Glad yer into it...

There is a lot to be said for enjoying what you do. If a time ever comes when it starts to feel like work.. stop doing it.

I don't understand not being 100% into what you do when you hit a stage. I also cannot FATHOM how you can be an entertainer and have skill and yet not, even in the SLIGHTEST way, play to the crowd. Especially when yer doing a silent act. It's even MORE important! It makes my wind wobble.

It also angers me that lackluster entertainment runs rampant in this world. Here is some advice: Regardless of yer day, even if yer wife left, killed your dog, and lit yer house on fire, it's still wrong to take it out on your audience. Hot glue on that fake smile for a day if you have to, but despite the fact we might be our own bosses we whore ourselves out to someone else from time to time and they wanna feel they got their money's worth well after they have wiped themselves off with the hotel curtains. (Too far?) Be pissed and bored on your own time.

The show must go on.. and on.. and on...

Bizzaro.

I do not think that work means what you think it means...

So the last week (and sporadically over the last few months) the topic of ethics have cropped up in our magic discussions. Now most of us equate ethics in magic to mean giving credit where it might be due or not ripping off someone else's stuff or even exposure and how one goes about it.

Well there are some other types as well that are very much at the seamy underbelly of the entertainment world. Being two faced is frowned upon, especially in a community as small as the one of working pros. Problem is, most people can't keep their mouths shut and word gets around. If you talk smack about someone while to their face you are all smiles and hugs, you will get caught and you will get a bad rap. I don't go out of my way to make enemies OR friends on this journal, but sometimes I step on someone's tricks and they don't like it. Thaz fine. However, it's like the old saying goes, "Don't shit where you eat".

Life is too short to make enemies, and the person you alienate today, could be the person who could have suggested you for your dream job tomorrow. Do you really want to take that chance? If you have a problem with someone, don't waste your energy or time or mental space on them. Ignore them, be cordial, but don't go out of your way to help them.. unless of course it benefits you. (that is a WHOLE other can of snakes I will talk about later)

Don't bite the hand that could come back to bite you in the ass.

Bizzaro.

No offense...

But these guys bitching about getting ripped off just sounds like karma coming back to bite them in the ass.

Just ask Jim Pace.

Bizzaro.

Lies all lies!!

So this weekend I was performing at Jeff McBride's Wonderground. (Which I highly recommend). Got to meet some faboo people and see some performances. Something hit me this weekend while watching some stuff... we are a bunch of damned liars.

Ok well some of us more than others. I am all for setting tone and character and whatnot, but when you go so far as to say "This is the first trick I ever learned as a kid", and yer in yer 30's, you better not SUCK at it, or you will reek of LIES!!

"I remember my grandfather showing me this when I was.. " STOP IT, YER ADOPTED!! My issue I guess is, if you are not drawing from real life experience, and drawing from what you KNOW, then why should the audience care. If yer the 8th magician they have heard say this exact shpeel from, then some might become suspicious. Be true to thyself. When you are drawing from real events, even a little bit, it will show thru and let the audience in a bit. If you keep them at bay with yer little black lies, then you will be lost in a sea of magicians who believe they are being unique.. by doing something they saw someone else do.

Fitzkee wrote, "People are interested in one thing.. people." Don't be just another talking head. That was a band in the 0's and they did a fine job without anyone else's help. Just be yourself..

If you don't who will wear your pants?

Bizzaro

Right back where I started from...

Well kids, we made it to Vegas in one piece. Got in and met up with our lovely host for the week, Jordan Wright and went to see him as part of Jeff McBride's show Magic at the Edge. (If you don't know who Jeff McBride is, stop reading this journal and punch yourself in the face with a stapler.. now!)

If you get the chance to see the new bits and old faves in the current venue, do so. Also, (Shakes the magic hate ball) chances are good I will be performing this weekend at the Wonderground weekend venue. So stop on by Street of Cards this Friday and Sat night to see a live feed from the venue and maybe even some bits from me.

Until then... get a staple remover.

Bizzaro.