Magician Illusions by Vick wrote the following some years ago. With a new website it's no longer easily available but wanted to leave it, to share it somewhere. Thought here would be a good place. The following is heartfelt........
Performing Magic isn't about doing "tricks".
It's about entertaining, creating a special experience, connecting with the audience
To share something that amazes, engages and entertains in the moment while
Helping to create great memories.
Children are the easy ones to win over
(even though they can be the most
severe audiences) it is Adults who most magic, their imaginations
sparked,
their funny bone tickled and their
heart strings tugged.
Often say that I don't do magic,
The magic happens in the audience. In your minds, in your hearts and on your faces.
Without an audience nothing happens, just someone doing odd things.
It is with that consideration I go into every show ,
to share the best possible experience,
to create art, to connect with the audience on multiple levels.
To craft a unique and memorable experience.
Where but in magic can you be an artist who creates miracles,
to enable others to laugh, think, feel a spectrum of emotions and maybe experience wonder?
Leading the audience on a journey into the incredible?
I care deeply about the art of magic and hold it in the respect in deserves.
Study, learning, practice, rehearsal, discipline, love and more.
It's an honor to share with every audience a most amazing experience.
Through one of the most beautiful performing arts.
As always, Thank you
Showing posts with label performing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label performing. Show all posts
Monday, June 19, 2017
Thursday, July 17, 2014
My story as magician
Below please find some writing from a few years back I came across today..... Am often asked how I become a magician. This will explain part of it, was in Vegas for a convention. I was an adult, already established in a successful career (marketing director for 12 years) and had to go to Vegas every year for a convention. Don't enjoy gaming that much so I was strolling through the mall at the Venetian when I got sucked in by 2 demonstrators at Houdini's Magic Shop. Here I am fourteen years later in 2014 ........
Many magicians have the story about seeing a magician when they were about 7 years old and being impressed, and/or getting a magic set for a Holiday gift and doing their first show at a tender age, around 10, 11 or 12 (usually they admit to it being a learning experience).
In my case magic found me, as an adult. After about 3 years of magic being a hobby (and forcing poor quality magic on family and friends) I was fortunate to work in some of the toughest, most challenging circumstances. Yes, fortunate to work in hard places. It made me a much better performer. Jumped into the deep end and it was sink or swim. Luckily I learned to swim quickly.
This allows the Illusions by Vick show to be different, my formative years weren't spent focused on magic. It's wasn't a introspective time. I was able to experience life without the limitations of an all consuming hobby.
Some magicians and their acts are influenced by those experiences and learning magic at 10 (sadly some stay there, never progressing any further. I don't like props that look like magic props and why do so many "tricks" have to be about dismemberment or potential danger to the magician, assistant or audience member when you know they are never in any real danger?) where I had the advantage of having life experience, being a complete person, versed in many different areas including the arts.
That is part of why the Illusions by Vick show is a bit different. There are real life experiences to draw from to craft the show. Experiences that happened to me and very possibly to you, the audience. Making the magic come together, to come alive, to weave a story instead of just magic tricks being presented with an out of the box spiel that was bought with the trick.
Mix in influences from literature, music, history, cinema and other thought provoking interests crafts a more well rounded show.
That is part of what allows me to be something other than your typical "rabbit out of a hat" magician.
Another part is I wear my performing heart on my sleeve, every show means so much to me. You've trusted me with your most special moments, there is a sincere obligation to make your event special with the magical entertainment we experience. When you bring Illusions by Vick into your events, into the most special times in your lives I owe you a great deal including the utmost courtesy, professionalism and and an amazing show with a lot of fun and audience interaction. Something to wow you in the here and now and something you take with you to help create great memories.
I often become very fond of the client before the show.
We email back and forth, talk on the telephone. I get to know the client and audience a little before the show ever happens, they are allowing me to
share a special time in their lives. Very often clients become friends. That is one of the best parts of my career as a magician. People who began as strangers become clients and end up as friends. There isn't a week I don't get an email from someone I've performed for in the past. I sincerely enjoy that, it's heartwarming and very special to me.
It's an honor (and again flattering) when clients specifically find me and request Illusions by Vick. Often it's because they want something more or different than a "normal" magician. Think that is part of why I am fortunate to often be hired to entertain for 30th, 40th, 50th, 60th and up to 99th Birthday Celebrations, for special anniversaries as well as many special occasions, unique and unusual shows, for college and corporate events.
Yes, magic is for adults and we need it more than children.
(I'll never deny magic to younger audiences, there is something up my proverbial sleeve for almost everyone).
