Close-Up Magic (strolling or walk around) requires no special
staging.
Stage Magic requires staging, even if the stage is just the
floor!
There are generally
two types of performance areas:
elevated and on the floor,
and two types of elevated stages,
platforms or risers:
portable or permanent.
In banquet rooms in which the
audience is all on one level and seated in rounds of 8, the
following applies:
For audiences of 24 to 56, the
magic show can be performed on the floor. A 12 to 18 inch
riser is best if there are two rows of tables.
For audiences of 56 to 100,
most people will see everything if the show is on the floor,
but it would be best to have an 18 to 24 inch high platform
or stage.
For audiences of 100 - 600,
a stage is necessary in order that everyone can see without
moving from their seats. The best stage heights range from
24 to 36 inches.
Steffan Soule's Fast
Paced Non-Stop Magic should have a 16
foot across x 12 foot deep stage, and it can
be performed on a 12 foot across x 8 foot deep stage.
This show also plays on a theatre size stage.
Steffan Soule's Grand
Illusion Show can be done on a 12 x 8 foot stage
with extra floor space in an emergency, but it should
have a 16 foot across x 12 foot deep on up to a 24 x
16 foot stage. This show also fills a theatre size stage.
All stage shows can be performed
on the floor (carpet or dance floor). Just use the same
dimensions for floor space as for the stage area which
is described above.
When there is a will there is
a way. With careful design and a little magic, Steffan has
put shows that are too big for the space into areas that
are too small for the show. The information here is to assist
us in creating ideal staging conditions for the magic show.
Although it is possible for us to perform with people on
both sides or completely surrounded, below is
a sample of the angles that are best for magic.
WHEN is the best time to start
the Magic Show?
IF
Your event is a Corporate Event
with a
Sit Down Meal, Magic Show and
an Additional Program
THEN,
Begin the Magic Show right after
the meal: when meal service is finished
OR,
Before dessert. (Have dessert
after the show.)
AND
Before any Additional Program
especially if the additional
program is more than 15 minutes.
Hit them with the MAGIC FIRST.
Putting the show on before any
additional programs ensures a lively audience. The show
brings everyone together, gives people an incredible experience
to refer to throughout the event and entertains with fun
and astonishment.
Your Corporate programs are
enhanced when they take place right after the show.
Visual Art
Magic Shows are enhanced by
the full attention of the audience with particular emphasis
on vision.
Just as when you have live music,
you minimize other sounds, (ie: turn off loud fans or appliances);
when you have MAGIC, you minimize other sights,
(ie: servers walking past, meals being eaten).
Example Itinerary (for maximum
magical impact)
Guests Arrive
(Close-Up Magic is best during
the social hour)
Meal
Meal Service Finished
Emcee Welcomes Guests*
Emcee Introduces Magic Show
MAGIC SHOW
Emcee Thanks Steffan Soule for
the incredible show and Introduces Program
Program (if any)
*It sometimes helps the audience
to focus on the stage area if there is a 5 to 15 minute
program prior to the magic show. (This often can take place
during dessert or the end of a meal.)
There are numerous other ways
to present high quality events. These ideas are useful to
the extent that they help our creative planning.
