Image Opinions, Please

[Stephon]

I have to submit a graphic for the Capital Fringe Festival program by tomorrow.

Below are the two I am trying to choose between. While neither of them may be the absolute ideal, they are what I have to work with.

I would truly appreciate feedback as to which one would most likely entice you to come see the show. Comments from those who've worked or attended a Fringe festival would be a real bonus.

Thanks!

1.
http://www.swamiyo.com/DocWalkerProgram.jpg


2.
http://www.swamiyo.com/DocWalkersSideshowWeb.jpg

[pixiejester]

I perfere the first one, the second image does not really do anything for me. Though it is a nice picture, I'm having trouble figuring out what those people are meant to be doing

[Mr.Taxi Trix]

#1

[scot]

#1
that 4 person trick is really stupid, it takes no skill and a bunch of people do it.

If you've seen sword swallowing before, it's still a skill and is still interesting to see again. If you've seen that four person thing before, it's old.

I went over board. #1 is a better design too.

[Stephon]

Thanks everyone. I appreciate the feedback. #1 it is. (which is good, 'cuz that's the way I was leaning.)

Scot, I agree that the 4 person trick is really stupid, it takes no skill and a bunch of people do it. I can't agree that if you've seen that four person thing before, it's old.

I have a nice routine built around this bit, and when I do it I always gather a crowd, get good laughs, and big applause at the end. Remember, "everything old is. . .well, still old, but some people are too young to know about it. Or they know about it, but are used to having it only one way and the new way is better, so it's like a whole new experience. Kinda like my grandmother's brisket." As the saying goes.

Thanks!

[Rachel Peters]

everything is old.
"There is nothing new under the sun" etc, etc.

I'm pretty sure at some point in history, someone else has thrown a bucket at their head for attention, or maybe even made pancakes.

:)

[pixiejester]

Originally posted by scot
If you've seen sword swallowing before, it's still a skill and is still interesting to see again.

I have to agree with that, it's like with fire, any thing with fire still gets my attention, no matter how many times I have seen it.

[scot]

"There is nothing new under the sun"
this is a valid saying, but I've never heard it used by anyone except as a cop-out from lazy performers.

It's like stating that you don't have natural talent, or that your audience was a bad audience. It's crap and it's a failure to take responsibility for providing the best show you can.

I've never had an audience member come up to me saying that they've seen bucket catches on the head before or that they've seen a pancake flipper on stage before. My goal isn't to do something new, it's to do something that my audiences haven't seen or heard of and something that's special to them.

If performers weren't such public figures, I might kick back and just do the same old garbage.

[Evan Young]

I have never actually seen Stephon perform, but I have heard that he uses a lot of unique character work in his shows.
Now, I've seen the four person gag done by lots of people, and most wern't strong character performers, and the trick/routien didn't do much for me. But I can see how there is a lot of room for strong (and origional) character interaction with the volounteers; and could easily turn into that performers favorate routein.
but the image doesn't tell that story and isn't inspiring.

[Doctor Eric]

Other than Scot, you're all wrong. People that do the four person bit should be sniped, repeatedly, until all are sure that they are dead. That stunt @?!$ing blows. The same for peole that rip off the Howie Mandell rubber glove bit. Knock it off, and write something goddammit. And Stephon, Larry the Cable Guy gets huge laughs, too. It doesn't mean that his act is quality. I hear the "It get's big laughs" excuse CONSTANTLY at showcases, usually the "it" in question only get's big laughs in comparison to the rest of the comic's act.

And the first image is better.

[The Renaissance Man]

Originally posted by Rachel Peters
everything is old.
"There is nothing new under the sun"

Being a bible quote, this is naturally suspect.

I'm personally unconvinced that everything's been done; a claim oft made by aesthetes who mislike narrative. (not that I'm saying that about anyone here). I've heard the statement: there are only 36 plots", too, but give it no more credence.

Shit, why'd I major in philosophy instead of theater?

chris

[Stephon]

Originally posted by Doctor Eric
And Stephon, Larry the Cable Guy gets huge laughs, too. It doesn't mean that his act is quality.True. But I'd like to think mine is.

Personally, I can't stand Larry the Cable Guy or his humor; however, as people laugh at it, it is, by definition, humor. To each his own taste.

All I can tell you is the routine is very successful for me. Much like abortion, Howard Stern, and Desperate Housewives, if you don't like it, opt out.

But seriously, what sideshow stunt or magic trick isn't overdone and, to any sane person, stupid? Doesn't mean it can't be part of an entertaining act.

The rubber glove thing is completely associated with Howie Mandel--you can't see it without thinking Howie Mandel. It's the "whatchu talkin' 'bout Willis" of standup.

I doubt anyone knows who started the four chair bit.

I got it from Todd Robbins' lecture notes. Unfortunately, every hack with four things you can sit on started doing the routine around the same time. The difference is that the way I do it, the suspension is the smallest part of the routine. I'm not saying it's comedy gold, but it works for me.

I don't want to be sniped, but since you sniped at me, am I off the hook with you? ;) <---(I'm guessing you hate those)

And the first image is better. Thanks.