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Where Are AII My WORID'S GREATEST ShOWS? ByJoerrysric September lvlAclc lll ll right, l've put an ad in the A PREUI|INARy By cary ouelret back page classified section of REP1Rf our local magazine and l've he World's Greatest Magic sprung for a one line bold listing in the yellow pages (Donnelley). Oh lll is still in final editing as I yeah, I even pinned my card up at write this and probably three the Laundromat and told my friends weeks from being delivered to the By Gary Schwatrzw'ald at work that I do magic. Now, where network but here is an advance are all my shows? Treasurer Bill Monroe organ- preview... lt will, as usual, run the lf this resembles at all the way ized our fun and informative pre- night before Thanksgiving on you go aboui getrng magic shows meeiing which began with ihe shar- l.,lBC, frcm 8 to 10 PIt4. then dont quit your real job. lf you ing of three tricks that are on video. The host is John Ritter (of think that you are really worth $100 We first leamed Michael Ammar's Three's Company fame) and Rita or more per hour to just perform. version of David Williamson's 'Com Rudner joins Mac King for the GET REAL. There are those of us in a Pen Cap'. This sAong effect Mac King School of Magic (here who do perform 2,3,4 and more seemed accessible to most of us we go again!). shows each week. ln the 2 or so after a little practice. We then Ritter and Rudner were terrific hours we spend performing we may worked on David Roth's 'Retention to work with. make $200 to $1000. I don't really Pass'. After a few minutes of prac- believe that lam worth $500 per tice, we were able to fully appreci- Mac's segments were shot in hour, but know Y2 I that lot every ate Roth's unmatched ability. We the Magical Empire, and for the hour that I perform. I have done 5 also revlewed Aldo Colombini's record, the tricks are either very hours of phone calls, advertising, 'ltalian Salad, but ran out of time old and standard chestnuts in meetings and in general pushing my before we had a chance practice every beginners book, or else cre- show. The time and effort varies to ated by Mac for the Teach-a-trick from show to show, but you get the this card effect. idea. You can be one of these full see RING REPORT page 5 see WcM ll Page 6 time entertainers or you can have a full time job and pick up an extra show or two each week. You can't just sit back and wait for your phone to ring. You have to go flnd the work. There is more work out there than you could possibly imagine. Finding it is the key. How many times have you passed the construction of a Wal-Mart or other such new con- struction? How many times have you driven in to flnd out if they were hav- ing a grand opening and whowas see MYSTIC on page 4 time and a pleasant experience that Gre$'s Scott's they will remember long after they have forgotten my name. I want Thoughts them to remember that not all ma- Garuulity gicians are corny, nattily attired, nor Scott Wells, Cfhe President's Column) by try to embarrass them. Most of us A.t.M.C. have seen how everyone's eyes I thought the September meeting suddenly look elsewhere when the of Ring 76 was a lot of fun. And Volunteers of America magician calls for volunteer or judging from the comments lheard, a else some guy laughingly points to others enjoyed themselves also. And I recently read an editorial in a the lady sitting next to him saying why not? Our treasurer Bill Monroe magic club newsletter regarding the "pick her, pick her.'And then there selected a few dynamite effects on use of volunteers on stage. The crux are the overly anxlous (or drunk) video which we all could learn from. of the monograph was the espousal who quickly raise their hands in (Thanks also for picking up the that people prefer to watch a magic hopes of having their moment to munchies, Bill.) Having the 60-inch or show and pray that they don't get show off in the spotlight or heckle so TV certainly didn't hurt. There called out of their comfort of their seat you from the stage. Selecting the were also positive comments about to risk embarrassment on stage. right volunteer is indeed an art and the rovlng teach-in. Thanks Moreover, the job of the magician is to Dick choosing the wrong one can break Oale, to entertain without any direct inter- Jeff Marcus and Bill Monroe a show. This is nowhere more ap- for participation action with his audience. I can't more their and willingness parent than with a hypnotist. I once share some and heartily agree with the premise; how- to cool effects worked wirh a hyp who spent 15 moves with the rest ever, there are several items that I of us. mlnutes hypnotize his must address. trying to On the other hand, we were sorry subjects to no avail then finally to hear about the medical problems First of all, at the very head of closed with an