A Big Trick

Sam C: Ok, so, money is no object, it can be the most extravagant illusion or trick ever. What would you do?

(Some special guests in the past said Vanish The Crown Jewels etc)

Geoff Williams: Get Elizabeth Hurley to notice me.

But let's focus on something more believable...

Levitate David Blaine, while he's in a block of ice, in a plexiglas ball and the entire time, he's saying "Look...watch...look...look...watch..."

...AND he's clean-shaven.

No, wait, something even MORE fantastic...

Here's the scene: A pin spot is on a small yellow feather on a small wooden table centered on an otherwise-empty stage. Soft cello music wafts lazily through the packed theatre, as I enter from stage left. I briefly acknowledge the audience and then turn my focus to the feather. The music builds as I gesture, small at first but building in intensity as the music crescendos. The feather lies still. Sweat droplets form on my brow as I strain with every fibre of my being. Still, the feather is motionless. The music rises higher and higher and finally erupts in a magnificent orchestral ovation and the lights come up full. I wave my arms in one last powerful gesture, straining...straining...a cymbal crashes triumphantly...

...and the audience members levitate out of their seats.

I would call the routine "Feather, Schmether."

Dale Shrimpton: Ah, but the secret of this is simple.

First, find out where she lives. Then, get a soap box, and paint it matt black, ( this is so they cant see it)

Then, whilst outside her house, stand on said box, with your trousers down by your ankles.

Apply purple paint to your buttocks, and genetalia. Then, jump up and down singing.....

Liz, Oh Liz,

you are the Bizz

I'll Be you mister,

Will you be my Mizz?

Trust me. Do this and she will notice you.

(Together with the police, and several news teams)

Geoff Williams: Apparently, I wasn't quite clear on what I meant by "notice."

My bad.

Genre

Craig P: Hey Geoff

What is your favourite genre in magic and why?

I personally I prefer coins because it just seems more magical than other types of close up magic.

Craig P

Geoff Williams: Hmmm. Interesting. I don't know if I find any particular props more magical than others.

I would probably have to say that impromptu magic, done with objects found around you, is some of the most astonishing stuff you can do for laypeople. I don't think they completely trust OUR cards, OUR coins, OUR giant illusion boxes with their wild paint schemes and metal blades and multiple doors and holes for fake swords, etc. But they freak out a bit when you use THEIR money or THEIR rubber bands and pencils or THEIR decks of cards or THEIR silverware or salt shakers or napkins or THEIR rings (not linking...wedding).

That little bit of "personalization" seems to make all the difference.

Personality or Skill?

Huw Collingbourne: A lot of time is spent on magic forums such as Magic Bunny discussing technique. Not so much time is spent talking about personality. We all know that the best performers usually have a special 'stage presence'. However, unlike sheer technique, this can't be gained simply by following a book or DVD and practising the exercises.

In your opinion, can stage presence/personality/charisma be 'taught' or are some people just lucky to have been born with it...?

Geoff Williams: Great question.

I believe stage presence can be taught/learned * to a degree * but charisma is just that: an indefinable something that attracts and captivates. I feel charisma is natural and something that everyone has to SOME degree.

Charisma can be "enhanced" by proper etiquette, grooming and focus on social skills ("My Fair Lady" is not an altogether unrealistic scenario...if you factor out all that spontaneous singing to unseen orchestral accompaniment) but there will always be those (Sean Connery comes to mind) who will always have more than others.

Use what God has given you, downplay your shortcomings and focus on showcasing your strengths and you'll probably find yourself ahead of the pack.

Dale Shrimpton: I've always been of the opinion that stage presence, only comes with confidence. If you are comfortable in a performance situation, it shows.

Rather like the not very good looking guy, getting more than the stunning looking bloke, because the good looker has a little less self esteem than his chubby mate.

Err, this is the Psychiatrists forum isn’t it?

Geoff Williams:

I totally agree, and that is communicated to the audience.

If you're not comfortable, the audience may sense this and start to be concerned (this, BTW, works to the advantage of an escape act or one dealing with a dangerous situation).

Dale Shrimpton:

Hmm, I kind of see your point, but I think that its better to be confident and act nervous, than to be genuinely nervous.

The audience may well think that you don't have a clue as to what you're doing, and you will quickly loose them.

Geoff Williams: Oh, most certainly. That's actually what I meant.

Yes, it would be potentially disastrous to be an escape artist, and be nervous about the stunt!