Thanks for the ear (and eyes)
Please be well.
Best wishes from your Magician,
Vick
Illusions by Vick
Many magicians have the story about seeing a magician when they were about 7 years old and being impressed, and/or getting a magic set for a Holiday gift and doing their first show at a tender age, around 10, 11 or 12 (usually they admit to it being a learning experience).
In my case magic found me, as an adult. After about 3 years of magic being a hobby (and forcing poor quality magic on family and friends) I was fortunate to work in some of the toughest, most challenging circumstances. Yes, fortunate to work in hard places. It made me a much better performer. Jumped into the deep end and it was sink or swim. Luckily I learned to swim quickly.
This allows the Illusions by Vick show to be different, my formative years weren't spent focused on magic. It's wasn't a introspective time. I was able to experience life without the limitations of an all consuming hobby.
Some magicians and their acts are influenced by those experiences and learning magic at 10 (sadly some stay there, never progressing any further. I don't like props that look like magic props and why do so many "tricks" have to be about dismemberment or potential danger to the magician, assistant or audience member when you know they are never in any real danger?) where I had the advantage of having life experience, being a complete person, versed in many different areas including the arts.
That is part of why the Illusions by Vick show is a bit different. There are real life experiences to draw from to craft the show. Experiences that happened to me and very possibly to you, the audience. Making the magic come together, to come alive, to weave a story instead of just magic tricks being presented with an out of the box spiel that was bought with the trick.
Mix in influences from literature, music, history, cinema and other thought provoking interests crafts a more well rounded show.
That is part of what allows me to be something other than your typical "rabbit out of a hat" magician.
Another part is I wear my performing heart on my sleeve, every show means so much to me. You've trusted me with your most special moments, there is a sincere obligation to make your event special with the magical entertainment we experience. When you bring Illusions by Vick into your events, into the most special times in your lives I owe you a great deal including the utmost courtesy, professionalism and and an amazing show with a lot of fun and audience interaction. Something to wow you in the here and now and something you take with you to help create great memories.
I often become very fond of the client
It's an honor (and again flattering) when clients specifically find me and request Illusions by Vick. Often it's because they want something more or different than a "normal" magician. Think that is part of why I am fortunate to often be hired to entertain for 30th, 40th, 50th, 60th and up to 99th Birthday Celebrations, for special anniversaries as well as many special occasions, unique and unusual shows, for college and corporate events.
Yes, magic is for adults and we need it more than children.
(I'll never deny magic to younger audiences, there is something up my proverbial sleeve for almost everyone).
Thanks for the ear (and eyes)
Please be well.
Best wishes from your Magician,
Vick
Illusions by Vick
Friday, November 25, 2011
Why? Performing arts ....
Often the first thing that comes to mind when seeing a magician perform is ..... why? Why are they doing what they are doing, what are they trying to communicate, are they reaching me in some manner? Do they make me think, feel, laugh? If not then why not? That's part of the challenge with a lot of magic, there is no why, no logic, no story, no reason, to attempt to engage the audience, to capture their imagination and hearts, even with a simple plot .
Magic is a PERFORMING ART, it is LIVE THEATER. Too often it's just someone standing there doing something I'm supposed to be amazed by. Look at the big box tricks of a typical Vegas show, if there is no build up or story then why are they sawing a woman in parts for the 12,000,000,000th time? How am I supposed to care if they catch fire, get blown up or suffer dismemberment if I don't care about them first?
There are a very few manipulation acts that can entrance you and amaze you with with just their manipulations. Rocco Silano comes to mind. Even so his work has structure, a flow, it has heart and watching Rocco you can't help but like him. The average magician would benefit with more thought to the why of what they are doing, look at it from the audience point of view. Unless you are there is no reason for you to be on stage. For 98% of performers the audience doesn't care how good your sleights are until they care about you.
We live in an age of CGI where ANYTHING is possible on the movie, television and computer screen. Magic must capture the attention of the audience, engage them on some level, emotionally or mentally. We as magicians have an advantage television, movies and computers don't! We are there live with the audience, we have to build on that, take advantage of it. Not ignore the possibilities and just do a bunch of tricks strung together with no heart or logic.
Think about the best and your favorite magicians, why are they your favorite? Chances are it's personality and the effects they choose to allow that personality to come through. Great magicians consider that when structuring their show, when choosing material to present.
That's why everything Illusions by Vick does on stage has a story wrapped around it, even if it's just a homage to those who went before. I want the audience to be amazed, to laugh and have a great time but I also want them to think and feel, to be engaged emotionality and intellectually. I've said it many times but Edward Norton as Eisenhiem in the movie "The Illusionist" had more emotion in just one arm gesture than many magicians do in their entire show
For magic to be taken seriously as a performance art magicians MUST get better at performance skills and realize it ALWAYS is about the audience and the experience they share and create and NEVER about the magician. If you are a magician and not doing this.............. you're letting your audience down, all the magicians who went before and will come after and worst of all your are letting yourself down
Magic is a PERFORMING ART, it is LIVE THEATER. Too often it's just someone standing there doing something I'm supposed to be amazed by. Look at the big box tricks of a typical Vegas show, if there is no build up or story then why are they sawing a woman in parts for the 12,000,000,000th time? How am I supposed to care if they catch fire, get blown up or suffer dismemberment if I don't care about them first?
There are a very few manipulation acts that can entrance you and amaze you with with just their manipulations. Rocco Silano comes to mind. Even so his work has structure, a flow, it has heart and watching Rocco you can't help but like him. The average magician would benefit with more thought to the why of what they are doing, look at it from the audience point of view. Unless you are there is no reason for you to be on stage. For 98% of performers the audience doesn't care how good your sleights are until they care about you.
We live in an age of CGI where ANYTHING is possible on the movie, television and computer screen. Magic must capture the attention of the audience, engage them on some level, emotionally or mentally. We as magicians have an advantage television, movies and computers don't! We are there live with the audience, we have to build on that, take advantage of it. Not ignore the possibilities and just do a bunch of tricks strung together with no heart or logic.
Think about the best and your favorite magicians, why are they your favorite? Chances are it's personality and the effects they choose to allow that personality to come through. Great magicians consider that when structuring their show, when choosing material to present.
That's why everything Illusions by Vick does on stage has a story wrapped around it, even if it's just a homage to those who went before. I want the audience to be amazed, to laugh and have a great time but I also want them to think and feel, to be engaged emotionality and intellectually. I've said it many times but Edward Norton as Eisenhiem in the movie "The Illusionist" had more emotion in just one arm gesture than many magicians do in their entire show
For magic to be taken seriously as a performance art magicians MUST get better at performance skills and realize it ALWAYS is about the audience and the experience they share and create and NEVER about the magician. If you are a magician and not doing this.............. you're letting your audience down, all the magicians who went before and will come after and worst of all your are letting yourself down
Sunday, September 4, 2011
WOW, sometimes it all goes right and how to get there
Have been very fortunate lately, don't want to jinx it but the last 3 performances have been great, a lot of fun, wonderful audiences and went really, really well.
In part because of speaking with Denny Hanney of Denny & Lee's Magic Studios about occasional challenges I run into performing. It felt like my performances while good weren't always consistent, some felt like they went great and others were ok. Denny asked me to look for a common thread in the shows that I felt were ok. Turns out there was a common thread, I didn't have total control over everything going on at the venue and the entire situation. Denny told me I have to take control if that is what I think is wrong ... and he as usual is right
Sometimes as a performer due to last minute changes or other factors we are thrust into challenging situations (if you think you can always control everything in every venue, well I wish it were so), for example a few months back at a fairly high profile benefit I was schedule to perform close up for 40 minutes and do a 20 minute stage turn. I was to perform stage after speeches. Well, the speeches ran long and the "DJ" (who offered to run my sound through his system, I'll never do that again) had mic problems during the speeches and when I hit the stage .... no music. I had to start quickly so as not to lose the guests and didn't have time for him to figure it out. After a very frustrating two minutes I ended up doing my set without music. After I finished the DJ (who had the stench of alcohol on his breath) said to me "They didn't even notice you didn't have music" AGGRRR. Never again!
Soooo the last few shows have been great, I took total control over the situation and had great audiences. Two of the shows wrote wonderful testimonials and thank you letters.
Will I be thrust again into challenging situations? Yes without a doubt. Am I better equipped to deal with challenges thrown my way and respond to ensure the best show every time? YES!
I watched a (talented magician) performer yesterday thrown into a tough situation, 30 minute set in an outdoor bar setting (humidity is never a magician's friend). His set had to be pushed back 30 minutes due to unforeseen challenges (nothing to do with him or his show). He had about half the crowd interested (those closest to his stage set up), about half just kept on talking or whatever. It came to me, what would I do to take control....... I think I might try walking to the back of the seating area and do something very visual, quick and amazing. Maybe a fire piece or a sword swallow, something to get their attention and grab them into the show. Will it work? While I hope I never have to find out my best guess is I'll be in a situation like that someday again.
In part because of speaking with Denny Hanney of Denny & Lee's Magic Studios about occasional challenges I run into performing. It felt like my performances while good weren't always consistent, some felt like they went great and others were ok. Denny asked me to look for a common thread in the shows that I felt were ok. Turns out there was a common thread, I didn't have total control over everything going on at the venue and the entire situation. Denny told me I have to take control if that is what I think is wrong ... and he as usual is right
Sometimes as a performer due to last minute changes or other factors we are thrust into challenging situations (if you think you can always control everything in every venue, well I wish it were so), for example a few months back at a fairly high profile benefit I was schedule to perform close up for 40 minutes and do a 20 minute stage turn. I was to perform stage after speeches. Well, the speeches ran long and the "DJ" (who offered to run my sound through his system, I'll never do that again) had mic problems during the speeches and when I hit the stage .... no music. I had to start quickly so as not to lose the guests and didn't have time for him to figure it out. After a very frustrating two minutes I ended up doing my set without music. After I finished the DJ (who had the stench of alcohol on his breath) said to me "They didn't even notice you didn't have music" AGGRRR. Never again!
Soooo the last few shows have been great, I took total control over the situation and had great audiences. Two of the shows wrote wonderful testimonials and thank you letters.
Will I be thrust again into challenging situations? Yes without a doubt. Am I better equipped to deal with challenges thrown my way and respond to ensure the best show every time? YES!
I watched a (talented magician) performer yesterday thrown into a tough situation, 30 minute set in an outdoor bar setting (humidity is never a magician's friend). His set had to be pushed back 30 minutes due to unforeseen challenges (nothing to do with him or his show). He had about half the crowd interested (those closest to his stage set up), about half just kept on talking or whatever. It came to me, what would I do to take control....... I think I might try walking to the back of the seating area and do something very visual, quick and amazing. Maybe a fire piece or a sword swallow, something to get their attention and grab them into the show. Will it work? While I hope I never have to find out my best guess is I'll be in a situation like that someday again.
Friday, July 22, 2011
a Magican's Resume
Just updated so I thought to post it here
Illusions by Vick
Vick Dias Gisin
Ellicott City, Maryland 21043
(C) 443-540-9631
Shows AT illusionsbyvick.com
http://www.illusionsbyvick.com
Mission Statement - An artist and entertainer who’s chosen medium is performing magic. It’s my calling (and profession) to accompany you on a one of a kind journey, creating astonishment while delivering enchantments for you to contemplate and appreciate. To create an experience that engages you and encourages you to think and feel. To share something that touches you in the now and leaves you with you something to consider in the future. From a place where anything can happen and the ordinary can become the incredible. Wrapping interesting and intriguing stories around incredible effects thereby creating the experience we call magic (all while a smile plays around your lips).
Experience – 11+ years professional performing experience and intense study in the art of magic. Have been extremely fortunate to perform numerous public and private shows. A small sampling of recent clients include the British Embassy, B & O Railroad Museum, Mercedes Benz, The National Zoo, Alliance Française of Washington, Mechanical Contractors Association of Maryland, 20’s & 30’s Going Out Group, Herndon Festival, IDT Telecom, World Battery Recycle Trade Forum, Southern Maryland Hospital Center and John Hopkins.
Professional performing experience includes some very challenging and rewarding performance situations. For 3 years I was the lead entertainer at Muvico Theaters (now Cinemark) a 24 screen multiplex with an approximately 6,400 patron seating capacity in Arundel Mills, Maryland. Was featured doing warm up with movie going patrons, performing up to 25 times a day, 3 days a week. The entertainment was magic based and included skits, stand up comedy, character acting and story telling. I brought to life many leading characters from featured movies for patrons’ entertainment including Professor Snape, Willie Wonka, Captain Hook, Pirates and various medieval characters. We created all our own material including scripts, costuming and staging. While it was a great experience I left after 3 years as I had accomplished all I felt I could in that venue.
For 6 months of 2008 I was the featured illusionist for the Golden Triangle Cabaret on M Street at Club Ozio in Washington DC. The Golden Triangle Cabaret is a 1940’s theme Burlesque Review. While the show was being performed weekly I was performing two or three 10 to12 minutes spots of magic during each performance. The featured burlesque artist left and the show moved to a monthly performance schedule so I chose to leave the ensemble.
In 2011 am most often performing the Illusions by Vick stage or parlor show at various venues both public and private. Run time is approximately 45 minutes.
