Scripting and Magic

[Chris Schuh]

Alright, everyone knows that I’m a big supporter of long, very detailed, very thorough scripts. I find them to be not only a fun part of practicing my magic during the planning stage, but it also allows me to go back and look at what I’m really saying and what that implies or could imply to the audience. I find that scripts are a very important part of magic – much like having an organized routine.

Perhaps one of the biggest draw backs on scripts is people complaining that they don’t want to seem like they are simply reciting lines. They feel that without a script, it forces them to think on the spot and it brings an “improv” element to the performance. I can see where they are coming from, but this excuse is simply too weak to stand on its own.

Not using a script because you don’t want to sound like you are reciting lines is a reflection on your abilities and talents as an actor. It has nothing to do with the script itself (unless you are a poor writer). I was watching Forrest Gump the other day and thinking about how Tom Hanks prepares for his movies and thinking about him reading the scripts before he even signs on. Then, it hit me.

When I watch a great actor perform in a movie, I know that there was a script for virtually every single thing that happens. However, if the acting and story are good enough, then I completely forget about it. Hearing him talk about being shot “in the buttocks” came from lines. However, I was listening and imagining that event, rather than thinking about him reciting lines or reading off of cue cards that were placed off-camera. His acting abilities turned the script into something more – something real.

Now, I know that people feel restricted when they are in a scripted environment, but when you don’t write one out; I have noticed that lots of performers usually have very similar words and timing with those words in their performances. Rather than taking the time to write out the script, they have simply done it so many times that the script has been developed completely in their minds and then committed to memory.

While this can work, I still feel like you can grow and develop your effects a lot faster if you write out your scripts rather than developing them on the fly. Scripts don’t restrain you at all, they give you freedom to break free from the thinking part of your lines and allow you to focus on the audience.

Think about this for a second. You want to have your hands so well practiced and rehearsed that you can execute the technical aspects of your effects flawlessly, precisely, and without much conscious thought. You don’t want to be thinking of the effect as “double lift, then pass, then tilt, then palm, then this, then that.” Instead, you just want to think “I’m going to do this effect” and your hands automatically take over instinctively. This gives you the freedom to forget focusing on the technical aspects of your performance to focus on other things.

Well, with that in mind, why do you want the words coming out of your mouth to be different? Wouldn’t you rather have that same precision with your words and gestures? Wouldn’t you rather free your mind of worrying about what to say next so you can focus on other things? You don’t want your hands to give any “signs” that you aren’t ready, but doesn’t fumbling around with your words give the same impression?

Furthermore, all of the magicians that you look up to, all the “big names” in the industry, and many of the most talented “soon to be discovered” magicians in the world work from scripts. If it’s good enough for them and they see the value in it, then why do we disagree? Many people try to emulate these magicians by either performing the same style or the same effects that they do, but why not try to emulate the characteristics that made these magicians the successes that they are? Why not try to become more like them with your practice and preparation habits and then become more like yourself during the shows?

There are a lot of questions here and I don’t mean for anyone to answer them. In fact, I’d rather if you didn’t. Instead, just keep those answers to yourself. Also, don’t reply to this thread complimenting me or thanking me for it. Saying “good post, I really liked it” is nice to hear, but I wouldn’t want to hear that in this specific case. If you have some real thoughts on the matter and something to contribute more than a pat on the back, then please be my guest.

I’m going to leave you with one last question that again, I do not want you to post the answer to.

“What is the real reason behind my distaste for scripting my material?”

Cheers,

Chris

[Jason.Michael]

Chris,

You bring up a lot of good points, especially the Forrest Gump example.

Although I don't work off a script, I do understand where you're coming from. How much more powerful could my magic be if, not only my actions were prepared, but my words as well?

I did a lot of acting in high school. One thing I learned about scripts is that they aren't there to hold you down or restrain you. I think a lot of people feel that scripts need to be followed exactly the way they are written. This is not true at all....at least I don't believe so.

I've been working in radio for almost 3 years now. Scripts and lines are a part of the on-air job. One thing we're told is to not follow the script exactly, but instead, add your own personality to it. The same goes for the acting in high school. I added my own personality to my lines which helped strengthen my character and keep the play flowing well.

