help

[crazyjugglers]

we are a double act, we have recently been asked to do a big gig that we really need to do well at, we have been working outt a new routine but we need something as a run for our grand finale (balancing on beer barrels whilst passing knives), and ideas suggestions or comments would be most apprecated, thanks
tom

[Steven Ragatz]

Beer barrels, eh?

Instead of knives, why not pass empty beer bottles? Every time you drop and break one, you have to go get another beer, drink it (to empty the bottle), and try again. After one or two drops, the act quickly dissolves into intentionally dropping so that you have the opportunity to "make" more props.

The way I see it, either you get the last trick right the first time, or you stop caring. Win - win.

Free advice, and worth every penny.

Steven Ragatz

[Todd]

I dont know if this will help at all, but I think it is a good way to get the brain moving to coming up with something that fits you and what you want to do. This is not original to me, but it was advice given out by Andrew Conway who moderates the jugglers news group. Try this, make a list of poetental top acts you want to do, have seen done, or have thought impossible, or think of props that you have always wanted to try or currently use, then sub in a diffrent prop to use in the bit. For example, think of all the stuff you have done with club passing and then sub in the diabolo for clubs, insted of walking a wire while you club pass try walking a bed of glass. Insted of a hanging straight jacket escape, pass torches while hanging 15 feet in the air. Just some stuff from off the top of my head. As you brainstorm dont throw out any ideas (Steves idea above is a pretty good sub) let all the ideas stay in the pot. DOnt neg anything, just say yes to all ideas so your brain can just go. You might just find something great there that is all yours.

Rock on.

[Mr.Taxi Trix]

After a drop, you both silently put on glasses from your pockets. stop. Look at the audience, and, at the same time, say "beer glasses". (unless you are working without drops, in which case you can make it a tension increaser just before you start... you could also escalate to beer goggles, beer helmets, ect.) Joust into each other with the knives, and deadpan announce "Beer Barrel Polker" Depending on what you do earlier, you could stack them vertically with a board between them, and do one routine up top, getting more credit on balance than you deserve.

"we learned this routine the morning after a high school party."

This is so lame, but reference to stuff they know just works - tweak before using- after a fast walk- "I coulda been a log driver."

"We didn't want to do the act this way at first, but this is our response to beer pressure."

"If you applaud enough, we'll tap 'em."

Give volunteer emergency brown bag... they open it to reveal a tap... "If he gets hit with a knife, draw me one fast."

Do modifications on current beer advert slogans.

cheers.

*

[ 08-29-2002: Message edited by: Mr.Taxi Trix ]</p>

[Steven Ragatz]

There is a great deal of repertoire from vaudeville acts using common kitchen props, especially glasses. Flair manipulation, glass towers, shaker cups, etc. all come to mind as relevant techniques. Chair balancing on beer bottles would also be a good one.

A beer themed show would probably find a very nice niche doing frat parties, stag parties and working the bar/club circuit.

Steve

P.S. If your going that route, you could call yourselves the "Brews Brothers".

[Lynneski]

[quote]Originally posted by Steven Ragatz:
<strong>
A beer themed show would probably find a very nice niche doing frat parties, stag parties and working the bar/club circuit.

</strong><hr></blockquote>

Not to mention frosh/pledge weeks, Oktoberfests, food and wine shows, "Taste of ..." festivals, and any beer tent anywhere...

[The Invincible Mal Fortune]

[quote]Originally posted by Steven Ragatz:
P.S. If your going that route, you could call yourselves the "Brews Brothers".[/QB]<hr></blockquote>

Or how about "Brewer's Troupe".

Mal

[crazyjugglers]

hey to everyone who gave us any input, thank you alot, as i try and type we are combing many of your suggestions passing beer bottles and tring to pass 48 of them, well were just drinking the beer at the moment, but well you get the idea. thanks again you have all been a great help!
cheers tom + will of the pig's ear juggling company!