tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-250259942024-03-20T05:09:46.388+11:00Dean Atkinson, Ventriloquist and MagicianVariety Is The Spice Of Life...and what I do for a job.
WWW.DEANATKINSON.COMDean Atkinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13726029873213322665noreply@blogger.comBlogger154125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25025994.post-14569800898225891112008-11-11T00:24:00.000+11:002008-11-11T00:25:51.535+11:00iPhone postI am writing this on my iphoneDean Atkinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13726029873213322665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25025994.post-26641959321556521452008-11-10T11:36:00.003+11:002008-11-10T11:44:24.329+11:00i phone<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE-AvIPFTf1orwvVh00VQmNLj1tELoX9xWVOLlW0MKx3fbtKvxIErZE4hyphenhyphenv4cvn4hMcz611QrZYsxQCRe1dVpG1HsLWGDHDEJU7GdH8addVK1tthQoZbeZD1XvQqxHCdrSt4gj/s1600-h/dean_neck.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 308px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE-AvIPFTf1orwvVh00VQmNLj1tELoX9xWVOLlW0MKx3fbtKvxIErZE4hyphenhyphenv4cvn4hMcz611QrZYsxQCRe1dVpG1HsLWGDHDEJU7GdH8addVK1tthQoZbeZD1XvQqxHCdrSt4gj/s320/dean_neck.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266823104851763250" border="0" /></a><br />Today is the day. I have been toying with the idea of putting ALL of my media/calenders/phone/GPS/emails, into one unit for a long time. The i phone seems to be the only option. It's quite interesting actually as I swore off i pod last year in favor of a drag and drop Archos media player. Maybe I will keep it for video as the i phone still does you no favors when it comes to converting those kind of files.Dean Atkinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13726029873213322665noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25025994.post-3984809011003924922008-10-27T22:49:00.002+11:002008-10-27T23:09:55.675+11:00Photographic Memories<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoC8uqPIBxujpm0HoliPgqxuf3yqOmSw-ZqHryH-5S1VhxBMrMZ-K_yX9ZJaUl-_I0homIRKmncMSECgh6kaiDZYqrgbT8zNAdBMwLUkVccfUKyGVqfXuEuucvD7bs5EAq5w_I/s1600-h/dean_rings.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 308px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoC8uqPIBxujpm0HoliPgqxuf3yqOmSw-ZqHryH-5S1VhxBMrMZ-K_yX9ZJaUl-_I0homIRKmncMSECgh6kaiDZYqrgbT8zNAdBMwLUkVccfUKyGVqfXuEuucvD7bs5EAq5w_I/s320/dean_rings.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261804610952629138" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">This is a mentalism item that I came up with after watching my friend Andy Nyman's DVD 'Get Nyman'<br /><br />Somewhere on that DVD Andy talks about the possibilities of using accomplices in the audience to transmit certain information to the on stage performer. Understand that such plants are not 'stooges' (not that theres anything wrong with that) but rather hidden assistants akin to sound operators and lighting technicians...kind of. You need five photographs of some family members, pets etc, and a large black envelope. Do not show what is on the photos until the end. This adds to the mystery and helps this effect to be less than 'perfect' The fact that you use photos of your own family adds a nice touch in the presentation and patter.<br /><br />1 Establish a code between you and your friend so that he/she can signal you the numbers, one through five, with their fingers around a drinking glass. i.e: if they hold the glass between thumb and first finger they are signaling the number one. If the thumb first AND second fingers are curled around the glass the number is two and so on up to the number 4, four fingers and a thumb holding a glass. Number five is represented by not holding the glass at all but rather leaving it on teh table or having it in thier lap with their hand over the top.<br /><br />2 Each of the photographs corresponds to the numbers one to five. A simple way for your friend to remember this is the order in which they are positioned on the table or in a stand. An easy way for you to memorise it would be the number of bodies in each of the photos.<br /><br />You instruct your on stage participant to take one of the photos and place it into the black envelope. The others you say should be placed face down with the envelop eon top of them. The sizes of all of the items should be designed in such a way that the envelope completely covers the photos once it is placed on top.<br /><br />3 When they have done this they are to remember the photos image and ring a small bell so that you know they have done this task (the bell idea belongs to my friend the mentalist Mark Mayer who has performed this trick several times to great reactions.<br /><br />4 You turn around and look at your friend in teh audience. Your friend now signals you as to which photo was selected and you done.<br /><br />5 You reveal the photos that are under the envelop first one by one and then after that you slowly reveal the on eon the inside.<br /><br /><br />6 The fact that you did not show the photos at first adds an element of mystery to the effect. It will lead the specs to think that there may have been duplicate photos and switches involved which ofcourse there are not. Still a good place to have your specs though as it is a very good red herring. They will be racking their brains to try and figure out where the duplicate photos went. For this reason it is also a very good magician fooler.<br /><br />When Mark Mayer performed this trick at 'Magic Mondays' about three years ago he totally nailed Charles Gauci with it. For all the above mentioned reasons you might want to keep it under your hat.<br /></span></span>Dean Atkinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13726029873213322665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25025994.post-53720235668167901712008-10-26T20:41:00.004+11:002008-10-27T10:46:45.797+11:00Back From Tas<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOJF0A9XtngfrZ6hmNyc_SxZBq6Oh3dQVVpHi2oh_Sg5PI2J8g89unLt0ClcoddlYFZXftwn0mYqei5KJo3geLJYf5_CpTOcR5BbPwBEKo8UjUrrKO374-Ro6JU-DHLqB7DWm1/s1600-h/dean_shoe.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 308px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOJF0A9XtngfrZ6hmNyc_SxZBq6Oh3dQVVpHi2oh_Sg5PI2J8g89unLt0ClcoddlYFZXftwn0mYqei5KJo3geLJYf5_CpTOcR5BbPwBEKo8UjUrrKO374-Ro6JU-DHLqB7DWm1/s320/dean_shoe.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261613197301985890" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Well, I just returned from a delightful weekend in Hobart working for John Berry of Cables Plus Tasmania I was staying in a three bedroom unit. My every need was catered to.<br /><br />I did about sixteen hours of magic from the minute I walked in to the moment I closed my stand up show in the evening and they loved it. Most of the time I was just talking about being a magician, which is part of the deal when you are booked as a guest 'speaker' as opposed to just an performer.