KYLE’S KORNER
At the Venue: A Simple Check List - Kyle Peron
I have recently been talking with someone about some things that performers should be aware of when going to a venue and setting up. These are things we discussed that often times get overlooked or not thought about until it is too late. I thought I would list for you my own top 10 list of ideas and suggestions. I hope they may be of help to you.
1) Give yourself plenty of time - Simply stated you do not ever want to get to a place with "just" enough time to set up. There will ALWAYS be unexpected problems or issues you may have not thought of. For the manipulator, rushing is a huge obstacle and problem you want to try and avoid. By rushing you tend to 1) get more nervous and 2) not set up properly. Allow yourself enough time to get to the event so you can set up and relax and have extra time for unexpected items that come up from time to time.
2) Do NOT just start setting up - Too many times a manipulative act will just arrive and start setting up where he or she finds a place. This is a bad practice. Make sure to always be a professional and greet and meet the client and the stage techs first before anything else. They are the ones who you are working for and with and you need them to be on your side. Show them the respect up front and they will thank you for it.
3) Be watchful for where you set up - First I always ask where would be a good spot for me to set up and I work with the people to choose a spot. They know the show and other acts better then I do and may have an idea as to what will work out best for them. I can then work with them on this location for set up. Also be cautious when setting up hat you are not setting up in a high traffic area or next to doors and windows that may cause wind issues.
4) Take time to Strike the stage - This means to take the time out to go out on the stage (when proper to do so) and go over the best spot for your tables and for yourself. Check every aspect of your act and movement in the act. You should be checking for lighting areas to make sure you are lit well (go over this with the tech crew) and also make sure you have friends or someone who can check your angles for you from the far extremes (front and back) of the audience area. This will help you to know where best to mark the stage and what you can and can not do in the performance that day.
5) DO make a tech sheet ahead of time - If you are working with any stage type crew whether a theater or a smaller venue or even a festival, make sure you have a tech sheet for your act. Tech sheets can include placement of your equipment, all music and cues for it as well as lighting cues. This should be on a sheet that is easy to read and follow. This way you are already for the tech crew to be able to assist you better.
6) DO make back ups of your music - Always carry a back up of your music and pack it in 2 different spots. This will help in the event you misplace one. It also helps in the event a tech crew misplaces your music or if they forget to give it back to you after your show. It is just a good practice.
7) DO find out where you are in the show - If you are performing your own show and you are the only act, then just simply verify the start time. If you are part of a show where you may be sharing the stage with others, find out who is before you and after you so you know when to finish your last set ups for your "get ready". Knowing who follows you can help you to be courteous of their needs as well.
8) Do carry extra props as needed - It is always a good practice to carry extra sets of cards or silks or items that you use in your act. In the event something goes wrong or gets damaged or lost, it is nice to know you have back ups ready.
9) DO be aware of how warm or cold it is - simply take into consideration how warm or cold it is where you are performing. If your hands are cold, it will be much harder to do any sleights that may be needed in the show. Keep the hands warm with some gloves if need be.
10) DO check the stage flooring - Not all stages are built right and if you are doing a small venue or a festival, then you may also run into stages that areas sectioned together. Walk through the stage area and check to see if there are uneven areas or areas you need to be aware of when you are moving about. Try and mark these areas with tape so that you can be aware of them when setting up a table or walking on stage.
I hope these 10 ideas are of help to you. As always, I encourage you the readers to let me know your thoughts. So if you have any thoughts on my articles or suggestions or comments, please feel free to e-mail me directly at magic4u02@aol.com. I would love to hear from you.
JEFF McBRIDE
Jeff McBride will be in the area from June 13 through June 15. At the SAM #161 meeting this month, Jaysin said he plans to see him and would be happy to bring along anyone who would like to join him. If you would like to go, please contact Jaysin at matrix1370@aol.com for complete details.
WORDS OF WISDOM
"The art of medicine consists in amusing the patient while nature cures the disease."
Voltaire
"I've got a wonderful doctor. If you can't afford the operation, he touches up the X rays."
Henny Youngman
He may be a quack but you can't duck his bill.
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SCHEDULE FOR THE YEAR 2009:
June 16 Al Hillman Excellence in Magic Competition
July 21 Childrens Magic
August 18 Annual Picnic/Pool Party
Sept. 15 Jeopardy Game Show Nite
October ? Jim Angelo Mentalism and Card Magic Competition
Nov. 17 Nomination of officers and Lecture TBA
Dec. 15 Holiday Party & Initiation
We meet at: The Stelton CommunitWe Community Center, 328 Plainfield Avenue, Edison, NJ; on the third Tuesday of every month; doors open at 6:30 p.m. – Meeting starts at 7:00 p.m. You are invited to join us for coffee at the Duchess Diner in Metuchen after the meeting.