There are some books, vidoes / DVDs that discuss the issue of "Crowd Control" or "How To Handle That One Disruptive Spectator". The one who interrupts your routine by exclaiming: "I know how it's done... I know how it's done!
Or how about the spectator who is "burning" your hands for every movement because his ego is into the game of: "I'm not going to let this fool, fool me !"The various remedies given for crowd control are REACTIVE at best. You give the cards or coins to the spectator who knows it all and they can't do the trick. If you have the patience of Malini, you can out wait the spectator who is burning your hands. With the one who is utterly unmanagable, you can stop the performance and bring forth the scorn of the group and hope social pressured guilt will give him an ulcer.
There's a PROACTIVE measure / method that will help minimize the worst of spectators. It's one of the best methods for real crowd control in a Close-up or Parlor setting.
The method is : reciting and using names. There is one fact of human nature --- everyone loves to hear their name used correctly and often. By using a spectator's name throughout your performance you create an "entertainment relationship" with the spectator(s). This method of connecting with the spectator will minimize counteractive behavior and will maximize the we-as-a-team attitude.
An example of patter utilizing name reciting: "What's your name"? Reply: "JANE". Performer: "JANE, will you please select a card freely. Thanks. JANE, please remember your card for US. Now JANE will you" ... ect.
As a performer, you can be reactive or proactive with managing spectators. We often create our own demons. Small things (name reciting) can make big things happen. Using spectors' names in a proactive fashion is one of the true Tools of Magic.
Last Edited Guest on 2-May-2005 11:11 AM
