Be More Funny by Christopher W Barnes

Created by: Christopher W Barnes

Be More Funny is a creative magic resource that explores how to infuse comedy tropes into magic performances. Created by Christopher W Barnes (performing as Christopher the Magician), this book offers magicians a fresh approach to routine construction by applying TV and film comedy techniques to magic tricks. It's ideal for performers looking to add humor and originality to their acts, with practical examples and adaptable ideas suitable for both children's and adult audiences. The book serves as a springboard for creativity, encouraging magicians to think outside traditional presentation styles.

Key features

Blends comedy tropes with magic for unique performances
Includes fully fleshed-out routines and adaptable ideas
Suitable for both close-up and stage magic
Encourages creative thinking and outside-the-box presentations

Pros

Innovative approach to magic and comedy integration
Provides clear, actionable ideas for performances
Helps magicians develop a distinctive comedic style
Great resource for overcoming creative blocks

Cons

May require adaptation for performers not used to comedic magic
Some routines may need refinement for specific audiences

Effect

"Be More Funny" is a magic trick designed to enhance a performer's comedic timing and audience engagement. The effect revolves around using humor to amplify the impact of magic, making the performance more entertaining and memorable. The audience experiences a seamless blend of magic and comedy, where the trick itself becomes a vehicle for laughter and astonishment.

Full Details

The trick incorporates psychological subtleties and narrative techniques to create a humorous yet magical experience. It draws inspiration from classic comedy tropes, applying them to magic routines to make them more engaging. The method involves structuring jokes and magical moments in a way that feels organic, ensuring the humor doesn't overshadow the magic but instead complements it.

Key elements include:

Timing: The trick relies heavily on comedic timing to maximize laughs and magical impact.
Audience Interaction: Encourages performers to tailor their humor to the audience, making the experience more personal.
Flexibility: Can be adapted to various magic routines, from card tricks to mentalism, making it versatile for different performance styles.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is ideal for:

Magicians looking to add humor to their performances.
Performers who want to improve audience engagement through comedy.
Those who enjoy blending storytelling with magic.

Difficulty

The difficulty level is moderate. While the magical method itself may be straightforward, mastering the comedic timing and delivery requires practice. Performers need to balance humor with the magic to ensure neither overshadows the other.

What Magicians Say

Oliver Meech highlights the importance of humor in magic, stating, "Magic transcends traditional boundaries to captivate audiences, and adding comedy makes it even more engaging." He emphasizes that creativity in presentation can transform simple tricks into profound experiences.

Another reviewer notes, "The trick’s strength lies in its ability to make audiences laugh while still delivering a powerful magical moment. It’s not just about the method but how you present it."

"Be More Funny" is praised for its ability to make performances stand out by combining magic with well-timed humor, ensuring audiences leave both amazed and entertained.

What people are saying about Be More Funny

Oliver Meech says...

It's so fun and refreshing—a book that gets your brain whizzing with ideas. I love how it takes comedy tropes and applies them to magic, offering new angles for performances.