apology. magic is interaction. A magician can- one of our own, Ralph Mauzy, has Although I love beautif-. y cho- been not get a proper reaction from the having. His lnability to safely reographed magic with illusions, drive, sterile atmosphere of a television stu- as well as some other activi- livestock, ano manipulat.ons, I th.nk ties, has necessary dio nor on the stage of an empty made it for him to that the audience might as well be give theatre. This is not an individual up his position with the club as watching a play or strolling through sport, but a performing art. There sergeant-at-arms. Our thoughts and a museum admiring the artwork or, prayers must be leedback, reaction, and re- are with you, Ralph, for a worse yet, sitting at home watching sponse. After all, when no one is out complete recovery. it on television. My point is that with there when we perform, it's called these types of pedormances, there l\,lagic Heritage Day, a.k.a. "Magic 'practice.' Of course, other pedorm- is no direct involYement, only pas- Day at the Villa" (or something close), ing arts don't require the audience to sive interaction where the pedormer is starting to take shape. Somehow it come on stage and interact with the gets immediate feedback in the wouldnt be the same wlthout per- orchestra, actors, nor ballet dancers; form of applause or laughter. lt is formers and fortunately lots of them however, magic is unique. lt's the in- ditflcult for one's character to flow have again volunteered to magish for teraction that sets it apart from the the public at the event on Sunday, off of the stage and into the hearts other disciplines. passive October 27. ln fact, all of the several of their audience. Several successful stage magi- folks asked to donate their perform- My performing philosophy is cians do not use audience members ances have agreed to help. Thanks that lwant to bring magic to the too for those who signed up at the during their performances. I would individual in a personal way. lf I venture to say that the majority of Ring 76 September meeting to help in can't perform for them one on one, stage magiclans (mentalists not in- some way. This will be one of our big then l'll solicit the help from an cluded) don't use volunteers. Many events of the year, lf not the biggest, audience member and interact with comedy magicians have developed to showcase the art of magic for our them on stage and let the rest of successful acts without the use of city. The San Diego Historical Soci- the audience peek in on the fun. volunteers. But there are quite a few ety's Villa Montezuma house near They could be watching from home whose acts depend heavily on the use downtown San Diego will again serve on TV, but the iact that I called on of volunteers. I am one of those. Let as the venue. one of them proves that it is real, me start at the very beginning, so no trick cameras, no bad angles, At last year's Magic Heritage Day please stick with me for the ride. we filled the house with performing and more importantly, that I could just magicians and entertained about 300 I love closeup magic because of of easily selected one of them people as they strolled from room to its intimacy. There is a bond that I try to assist. lt keeps my audience on room. We served refreshments, dis- to form with my'guests'or "friends,' their toes watching eveMhing that I played lots of old posters and showed as I like to call them, during the short do because lmay call on them classic performance videos of master time that I have to meet and entertain next. ln fact, I have so many rou- them. I want them to have a good tines that involve direct audience see IryAUSOIV p€96 4 participation, my real task is linding the same act and using the same material that doesn't involve a volun- lines, one can generally expect cer- teer yet works for my stage persona. tain responses. But each time I per- A.rK THE form, I act as if their response or my Unfortunately, it is true that there reply is being said for the very first are far too many magicians who be- time. This is what helps give the show rate, belittle, and otheMise emascu- PRO freshness. lalso believe that is late their volunteers. After someone it preferable to use a volunteer rather has overcome their momentary fear than a regular assistant because of stage fright long enough lo come audience volunteers will talk with the on stage, the last rest of their group thing that a per- after the show to former should do is my audience knows "lf prove that your renew and reinforce that I don't take the whole magic was genu- their fears by em- thing too seriously, then they ine and propagate barrassing them in won't mind coming on stage resulting front of the audi- the Ct ni! R. Cla.L to assist me . , ," m)ths that always ence. I have seen emerge wherein QUESTION: When working in a my audiences cringe when