level 5: Magical gestures were made. Patter was excellent and the magician played it up big making everyone happy. This is where you should always want to be.
Level 6: There were many magical gestures. The patter was good and in depth yet confusing. The magican played it up too big with heavy breathing and shaking. Not ideal. way to far.
This is the way I classify magicians as well as other performers.
SHOMAN SHIP (REVISITED)
Showman ship isn't just acting though. It also is how well and how smoothly sleights and tricks are performed as well as how good your patter is. your appearance also plays an important role in who you are. If you look like a slob then people will be inclined to dislike you because you looked gross. If you are well groomed then people will find it easier to adapt to you and your image.
SUMMING IT UP
In the end showmanship can make or break you. When performing street magic it is very important to have good showman ship. So go out and try all these things and see what people think of you.
To learn about street magic visit: http://forums.theory11.com/showthread.php?t=7383
If you would like me to addsomething to this thread or like me to answer a very important question then PM me about it and we'll talk.
Dylan P.
Well, a showman is a person in charge of a theatrical peice or musical. So how does this relate to magic at all, you ask? Well in magic you need tto act much like in a theatre.
The below is two examples of acting in a performance of Stigmata.
You do not want to be like: "Watch. Squeeze...uh....this arm and your card is there. cool so i'm gonna go to KFC now."
You should however do this: "You all saw the card correct? Good now can I have you squeeze my wrist right here. Squeeze tight and don't let go no matter what." Deep breathing here. "Ok. Stop. You see how my arm is red, look carefully. was your card a se...seven...of diamonds...the seven of diamonds maybe?"
This is more powerful then just being so bland about the trick and not playing up the moment. If there is no decent acting then the spectators do not enjoy it as much.
EXAMPLES OF GOOD SHOWMANSHIP.
There are many of great examples of showman ship that you may learn from. first of all I would highly recomend going to see a dramatic , sad, or action packed play. These allow you to see how the actors change their tones of voice and facial expression depending on the moment. If you are unable to attend a play due to lack of money or a near by theatre then try watching these:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_m2CqYGvSxQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFyIUlBBDzk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JXILIWELt8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7Wvk-CVN-Y
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SuKWpcomic8&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpjHZniw184
Notice that only one of them is criss angel. Now many people may disagree here but I beg you to keep it to yourself, I did not put a lot of Criss angel for the fact that I think he overdoes it...
CAN I ACT TOO MUCH? IF SO HOW?
Now there is such a thing as going over the top and if you've seen many of Criss Angel's illusions it seems to me that he takes it way to far. For example it is unessecary, i believe, for him to breath deeply for 2 minute before anything happens. I also think that when he startsto shake and then swallows the camera that it is over the top.
Now many would say that he is a great magician and most of the time he is. (except for the stunts he computer edits.) but that is beside the point. When I watch mindfreak the overdose of acting really kills it for me.
So all you have to do is act but don't take it too far. Find a good acting level that suits you.
NO 1 WAY TO BE A GOOD SHOWMAN
The number one way to act without fail is to have your audiance under control. If they are under control then they will not give you a hard time. You can have them undercontrol by dealing with the hecklers as described here: http://forums.theory11.com/showthread.php?t=7383
you can also manage your adiance by keeping them entertained. So perform your best tricks for them.
MY ACTING LEVEL CHART.
In order to show the many levels of showmanship I have designed this chart. It starts at one, meaning no acting at all, and goes all the way to 10, which means over the top. Here it is:
Level 1: No acting was used. The audiance was bored quickly and did not have the best time ever. This is the worst level you could have and is never ideal in any situation.
level 2: You may have snapped your fingers but to no effect. Audiance did not enjoy it. Not ideal in any situation.
level 3: a wave or gesture was made and there was an attempt to impress the people. Only 25% of people like you and the rest were unhappy. Not ideal.
level 4: Magical gestures were made and you tried very hard to play up the moment. at least 80% of people went home happy. Ideal position if possible.
level 5: Magical gestures were made. Patter was excellent and the magician played it up big making everyone happy. This is where you should always want to be.
Level 6: There were many magical gestures. The patter was good and in depth yet confusing. The magican played it up too big with heavy breathing and shaking. Not ideal. way to far.
This is the way I classify magicians as well as other performers.
SHOMAN SHIP (REVISITED)
Showman ship isn't just acting though. It also is how well and how smoothly sleights and tricks are performed as well as how good your patter is. your appearance also plays an important role in who you are. If you look like a slob then people will be inclined to dislike you because you looked gross. If you are well groomed then people will find it easier to adapt to you and your image.
SUMMING IT UP
In the end showmanship can make or break you. When performing street magic it is very important to have good showman ship. So go out and try all these things and see what people think of you.
To learn about street magic visit: http://forums.theory11.com/showthread.php?t=7383
If you would like me to addsomething to this thread or like me to answer a very important question then PM me about it and we'll talk.
Dylan P.
Last edited by a moderator:
