Naquada

I’m struggling at the moment to get myself kicked into seriously doing some magic.. I’m not sure why.. I have my first effect now in the process of being published, a potential second one in the workings, and even getting close to working of the kinks in possibly the ultimate signed card routine thats currently going under the simple name of ‘Michelle’..

Yet I’ve sat here struggling to work out how to make the next leap.. My now good friend Brendon have been assisting with some Three Fly practice over skype today, but I guess my real issue, as it’s always been.. has been practice..

I remember asking Jeff McBride about ‘Practicing‘ and ‘Playing with new material‘ (I have taken out some aspects of this quote due to description of methods);

As for ‘Playing” with new material. If you use this word “playing” with material, you are not taking your practice or rehearsal sessions seriously. this term is one that slips into our vocabulary when we are afraid to commit to WORK!

If you want to play..no good! If you want to work…here is how I work on new pieces.

I set time aside each morning for mirror practice. Yes I know some things can’t be rehearsed. The camera does not blink. It can see you peek, and is a harsh but loyal helper in refining secret techniques.

Here is what I do to WORK on new pieces.

When I break in mentalism pieces, it is usually for small groups here at my home. I have a camera set up at all times with a fresh tape, ready to go. If I have the pleasure of having guests drop over. .. I will ask them if they worked like to see something new that I am working on. (most often they suffer through the work session with a smile) I sit them down with a cup of tea, and get the camera rolling.

During performance, I can watch their eyes. Over the years I can tell when they are looking where they are directed of NOT!

After I watch the tape back I can script the words spoken, quips from the audience, and add any of my ad-libs or improvisations that may have occurred during the session. Often time the best material comes from the audience during these sessions. I can then start to work on memorizing the script and get ready to refine the piece on the next rehearsal.

Yes, it is a challenge to rehearse some mental effects with no one to help; impossible in some situations. I am presently working on a crystal gazing act and have to continually invite friends over to my home theater to watch my performances. It will take many years of this work to get this piece polished, because it require so much” on the fly” feedback with the answering of the questions. I perform it at every social function and charity event I can do! I have been working 2 years on this act. Only a few weeks ago I placed a small portion of this “loose material .”( the hammock) between two of my strong pieces in my show. This technique is called “hammocking”. You put a new piece of “loose” material between two pillars of strong , solid material.

This “hammocking” process has worked well for me. I suggest you try it!

Video all of your shows!

Last week Eugene and the faculty of THE MAGIC AND MYSTERY SCHOOL where invited by David Copperfield, to visit his museum here in Las Vegas. David showed us his video archive. David has video taped EVERY show he has ever done. Not only that, but he has reviewed EVERY tape and marked it for spontaneous remarks and adlibs that HE made. AND he marks down adlibs that the audience makes during the show. The good stuff he adds to the show. the mistakes he revise so he will know how to handle the situation better the next show.

David shared a real inside secret with us… VIDEO EVERY SHOW! …now we pass this example of his commitment to excellence on to you! Hey, he does over 500 shows a year and videos and reviews all of them, and sells more tickets than any solo performer, including Madonna and Michael Jackson!

My camera is loaded and ready to go! All the best to you Andrew and see you in Cornwall next year! Kenny form Kernow will have the info in a few months about the timing of the classes.

Your friend in the mystery, Jeff McBride

This helps me some, but I really have still a huge problem with the whole idea of HOW to practice and work material…