The Illusions by Vick show has been fortunate to play many venues which include but are not limited to the Oakland Mills Auditorium, Hillwood Museum, Harmon Center for the Arts, B & O Railroad Museum, Baltimore Harborplace Amphitheater, Grand Atrium, Magooby's Joke House and numerous public auditoriums, nightclubs and theaters. Everywhere from Mercedes Benz Dealerships to the Great Ape House in the National Zoo, beautiful assisted living communities with excellent theaters that easily seat 200 guests to performing as Professor Snape in the "dungeon" at the Annapolis Bookstore.
A short description of self, study and influences- Unique (aren't we all), resourceful, responsible, truthful, determined, hardworking, adventurous, occasionally charming and reasonably well spoken. I’m driven by a sincere desire to elevate the art of magic and to help return the art to the lofty standards and high regard it was once held in. Am always learning and eager to learn more. The works of Sam H. Sharpe have been a huge influence on my thought process regarding magic and performing (as well as the Fitzkie Trilogy, "Our Magic", Tommy Wonder, Robert-Houdin and Henning Nelms "Magic and Showmanship"). There are many schools of thought and great ideas.
Have been incredibly fortunate to be given guidance by an enigmatic figure (an actual card man) whose name I obviously cannot mention and to whom I owe a huge debt and gratitude. Also the very talented and respected Denny Haney has been kind enough to assist with direction in the art (and putting up with my questions). Jeff McBride was generous enough to help with one of my pieces. As part of my continuing education I often attend lectures, some of my favorites being Joanie Spina, Banachek, John Carney (twice), Darwin Ortiz, Michael Ammar, Howie Schwartzman, Christian Painter and David London. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have worked briefly with Joanie Spina and she made a huge, positive impact on my work. She is an amazing talent, director, teacher and humanitarian.
Much of the influences on my performing come from outside of the world of magic and include film, literature and music. Create something that engages minds so they think and feel and you have created art
What you receive when hiring Illusions by Vick – All the experience, determination and talent go into creating, performing and providing you and your guests with a unique, sophisticated and unparalleled entertainment experience. Every performance is more than just my dream; it’s my name and reputation on the line. More than that it’s also yours. How well I perform and the enchantment around the effects is the art. How well you and your guests enjoy it and will have Illusions by Vick back next year, the years after that and recommend Illusions by Vick is part of the business. I understand the importance of both the entertainment/artistic side and the business side and am able bring them together. I have to succeed at both for us to be satisfied. Anything less is unacceptable. When you pull back the curtain and peek you see that sometimes show business = 10% show + 90% business.
Illusions by Vick
Vick Dias Gisin
Ellicott City, Maryland 21043
(C) 443-540-9631
Shows AT illusionsbyvick.com
http://www.illusionsbyvick.com
Mission Statement - An artist and entertainer who’s chosen medium is performing magic. It’s my calling (and profession) to accompany you on a one of a kind journey, creating astonishment while delivering enchantments for you to contemplate and appreciate. To create an experience that engages you and encourages you to think and feel. To share something that touches you in the now and leaves you with you something to consider in the future. From a place where anything can happen and the ordinary can become the incredible. Wrapping interesting and intriguing stories around incredible effects thereby creating the experience we call magic (all while a smile plays around your lips).
Experience – 11+ years professional performing experience and intense study in the art of magic. Have been extremely fortunate to perform numerous public and private shows. A small sampling of recent clients include the British Embassy, B & O Railroad Museum, Mercedes Benz, The National Zoo, Alliance Française of Washington, Mechanical Contractors Association of Maryland, 20’s & 30’s Going Out Group, Herndon Festival, IDT Telecom, World Battery Recycle Trade Forum, Southern Maryland Hospital Center and John Hopkins.
Professional performing experience includes some very challenging and rewarding performance situations. For 3 years I was the lead entertainer at Muvico Theaters (now Cinemark) a 24 screen multiplex with an approximately 6,400 patron seating capacity in Arundel Mills, Maryland. Was featured doing warm up with movie going patrons, performing up to 25 times a day, 3 days a week. The entertainment was magic based and included skits, stand up comedy, character acting and story telling. I brought to life many leading characters from featured movies for patrons’ entertainment including Professor Snape, Willie Wonka, Captain Hook, Pirates and various medieval characters. We created all our own material including scripts, costuming and staging. While it was a great experience I left after 3 years as I had accomplished all I felt I could in that venue.
