It eventually happens to everyone sooner or later...
What have some of your more awkward, embarassing, funny, or horrendous moments up close or on stage? (They don't have to be magic only! any humorous magic, clown, balloon, etc. stories?)
I've dropped a thumb tip on stage once - fortunately it was in a small venue and it happened early in my magic career. Not much you can do except roll with it I guess. It was a disaster for me at the time - it was "pre-clown" when I did magic only - so I couldn't even joke it off really.
I also dropped a tip doing close up much later in my career. Experience helped alot, I was able to step on the tip "looking" for whatever the spectator thought he saw. From there I was able to slide a finger into the tip and move on - the guy eventually
thought he saw "an eraser" or something - I just shrugged, not knowing what he was talking about - and moved on with the routine. I didn't get caught that time, but still super embarassing. I spent the next ten minutes laughing at myself in my head.
Finally, I hired an assistant to help me with a fire breathing and eating routine. Went through everything - they seemed eager to learn and eventually perform with fire.
Then, as the show starts he says "I'm really kinda afraid of fire..."
I just stood there with lit torch in hand, staring at him blankly as he retreated off stage. Stupified, I let my torches get too hot, and took a few bad burns inside the mouth. Fortunately, I was able to conceal the burns and pain, and complete the show. I'm still looking for an assistant by the way - anyone?
