Master of Ceremonies advice

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Jeff Eline
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Master of Ceremonies advice

Postby Jeff Eline » July 20th, 2004, 6:59 am

In September I'll be the MC for a two day outdoor festival. For the most part it will be introductions and announcements.

However, I'm anticipating a few gaps (two, maybe three) where I'll need to fill. Any advice on gags or stunts for MC's that gets the audience involved.

Thanks.

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Pete Biro
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Re: Master of Ceremonies advice

Postby Pete Biro » July 20th, 2004, 9:09 am

Get Jay Marshall's book, "How to MC and Put a Show Together."

Be confident. Be the host, NOT THE SHOW.

Keep it moving.

Avoid profanity :D :D :D
Stay tooned.

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Pete Biro
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Re: Master of Ceremonies advice

Postby Pete Biro » July 20th, 2004, 9:10 am

Oh, seriously, work from your OWN REPERTOIRE... take the two or three BEST items you can do that work in the timeframe needed.

Don't try to learn something new, use only bulletproof material, that you can do under any conditions.
Stay tooned.

Jeff Eline
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Re: Master of Ceremonies advice

Postby Jeff Eline » July 20th, 2004, 1:35 pm

Pete,

Thanks for the response. And I agree about being the host and not the show - 100%.

However, the problem with doing mostly my own material is that I do mostly card stuff and I don't think the venue (outside) is conducive to do ambitious card (or I'm not that skilled!)

I'm looking for stunts or bits - for example getting four kids on stage, arranging four chairs in a square, each person takes a seat and then leans back on the next person. I then remove the chairs and the formation remains.

Again, thanks Pete, I will check out the book you recommended.

Ray Banks
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Re: Master of Ceremonies advice

Postby Ray Banks » July 21st, 2004, 5:57 am

Personal opinion only, of course, but if you do something with four chairs and four people I think you are taking too much time.

The real purpose of an emcee is to keep the show moving and provide some light entertainment between acts.

I prefer running gags such as clippo. Something you can do at each break with a little difference from the time before. Something quick and simple.

And don't do anything similar to what the performers do (assuming there is some other magic on the program).

As was stated above Be the Host not the show.

Good luck.
Pick a card....Any card....NO not THAT card..THIS one!

Ray Banks

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Joe M. Turner
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Re: Master of Ceremonies advice

Postby Joe M. Turner » July 21st, 2004, 6:18 am

I have had an increasing number of opportunities to MC shows lately, especially magic shows.

I recommend Seabrooke's "Beyond Compere" -- a very helpful little book.

I understand Colombini is working on a book of MC tips... with perhaps a chapter (or more) by Bloch... that will be a must have.

JMT

Bill McFadden
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Re: Master of Ceremonies advice

Postby Bill McFadden » July 21st, 2004, 7:49 am

Jeff,

Sage advice from all. You may want to obtain Kevin James/Gaeton Bloom's Inexhaustible Sponge. This could be used as a running gag, especially since you'll be outdoors and "sweating." Denny usually has one or two in stock. Good luck!

Jeff Eline
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Re: Master of Ceremonies advice

Postby Jeff Eline » July 21st, 2004, 12:56 pm

Thanks guys. Luckily the other acts are all bands or solo musicians. I will check out the references given. I appreciate it.

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Pete Biro
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Re: Master of Ceremonies advice

Postby Pete Biro » July 23rd, 2004, 10:08 am

I had forgotten about Seabrooke's book... a must have.

Some almost self working tricks greata for MC

Chinese Sticks
Six card repeat
Any rope routine (keep it short)
Tossed out deck
Card fans flourishes etc. with talk
Stay tooned.

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Re: Master of Ceremonies advice

Postby Guest » July 23rd, 2004, 12:24 pm

Try out Algonquin McDuff's M.C. Bit Book, Here

Richard Hatch
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Re: Master of Ceremonies advice

Postby Richard Hatch » July 23rd, 2004, 8:21 pm

Originally posted by 0pus:
Try out Algonquin McDuff's M.C. Bit Book, Here
If you scroll to the bottom of that page, you find out that they are completely sold out of the MC Bit book, and include a link to our site, since we bought their remaining stock and still have a few. You can follow their link, or go directly to our site:
H & R Magic Books and then search on McDuff to find this and other McDuff titles we have...


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