For 6 months of 2008 I was the featured illusionist for the Golden Triangle Cabaret on M Street at Club Ozio in Washington DC. The Golden Triangle Cabaret is a 1940’s theme Burlesque Review. While the show was being performed weekly I was performing two or three 10 to12 minutes spots of magic during each performance. The featured burlesque artist left and the show moved to a monthly performance schedule so I chose to leave the ensemble.
In 2011 am most often performing the Illusions by Vick stage or parlor show at various venues both public and private. Run time is approximately 45 minutes.
The Illusions by Vick show has been fortunate to play many venues which include but are not limited to the Oakland Mills Auditorium, Hillwood Museum, Harmon Center for the Arts, B & O Railroad Museum, Baltimore Harborplace Amphitheater, Grand Atrium, Magooby's Joke House and numerous public auditoriums, nightclubs and theaters. Everywhere from Mercedes Benz Dealerships to the Great Ape House in the National Zoo, beautiful assisted living communities with excellent theaters that easily seat 200 guests to performing as Professor Snape in the "dungeon" at the Annapolis Bookstore.
A short description of self, study and influences- Unique (aren't we all), resourceful, responsible, truthful, determined, hardworking, adventurous, occasionally charming and reasonably well spoken. I’m driven by a sincere desire to elevate the art of magic and to help return the art to the lofty standards and high regard it was once held in. Am always learning and eager to learn more. The works of Sam H. Sharpe have been a huge influence on my thought process regarding magic and performing (as well as the Fitzkie Trilogy, "Our Magic", Tommy Wonder, Robert-Houdin and Henning Nelms "Magic and Showmanship"). There are many schools of thought and great ideas.
Have been incredibly fortunate to be given guidance by an enigmatic figure (an actual card man) whose name I obviously cannot mention and to whom I owe a huge debt and gratitude. Also the very talented and respected Denny Haney has been kind enough to assist with direction in the art (and putting up with my questions). Jeff McBride was generous enough to help with one of my pieces. As part of my continuing education I often attend lectures, some of my favorites being Joanie Spina, Banachek, John Carney (twice), Darwin Ortiz, Michael Ammar, Howie Schwartzman, Christian Painter and David London. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have worked briefly with Joanie Spina and she made a huge, positive impact on my work. She is an amazing talent, director, teacher and humanitarian.
Much of the influences on my performing come from outside of the world of magic and include film, literature and music. Create something that engages minds so they think and feel and you have created art
What you receive when hiring Illusions by Vick – All the experience, determination and talent go into creating, performing and providing you and your guests with a unique, sophisticated and unparalleled entertainment experience. Every performance is more than just my dream; it’s my name and reputation on the line. More than that it’s also yours. How well I perform and the enchantment around the effects is the art. How well you and your guests enjoy it and will have Illusions by Vick back next year, the years after that and recommend Illusions by Vick is part of the business. I understand the importance of both the entertainment/artistic side and the business side and am able bring them together. I have to succeed at both for us to be satisfied. Anything less is unacceptable. When you pull back the curtain and peek you see that sometimes show business = 10% show + 90% business.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Washington Post Article about Smartphones, aps and magic
On Sunday an article ran in the Washington Post which I was interviewed for. While I only had a one line mention in the article
http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/magical-iphone-put-to-use-in-actual-magic/2011/07/15/gIQA6FqSKI_story_1.html here is part of the email I sent to writer Michael Rosenwald before the interview about Smartphones, aps and magic
Yes I'd be glad to share information and perspective on why I don't use technology in my work. I'll give you an overview here, a lot of it has to do with performing and presentation.
One of the keys to presenting good magic is to keep it from becoming a simple "trick" or puzzle and to keep it entertaining (why much of what I present is in narrative from that the audience can relate to) and make it an encompassing experience. Presenting a puzzle which many I-phone type aps or other magic aps do is a lose-lose situation for a magician.
If it seems like a puzzle the audience feels a challenge to figure it out. If the audience figures it out or feels they did that's not really magic. If they don't figure it out and still feel it is a puzzle the audience feels they deserve an answer, their focus becomes "how did you do it" as opposed to being entertained by the experience. Sort of like looking at the answers for a crossword puzzle when you can't find the right word.
If you show the audience a performance of magical entertainment that they become emotionally invested in, that stays with them. If you show them a tech trick it's just passing eye candy. They take nothing away from that experience.
Technology can also remove the human factor in performing entertaining magic (the audience has to like or at the very least have some emotional investment in the character performing, think about a movie, if you don't feel about the characters in some form the movie doesn't work), it can too easily become a "look at this, isn't it really cool" presentation as opposed to a human interaction that is amazing.
