Often times magicians have a significant misunderstanding of what constitutes effective “presentation.” Many fear they must deliver some kind of Shakespearian monologue or tell a fanciful tale of enchanted sponge balls. Even the word “scripting” (which is an infinitely better descriptor than the more commonly use “patter”) tends to strike fear into the heart of many a close-up performer. They suppose that their every word must appear on a page, else it not be allowed into existence during any performance, ever.
Luckily for us that is not the case.
Scripting for Impact is a Clinic designed to help you get the most out of your performance. Regardless of what your style is, you will be able to improve upon what you have, and better understand your possible choices.
- Exposition- Sometimes you need to clarify what is happening, but you must avoid needlessly explaining the obvious. Find out how to make smart choices.
- Stories- We are often told everything we do needs a story. Find out why one of the most famous magic “story tellers” (Eugene Burger) suggests otherwise.
- Conversational Presentations- Is it possible to have an “unscripted” script? Of course it is, you just need to be prepared.
- Humor- Verbal Comedy vs. Physical Comedy vs. Situational Comedy. Maybe you aren’t good at all of them, but odds are you tend to lean toward at least one. Find out how to build on your natural strengths.
- Dramatic- Some people perform with great gravitas. Others attempt to sound deep but end up looking silly in the process. Knowing yourself and your audience will help determine what is right for you.
Find out how to adapt a presentation to the environment you’re in, so you can see the difference between performing in a busy/noisy bar vs. a casual living room vs. a real theater. What needs to change, and why?
Find out how to match scripting to effects so you eliminate dead time, without over-burdening the effect with words and drowning out the magic.
Fully understand the theatrical wisdom of “Don’t tell, show!”
Above all else, I have always put great emphasis on drawing from what you know. The more of “you” there is in your performance, the better you are able to sell the effect. The more congruent you will be with your subject material making you appear more competent and sincere.
In the interest of full disclosure, I will confess my personal choice is for a conversational performance style. Because this was a conscious choice on my part, and not a product of indifference, I have been perfectly capably in helping develop scripts for people who have vastly different performance styles than my own. Also, while I do have some strong beliefs regarding how an audience judges a performer by their script, I am fully willing to admit these are only my opinions. I will always do my best to communicate why I believe what I do. The choice to believe me is yours.
This is the first of a two-part Clinic. This first session is going to give you the tools and techniques, and hopefully answer your immediate concerns regarding the topic.
If you would like to attend this Boot Camp, please continue here to register. Boot Camp tend to fill up fast, so reserve your spot today! (Guarantee your spot by using the PayPal option at the time of registration.)