Show business is funny. In less 24 hours you can go from performing outdoors in the full sun (I’m not complaining, I love outdoor gigs):
To performing indoors at a really cool theater!
While both shows are similar, there are things that I do indoors that I don’t do outdoors and things I do outdoors that I don’t do indoors. There are reasons for that, the audiences are different. Inside I can take a little bit of time with things, so I can do some slower tricks. Outdoors everything is a bit quicker and I’m a little more aggressive when I perform.
I enjoy indoors and outdoor performing, and both have their own sets of advantages and disadvantages. As a performer you need to learn what material of yours works in each situation. -Louie
A while ago I almost flew to New York on a day I had off between a couple of contracts to see In & Of Itself. Unfortunately, with the flights and the show that I could get tickets to, if my plane was a little bit late, I would have missed the show. I didn’t go.
The show is streaming right now at the IFC Center’s website. You save $3 with the coupon code: ROADTRIP
After watching it, I’m regretting not taking the chance on seeing it in person. The show was AMAZING! That’s just seeing it streamed, I can’t imagine the energy seeing it live.
There’s a lot that makes the show work. First of all it’s now a “magic show” but a show that has magic elements. I think about five tricks in 90 minutes, so not a lot of magic, but what’s there is great!
One of the things that makes the show work is that Derek Delgaudio is a normal guy. He doesn’t have shellac’d hair, dancers, or exaggerated applause poses. He’s an honest guy sharing his life. Sure there are theatrical things that happen, like lighting, or music, but they aren’t overbearing like the how a 1990’s Las Vegas illusionist finishes a trick.
Watching the show, I cried twice. Derek knows how to connect with people in a way I don’t think I’ve ever seen in another show. This style of show is something that other magicians are going to be chasing for years. Derek is soo far ahead of the pack, and it’s such a unique show and venue. You can’t really break in this sort of material at the gravel company’s holiday party.
Do yourself a favor and watch the show. It will inspire you to be better!
One of the things that has blown me away is the production value of the acts at the Southern Sideshow Hootenanny. While some acts (like me) go out and talk and do our thing, the younger acts play much bigger. This is due soley to music. All of the younger people’s acts has music components, … Continue reading “Production Value”
One of the things that has blown me away is the production value of the acts at the Southern Sideshow Hootenanny. While some acts (like me) go out and talk and do our thing, the younger acts play much bigger. This is due soley to music.
All of the younger people’s acts has music components, and most were timed to the music. The act was to the music like a dance routine, instead of just hitting a couple of beats. This makes the whole thing look more like a show, than someone just doing a trick or a stunt.
Once you add another production element or two, like lighting, or a set piece and these have become theater shows, not bar shows. How can you add production value to your show to make it a show?
Lately I’ve been thinking about how to add more production value to my show. One way that I know that my show is lacking is in lighting. Unfortunately I know nothing about theatrical lighting. Last night I worked in a theater and asked the lighting guy for some notes. His main thing was that I … Continue reading “Ask For Help!”
Lately I’ve been thinking about how to add more production value to my show. One way that I know that my show is lacking is in lighting. Unfortunately I know nothing about theatrical lighting. Last night I worked in a theater and asked the lighting guy for some notes.
His main thing was that I should light by bubble act from below as well as above. It’s make them “pop” visually more to the audience that is seated below me. That’s great advice, and next time I’m going to add that to my show.
The point is, if you don’t know how to do something, ask someone who does. Don’t just ignore it. If by asking someone for help makes my show 1% better, it’s totally worth it!
