◆An illusion show to open a solo concert
This performance was the opening act for a VTuber's solo concert. Rather than a standalone guest spot, it was part of the concert as a whole, with the role of leading the audience into the main show.
YOURI and an illusionist performed together on stage, supported by assistants and crew, in a 20-minute show.
◆A 20-minute show moving from illusion to audience participation
The show was structured as follows.
- An instant appearance from a chair
- A vanishing illusion
- A levitation illusion
- Whole-audience participation magic using the screen
- The appearance of the concert's key visual, leading into the main show
A run of large-scale illusions at the start drew every eye to the stage, magic that the entire audience could take part in built a sense of unity, and the finale led naturally into the concert itself.
Much of the 20 minutes was presented with live talk, interacting with the audience at the close range only a live music venue allows.
◆Whole-audience magic using a large screen
Making use of the venue's large screen, we projected an image so that everyone in the audience could take part in the same piece at once.
From a grid of nine numbered squares, each audience member freely chose a square and moved around it, for example by the number of letters in their own name. Yet in the end, everyone in the room arrived at the same number.
Participation without smartphones
Because photography was not permitted in the venue during the concert, we chose a piece that works with only the screen and the audience's own choices, rather than participation magic that uses smartphones.
Being able to rework the programme to suit the venue's rules and environment is essential when performing at concerts and live shows.
◆Light from the magic flows onto the screen and into the concert
At the end of the show, the concert's key visual appeared, and a light born on stage travelled straight into the video on the screen, handing over to the main concert.
This section linked footage produced by the organizer's VJ team with the magicians' movements on stage. By agreeing in advance on the positions and timing where the light would originate, we designed it so the magic and the video appeared as one continuous moment.
The aim was for the opening act not to stand alone, but to act as the doorway leading the audience into the artist's world.
◆Preparing for a live music venue
Live music venues differ from hotel banquet rooms and typical halls in stage size, use of the wings, and how sound and lighting are run. For this show, we prepared the following with the organizer, stage manager and PA team.
- Checking the loading entrance, dressing room, stage and wings in advance
- Coordinating entrances, exits and prop placement around the band's stage layout
- Sharing music and a cue sheet in advance, and checking sound and cues at rehearsal on the day
- Arranging headset microphones so both hands stay free during illusions
- Sharing illusion footage with the lighting operator
Close coordination with the production team is essential to keep the concert running smoothly and hand over to the main show, changeover included.
After the show, the organizer told us that the artist and the staff had enjoyed it just as much as the audience.
An opening act should not stand alone; it should act as the doorway leading the audience into the artist's world.
◆Planning entertainment for a concert or live show?
Music concerts, live shows and fan events call for openings and interludes that build the audience's anticipation without disrupting the world of the main show.
For a performance by magician YOURI, we propose a structure tailored to the purpose of your event and the venue, from illusion shows at live music venues and halls to productions linked with screens and video, and magic the entire audience can take part in.
We are also happy to discuss coordination with your production team, including stage managers, PA and VJ teams.