I first ask facts get blown out of proportion and restaurant or bar which more for volunteersi however, after they is the magic gets exaggerated. Fur- suitable, a tuxedo or a suit? see that everyone that I use is having thermore, they will forever have a fun and nobody is getting embar- personal memento of the magic show CURTIS CLARK: lt may depend rassed, the later volunteers come a . . . a memory that cannot extracted. on the type of establishment you bit more easily. are performing at. lf it is a fancy My philosophy has been devel- Secondly, I believe that magic upscale restaurant a tux would oped over a long period and is right probably should not be presented as a chal- be more suitable but is not for me but may not be for you. As al- lenge. lt should be presented as fun a must. Sometimes what you wear ways with my column, I want you to and entertainment for everyone in- may help you or hurt you with re- look at your own act, personality, and spect your cluding the volunteers and not at the to approach to and b+. performing situation and determine ing expense of someone who is made to accepted by the table. what is right for Just remember iook ioolish. lf my audience knows !/ou. I woiked Cive bar/restaurani the Golden Rule that can be para- a that I don't take the whole thing too (which will go unnamed) for over a phrased for magic . . . if you are go- seriously, then they won't mind com- year. This establishment was fre- ing to use volunteers, then treat them ing on stage to assist me because I quented by mostly military person- wilh the same respect that you would don't mind being the brunt of my own nel. ln this atmosphere I found a want for yourself if the roles were re- jokes; however, don't necessarily suit or just a vest and I versed. fit in better want to be made to look the fool ei- had the personality I l:'ad lo "put on" ther because it would contribute lo to entertain this type of crowd. the buffoon image that some people You have to be your own judge hold of magicians. lf you have fun on this, what do ygg feel most with your audience, then they will comfortable wearing? Are you OK have fun with you. I try to make peo- in a tux or are you more at ease in ple have fun with the situation that is a suit or sports jacket & tie? A good created and lhe magic that results. I deal of the time for restaurants and try to create a sitcom (situational clubs lwear a suit with a tie fea- comedy) on stage ihat lhey are fa- turing dice/cards etc that gives it miliar with from TV wherein a sitLra- the "maglc" touch. tion is created during the comedic interaction between the players on lf you feel good and are com- stage and magic makes everything fortable you are probably going to come out okay in the end. I want perform better and be on top of people to laugh at the situation rather your game. At the same time of than at the characters in the sitcom. I course you must look professional. lind this ditficult to do when perForm- Common sense goes a long way. ing without an assistant. DO YOU HAVE A OUESTION FOR THE Finally, I believe that the con- PRO? Send it to trolled spontaneity that is created Curtis Clark has been performing at res- during the interaction with the volun- 'Three rules ... to attaining perfeation.. taurants, clubs and conventions for ovet teer cannot be duplicated if I use a Prdctice, l\,lore Pratice, and still more Practice.' thirteen years. Curtjs pertorms at the regular assistant. I say'controlled' Mark Wilson Gathering lhursdays 6:30 - 9:00 and at because after hundreds of shows with Moose Mccillycuddy's Fridays 6:00 - 9:00. Mart Wsoh C@rce ln Meic . 16 Wauson lrcm page 2 ITIYSTIC lrcn page 1 Ring 76 Board Meeting magicians at work. The primary goals hiring entertainment? Have you seen September 16, 1996 this year will again be to amaze the a banner for the 12th annual city pic- Home ofAnn & Gary Schwartswald public and promote our craft to those nic? Did you write down the phone Attendees: Rick Bruce, Sherri Lun, Bill Mon- who attend. However, we would like number and call to see if they might roe, Don Soul. Greg wauson, end Gary Schwarlzw"ld. to fleece the ,lock just a tiny bit more Ilke a magic show'? lf they had al- Sergeant at Arms than at the 1995 event. For example, ready hired all of their entertainment, Ralph Mauzy, has unforlunately last year no fee was charged for ad- did you make note of the date and position Sergeant mittance, whereas Villa Montezuma phone number so that you could call resigned his as at-Arms for our ring. He has medi- normally requires a few bucks for a earlier next year for the 13th annual cal issues that need attention tour of the house *without* magical city picnic (if it is the 12th year, it is a his and therefore he is unable to con- entertainment. We did charge a safe bet that there will be a 13th)? The nominal amount for