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.
Good performer, but..
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