Say I was practicing a trick that needs a third hand. How would I practice said trick?

For example, there is a nice ring on rubber band trick that I would love to learn, but without a second person/third hand to help me practice, I feel stuck. I already considered one of those dummy hands, but that's a no-go.

Does anyone have any tricks of the trade? Am I missing something obvious?

No, it is hard.

A magic buddy can be the spectator for you and you can reciprocate.

You can trade a job with a lay person for help, I.E. I'll do the dishes if you'll be the spectator for a while.

There are times when you can use your ankle for a wrist or two dowels for thumbs but eventually you will need a real person.

Years ago I suggested a Magic Club meeting theme where we would form several groups and the performers would go from group to group and get to try the same bit on @ 4 different groups.

I don't recall if we did it though.

-Mary Mowder

I've used my own redneck method to create a third hand.

For example, I've put vice grips in a file cabnet or a door jam and closed the door on them, then leaned something heavy against the foot to kept it shut.

(This works very well when you accidentally lock yourself in a pair of handcuffs, behind your back, and the keyhole is out of reach........... Don't ask).

Both posts very helpful for very different reasons hahahaha

Actually, that trading a job idea is a great idea! I think things might be a little easier if I knew any other magicians in person. All my magic friends live either out of state or hours away. Hours away used to be no big deal, but I have been disabled as of the last three years and that has kept me from doing any real out of town driving trips.

Jay, I actually tried something similar to your "redneck method" haha. It just didn't work for the routine I was trying to practice.

I am thinking maybe if I can find a childs size work glove I might be able to overstuff it like a scarecrow hand or something you'd do on Halloween. Not sure if it'd be sturdy enough but I'm keeping an eye out for a stiff enough "material'd" glove.

Fill it with minimally expanding insulating foam maybe put some bent spoons inside first.

Good idea. I do have a ton of bent/broken spoon handles hahahaha I knew I'd find a way to get some use out of them

I did not mention that the purpose of the Magic meeting was to practice (over and over) things that needed a spectator and or a hand.

-Mary Mowder

I used to just go to a park and perform for anyone willing to participate.

It is amazing what the words, "I could use your help? can do.

Maybe not what your need is..

To practice penetrating a rubber band on/through another rb(the opposite direction of a CMH), I put some nails into the upright sections of a book shelf, and stretched a rb across those(representing what the spectator would be doing). I could then use both of my hands (one for the move, and one for the misdirection)

John

Nails, so simple.

That is not the effect I am talking about. But I sure like the idea for practicing that one!


And funsway, if this was 3 years ago, I'd probably do the very same thing, but these days I can't really walk on my own, so I don't get out like that very often.

Though now that I am getting some routines put together, I'll have to figure some things out.

What do you need the spectator's hand to do?

Ok, Race. There is in every larger city there is a TBI or other convalescent hospital where you will be welcome with limited mobility
and patients appreciative of entertainment and attention.

Some Assisted Living Centers will allow you to move between dinner tables and entertain and many ar ein wheel chairs or walkers.

I have found that a walker makes a wonderful performing table with a tray attached.

Funsway, that is GREAT idea! Thank you!