<br /><br />I had a quick speedboat ride to see some wonderful caves and a seal colony (courtesy of John) This morning before hopping on a plane back to Melbourne, nursing a little bit of a sore head.<br /><br />John was the perfect gentleman and a good example of a man who treats his business seriously and his clients and guests with respect<br /></span></span>Dean Atkinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13726029873213322665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25025994.post-71349653360943534322008-10-23T23:06:00.004+11:002008-10-27T10:49:35.489+11:00Roving Aces<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCiwiNGkyAem-hMb2wUfHIrNgmZ3tIF_bh-jsljTvs7cV83thylRhlbcrSuBZh4CrTNVs_uKYx4JM1IvgOP-yS00Ao5TK1TOsPpTWr7Jhy57GvZke-rBnOpeSPN7Zs81RHVE7y/s1600-h/dean_masks.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 308px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCiwiNGkyAem-hMb2wUfHIrNgmZ3tIF_bh-jsljTvs7cV83thylRhlbcrSuBZh4CrTNVs_uKYx4JM1IvgOP-yS00Ao5TK1TOsPpTWr7Jhy57GvZke-rBnOpeSPN7Zs81RHVE7y/s320/dean_masks.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261613657009520738" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">This is a fairly easy ace cutting sequence that I do in roving.<br /><br />1 Loose, and control the aces to the top via your favorite method.<br />2 The first ace comes into play via a simple false cut. As I do this when I am roving the cut I use is the 'Classic Pass False Cut'. Show that you have cut to the first ace. Pretty easy so why doesn't the spec try to find the second one for themselves.<br />3 As you say the above take a double from the top. Face up ace, and face down ace back to back. Riffle down the end of the deck and get the spec to call stop. Wherever they stop insert the double. You say "face up as a marker" You spread through to reveal that they have stopped at the second ace.<br />4 Outjog these cards and at the same time get a break under the top card (third ace)<br />5 Move the two face up aces to the top and do a simple sandwich load of the third ace between them. Cut them face up into the deck.<br />6 Pass them back to teh top. It looks like they visually rose bringing a card between them<br />7 Stick the three aces up aces in an outjog position.<br />8 Do a double lift and say, "The last ace is always difficult. It actually isn't the ace at first. Turn the double down and lift off the single face down ace. Place it into the outjogged cards face down and pull them all out of the deck.<br />9 Place the cards between the specs palms and have the X card transform into the last ace whenever you like.<br /></span></span>Dean Atkinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13726029873213322665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25025994.post-68781390531400397282008-10-23T17:10:00.004+11:002008-10-27T10:51:23.518+11:00DIY<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlNGdTYH7tCldEzgceUV5xu_Vw3nFLRemKc5WjWytQ8rDBLZ9UldsaIOgSkMJlj0260B4jNI4yxWE4Ya5iVG3ZqwqzJ9uivGdsE5AJ10oAXTDIMCNn4oM18i12V2EBaqk1GmBa/s1600-h/dean_rings.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 308px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlNGdTYH7tCldEzgceUV5xu_Vw3nFLRemKc5WjWytQ8rDBLZ9UldsaIOgSkMJlj0260B4jNI4yxWE4Ya5iVG3ZqwqzJ9uivGdsE5AJ10oAXTDIMCNn4oM18i12V2EBaqk1GmBa/s320/dean_rings.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261614249692506402" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Through a lack of being able to procure the correct kind of re-fill paper I found myself making a 'Cardiographic' pad from scratch this morning. For those who are not aware of how unenviable this task was let me just say that Cardiographic is a perfectly balanced example of 'impossibly annoying to re-set (verses) fantastic reactions, ratio. Having said that, remember that I did NOT just re set it...I MADE a new one.<br /><br />The thing is now complete and working very well considering I cannabalised about three pads/spiral binds/covers to make it. Cardiographic is a joy to perform and never fails to get anything less than a great reaction. After I had shouted at my wife several times during it's construction I calmly told her that it was all worth it......for whom exactly I don't know.<br /><br />The plus side of making up a Cardiographic for myself was that I was able to transpose it to am A4 size pad, much better for my roadcase. BTW If you are going to reduce the size of this trick to A4 don't reduce the size of the gimmick/drawing. Keep that the sam eas it looks more impressive when a 'big' card starts to rise out of a 'big' picture. When Copperfield did this trick he used a massive pad and it looked great. When most of the people doing his exact routine, even down to the music<br />up loaded themselves on You Tube as raging plagiarists they used regular sized pads.<br /></span></span>Dean Atkinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13726029873213322665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25025994.post-33645294047764467262008-10-22T12:19:00.002+11:002008-10-22T12:58:14.332+11:00Rainbow<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQLkxnJISLgqAP-kZ8ciGFKqQWD6vSzhO9LnQh3-bK1JRdbz0ewaZbXtQEhcaql5q6h4sF0hmJBfDYmkEghNIC12_0HFYbERdLPyY76np90dn_tMnmeBqkYNNk_kRpv2Szwgf5/s1600-h/dean_orange.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQLkxnJISLgqAP-kZ8ciGFKqQWD6vSzhO9LnQh3-bK1JRdbz0ewaZbXtQEhcaql5q6h4sF0hmJBfDYmkEghNIC12_0HFYbERdLPyY76np90dn_tMnmeBqkYNNk_kRpv2Szwgf5/s320/dean_orange.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259791683095767746" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://linkto%20website.com/"><b>A Routine with the Rainbow Deck.</b></a><br /><br />You need a rainbow deck for this. It's not quite the same without one.<br /><br />Place a blue card on the top and a blue card five cards up. Also place one on the bottom<br />1 Take out the deck and spread it face up between your hands.<br />2 Take the last six cards form the top and turn the rest of the deck face up on the table, next to the blue box. As you do this pull the bottom card out to the side a fraction. This (and the fact that the cards are next to a blue box) helps to sell the idea that it is a complete blue deck.<br />3 There should be six cards in your hand, the upper one is blue.<br />4 execute a Rhumba count to show all blue back. The cards are dealt face up on to the table.<br />5 Ask a person to name one.<br />6 Push it forward<br />7 Turn the deck face up and place it in the box for later<br />8 Pick up the remainder of the tabled cards and kiss them to the face of the selection.<br /><br />9 Turn the selection over to show that the colour of the back has changed.<br />10 Kiss the selection to the rest of the packet and turn them over doing another Rhumba count. Tis shows that the back of all the others have changed to a third colour.<br />11 Kiss all of the cards together again and deal them singularly to the table showing six different colours.