The Magicanada Project

Michael Kras · Posted: Sat Sep 15, 2007 3:52 am Post subject:

That's fantastic, a great viewpoint that was definitely taken into consideration. I believe you are 100% correct on that part. I will no longer clain to have real magic abilities nor will I let the audiences think that. It is all about entertainment.

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Michael Kras · Posted: Sat Sep 15, 2007 3:54 am Post subject:

BUT what about those such as Criss Angel who DO claim real powers and also use the title of "magician". What do you think the typical stereotype would be? Obviously, not a good one. What are your views on this?
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BrianMillerMagic · Joined: 14 Aug 2007 Posts: 543 Location: New York State

I sincerely hope I haven't changed your performing views from that simple post. I would encourage you to spend a lot of time figuring out your values as a human on this planet, and shape your character from there. If you come to the conclusion that asking our audiences to believe in real magic is wrong, then decide on it. Again, just because it's my opinion doesn't mean you have to agree with it or take it on as your own.

As for Criss Angel, you do realize that very few believe he is doing anything for real. Lots of people enjoy his show, but almost everyone I talk to in my work that asks me about him say, "I love Criss Angel! It's fake though, right? I mean no one could really get run over by a steamroller or whatever." It has gotten to the point where the stunts he's doing are so beyond impossible that it has lost any credibility.

Though I don't like the term, it's kind of like the "too perfect theory" idea. If there is absolutely no conclusion for an audience to draw based on witnessing a magic effect, then they will have to conclude that it is fake. If you perform an effect in a manner which gives them at least a semi-plausible explanation (such as suggestion when I perform mentalism), they will be more likely to accept the performance of the effect. Example being, "Well he could have implanted the idea of it in my mind somehow...but no, that just seems impossible. I have no idea how he did it." See how that's different than totally rejecting Criss's ridiculous illusions that have no grounding in reality? I try to give the impression of bending natural laws when I perform, not breaking the laws of nature completely.
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BrianMillerMagic · Joined: 14 Aug 2007 Posts: 543 Location: New York State

I realize that post was confusing, but if you knew my personal definition of what magic is, you would understand better. Actually, let me pose that question here:

What is magic?

It is a seemingly obvious and trivial question, but seriously, do you have an answer? I'll bet that if you think about it, you don't. So take some time, a few days, a few weeks, as long as it takes to come up with a personal answer to the question. It originally took me nearly 6 months to come up with a coherent answer. So take your time. After you come up with a coherent, concise answer to your personal definition of magic, then I'll explain the relevence and why the question and your answer is so important.
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Michael Kras · Posted: Wed Sep 19, 2007 11:16 pm Post subject:

"What is magic?"

The art of entertaining with the seemingly impossible, the impossible for which the only logical explanation in the minds of audiences is that they are witnessing what they would call "magic". Of course it is rare that a person believes it is real, but just to witness magic-like miracles is enough to make our art one of the most entertaining to witness.
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BrianMillerMagic · Joined: 14 Aug 2007 Posts: 543 Location: New York State

That's not a bad answer. The only thing about it is that you defined magic in terms of magic. Keep thinking about it; use what you already came up with and refine it over and over again until it is as elegant and coherent as is possible. Please believe me that there is a real reason for doing so, and that I will eventually explain it to you.
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Michael Kras · Posted: Sat Sep 29, 2007 2:00 am Post subject:

"What is magic?"

To entertain with the impossible, and to make the impossible an amazing, entertaining affair. Entertainers prove skills far beyond human capability to provide astonishment to the viewer who wouldn't even begin to believe such a thing is possible.
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BrianMillerMagic · Joined: 14 Aug 2007 Posts: 543 Location: New York State

That's not bad actually. Now the character that you develop for magic and the manner in which you decide to present magic should coincide perfectly with that definition. If that is truly what you believe magic is, then you should begin choosing your effects, writing your scripts, etc, to present exactly that idea to your audiences. This is not easy, but it is necessary for believable and cohert performances as an individual entertainer. See why this was important?
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Ethan the Emazing · Joined: 29 Aug 2007 Posts: 160

"What is magic?"

This is my interpretation.

Magic is making the impossible, possible. To take the spectators away from "reality", into the magical world. Making the unbelievable, believable. To have the spectators question their own senses. To have one be mystified, entertained, and wanting more.
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bcp on pcp · Posted: Thu Oct 11, 2007 12:27 am Post subject:

Magic, in my opinion, takes advantage of the suspension of disbelief. We get an inch from the spectator and take a mile. That's why stage magic is so well recepted, while stuff you do for friends isn't. My definition is based off of that, magic is the art of causing people to leave the real world in the strongest way, if only for a moment.

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