street magic

Discuss your favorite close-up tricks and methods.
Magia
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street magic

Postby Magia » April 9th, 2010, 8:03 am

Well, I tried street magic today. I was in the National Mall in Washington, DC, and I am shocked how many people say no. Who says no to a magic trick? I got 1 tip for $5, but I had a good time anyway. I preformed for some Dutch people who did not speak English(odd because most Europeans do)

Richard Hatch
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Re: street magic

Postby Richard Hatch » April 9th, 2010, 8:36 am

Magia wrote:Well, I tried street magic today. I was in the National Mall in Washington, DC, and I am shocked how many people say no. Who says no to a magic trick?

Welcome to the real world...

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Tom Frame
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Re: street magic

Postby Tom Frame » April 9th, 2010, 9:05 am

If you bring a camera crew with you on your next foray, the crowd may be a bit more receptive.

Brandon Hall
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Re: street magic

Postby Brandon Hall » April 9th, 2010, 11:15 am

That's not street magic. That is un-requested strolling magic.
"Hope I Die Before I Get Old"
P. Townshend

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erdnasephile
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Re: street magic

Postby erdnasephile » April 9th, 2010, 11:35 am

Magia, you may find helpful what Jamy Ian Swiss has to say on the subject: http://www.antinomymagic.com/swiss.htm

Not all agree with Jamy, but it may give you a starting point to consider.

Jonathan Townsend
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Re: street magic

Postby Jonathan Townsend » April 9th, 2010, 12:16 pm

Brandon Hall wrote:That's not street magic. That is un-requested strolling magic.


Indecent public exposure with or without a wand?

Is this to be our new oft told tale: So this stranger comes up to me and says "want to see my deck, it's really special" - and I just ran. I turned around and saw him aproach some other folks. He fussed for a minute or so and then they giggled - and he ran away.

People stopped in trafic are not supposed to be in a red light district. ;)

Leonard Hevia
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Re: street magic

Postby Leonard Hevia » April 10th, 2010, 10:40 pm

Brandon is right. The strolling magician can socialize with guests as if he was part of the crowd before attempting any magic. If they like him, they may want to see him perform.

That type of guerilla street magic is a disrepectful invasion of privacy. The magi presumes (hopes?) people want to see him perform. It usually comes off as a form of harassment.

It's better to busk on the streets instead. You stake out your spot and perform. Folks can then decide for themselves if you're worth their time.

David Alexander
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Re: street magic

Postby David Alexander » April 11th, 2010, 2:53 pm

I'm with Leo and agree with much of what Jamy wrote.

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Brian Morton
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Re: street magic

Postby Brian Morton » April 11th, 2010, 10:49 pm

The mall is the last place in DC I would try to busk. The National Park Police are not too forgiving on these things.

brian :cool:

Brian Marks
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Re: street magic

Postby Brian Marks » April 12th, 2010, 8:33 am

Yes people react negatively in this situation. Some stranger shows up wanting to do magic tricks isn't exactly too inviting. "Want to see a magic trick?" is probably not a good opening line.

Jonathan Townsend
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Re: street magic

Postby Jonathan Townsend » April 12th, 2010, 11:24 am

Brian Marks wrote:Yes people react negatively in this situation. Some stranger shows up wanting to do magic tricks isn't exactly too inviting. "Want to see a magic trick?" is probably not a good opening line.


Brian, in my experience it really depends on how you ask them and whether they are already preoccupied or in a rush when you ask them.

Brandon Hall
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Re: street magic

Postby Brandon Hall » April 12th, 2010, 4:31 pm

Everyone loves an uninvited show-off!
"Hope I Die Before I Get Old"

P. Townshend

Ian Kendall
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Re: street magic

Postby Ian Kendall » April 12th, 2010, 5:53 pm

Everyone loves an uninvited show-off!


That's the basis for my entire career...


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