So I believe scripting can help out a lot. Yes, I'm guilty of not using one, but I totally understand why it would only help me, if done correctly. By adding a script to my magic, I'm able to prepare the words I say, which would allow me to make a stronger connection with my audience. I can draw them in easier and make my magic have a strong impact. Plus, a script can add to my character and really help people remember me.

One thing I've always learned about performing magic is that people should remember you, not what tricks you did. I believe a script can help me accomplish this.

[Jonathan Bagwell]

Although I agree that scripting is a very good idea for many people, I don't agree with scripting as much as I should. I'm not saying it's you that I disagree with completely, but the idea of scripting isn't going to work for every aspects of magic in my opinion.

Now, when you bring movies into the subject, you bring up a very good point. Yes, Tom Hanks brings excellent acting skills in his performances, and is one of my favorite actors. However, Tom Hanks is reciting his scripts to another actor that is responding to his scripts with, scripts.

Yes, some people don't have that split second thinking, that on the spot script that comes naturally to others. For them, maybe it's necessary to have a bit more script, and yes, possibly fully written script. However, for others, yes, including myself, a script isn't always necessary.

You mentioned that some memorize their script overtime. Well, this is close to my situation. Every year since I was 4 I had learned about 1-2 effects a year up intil my latter teen years when I started learning more and more effects a year. With those single effects, I could easily perfect the script for the situation, on the spot. I would have a general idea of what is important, and include the lines, but I've learned that the rest should come from the heart.

Now, with acting, it isn't all completely scripted. There are many actors that I highly look up to in the acting business that have more improv than we'll ever know. DVD is a blessing when it comes to finding out information like that.

I'll give an example, George Clooney, and Brad Pitt in Ocean's Eleven, one of my favorite movies. I won't mention what they said, but at the end of the movie when they made comments about the other's attire, it was hillarious, on the spot, and not scripted.

Another fine example of unscripted material would be Jim Carrey, one of the greatest at not only scripts, but the script of movement as well.

Alright, I agree that some people want to use their improv as an excuse to get right to the magic, and "wow" people, and yes, that is lazy. However, there are those of us that don't perform unless we know we have something, and that includes performance, effects, technical skills, (props), and other important necessesities to create a remarkable routine. I myself may perform once a year or every 6 months, except to my family and friends who are my test subjects for trial and error.

With most subjects, I completely agree with you Chris, but for this particular subject, there is a bit of difference in opinion on things. Also, I hope this isn't one of those responses you didn't want here.

[Mike Delbert]

Even if one chooses not to script (everyone should at least try it a few times) you should definitely have a "game plan" or direction. The presentation does not have to sound like you are reading or memorizing, at bare minimum . . . have a well thought out idea of "where you are going" and "where you want to go" with the effect.

Kudos!
MJD

[John34607]

I'm going to have to ask for clarity for the little guy once again. What and how on God's green earth do you script effects like 'Here then There'? Some effects just don't go too well with words.

Not scripting other effects (and routines) that do need scripts is just laziness. I'm lazy and don't have quality scripts for every effect I perform. All of you that are on the fence about scripting or saying it's not necessary. Let me try to pursuade you a little differently then Chris did. Scripting is every bit as important as routining. Without routining, you can just go from effect to effect and the audience will enjoy it. Without scripting, your audience will enjoy it. Using good routining and everything works that much better and the reactions become stronger. The audience can make more sense out of what you're doing (everything has a purpose). Same thing with scripting. There's no chance a missing an important point of the effect, or emotional hook. It makes your magic stronger.

I still want to know how we're suppost to script effects like Cros Twist though. Effects like these, I let the cards do the talking.

[Roy Ornelas]

Scripting should be something every magician does if he wants to make his presentations better.

You dont have to follow the script verbatim (though you should -- for other reasons which I wont discuss now) but you should at least write the script. By writing the script, you accomplish a number of items which will help your performances in the long run.

In Scripting, you begin to personalize, visualize, and analyze your performances.

Taking the famous Nike slogan:

"Just do it."

[Mike Delbert]

If you perform any effect without words, you should write out the silent script . . . what goes on in your head and what you should be doing and what you are going to be doing.

There are many parts to a script, some people think that a script is actually just what one says during an effect/routine/act. It does not have to be limited to that at all. The more you include the more you can benefit from it.

Such as writing the method the secret moves-( "Chi" Moves: if you have The Secret Art of Magic Book) in one color. Writing verbally said words in another color, writing the actions that are delievered with a certain word or phrase. Write different scenarios (plan A, plan B, etc) in another color.

For example: What if an effect relies on a classic force . . . . . and it fails, is there a back up plan for that effect, can you still continue it with a variation or do you sweat a little, turn pale, eyes get watery and improvise with something that has been less thought out?

[runningmagic]

if im just in a stroling performing situation or out on the streets i dont have a script. Though if im called to do a standing performance i.e. birthday party i will most defiently script it out completly. I beleive that a script can be good in some situations and maybe not so needed in others.
If you use or dont use scripts the one thing that you have to be prepared for is human reactions. You can never guess how a person will act.

Paul

[Mike Delbert]

I have to disagree runningmagic . . . . sorry.

Take a moment to think about it. You are stopping a stranger on the streets. They are giving you there precious time and attention, ontop of that, there is really NOTHING from them to gain. . . .that is a lot. One should make that moment memorable that they actually feel utterly happy that they stopped to see you. Unless one is a SUPREME SHOWMAN, I find that hard to accomplish . . . without, not necessarily a script, but a firm plan in place.

And really it is not human reaction, it is human interaction that we truly must prepare for . . . . there are all different types of people . . . so at bare minimum, a general plan of attack should be withing place.

I guess it really boils down to is what is really and truly perceived as a "script" and how to apply it. Just because one has a script, it does not mean they can't venture off of it. That is ok, because you want to stick to the current situation and that precise moment in time. If something funny transpires during a serious script . . . stop and laugh with the crowd, go with the flow.

So I agree and disagree depending on what you truly mean by the word script.

[Piao Bo]

only an aspect of magic...
wow guys...(and/or girls :P)
you all seem to think that a script is actually that important...
i personnally dont.

the acting involved in magic isnt the same as the acting
involved in a movie. the actor plays a role thats is frozen in
time, all his environment is determined. the character of
the actor have a script because he is always gonna have to
answer to the same person, and to the same line. actually i think
that as much as an actor in a movie needs a script, a magician
needs to have no defined scipt.

it isnt an absolute rule for a movie to be all scripted....
some films dont have a rigid script that needs to be followed
carfully...they just have a guide line and the actors just act it
throughout the movie. maybe you never saw a film like that but
just think of how it is possible... or just how sometimes, a line
can change because the author just though how it would fit
better the character to "say it like that"...but eventho the
scripting of a movie can be flexible and not totaly unchangeable...
it needs to be scripted. that is kind of what a movie is.

and also, magic can be all scripted and calculated.
you can come up with an all-thought-of routine, know exactly
what you are gonna say and do, when you are gonna smile and
when you are gonna look serious. you can have all your lines
wrote down... have it all scripted. but eventho you came up with
something already scripted, you need to adapt to the situation,
its not an all-artificial-created context...and you dont know the end...

i think its true that not having a script forces you to think on the
spot...and that is also what acting in magic should be in my
opinion. the excuse of this, chris, being too weak to stand on its own,
is itself an excuse too weak to stand on its own... like most of excuses.
but anyway the point, i think, is not that not havong a script forces
you to think on the spot...it allows you to do so.

in both a movie and in a magic performance you have to
harmonize the on the spot acting and scripted elements.
but in a movie the script rules,
in a magic performance the moment rules.

how much you gonna script your performance is a question of preferences

i personnaly dont like the idea of having my script wrote down.
to be frank, i hate it lol. but that is my personal opinion i guess...
i think the verbal presentation is way too important to be scripted.
you will probably regulary say similar things.... since you also
repeat the same effects, but not exactly the same...
i really beleive it would be extremly restrictive to use a same script
over and over from a performance to another... just because you learned
it well and look natural when you say it doesnt mean it is the best thing to
say at that particular moment to that particualr person.

exemple
imagine you are selling goods in a store. would you say exactly the
same lines to every clients to sell them your merchandise ?? i say
you d better have to tell eachone what they need to hear in order to sell
your product. (awww.... what a nasty job hehe) well it is the same with
"selling" your effects. any given situation isnt necessarly good for
your script if you have one.

i dont remember where i read that, but it said : you gotta ask yourself ..
what if you were really doing magic ? what would you do ? what would
you say ? well if you were really doing magic, you wouldnt have a script
thats for sure... unless you would (a blink to brad here hehe ;)...
youd just do your magic and tell em what is happenning as you do it,
or stay quiet, who knows...

