Michael Jay: The first time I'd ever seen or heard of Doc Eason was at a convention, here in Toledo, some three or four years back. I didn't know what all the hype was about, nor did I realize that I was soon to become a huge Doc Eason fan.

I went to his lecture (I went to all the lectures) and I learned insights that I'd never stopped to consider. I learned about Kenton Knepper's "Wonderwords" and what they could do to enhance my performance. I learned a trick called, "All Screwed Up" and I still use that effect to this day, oftentimes carrying it in my pocket. I learned some really good stuff on misdirection but, most of all, I learned that honesty in your magic is of the greatest importance (and I mean honesty as in being true to yourself and doing magic that fits who you are). I was hooked, but it was a couple hours later that I really became a die-hard fan.

I was sitting at the bar (jeez, whodathunkit?) having a beer during a lull in the action when the buzz suddenly started. Doc Eason was given the bar to actually do his act - the one that made him famous. He was going to be there shortly, so everyone had better get a seat. Well, no problem for me, as luck, or fate, would have it, I already had my seat.

The bar was in a semi-circle set up and my seat put me just behind Doc's right shoulder, where I observed his entire show. From the rear, I got a look at some of how he did what he did, but, it wasn't until I thought about it later that I even realized these things (a regular layman wouldn't have stood a chance in hindsight). While I watched, he was able to put a card under his glass of wine no less than 5 times, and, even from behind, I never caught it. Call me easy if you will, but the man pulls you into his world and you are helpless to do anything but go along for the ride and be highly entertained. Is it any wonder that the magic world heaps so many honors upon this man named Doc Eason?

The two sayings that I've taken from Doc, that I use often and consider deeply in my own magic are:

1) "Don't run if you ain't being chased."
2) "Lead them down the garden path...Then turn the hose on them!"

We are honored to have Doc here over the next week. Please keep in mind that he is terribly busy (or terrifically busy, depending on your point of view) and he will get to everyone's questions, it just may take a bit of time. Please read the announcement before you post your questions, to save Doc as much time as we can and allow him to really get into the questions that we ask.

So, without further ado, welcome to the boards, Doc!

Mike.

Sean: A very warm welcome Doc, and thank you very much for taking the time to answer questions. I know you're very busy and this is very good of you

Admin: It is an honour for us to have a man of your calibre visiting these forums. I'll like to thank you in advance for the time and input that you have set aside for our members. I am certainly looking forward to reading your input and learning from your words.

Thank you once again.

Nigel Shelton.

Rich: I extend our thanks to you, Doc, your visit is much appreciated and I wait in anticipation for your answers, I'm sure everyone can learn a lot from this

dk_the_magician: I have to add I have taken a lot from Doc, his view on dealing with audience and knowledge of entertaining them as help me a great deal. Welcome Doc hope you have fun and thanks for taking the time out to talk to us, our emails have helped me a great deal thanks for all the advice.

Just to let you know I doing well and a lot of it is down to the advice from you both by email and off your tapes.

Darren

Doc Eason: Wow ... thanks ... now if you’ll all take your seats...

Patience is the by word for my visit here ... I am in and out all weekend with a festival right here in Basalt. I will get to the replies as soon as I can...

Thanks for having me...

doc

nymets1006: Welcome doc! I hope that we all get to meet you and have a great time!

Shaun Robinson: Hi Doc,

Firstly let me thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience with us here on the boards.

I would like to ask, how did you choose your approach to comedy? Did you, or did it find you? Your style seems to be rapid-fire jokes one after the other, so if you don’t make them laugh the first time, you'll get them the second time and so forth.

Jay Sankey described in his book "Zen and the Art of Comedy" just what *funny* is to him. What is funny to you, Doc?

Thanks.

Doc Eason: Hmmm. I guess the style just found me... I certainly didn’t read a bunch of books and charge out there and try them...

I think that there is no substitute for “flight time”... time in front of an audience. I did the math a while ago... 3 shows a night x 5 nights a week x the number of weeks in a season -both summer and winter- x 26 years... I figure I have done over 14,000 shows. ..and am still doing it... I added three more just last night... certainly not all of these were knockout shows....and certainly more than a few taught me painful lessons... and since I am a slow learner, I am sure that a more astute student might have learned faster. But the fact remains that when I walk behind the bar it is like putting on an old pair of shoes... I am AT HOME.

As far as the comedic style... this is just what fits me, what I feel comfortable with.

As far as a style question goes... and this is interesting ...early on I found that the derby look worked for me...then I added the suspenders and bowtie... and that was “the Doctor” character... I wasn’t really aware of how much the character took over when I had the outfit on ... I was just playing me in a costume... well then sometime ago.. maybe 10 years ago... I acquired a beautiful popup tie and began wearing a long tie...I didn’t think anything about shifting the character....I had some great gags with it and it became part of the ‘new’ character... then last spring, I spent some time with a magic pal whose opinions I respect and he asked me “what ever happened to the Doctor?” I replied, what do you mean...I am right here...” He said, “no the character...what happened to him?” and I told him about the pop up tie etc... and he said...

“YOU DON’T WANT TO FORSAKE YOUR CHARACTER JUST TO USE A FEW GAGS.”

Whoa... it stopped me in my tracks...

So lately when I am behind the bar... and while performing at FISM...I have taken to wearing the bow tie and braces look and he was right, the crowd reacts differently to me and I am now aware of the difference. I will still use the pop up from time to time... but the Doctor is back as a character....

This might have gotten off subject somewhat... sorry...