That all being said there are performers like Marco Tempest (who bills himself as a techoillusionist) who are doing amazing things, but he is an exception. The usual having a ghost or card show up on an I-Phone is too much like a "trick" or puzzle and not enough like an entertainment experience.
The focus while performing should be on the entertainer and not a piece of electronic equipment. If I'm showing a "trick" on my phone, who is doing the magic? The performer or the phone? Who's show is it? The magic has to have a source.
Kind of do we want to present Shakespeare or do we want to play a video game? Both have their place as entertainment but it's too easy to slide into simple tricks with a lot of technology instead of a real, emotionally moving (and I include humor in emotional investment) human to human entertainment experience. I want the audience to be moved or invested emotionally in some way. Doing it with technology can make it even more challenging and if not handled well adds another barrier to reaching that goal. Can you really decide to "like" a piece of equipment?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/magical-iphone-put-to-use-in-actual-magic/2011/07/15/gIQA6FqSKI_story_1.html here is part of the email I sent to writer Michael Rosenwald before the interview about Smartphones, aps and magic
Yes I'd be glad to share information and perspective on why I don't use technology in my work. I'll give you an overview here, a lot of it has to do with performing and presentation.
One of the keys to presenting good magic is to keep it from becoming a simple "trick" or puzzle and to keep it entertaining (why much of what I present is in narrative from that the audience can relate to) and make it an encompassing experience. Presenting a puzzle which many I-phone type aps or other magic aps do is a lose-lose situation for a magician.
If it seems like a puzzle the audience feels a challenge to figure it out. If the audience figures it out or feels they did that's not really magic. If they don't figure it out and still feel it is a puzzle the audience feels they deserve an answer, their focus becomes "how did you do it" as opposed to being entertained by the experience. Sort of like looking at the answers for a crossword puzzle when you can't find the right word.
If you show the audience a performance of magical entertainment that they become emotionally invested in, that stays with them. If you show them a tech trick it's just passing eye candy. They take nothing away from that experience.
Technology can also remove the human factor in performing entertaining magic (the audience has to like or at the very least have some emotional investment in the character performing, think about a movie, if you don't feel about the characters in some form the movie doesn't work), it can too easily become a "look at this, isn't it really cool" presentation as opposed to a human interaction that is amazing.
That all being said there are performers like Marco Tempest (who bills himself as a techoillusionist) who are doing amazing things, but he is an exception. The usual having a ghost or card show up on an I-Phone is too much like a "trick" or puzzle and not enough like an entertainment experience.
The focus while performing should be on the entertainer and not a piece of electronic equipment. If I'm showing a "trick" on my phone, who is doing the magic? The performer or the phone? Who's show is it? The magic has to have a source.
Kind of do we want to present Shakespeare or do we want to play a video game? Both have their place as entertainment but it's too easy to slide into simple tricks with a lot of technology instead of a real, emotionally moving (and I include humor in emotional investment) human to human entertainment experience. I want the audience to be moved or invested emotionally in some way. Doing it with technology can make it even more challenging and if not handled well adds another barrier to reaching that goal. Can you really decide to "like" a piece of equipment?
Saturday, April 9, 2011
"Magic would be great, if not for magicians"
I can believe some of the things Christian writes here and it makes me ill
http://enjoythemystery.com/?p=151
This sort of thing leads me to often quote
"Magic would be great, if not for magicians"
Christian & Katalina are one of the best acts working currently
There are both incredibly nice and extremely talented
What makes them so enjoyable besides their obvious love and affection for each other is their presentation
I'll never be thrilled with performance about 70% of self proclaimed magicians, I'll never work the Magic Castle as I will never be a member of the IBM or SAM. I don't agree with their attempts at enforcing arcane ideas and not providing help upcoming performers need
The pity is so few want to be magical performers take the time to study acting, writing or get beyond the "look at me and what I can do" attitude to realize it's really all about the audience
http://enjoythemystery.com/?p=151
This sort of thing leads me to often quote
"Magic would be great, if not for magicians"
Christian & Katalina are one of the best acts working currently
There are both incredibly nice and extremely talented
What makes them so enjoyable besides their obvious love and affection for each other is their presentation
I'll never be thrilled with performance about 70% of self proclaimed magicians, I'll never work the Magic Castle as I will never be a member of the IBM or SAM. I don't agree with their attempts at enforcing arcane ideas and not providing help upcoming performers need
The pity is so few want to be magical performers take the time to study acting, writing or get beyond the "look at me and what I can do" attitude to realize it's really all about the audience
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Thank you
I've been very fortunate and hope to be able to continue growing and sharing special, amazing experiences with audiences for a long time to come. Thank you to everyone who has booked Illusions by Vick, attended a show, been there for me, took the time to have a look or share a few words! A very special thank you to Chrissy & Sebastian. I couldn't do it without you
http://www.free-press-release.com/news-amazing-magican-illusions-by-vick-does-it-again-1291487791.htmlSaturday, October 2, 2010
The most important book on performing
A second edition copy of Neo Magic arrived this week from England. After many months of searing for this incredible book and purchasing a copy of the also out of print "Neo Magic Artisty" to help and further my growth, to spur new thoughts and create a better show.