refreshments, tinue to serve on the board. Be creative in looking for shows. board be people to caricatures by Don Soul and the se- will contacting Don't assume that if they weren't find a replacement for Muazy. The ance performed by Rick Bruce and planning on a magician that your out. board will miss his involvement and assistants. Many times you can put the idea in we wish him well. Special thanks 90 to Rick Bruce their head and book a show where New Business there were no plane one. Never who has again volunteered to spear- for The board again discussed the potential head our team. Thanks also go to approach a customer with- issue of those stinking badges. lt out looking neat and clean. lt is not Don Soul for being Rick's right-hand was agreed that Jim Fry will run a always necessary to be ln a suit and man. As mentioned at the Ring 76 new set of badges that match our tie button the other hand you can't be meeting, all board members have current membership. The badges ln shorts and sandals. ALWAYS carry also agreed to help in this effort. lt's for board members will be slightly *you* business cards. This is flie mosl cost not too late for to assist. Just ditferent so that board members form is. call any of the board members and etfective of advertising there can easily be identified in case of we'll do our best to put you to work as (Joe Mystic is a full time entedainer an emergency or a question. go-fer, refreshment a ticket laker, and the President of Entertainers Di- The board decided to reinstate bouncer or inter- server, dogcatcher, rect, lnc. (an entertainment booking the Member Directory. A form will national relations consultant. company). Joe books approximately be developed by Rick Bruce and Until next time... 1,500 shows for children and adult sent out with a newsletter. Please parties each year. Joe personally fill out the form completely and re- Greg performs at 300 to 350 of these turn so we can have an accurate shows yearly. lf you nave any ques- and complete l\.4ember Oirectory. tions or need help with an idea, you Don Soul has agreed to design a can call and talk with Joe at 278- new cover. Vou Con Be lhe Diftarcnco 4557.\ The board will have member- ship applications at each ring Volunteer! meeting. See BoARD oo Page 7 Magic Dry at the Wlla A Ring Zd Sponsored San Diego Community Magic Event Sunday 0ctober 27
Magicians, performers, supporters and helpers of all kinds needed.
Call: Rick Bruce 299-1875 conducted our raffle three RING REPORT frcm page 1 in which prizes awarded to members and Our business meeting began with guests. For ihe second month in a President Greg Wauson welcoming row, no board member won the raffle. 23 members and introducing our There were 'California three strikes' three guests for the evening. Otflcers comments made. We'll see how the I.B.M. Ring 76 gave pajnless and brief reports. The raffle goes next month. cost of our newsletter (Magi)urrents) The entertainment/instruction for was questioned. Treasurer Bill Mon- Board of Directors the evening was provided by Dick roe assured the membership that Dale, Jeff Marcus, (raffles) costs will be easily covered and the Bill 1997 newslefter will continue in its ou! Monroe, and Greg Wauson. Each of these magicians had a group ring Greg Wauson - President standing format, even if Monroe has of members and 10 1 1007 Red Robin Place to pay for it himself. The October minutes in which to teach effect. '10 meeting will focus on a community an After minutes San Diego, CA 92126 members moved to the next instruc- event, Maqic Dav at the Villa. and on (619) 566-56s4 spooky magic. tor. This conlinued until each group of [email protected] members worked with each per- President Wauson introduced re- former. Dale did a dynamite skong Sherry Luft - Vice President nowned (Magiourrerts.) author and string effect. Marcus taught us the 3760 Florida St. #208 world traveler, Jim Jolly. Jolly has basics and finer points of the Elmsley San Diego, CA 92104 gladly submitted excellent artictes to Count. Monroe led us through the (619) 543-03s4 our newsletter and has helped to de- Asher Twist by Lee Asher and Wau- Iight our readership. The Magic Cas- son did a snappy job teaching us a Bill Monroe - Treasurer tle hosted Ring 76 members in flip stick move with a Bic pen. All the 589 North Johnson, Apt 257 August. As expected the evening was instructors did a great job and all of El Cajon, CA 92020 informative and fun for the dozen us learned some more magic. (619) s90-1 134 members that attended. Wauson The evening concluded sadly announced that Sergeant-at- with David <
MagiCunents Hollotloon 4046 Caminito TeNiso San Diego, CA 92122-1993 Mogic Pre-meeting: Penn & Teller ",r,"Jay Leno Show aro Octobor 14, 1996 6:30 PM ooo Roy & Betty Armstrong Froncis Pork School 2548 Liftleton Road El Cajon, CA g2O2O 650.l Lindo Visto Rd Son Diogo, Cll