What to do for my act - needs immediate fixing!

[Juggalicious]

Hey guys, I dont throw the knife or anything all I do is blindfold the volunteer then place an apple already cut in half on the groud near the volunteer then when I pretend to cut the apple I just take it off and hide it so when unmasked the volunteer believes that it was cut on his/her head. I also go through a segment before the volunteer is blindfolded where I "practice" cutting the apple in half on a styrofoam head-- and when I go for the test run I stab the head and the knife gets stuck...

I know I need to come up with a new bit... it's just that the audition is the only time I would have to try the bit - and I don't want to try a BRAND NEW routine out at an audition for a top notch place-

I realize that I will need new material in the future I just don't have anything right now- and while I am trying to think of another bit I don't want to risk doing something that will fail miserably at the audition... I would rather do something that I know will work and is funny.

[theincrediblelarry]

How about this, just for a different perspective, are you auditioning, or is the bit auditioning. You dont have to do the best trick, you just have to be your best. I auditioned for the hall a several years ago, and did a bad ass trick, but did not get called, instead of taking my time and doing my best to show them who I am or what my personality is like, I relied on my best technical material, which was inappropriate for the venue. Make them like you, because thats what its all about. People tip an act because they like the performer, not the skill. you can do it. try juggling 3 balls and some really good personality, some clean jokes, whatever. You are the one who has to give them what they want, not what you want.

[le pire]

Here's my advice:

Rehearse. Go to a neutral space, set up a video camera and just jam in front of it. Improvise. Throw out ideas. Create. Even if it's awful. Especially if it's awful. Then watch the tape. Watch it again and then a third time. Note which ideas you liked and chuck everything else.

Go back and rehearse again this time go back to your 'good ideas' and try and take them further. Try new stuff. Watch the tape three times and take notes. Then go back and do it again and again and again and again...

Acting is ACTION and your probably not going to get much better by talking about it or thinking about it or watching videos. If that were the case I'd be a seven club juggler by now and Roger Ebert would be a fantastic film-maker.

Good luck,


étienne

[Juggalicious]

are you trying to say that roger ebert is a bad filmmaker-!!

Thats what I want to do show them the funny me the part of me that everyone likes- thats why this part of my audition would be good because it shows who I really am=

[Steven Ragatz]

Although I understand what others are going for with the "show them who you are" idea, I disagree with it in this context. An audition for a performing spot is about auditioning the material. You aren't going for a role in a scripted play, you are showing your act, and the auditioners are going to be imagining how that act would fit in with their venue. If they have a "no knife" rule, then I would expect that a routine relying on a knife would not be considered, and my not even be viewed.

If I were sitting behind the audition table, I would stop the routine as soon as the knife made it's first appearance. Good, bad or indifferent, bottom line is that it isn't allowed and won't fit the bill.

Tell you what, if you are so concerned with winning this particular spot, why don't you either contact the people who lead the auditions, or at the very least get in touch with some of the other performers who already work the pitch? Ask their advice about which bits would make the most convincing audition, and either show them live, or play them a video. Don't try to "explain" the routine - it never works and nobody will "get it" through narrative. Pick your friends carefully and don't be surprised to find that not everyone wants to help, but given the camaraderie of P.net, and what I have witnessed first hand at MotionFest, I suspect you could find one or two allies who would give you an honest critique and help you present yourself in the best possible way.

There is always the chance that you won't get the gig. Although I hear that FH offers a good pitch, there are performing and learning opportunities all around. You may have to go looking for them, but with a little faith and a lot of sweat, anything is possible.

Steven Ragatz

[ 04-04-2003: Message edited by: Steven Ragatz ]</p>

[Mr.Taxi Trix]

Sorry to drive the reality train, but you are up against some of the best acts in the biz at FH, and from your posts, you sound new to the game, with, albeit, some part time chops, and this one bit that really works. Play Harvard Square, there are no knife regs there, as far as I know, and only a permit to buy. Do the audition, by all means, but take time to develop the act, too.

Get a drummer. Get a drummer and a scantily clad dancer. Get a drummer, a scantily clad dancer, and a romantic interest. Get a drummer, a scantily clad dancer, a romantic interest, a conflict, two plot twists, and about five years of full time experience. That'll cinch it.

[ 04-04-2003: Message edited by: Mr.Taxi Trix ]</p>

[le pire]

Ah the paradox of performing... you want everyone to see "you" and the reason people watch a performer is because they want to see themselves. We're all egomaniacs...


étienne

[Juggalicious]

You know I hear alot about people performing at Harvard Square but whenever I go there I never see anyone doing it - granted I dont go to the city that much - but still - I never see anyone... and Ive walked around there a bit where do people actually perform - the only spot I could see as reasonable would be right as people come up from teh subway at the sort of center island thing.... Big Show tomorrow

[jugglermatt1]

Dont keep on talking about it , do it . You will probably never know what the `people see in your show . What you have to see , is people enjoying your show , or leaving in droves . All this audition nonsence .

[Mark Wessels]

I couldn't agree with you more. Get out there. It's ok to do shitty street shows. Hell it's necesary to do shitty street shows. You learn REAL quick out there. If you keep at it you might even get good. That's what we're banking on I guess. I'm sure I'll see you out there. (I'm the rooky without a crowd.) Struggle. You'll love it

Mark