I have seen some mixed reviews on this lecture, so I thought I'd pick it up and toss in my opinion.

Doug is a real worker. He's out busking all the time and I believe has been doing it for a living for years. On this lecture he talks mostly about tricks, but there is absolutely some theory on here too.

The way that he speaks is notably different than his DVD set, Built to Last. On this lecture, it definitely seems like he was tired (or maybe sick?) That being said, you can still tell that he is a seasoned pro. The effects he teaches are quite good (albeit some are a bit cliche') and they have that Doug Conn flavour that adds so much to the effect and method.

Overall: If you like busking, this lecture is worth owning.

Doug has been a full time professional since he was a teenager and it shows. His material is great for the street or close up.

Doug is both an innovator and a worker. Almost everything presented can go in a workers arsenal of tools. Lots of nice touches too.

The good:

Execution, timing and misdirection are good. Not great, but good, as any performer should be. Innovative and clearly a deep thinker in the art of magic. The motivation that goes behind each move is articulated well enough with one of the better ones being his coins across (in glass cup). Standard effects, standard sleights; but with his twist.

The bad:

Street performers often stand out with presentation and/or interaction with the audience through a particular quality like humour. But here, his presentation is lacking - unoriginal and nothing that stands out. He repeats a few lines that many others already use (nothing wrong with that) and tries too hard to be funny. He is laid back, perhaps too laid back. To be fair he did mention in the lecture that he has had a very weary schedule, but that should be no excuse.

Conclusion:

This however is no reflection of how Doug Conn may be like in performance. Gazzo, after all was quiter than most expected in his lectures. Hence, judging from the lecture alone, Doug Conn showed he has a brilliant mind with his thinking behind his effects, but his (lack of) interaction with the audience and unoriginal presentation are at best standard. One might have expected more presentation tips in a lecture featuring an experienced street performing pro.

If you are a budding street performer looking for helpful tips, then THIS IS NOT IT. But like Gazzo said, that is in another lecture of its own, so perhaps we'll see if Conn has a second lecture on performing.

But if you are looking for innovation in magic, then you might find this helpful. It's not groundbreaking, but there are certainly one or two highlights. But you get the feeling that this is better spent on another lecture.

The teaching is really bad. Unless you bought his 2 DVD sets, there is no way you can understand what he tought you. He
shows coin to cup in one routine,but teach another impromptu routine...I just can't get it!!! I don't recommend this one. Buy his DVD, maybe his teaching is better there.

Useful information. Good lecture.