<br />12 Climax by showing the deck (inside the box) has changed colour too.Dean Atkinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13726029873213322665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25025994.post-60747267018401578472008-10-21T19:57:00.003+11:002008-10-27T10:52:50.264+11:00Dean's Gypsy Curse Routine<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZKIGoaBALNqDVWvqSGBEd6urGF_xwqvfV4pjAZCDiyoYLZp3A8DYIaoVzOowmgT0P6G1QspeCeOMwZkh7ij5p8jgcsI34uZAdO7GOm02bvjVIlhfOBcsyVn9wejn9x9vta27d/s1600-h/dean_rope.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 308px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZKIGoaBALNqDVWvqSGBEd6urGF_xwqvfV4pjAZCDiyoYLZp3A8DYIaoVzOowmgT0P6G1QspeCeOMwZkh7ij5p8jgcsI34uZAdO7GOm02bvjVIlhfOBcsyVn9wejn9x9vta27d/s320/dean_rope.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261614773233691906" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">I have always been a great fan of Peter Kane's 'Gypsy Curse'. I actually consider it the best packet trick in existence even though it is essentially just a re hash of the classic Wild Card. I first sterted to perform it when I was 13 and I can honestly say that I have included it in almost every close up show that I have done. That's a lot of performances of one trick. My presentation for it has enjoys several incarnations over the years. The one I present here is the way I currently perform it. It is also worth pointing out that, of all the effects in my repertoire, Gypsy Curse was always my Dad's favorite trick.<br /><br />In addition to the GC cards you will need a Himber wallet that they fit into and a $5 note.<br /><br />Place the $5 and the GC cards into the wallet in such a way that the cards are in one side and the cash in the other.<br /><br />1 Take out the cards and perform the effect up until the moment that the three apparent black cards are on the table (the rest of the cards are in your hands)<br />2 Ask a person to name where they think the back card is. Whatever they say ask them if they would be willing to bet $50 on it. You can now have as much fun as you like trying to get the money.<br />3 Place the money into the empty side of the wallet and close, reversing it on to the $5 side.<br />4 Say, I'll give you a clue it's one of the cards on the table. At thsi point reveal teh cards in your hand as four blacks.<br />5 Place the wallet down on whichever card they nominate.<br />6 Turn over the card to show that they are right.<br />7 You now say, watch me though because I cheat. All these cards are red. infact so are the cards in my hand. This renders the trick a fraud so all the money needs to be kept for poilce evidence. But here is something for your trouble<br />8 Open up the wallet and give the guy the five.<br />9 When you think the time is right you say. Actually these cards are worth about $50. Would you rather the cards or the cash.<br />10 Place the cards back into the empty side of the wallet and magically change them to the $50<br />11 I usually use a bit of time misdirection before I reveal this. It's a little too perfect if you so it quickly and looks like a trick wallet. I usually put the $5 away in the pocket, plus the pen I have used to get him to sign the $50 and then do teh reveal.<br /><br />DA<br /><br /></span></span>Dean Atkinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13726029873213322665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25025994.post-62632389670419789552008-10-21T16:00:00.004+11:002008-10-27T10:54:54.357+11:00Flash Eight Ball<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS4dQItgySN0oxYMrkwlbI02f3oOTQZENkEGwQOa5kQ1cJ6A9M62nPq_KVg-No8S2eqn-5G2L30Mqh8HpYfQN0YMjVaM9G0S3YgnnBOTn6SFhIhN59j5YNK6KYSGO2D6pCzr13/s1600-h/dean_neck.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 308px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS4dQItgySN0oxYMrkwlbI02f3oOTQZENkEGwQOa5kQ1cJ6A9M62nPq_KVg-No8S2eqn-5G2L30Mqh8HpYfQN0YMjVaM9G0S3YgnnBOTn6SFhIhN59j5YNK6KYSGO2D6pCzr13/s320/dean_neck.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261615253995625682" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">This is a trick that I do all the time in roving.<br /><br />You need a deck,some Flash paper, a lighter and the eight ball.<br /><br />The whole lot is inside your right pants pocket.<br /><br />1 Force the 8 of S and Control to the top<br />2 Reach into the pocket to take out the lighter and at the same time palm the top card in there.<br />3 Go back in for FP and also palm the eight ball<br />4 Say was your card a black eight, they say yes, you say was it this one?, burn the FP and chuck the eight ball in teh air at the same time. It looks like it just appears there.<br />5 They say, WOW, but no wormg mine was the eight of spades. Have them go through the deck to find their card only to discover that it has vanished.<br />6 Go back into the pocket for more FP and at the same time re palm the card.<br />7 Produce the card with the FP in a similar way.<br /><br /></span></span>Dean Atkinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13726029873213322665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25025994.post-47831554376963522542008-10-21T15:50:00.004+11:002008-10-27T10:57:11.799+11:00February 09<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzcNJLKx8pYlJu5sLV12yThgngj9hwLigzvZu2qFozuPWkrXvqYzp44Es7g1u93wnQpRX1ikQ9l8Gn4_7PlBNg_x6Wxzru1G5unaMGUB2ifg_WkxGbNwOnXUHCwa0nZEe0oFZ2/s1600-h/dean_ball.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 308px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzcNJLKx8pYlJu5sLV12yThgngj9hwLigzvZu2qFozuPWkrXvqYzp44Es7g1u93wnQpRX1ikQ9l8Gn4_7PlBNg_x6Wxzru1G5unaMGUB2ifg_WkxGbNwOnXUHCwa0nZEe0oFZ2/s320/dean_ball.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261615660717265026" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">I booked my first gig for feburary2009 today,(I have bookings for Jan and March already too) A roving for the pre-dinner drinks portion of an event at The Palladium at Crown. I love the Crown function rooms and I have worked them many times before. The area outside The Palladium, where the cocktails occur, is a nice large open space to rove...with lovely plush carpets to boot.<br /></span></span>Dean Atkinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13726029873213322665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25025994.post-78304214341200044022008-10-20T22:07:00.003+11:002008-10-20T22:14:40.387+11:00Big Gig In Tasmania<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhrXV1AfqmYrVt7h4hlTfPuQP6ELoeHU_gPJbDbtGKJmn8lEQ2g6t_gy3A3AcgvTCUV-5nMpfSRUZoGoEGgm-yX3fBZg3OkQRAnNllTYGozMJ2lAOJXnjbsQVQv-RaKe5dAQNF/s1600-h/da_web_main_pic_home.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhrXV1AfqmYrVt7h4hlTfPuQP6ELoeHU_gPJbDbtGKJmn8lEQ2g6t_gy3A3AcgvTCUV-5nMpfSRUZoGoEGgm-yX3fBZg3OkQRAnNllTYGozMJ2lAOJXnjbsQVQv-RaKe5dAQNF/s320/da_web_main_pic_home.