Work with what you got effectively

I have seen magicians with limited resources try to pump up their image or performance a few levels. These performers try to make the production (sets, lighting, etc) the same level as Copperfield. They might have several assistants – but they are all overweight. The might have some tigers – but only two little ones. They may have a large set piece – that is 8 feet tall in a 30 feet performance space.  They may have flashy looks – but is the mullet still in? Some performers try to max out on their resources and then some. The key to a good production that is pleasing to the audience is to not overextend your presentation. If there are one or two excellent assistants you can afford opposed to twelve substandard assistants, go with quality and not quantity. If you could have no set piece or a small set piece that looks dated and gaudy, go with the better choice. Not everyone can have the same resources as Siegfried and Roy or Lance Burton, so work with what you have. People can tell when you are overextending the production, so don’t fool yourself into thinking the audience won’t know. Remember that a good performance can be achieved by quality and not quantity.

~ by Sammy Cortino on July 30, 2007.