[Mike Delbert]

But they do have a plan, and form of direction, through the written word.

[Piao Bo]

argh..... could you be more specific ?

[Mike Delbert]

yes . . . a mental script of words, presentation, showmanship and actions. Have a plan . . .a roadmap on how you want things to transpire. For example two card monte, people have a general idea and a mental script of the gambling plot.

[Chris Schuh]

Personally, I've always found it funny how there are so many mis-conceptions with scripting.

"I don't use scripts because I don't want to be forced to just use the script and nothing else."

Just because you have a script, it doesn't mean that you have to repeat it word for word every time. Having a script offers you the freedom to just use the script for the situations when the great things to say simply aren't there. You can use it as a "fall back plan" just in case you're not feeling particularly "funny" or whatever that day. No one is forcing you to stick to the script like glue, once you have written it.

"I don't like to script but I know what I'm going to say beforehand anyways."

Well, I have a surprise for you - you are using a script. You don't have to write out every line down on paper to be using a script. If you have even one line that you want to say on a consistent basis, then you have a script in your mind. I just have discovered that if you write it down, then you can ensure that you get the most from that line.

"I like things to be more free-flowing and improvisational rather than being tied to a script."

Again, you're not forced to use the script and only the script. However, having one allows you to be free-flowing when you can be and still perform when you aren't. As for the improve element to your performances, if you feel like you're just reciting the script, then you are. Good actors in live theatre that require audience participation (it's a lot like magic) don't give the impression that they are just spitting out the scripted lines. You have to work at your magic and get into it. You can be boring and just "spit out lines' with or without a script. The fault is not in the script itself, but in poor acting abilities.

Don’t confuse yourselves at all - we are acting during our performances. I would not call ourselves actors, but to deny that there is any acting at all in our performances (even close-up) is ridiculous.

"I like to think on the spot during my magic."

Why? Why add extra pressure to yourself? All great magicians place 95% of their focus exactly where it should be: on the audience. You have to project yourself, observe them, and interact with them. If you are focused on thinking of something to say next, it creates unwanted stalls or pauses in the effect. It makes you look unprepared. You want your sleights and technical handlings to be smooth and flowing - so you practice the whole effect from start to finish. Not scripting is like working on a sleight here and there and then trying to string them together during a performance and hoping for the best.

"I perform close-up magic or strolling magic on the street (sometimes called "Street Magic), so I don't need a script."

Why is that? Why is the genre and performing location governing if you use a script or not? Isn't that... silly? So, only stage magicians need to script? C'mon now...

"I just don't see the benefits."

That is truly a shame. I can honestly assure you that the only people really missing out are those you are performing for. You might disagree with me, but then you are also disagreeing with virtually every single "big name" magician out there. If they are all on board with this idea, what makes you think that you are right and they are wrong?


To be honest, I see lots of magicians performing unscripted material and I feel two things. The first is sadness at the spectators who clearly know that this guy is flying by the seat of his pants. The second is happiness is because after seeing that guy, they will realize that I'm a much more professional and talented magician. In the interest of progressing the art and making it stronger as a whole, I wish that everyone would script. In the interest of making myself look better than the rest, I wish that no one would script except me.

The choice is yours and quite honestly, I knew that I wouldn't change anyone's mind on scripting. I'll just save the comments that I have personally heard from spectators on the guys who don't script to myself.

Cheers,

Chris

[Mike Delbert]

I strongly believe in a script. Like I said before, you are stopping a stranger to show them something . . . wouldn't you want it to be the best? It is like giving a speech. Don't you prepare somehow? Don't you want to entertain or get a messege across? More importantly, don't you want them to come back and see you and spread the word on how good you are? Unless you have an ego thing going that please disregard this entire thread!

One should try to script at LEAST once. You will see how much smoother everything is. Don't you want to make magic easier for yourself? This is the way, a well thought out plan of action.