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259192914523244738" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">I spent this evening starting to write up a checklist for a gig just outside Hobart on Saturday. I have a new table since the last time I traveled interstate and I am trying to figure out how to protect it whilst in the hold of the plane. I booked this gig about three months ago and it's come along really fast. I really love getting on a plane to go and do a gig...it feels very special. I'm performing for a client during his annual client thanks and get to spend the entire day Saturday at the retreat where the gig is taking place......maybe a massage and a spa before my show in the evening? I'm really looking forward to it. It should be lots of fun.<br /></span></span>Dean Atkinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13726029873213322665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25025994.post-52942181561134631282008-10-20T10:35:00.003+11:002008-10-20T10:53:08.077+11:00Flash Matches<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFQq2Ovrv1anLcsUPfQAcqZPQLrg4zIh-6eGknFYFEh6x08N9LCc6TnDZ32t_WNV5rbm_FNS8L7bAcCpxR3uG8xYjTB58nF-nOrVdbu8T2OUH5M0FpA49GKIgCNlwzYnroEeas/s1600-h/da_web_main_pic_rove.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFQq2Ovrv1anLcsUPfQAcqZPQLrg4zIh-6eGknFYFEh6x08N9LCc6TnDZ32t_WNV5rbm_FNS8L7bAcCpxR3uG8xYjTB58nF-nOrVdbu8T2OUH5M0FpA49GKIgCNlwzYnroEeas/s320/da_web_main_pic_rove.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259015842709118594" border="0" /></a>WWW.DEANATKINSON.COM<br /><br />This is a short, interactive routine that I have been using in roving situations for some time now. You will require a deck of cards, a marking pen, a piece of flash paper and a box of matches. the deck is in your hands. the rest of the gear is in your right pants pocket.<br /><br />1 Have a card selected.<br />2 Reach in for the marker and have the spec sign their name on the card.<br />3 Place the pen away.<br />4 Control the card to the top.<br />5 palm the card away from the deck and conceal it in the pocket at the same time bringing the matches out. Place the deck aside for a moment.<br />6 Hand the spec the matches and request that they take one out of the box.<br />7 Reach into the pocket again and re palm the card, also taking out the flash paper at the finger tips.<br />8 Ask the spec to light the match and take it from them in your left hand.<br />9 Burn the flash paper and at the same tiem push the palmes selection upinto the fingertips. The card has appeared in a burst of flames.<br />10 replace the card in the deck and control it to the top again.<br />11 Once again palm the card into the pocket whilst removing flash paper. When hand is inside the pocket you quickly fold the card into quarters. When you remove the hand the FP is once again at the fingertips and the folded card is concealed in a Ramsey palm.<br />12 Request that the spec empties all of the matches out of the box. Place the deck aside again.<br />13 Take the empty match box box from the spec and place the FP inside it. before you do this though secretly place the palmed folded card in there first, The FP resting on top of it. Leave the box half way open.<br />14 Have the spec hand you any match. Light it on the box and then drop it on to the paper inside.<br />15 When the flames subside you can reveal the card has magically appeared in the box.<br /><br /><br />Dean Atkinson<br />15Dean Atkinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13726029873213322665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25025994.post-39599681100310434622007-04-23T21:28:00.000+10:002008-11-14T01:14:36.564+11:00Dean's Routines<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_drYBwRRDdCs/RiychtMu-5I/AAAAAAAAACg/hXkQjAJ_jhY/s1600-h/crazy+eyes.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_drYBwRRDdCs/RiychtMu-5I/AAAAAAAAACg/hXkQjAJ_jhY/s320/crazy+eyes.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5056588584512846738" border="0" /></a><br />The Dean's Routines DVD will be available in about a month. The price will be between $25 and $30AUD and will include the following effects.<br /><br /><br />Very Hot Mama. (This is my take on The 'Chicago Opener' which includes a complete colour changing deck, flash paper and lots more.)<br /><br />I, Magician. ( very easy stand- up card trick where the spectator plays the part of the magician. This fries people)<br /><br />Spider Bite. ( A 'not for the faint hearted', hard core card effect involving Tenkai palming, The Pass, Future Reverse other very difficult moves)<br /><br />Cups and Balls. (A very fast paced, funny and energetic version of the classic. I have fooled many many magicians with moves in my version of this trick. For the most part it's quite easy.<br /><br />Triple Trouble. ( This is my take on the now classic, stand up, three coin effect. No shells but plenty of interesting misdirection. A joy to perform)<br /><br />Credit. ( a gaffed vesrion of my effect Credit Queens. Great effect, very easy and extremely deceptive. I nailed David Jones, Kamal Bhushan, Glenn Hamilton Richard Jones and Chris Shing the first time I did it for them. Very easy.<br /><br />Cash Flash. ( The most fun you will ever have with a Thumb tip)<br /><br />Rip. ( a torn and restord where the pieces vanish as they are being torn. When they come back they are discovered retored in the card box which has been in full view the entire time) This is a good trick to do with the Mystery Box although My own version is more organic and uses the card box.<br /><br /><br />If you would like to reserve a copy of the DVD plese let me know and I will ship in Australia free. You can have your copy before it is sold at the Convention!Dean Atkinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13726029873213322665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25025994.post-78834228605560930532007-04-23T20:55:00.000+10:002008-11-14T01:14:36.737+11:00The Importance Of Being Flash Paper<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV2oPR-K8PFXXbVCr_vl-JuhdQMtU28OY2c2ezH23p6MFG75jk4Vl2-Pwy8C8FMEQtduq_5TL4wJv7LWWC1zTwWj5Hr-fX3Ice1nu24lAuYE8H8pO75BIjWIupQ2eHtooUY8PK/s1600-h/yarra.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV2oPR-K8PFXXbVCr_vl-JuhdQMtU28OY2c2ezH23p6MFG75jk4Vl2-Pwy8C8FMEQtduq_5TL4wJv7LWWC1zTwWj5Hr-fX3Ice1nu24lAuYE8H8pO75BIjWIupQ2eHtooUY8PK/s320/yarra.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5056579161354599298" border="0" /></a><br />Tonight I did a quick hour of roving at Yarra Yarra Golf Club.<br /><br />Since I did a 50th birthday there earlier last year they have had me back 7 times to do one thing or another. The club is hidden among glades in Bentleigh and was recently re -furbished. I also did the opening in February. the crods are always fantastic. I find that the audiences at yarra really respect professionalism.