Psycho Spectators

[Liam Carrie]

I have been a magician for a while but i have a bit of a problem with a few things. I live in the area where every spectator tries to ruin your trick. The most important thing when your a magician is probably to get the spectator on your side. If Anyone has their own psychological tips on how to encourage even the most unco-operating spectators to co-operate and just to sit back and enjoy the show, Please can you help me out?

 

[Krash]

Well,

First off I want you to look at your situation like this. Because of the spectators around you always being the heckler type and trying to ruin your magical moments, you in turn will either do one of two things.

1.) Become frustrated and give up.

2.) Rise above the occasion and become masterful at controlling even the toughiest of tough cookies.

I suggest the latter of the two.

Might I ask what kind of products that you have, and/or what you have done so far so we do not keep repeating something you've already done/tried.

Shane K.

 

[bjay]

get random triks and do it on them when their totally not expecting it and then you'll blow their minds

 

[phrozunsun]

tool them in a clever non-confrontational way.

 

[Shodan]

Here's a novel idea:

Don't perform for people who are out to ruin your performance. Why on earth would you want to do this? Magic should be performed for people who appreciate it, just like every other form of entertainment.

Even in professional situations, I still manage to avoid performing for people who aren't going to appreciate it; the client understands that my time is best used performing for those who are going to enjoy the entertainment on offer.

If on the other hand your audience starts off enthusiastic and then turns against you, you have problems in terms of either your presentation, material or execution. I strongly recommend strong, self working tricks as an opportunity to hone your presentational skills in front of tough crowds.

Cheers,
David

 

[MitchellStafiej]

You might want to check this thread out here, it's very informative and should answer your question.

Mitchell

 

[gOOfy]

I simply don't perform for them. End of story. If they aren't there to have a good time and enjoy themselves, why are they there at all?

Now, if you are performing for a large group of people and they just pop up and try to ruin it for everybody, then you just ignore them and move on with your performance. Then your next series of tricks should blow him/her away and they should stop. Key word, "should". So don't get your hopes up...

 

[StreetMage]

Many states allow you to carry a weapon as long as it's not concealed, and if you're a magician, you don't want it concealed. Seriously, just get a permit and start wearing a gun on your belt. Nobody's going to grab cards from a guy who's packin' heat.

 

[Steerpike]

get random triks and do it on them when their totally not expecting it and then you'll blow their minds

Words of inexperience. You can't just accost people with magic. And if you plan to pull a Malini or Herrmann and be perpetually in character, you need experience, timing, charisma, charm, and a sense of practicality.

You think breaking into a spongeball routine for no reason whatsoever is going to impress people? They'll think you're a clown, a goofball, a jerk. Malini could walk right up to somebody, bite a button off their jacket, and restore it. But none of you are Max Malini.

 

[StreetMage]

Words of inexperience. You can't just accost people with magic. And if you plan to pull a Malini or Herrmann and be perpetually in character, you need experience, timing, charisma, charm, and a sense of practicality.

You think breaking into a spongeball routine for no reason whatsoever is going to impress people? They'll think you're a clown, a goofball, a jerk. Malini could walk right up to somebody, bite a button off their jacket, and restore it. But none of you are Max Malini.

Correction. I am Max Malini.