There is an interesting history behind Neo Magic, first run was only 500 issues, about half were destroyed on WWII. Second run only 750 issues. So maybe 1,000 at most still exist. This is the most important book ever written about performing magic, about keeping it elevated to an art form. The author Sam Sharpe was quite an interesting and amazing man.
To me at this time "Neo Magic" has become the single most significant piece of literature on performing.
With a journey that started with Tarbell, lead through "Books of Wonder, on through the Fitzike trilogy, by way of "Our Magic", with detours to "Strong Magic", "Essential Robert-Houdin" Carney's "Magic by Design", briefly working with Joanie Spina, Denny Haney & Bob Fitch's lecture notes, finally to "Art and Magic" and "Neo Magic Artistry".
To hold a signed, second edition copy of "Neo Magic" is absolutely amazing. I'm having a moment.
I'm trying to decipher the signature, "Best wishes to my friend ?AC Kefus? from Sam Sharpe Aug 1961" , perhaps I'll never find out. Good reason to keep searching, it was a long search that lead me to find this edition of "Neo Magic".
The book is hard to acquire, maybe that is a good thing, maybe not. It should be read by any and everyone who aspires to perform magic in front of live audiences as a quality entertainer. One of those things you need to become a true performing artist in the field of magic.
I also owe another debt of gratitude to my good friend Peter as he put me on the trail of the book a few years back (yes it has taken that long to find it), as Erdnase, "Expert at the Card Table" is his guide he knew Sharpe's "Neo Magic" would be as important to me
Deep down I know it's just another step, no matter how large, in the journey but the view from the plateau pretty good.
It was worth the search and this is what we do to further our art, I'm sure any other artist in any field reading this has made or will make a similar or even larger trip.
Came to mind, today I bought my son his first saxophone. Who knows, maybe that's his first step, hard to tell when he is only 9 but time will tell
So when your art means that much you follow the path. It's worth it, to you, your show and to your audiences!
There is an interesting history behind Neo Magic, first run was only 500 issues, about half were destroyed on WWII. Second run only 750 issues. So maybe 1,000 at most still exist. This is the most important book ever written about performing magic, about keeping it elevated to an art form. The author Sam Sharpe was quite an interesting and amazing man.
To me at this time "Neo Magic" has become the single most significant piece of literature on performing.
With a journey that started with Tarbell, lead through "Books of Wonder, on through the Fitzike trilogy, by way of "Our Magic", with detours to "Strong Magic", "Essential Robert-Houdin" Carney's "Magic by Design", briefly working with Joanie Spina, Denny Haney & Bob Fitch's lecture notes, finally to "Art and Magic" and "Neo Magic Artistry".
To hold a signed, second edition copy of "Neo Magic" is absolutely amazing. I'm having a moment.
I'm trying to decipher the signature, "Best wishes to my friend ?AC Kefus? from Sam Sharpe Aug 1961" , perhaps I'll never find out. Good reason to keep searching, it was a long search that lead me to find this edition of "Neo Magic".
The book is hard to acquire, maybe that is a good thing, maybe not. It should be read by any and everyone who aspires to perform magic in front of live audiences as a quality entertainer. One of those things you need to become a true performing artist in the field of magic.
I also owe another debt of gratitude to my good friend Peter as he put me on the trail of the book a few years back (yes it has taken that long to find it), as Erdnase, "Expert at the Card Table" is his guide he knew Sharpe's "Neo Magic" would be as important to me
Deep down I know it's just another step, no matter how large, in the journey but the view from the plateau pretty good.
It was worth the search and this is what we do to further our art, I'm sure any other artist in any field reading this has made or will make a similar or even larger trip.
Came to mind, today I bought my son his first saxophone. Who knows, maybe that's his first step, hard to tell when he is only 9 but time will tell
So when your art means that much you follow the path. It's worth it, to you, your show and to your audiences!
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