<br /><br />Tonight was a little bash for some of their corporate members and I was milling during pre- dinner drinks in their wonderful new members bar. I was booked from 5.30 until 6.30 to enteratain as people finshed up golf and got into the free plonk. I also realised during this time how imprtanat Flash Paper is. As part of my on going efforts to downsize I decided to remove FP from my roving all together. The gigs I did over the weekend went just fine without it but tonight I realised there was a difference. With those previous three night's worth of engagements I had already established myself with a stage spot during which I was doing ventriloquism. I did very LITTLE magic in the second part of thsoe shows but rather just mingled with people and did a few solid card tricks but really just joining the party as an fairly interesting 'paid' guest. Tonight I was doing JUST roving for the first time in a while outside of doing some stand up too. Although I went down great for the fun blokes at Yarra Yarra as I always do (and gave out 23 buniness cards which I had counted before leaving the house) I did feel, as I said to Joanne on my arrival home, that I could have done with some FP. Jo quite rightly pointed out that what I meant was I needed a bit of pizzaz. She's was right.<br /><br />I also made a point of doing two of the effects from my up coming lecture DVD tonight and one of them is at a real loss without FP which I noticed as I was doing it.<br /><br />I told my friend the magician Nick Morton who is producing my DVD, that he had to refuse to allow me to make anymore alterations to effects for this DVD. The shoot date set for next Monday.<br /><br />For anyone interested in knowing what I have decided to put on there. With only two exceptions the material is very easy. I will give you the run down in a bew post at some point soon. I am explaining my cups and balls (with all the cute bits where I hide the bal l under my arm) for the first time but the Card to Pocket routine will remain a mystery for a while longer. I write that as a few people have asked me if I was going to incude it. Sorry but no.Dean Atkinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13726029873213322665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25025994.post-32093894283723806952007-04-22T16:06:00.000+10:002008-11-14T01:14:36.879+11:00From One Extreme To Another<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoUySo8UNK-9JlOzIc_mGHefGRPHeXerQwuEfLMjaH3Lm3wwx9_RzRuVfgKSKpdPz1RMuApue77IGCUM_CFnSOkP0euymHn1WjgjIvnr0u1j_juzdmvGErbadjhAWQpFgtCJgH/s1600-h/Kevin+The+Vulture+Headshot.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoUySo8UNK-9JlOzIc_mGHefGRPHeXerQwuEfLMjaH3Lm3wwx9_RzRuVfgKSKpdPz1RMuApue77IGCUM_CFnSOkP0euymHn1WjgjIvnr0u1j_juzdmvGErbadjhAWQpFgtCJgH/s320/Kevin+The+Vulture+Headshot.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5056136251442133858" border="0" /></a><br />Kevin was not as big a hit at a house party last night as he had been in a bar the night before. The style of function was also very different. The Friday night gig had been a corporate, lot's of people letting their hair down in a public place. Last night I did an hour at a guy's 40th in Glenn Iris. We all had a great time but the Vulture was (although very entertaining) the weakest part of the show. As ever though I am probably being too hard on myself. Ventriloquism is quite a tough sell in someone's loungeroom and even though the client Nadine had done a great job at hiring caterers who created an indoor beer garden there is something just a little bit to cozy about a house party to warrant expecting people to buy into puppets without any real warning. It could have been the audience though but they were so great for the rst of it that I think it was just enviromental. There had not been that much drink passed around yet either. Also I think my delivery may have been off once i started to feel the wall growing a little. Domino effect maybe?<br /><br /> By the way,when I say that I don't think vent goes over in a loungroon during an adult show that's not strictly speaking true. Maybe a character who was a little easier to identify with would have been better. Kevin is a' mock horror' sort of deal, which is very funny but in a more public or corporate setting. Even though there are quite a few call backs to an audience member in his routine already I have decided to personalise the routine more and drop more of the guests names into the routine...or even just celebrities names might help to make it more identifiable and or topical. I am doing him again for a Rotary function in town next Friday night and intend on working on some new bits of dialogue this week. The trouble with Rotary is that it is not private neither is it corporate so it's tricky. I think I will still drop some of the guests names in though (if I can remember them in time) and see how I go. It all depends on how well people know each other I guess. The bit that I do with the dummy mask was a storm (last night) as it always is. Like the Vulture, the new spider bit struggled too. After the show it was on to 40mins of walk around. I don't have to tell you that was fine....yep I can do that now...that's just what I DO, what I have done for years and its just fine. based on the responses I get week in and week out my walk around is pretty much perfect. I am very comfoartable doing walk around I always have been. I enjoy it a tremedous amount.<br /><br />The other extreme was Maddie and Violet's Birthday Party today at the Silly Seahorse in Chelsea Heights. One of my parents presents to them. I, ofcourse, supplied a show during which Kevin went down a storm...as did all of the other puppets. No before you ask I don't do the same routine for kids as I do for adults. There were two other parties on at the same time as us and I just said that everyone could watch my show. We had the whole place screaming and shouting.<br /><br />I have to go now as I have loads of Barbie dolls to open. Why do they package them so well? The loungroom looks like Santa's grotto.Dean Atkinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13726029873213322665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25025994.post-81607735288537793542007-03-23T11:21:00.000+11:002007-03-23T11:24:35.250+11:00Coming Of AgeYou know you have come of age with magic and that you now look upon ways to improve it from a purely entertainments viewpoint, when, upon being asked how many card tricks you know you say;<br /><br />"Two"<br /><br />It's true though. They serve me extremely well too. Don't ask what they are. You've never heard of them. You'll have to come and see me somewhere. I don't even do Triumph anymore and that's a ball tearer. There just isn't time.Dean Atkinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13726029873213322665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25025994.post-71312775401557575702007-03-23T10:37:00.000+11:002008-11-14T01:14:37.510+11:00Variations On A Theme<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnmB6_xfp7QL8I1K4VgLFqurEvTJrmI1D6wUACflhSxkaAOy6feF5o-Yhb61RjDyFQqpaxvPgQK5Feahljqkqx2Pwf5OyXypq3ecBAAsG2CLYqk-0K2R7XENYbyhRHxs2jC1tv/s1600-h/mystery+Box.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnmB6_xfp7QL8I1K4VgLFqurEvTJrmI1D6wUACflhSxkaAOy6feF5o-Yhb61RjDyFQqpaxvPgQK5Feahljqkqx2Pwf5OyXypq3ecBAAsG2CLYqk-0K2R7XENYbyhRHxs2jC1tv/s320/mystery+Box.