Date: Sun, 21 Jul 1996 07:25:27 -0700
From: Steve Axtell <steve-AT-axtell.com>
Subject: M.C. Ideas UPDATE


Okay here are some good MC Bits I've got from you (mostly in private mail) .
I thought I would collect them and share them, since we all find ourselves
in the MC position from time to time.  Here ya go....



  Ax, how about that oldie when you walk out, empty handed, say something like
"Welcome to the xxxxx and before we begin, I have been asked to make a few
brief announcements.  (reach in pocket and pull out paper and grasping top
let fall and roll out several yards !)  Looking perplexed, finally tear off
the top INCH or so and throw the rest down with a remark like, "Oh, well, so
much for announcements!" and go on from there.  It usually gets a laugh at
least.

  --- Personal replies to: patriot-AT-topcat.mip.net

I generally use magic in this sort of setting but some other things that I
have used with success include:  
1. rubber cement on your nose and a ping pong ball.  Throw the ball up and
catch it (and balance it on your nose)  VERY impressive until you straighten
your head and the ball stays put. (then VERY funny)

2. If there is a stage and curtain, the old I've got the rope thing is also
funny.  Have a long rope, pull it out from one side of the stage (someone
behind the curtain is holding the other end)  go off the opposite side of the
stage and hand off the rope then run and grab the end and go back on stage
pulling the second end of the rope

3. If there's a spot light.  Have the guy/gal running it wander it all over
the stage, yell at him a few time then finally yell, "hey would you put the
light on the action here" and he swings it over to highlight a couple necking
somewhere off stage.

4. With a puppet (I have a hairy not quite a monkey thing named Merlin) we
have a running arguement about who gets to announce the next act.  The puppet
wants to do one alone and in an embarrased way tell him he can't do it alone,
he needs you (this provokes a silly arguement) finally you come out with a
gag on and the puppet mouths away like crazy, then you take off the gag and
the puppet cries "its true" and sobs on your shoulder.  Later you come out
with the puppet gagged and say, he just wanted to be sure it didn't work the
other way too . . . (option, you mouth away like crazy then talk after
ungaging the puppet . . . gee, I guess it works the other way too)

A few ideas for what its worth

Dr Bruce


Hi Steve- I admit being partial to slapstick.... a"funkenring" or sparking
ring from a magic shop is great for MCing. You touch the mike a few times,
ask "hey is this thing working" then touch the mic and the ring sends out a
shower of sparks. I usually walk up  and have the mic switch off, talk with
no mic, pick up two cords with jacks not connected  (like you found the
problem) connect them then spark the ring. Some magician just came out with
a battery powered one that you can use over and over.

M.A. Denemark
Steve Axtell / AXTELL EXPRESSIONS, INC.
email - steve-AT-axtell.com
VIST OUR WEB SITE - http://www.axtell.com
GOOD IDEA AUCTION - http://www.axtell.com/auction.html
Tel / Fax - 805 642-7282




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