I am doing my first large scale stage show. It will feature a hand full of large scale effects that require help. I have an assistant but will need to enlist the help of some stagehands. They will need to know the workings of the illusions. I heard that some magicians require stagehands to sign some sort of secret keeping document. Is this a good idea? If so what should it include?

I have to say Nate, the information you are seeking will more than likely be found from other sources. MOST people here are close up/parlour magicians. There are other forums and more information on the web where this kind of information can be found. Try the Cafe.

Adam

not really necessary...if you employ some good stagehands, and you are good to them, they will be loyal and won't bother revealing anything.

Or you can do what Hugh Jackman's character did in The Prestige and hire blind ones

My stage show is mentalism so I don't need stage hands

Contracts can be a good thing. I prefer to call them "Nondisclosure Covenants". The word "Contract" has a small negative connotation. While trust is major part of having stagehands, these agreements can protect everyone involved...Not just you. Are these people going to be assisting you often? Or is this for one show only? I'm not sure in what depth they'll be helping you...Stage clearing, prop set-up, performance assitance, all of the above??? I have learned firsthand, from others, such as Copperfield and others, that, on many of the illusions, those involved, only know PART of the illusion. To put it plainly, each person holds a piece of the puzzle, but none see the whole picture. They only know THEIR part. This is commonly used on more complicated illusions.

It's also very important that the people that assist you understand the importance of confidentiality and secrecy. With understanding, comes respect.

ah....sounds a lot like the military's style...

That is a good point. They will be assisting in all aspects. I do have an assistant who I have been working with for the past few years, and she knows how everything works. I like how you stated that the stage hands will not have to know everything only just enough to accomplish their tasks.

Thank you all for the responses.

I know this is a really old thread but i thought some people might find this interesting, this is a scan of the Secrecy Agreement, David Copperfield uses.

http://www.thesmokinggun.com/documents/crime/magic-david-copperfield

LIKE