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5044903273420580162" border="0" /></a><br />About five years ago I developed a routine called Cash Flash. I use it all over the place, close up walk around to platform gigs. It's a real workhorse. It's a very decent way of getting a borrowed note into play tooand has a very nice comic build that I have always been proud of. The long and short of it is that I am including this routine in my new set of magic lecture notes, 'Dean's Routines'. I wanted to call them 'Extreme Dean' but my name sake Dean Dill has already taken that.<br /><br />Last night, whilst working an hour of roving, I tried out something new with the basic concept of Cash Flash. Instead of using money I simply use a signed playing card. As I was approaching the end of the routine I realised that the perfect climax would have been a Mystery Box. Luckliy I had mine on me at the time. It was too late to finish with it on that particular performance though because, as most of you are aware, The Mystery Box needs to be in play from the outset of a routine. Upon approaching the next group and after doing a few gags and my classic opening rope routine, which is also going in my new notes heaven help me, I belted out the full version of 'Card Flash'<br /><br />Here it is.<br /><br />1 the Mystery box is placed upon the table. When working rooms that have no tables I place it on the floor in the middle of the circle of people I am performing for. I also do Matrix on the floor sometimes. I got this idea years ago from my friend Chris Shing who actually does Shadow Coins on the floor.<br /><br />2 A card is signed and the rest of the deck can be put away as it will not be used again.<br /><br />3 As you are placing the deck away you steal a TT with a silk inside it from your pocket.<br /><br />3 Do the old silk from card bit.<br /><br />4 Place the silk and TT in your top jacket pocket or shirt pocket if working in Australia during the Summer months.<br /><br />5 Fold the card into quatres and hold in the right hand.<br /><br />6 Reach back into the jacket pocket for the silk and hold that at the left fingers.<br /><br />7 Pretend to place the folded card under the silk but actually retain it in the right hand. A fake corner piece would work really well here as you could have the spec hold on to it. It might hold youuponbeing able to get the silk into the TT though.<br /><br />8 Go into your pocket for a lighter and dump the card in there for a second.<br /><br />9 Heat up the silk to create a bit of magic. Place the lighter back into the pocket.<br /><br />10 Pull the silk away from the hand to reveal that the card has vanished.<br /><br />11 You now draw attention to the Box. You say I will now push the silk inside my hand and change it back into the card. The silk will appear inside that box.<br /><br />12 What you have to do now is get the TT. I have no logical reason for it (which is abummer as my magic usually has very good flow to and from the pockets) last night I just reached in and got it. whilst I was fumbling for the lighter again. You and I will need to work on this some more.<br /><br />13 Vanish the silk in the TT and ditch whilst using the lighter again. At the same time palm the folded card back into play.<br /><br />14 You say "ahhh no card" That's Ok at least the silk will have travelled to the box. Then you explain that to discover a red silk in the box would not be that impressive as there could be two silks that loook the same.<br /><br />15 Instead you reveal that the missing card inside the box. Thispart is easy as you already have the folded card in your right hand for the MB Shuttle Pass move.<br /><br /><br />NOTES<br /><br />Most routines that us ethe KMB do not involve the card being folded openly from the outset so teh effect of thisclimax is somewhat weaker than other routines that use the prop.Dean Atkinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13726029873213322665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25025994.post-35885450128780900612007-03-22T10:39:00.000+11:002007-03-22T11:35:49.622+11:00The WorkFor the past three nights I have watched Jeff Dunham's DVD 'Arguing With Myself' twice through each night. Once as per normal and then once with commentary. Sitting and watching ventriloquism DVD's (and I have plenty of them) over and over again Is not unusual for me. For me, research has always been part of the work and watching movies has alwasy been the most enjoyable research. It's also the easiest. As an actor, magician OR ventriloquist I have always found that watching other practitioners of the artform is the most beneficial of all research. More than reading a 'how to' book on comedy, for example, one would be better served watching as much comedy as possible, not out of any interest in stealing material but rather to see how it's done. To learn how timing works etc.<br /><br />In watching GOOD practitioners over and over one becomes a better performer oneself. I don't exactly know why this happens, all I know is that the improvement happens gradually and through a subliminal process. In any case I have found it a very enjoyable and useful form of pratice that is at least a break from sticking on a puppet and going over your lines at full energy.<br /><br />This brings me to my next point. How does one practice ventriloquism?<br /><br />Well, firstly the practice is forever ongoing, at least the rehearsal of new characters and dialogue is. It's like sleight of hand in that sense. You canalways be better. Even if you focus on the same 15 minutes for five years as I am trying to do.<br /><br />For me about 2 hours of each day is spent doing the very sort of prctice I mentioned at the end of the second paragraph. I spend 2 hours a day with a puppet stuck on my hand going over and over the dialogue at speed. I also tape these sessions on a little recorder and listen to them back before I start again. This is an old trick I use to employ when I was doing a lot of theatre acting. It helps you to remember your lines that's all. After I have gone through the final run of the night. I leave the last recording on the recorder and listen to it several times the next day while I am going about the more mundane business of normal life. I also run the lines when I am walking to the shops, to and from the train station, with the dog or on the way to gigs etc. <br /><br />For me the main practice sessions come when I am actually in front of real people. I dont wait to get booked for a vent gig either. Ido lot's of walk around and always MAKE myself doa short tenminutes at the top of these booking with vent. It doesn't alwasy work out because of the structureof the nightbut at most private functions it's fine.The mainplace topractive iskids shows. Most people spend a year in their bedroom developing an illusion show and then expect it to work it first time out. Many begginers with a performance goal have no idea that most of their practice SHOULD be taking place in front of real people. In the case of a big magic act or a vent act the most obvious example of this is kid's parties. I am lucky enough to count this as a very primary source of income and one that I enjoy intensly. I relish the vent practice that I get at kid's shows. Every tiny bit counts and whereas the routines are totally different to those one would use for an adult audience it doesn't matter. When I get home form a Kid's show and Joanne asks me how it went the first thing I always tell her is how well the vent went over. I am also constantly surprised at how comfortable I am with vent at kids shows. A huge leap fromthe first days of doing it. This is a combination of practice and balls. BTW balls really help in showbiz. I never use to have them but I do now. I don't know where they came from I just had to get them soIgot them......about three years ago. I think It was Dante's and the MS that caused this.<br /><br />Anyway, as I have said in the past. Performance does not exsist in your bedroom. You have to do it for real people. I also think that you have to do it for real people about two weeks sooner than you think you should. This is the complete opposite of my friend Eugene Burger's attitude towards magic. I'm sure my friendship with him will survive it though. You have to get it out there. To revisit the Dunham DVD, Jeff admits to the paint being 'still wet' on his Bubba J figure, A hard character he had never used until that point. So the smarter to are and the bigger the balls and his are big, the easier it is to simply launch into something. I have also seen Dunham doing Melvin The Superhero for a BIG stadium crowd whilst reading the jokes. It didn't matter. It didn't effect the separation or the illusion of reality at all.<br /><br />As well as watching good ventriloquists I watch loads of bad ones. I love it. I do not do this out of any sense of sadism you understand but rather to see what (absolutely) does not work. When I say bad ventriloquists I don't just mean kids on you tube but some pro's who just don't do it for me. Most of these guys are really famous.<br /><br />I'm rambling now. I'll shut up. <br /><br />I will say one more thing about vent routines and it starts at the rehearsal stage. If you don't have a GOOD laugh every ten seconds you need to reduce the length down to where you do. Unless you have a very funny puppet or some very funny sight stuff or a conceptual thing happening like Taylor Mason or Jim Barber you should pull it back. You have to put yourself in the shoes of the people watching. Most of them are not as interested in it as you are. most of them do not share your fascination with puppets. Ecpecially sesame street style puppets. It took me a year to realize that Fetch did not work for adults. Although his dialogue was funny and a little risky. It took too long to get ito it. As soon as the audience see the muppet they see a pupet show. This is why Dunham starts with Walter. I'm hoping that my Vulturefits the bill...so to speak. In time I can certainly see myself doing an old man to. It'sjust a formula that seems to work. I have the character already. Finding the puppet is the next thing.<br /><br />Food for thought anyway. even if, in reading this bac, I did kind of give you the courses in the wrong order.Dean Atkinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13726029873213322665noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25025994.post-60499610368208840302007-03-20T09:54:00.000+11:002007-03-20T09:58:54.675+11:00PhotosThe photograph of Kevin The Vulture in the previous post was taken by my very good friend Kamal Bhushan. Excellent photography is one of his many skills (he keeps it quiet) and over the next week or so I hope to have more shots of my characters for you all to look at.Dean Atkinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13726029873213322665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25025994.post-57778775692797154452007-03-20T09:44:00.000+11:002008-11-14T01:14:38.026+11:00Kevin The Vulture<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3RNeXcDsO4y6klc7QijLIIAIN3u2ugzMJgmOYB9G6G_sFoFYFVn8ED-YBlSpe4PMdnz2_Bnl1ftXzwXyPH86BJGSOouWZuc_7C82I-Zi19gSxWtiU4P0_oIzy6j4_3gDFop3T/s1600-h/Kevin+The+Vulture+Headshot.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3RNeXcDsO4y6klc7QijLIIAIN3u2ugzMJgmOYB9G6G_sFoFYFVn8ED-YBlSpe4PMdnz2_Bnl1ftXzwXyPH86BJGSOouWZuc_7C82I-Zi19gSxWtiU4P0_oIzy6j4_3gDFop3T/s320/Kevin+The+Vulture+Headshot.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5043771127050328930" border="0" /></a><br />"I need a holiday!"<br /><br />"Where would you like to go?"<br /><br />"The Canary Islands"<br /><br />"You'll need lot's of sunscreen"<br /><br />"Stick it on my bill........get it?"<br /><br />If you want to catch Kevin's PUBLIC debut please join Glenn Hamilton, Micky Wyld, myself and others at the next Magic Monday's at Dante's on Gertrude Street in Fitzroy. You can call The Magic Store on 9682 0153 for more details or to book tickets and reserve seats.Dean Atkinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13726029873213322665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25025994.post-18384246972226754442007-03-19T12:35:00.000+11:002007-03-19T13:04:27.269+11:00VentriloquistsOne of my favourite ventriloquists (actually THE favourite) Jay Johnson was talking on his blog last month about the backstabbing nature of "vents" He also makes reference, somewhere in there about an old "vent" saying that goes something like<br /><br />"Get two magicians together and you've got a convention, get two ventriloquists together and you've got a fight"<br /><br />I know what he means but it seems the same negative aspect of the way "vents" conduct themsleves could ACTUALLY be applied to magicians TOO. Similarily , magicians might employ the same adage the other way around.<br /><br />As Jay points out most of this backstabbing comes from the internet forums. I personally don't look at the magic forums anymore. The negative tasete those sites eventually leave in my mouth have made them impossible to look at. I have NEVER looked at the ventriloquist forums. I suppose I have been lucky in the sense that I have only ever looke upon ventriloquism as a way to entertain an audience andnot tried to use it as a way to gain respect from piers. With magic on th eother hand, I have gone through phases where acceptance from the larger community seemed attractive. These days I don't give a monkey's. I try my best to stay away from the mindless, boring conversation that one usually sees on these forums.<br /><br />I suspect that Jay doesn't give a monkey's either....or rather a monkey's joke.Dean Atkinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13726029873213322665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25025994.post-15641715467587928432007-02-23T11:14:00.000+11:002007-02-23T11:37:29.595+11:00PushYou loose a selected card in the deck and say "If I press the top card on to the table and wait five seconds. 1 2 3 4 5 YOur card completely vanishes (you don't show this yet so it's funny) and then I continue to cound to ten 6 7 8 9 10 the card re appears after having changed into your signed card"<br /><br />You then repeat this under the specs hand and ask them if they can feel the moment at which the card vanishes and re-appears.<br /><br />You lose a selected card again and say "you're probably wondering how this happens?. And also if I'm telling the truth about the card vanishing and coming back. Well first I press the different card really hard and it vanishes" with this you press another X card on to the tablebut this time SHOW that it has gone. "When it comes back it has turned into your card . You don't see the bit where it vanishes usually because I keep my hand over the spot until the right time"<br /><br />With that you press your empty hand over the spot again and the selection appears.<br /><br />I have a method for this and it plays realy well. Thouht you might like to muck around with the effect seffect for yourslef. In case you're interested my methosd uses four moves.<br /><br />1 A control. Thios has to be one that uses no cutting or shuffling for the effect (that I am going for) to really work.<br /><br />2 A double lift<br /><br />3 A one handed top palm<br /><br />4 A rub away vanish<br /><br />I should point out here that these are the only moves I use in professional work with cards full stop.....with the possible exception of some Tenkai work, a Top Change and a reverse.Dean Atkinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13726029873213322665noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25025994.post-1162361653846095062006-11-01T17:10:00.000+11:002006-11-01T17:21:56.753+11:00VentriloquismTip Of The DayYou HAVE to keep telling yourself it's only about the laughs. You just have to KEEP telling yourself that and all the rest will fall into place.<br /><br />One of the first pieces of advice that Darren Carr gave me when I started to pester him about all this stuff was. "If you're not funny, you might as well forget it"<br /><br />So whether it's a kids show or an adult gig you have to make them laugh.<br /><br />It's just stand up comedy with a puppet and you have to keep telling yourself that. If your worried about a gag going over make the delivery itself funny. This is easy to do with characters.Dean Atkinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13726029873213322665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25025994.post-1162351965976916392006-11-01T14:22:00.000+11:002006-11-01T14:32:45.993+11:00Puppetry?I just watched some clips of a US puppet company called Avenue Q on you tube. I have to say that after spending so many months now in trying to perfect ventriloquism that watching straighfoward puppetry just doesn't cut the grade for me. This is actually testimont to how important lip control REALLY is in vent. I CANNOT make the leap when I am watching someone's mouth moving. It doesn't do it for me. I just see a person. Look, I love the muppets and I love Sesame Street and whenever you see one of those characters interviewed on TV or something the camera always zooms right in so you can't see the actor anymore. It doesn't work for me when I can see the puppeteer. Not after seeing so many venrtiloquists.<br /><br />What have I learned from this. Not that there is no place for puppetry, far from it. The hysterics of the Aneue Q audience is testimont to this and they look like they do a great job. What I have learned from it is that lip control IS very important if you are going to call yourself a ventriloquist. I don't care what anyone says.<br /><br />On a similar note more often than not you can also see the persons hand indide the puppet. What I mean is that most puupeteers (even when they walk on stage with them) use dolls that have bottom entry....(Ohhh Errrr) . Ventriloquists seem to favour puppets that enter at the back or neck and also have legs. It really helps sell the illusion.Dean Atkinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13726029873213322665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25025994.post-1162105205002986902006-10-29T17:36:00.000+11:002006-10-29T18:00:05.016+11:00Entrances And ExistsIn his excellent book 'Kids Show Ventriloquism' Mark Wade discusses the 'Dead Time' aspect to crossing the stage and putting on a puppet. He further suggests different ways to cover this, the most important of all being applause. He's right. This time needs to be covered but I will also elaborate upon it here.<br /><br />The entrance of a puppet character is just as important as the entrance of ANY character to teh stege. When I was at Drama School one of the first things we were taught was how to enter the stage as if you have just COME from somewhere else. At it's core this illustrates ' physical motivation' If the puppet is going to spend 5 or 10 minutes in the comapny of the audience in his or her guise as a living creature then he or she needs to be alive form the very first second.<br /><br />The American ventriloquist Jeff Dunham is a master of this particular technique. Don't get me wrong I am not saying that puppets need to be 'talking' or 'shouting' at you straight away. As with real live actors (more so in some cases) there is a great deal of comedy to be had of a silent entrance as long as it is motivated and above all animated. Edgar Bergan would move Charlie McCarthy's head so much, this way and that and have him looking around all over the theatre before he reached centre stage. The character needs to be alive form the start.<br /><br />I watched a video clip of a ventriloquist's first 'adult' gig.<br /><br />Now, For a vent who is moving form kids parties and giving it a pop in this area is a very nerve racking thing. Trust me I have already done it and continue to practice it weekend in and out. My admiration goes out to anyone who is giving vent a whirl before grown ups. Having said that what really let this guy down at the end of the day was that he either A) did not have a script for the first 1o seconds of his act or B) He forgot it. Ergo the entrance of the puppet was reduced to a fumbling mumbling improvisation which got alot of strange looks and one or two deadly 'smirks' form the audience. <br /><br />The puppet needs to make a real spalsh!!!! Trust me. learn the lines, it's very important to have a script. Learn the lines and make that puppet turn waves as soon as he is seen coming out of the case.<br /><br />The exits need to be equally orchestreted. just do what I said a second ago but in reverse.<br /><br />The puppet should leave the stage to applause. Treat him like a spectator or even better a special guest. Something like this " Give it up for fetch The Dog!!!!" As they give it up put him away. Don't wait for the applause to die down and then put him away. Unless you make him say "Now take your hand out of my ass puppet boy" as he goes into the case.Dean Atkinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13726029873213322665noreply@blogger.com0