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magicman491 Veteran user 326 Posts |
Hi, I am 13 years old, and prefer cards, on friday, I have he opportunity to do some table hopping at my brothers soccer presentation for 18-22 years olds. I am not sure if I should do it. One, I don't think people that age want to see some "geeky" 13 year old doing "geeky" card trick. Also I know them, and I am pretty nervous. What should I do...
Please help Any help much appreciated Thanks |
Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
A few thoughts, none of which is going to tell you if you should or should not do this. That decision is yours.
But first of all don't assume they think of the tricks as "geeky". If you go in there thinking that, then you sort of project that and they will end up thinking that. It becomes a self fufilling prophecy. Be confident. Second of all nervous is good. It is natural and expected. I would think it odd if you were not worried. But lets examine this from a biology standpoint. We are fairly simple animals right where the rubber meets the road. When we are met with challenges there are 2 responses our body has. Fight or flight. Not a very long list huh? Well the thing is that in order for your body to prepare there are some things that happen that are totally out of your control. Let me explain. Your body is going to fight or flight mode and it will deceide completely indepent of you, that it will get no energy from your stomach for the next hour or so. So it will redirect blood flow to other more immediately vital areas. This causes a strange feeling in your stomach. Then the muscles need more oxygen. So your heart rate goes up, your breathing quickens and you will probably begin to sweat. Then for good measure your adrenal glands release a nice dose of adrenaline for ya! Ok all this is natural, and you can't avoid it. BUT if you know what is going to happen, and know it is natural, then you can deal with it. Don't be afraid of it or let it worry you. Just know it is normal and it is your body being at 100%! And GOOD LUCK!
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
themagicguy Loyal user Australia 280 Posts |
Tough one! They will probably give you a hard time and try and bust you, but on the other hand it will be a good learning experience especially considering how young you are.
I say do it and don't take anything to heart and make it a learning experience. Yes and open with a quick card trick maybe have a joke to go with it, if they look like they enjoying it do a couple more if they are going to be hostile or they are not interested smile thank them and go to the next table. Good luck let us know how you go! |
Leland Inner circle St Louis 1180 Posts |
I've been doing this for long time, I still get nervous. It's a natural feeling, it's easier to deal with the more you perform. I say go for it, just remember it'll be a learning experience.
Life of Magic!
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smullins Special user United States 678 Posts |
Just make a promise to yourself that you are going to approach at least 3 groups immediately. The longer you think about it, the more likely you will talk yourself out of it. Just see a group, walk over and perform. Don't let your head get in the way. After three groups and you will remind yourself how easy it is to do it... You will just say "alright then" and keep going. Even if you are turned away just say "okay thanks let me know if you change your mind" and keep going. If they are jerks... that's just how they are! Ignore them and keep going.
You will encounter a jerk at some point but the majority of people are polite. Don't worry about it and just remember one of the keys to good magic... Have fun with it! |
S2000magician Inner circle Yorba Linda, CA 3465 Posts |
If your brother (or someone else who knows you) asked you to perform then a few inferences are available:
1. He thinks that you're good enough to do a job that won't embarrass you or him. 2. He's likely told the rest of the team that you're good enough that they'll enjoy your magic. Frankly, I wish that I'd had a brother like that when I started out. Good luck! If you go there planning to have fun, you'll have fun. |
MichaelDouglas Special user Portland, Oregon 766 Posts |
I would encourage you to give it a shot. I was doing magic around your age also and the more you do it the easier it becomes. The others here have given you some valuable input. We wish you the best and if you do use this opportunity, please return here and let us know how it went.
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jay leslie V.I.P. Southern California 9498 Posts |
Being nervous is good. It means that you care. If you don't get nervous then you're not excited about what you're doing.
I learned, in my first year of theatre, that of you drink a glass of water ten minutes before you begin your performance, that should calm- down your stomach. Either that or green tea. Green tea also calms you down and makes you more alert.
Jay Leslie
www.TheHouseOfEnchantment.com |
Michael K Loyal user Hazleton, PA 249 Posts |
Remember to breathe. Slow down and breathe.
When most people are nervous they will speed-up and start.to.say.everything.in.one.long.breath.without.ever.pausing! Before a show I take two minutes alone. Close my eyes...and breathe deeply. Besides it is just like Shakespeare, they don't know the lines, so don't worry about it too much. |
Ekuth Inner circle Floating above my 1538 Posts |
Pretty much everyone has hit the salient points, but I'll re-iterate:
Just get out there and do it. Performing is the only way to gain the confidence to quash the jitters. And, remember: They don't know what's coming next so they're not going to know if you flub unless you LET them know you flubbed. Good luck!
"All you need is in Fitzkee."
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Paul Rathbun Inner circle Michigan 2543 Posts |
In my experience friends and family are the worst audiences. They feel like they have a right to invade personal space and be grabby because they know you. They also are more likely to call you out just to be "funny." If it were me I would probably pass. Now I understand you probably don't get many opportunities to perform, and when you do it probably is for friends and family. If that is the case, then you probably know they are not the best audiences.
If you do decide to do something, do something that is very hard to screw up and that you know very well. Also use stuff that is examinable as people are probably going to be grabby or ask you to see the cards. Twisted sister would be a good effect as there aren't any sleights required and it looks super clean. You show the cards so freely they shouldn't want to examine them. Like I said, try to bring effects that are examinable or use a regular deck and that you know very well. If you try to do stuff that you are not 100% on you will end up getting busted and it will set your ego and confidence back a long way. That is not good for you or for magic. Unfortunately friends and family don't realize how much damage they do to aspiring hobbyists by giving you a hard time. If you think you can make a positive experience out of the event and that it will help you grow your confidence and settle your nerves then maybe you should do it. However, if you expect to be heckled and called out because they want to razz their friend's little brother than by all means pass. If it is only 18-22 year olds with no older parents there too, I would expect it to be a hard time for a 13 year old younger brother. I wish you the best of luck whatever you decide, but do try and make a decision that is best for you (and your confidence) in the long run.
https://www.penguinmagic.com/p/9160
Sleightly Better Magic Reviews - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9rkXnNp8CxftN-rxU_WcbQ |
S2000magician Inner circle Yorba Linda, CA 3465 Posts |
Quote:
On 2012-10-18 20:22, Michael K wrote: Same thing my instructor told me when I was learing to jump on horseback. (I had to cram about one year of lessons (and practice) into three months.) Good advice. |
magicians Inner circle Teacher and Legend 2898 Posts |
Slow down, look at them and not at trick. Eye contact gives you feedback, and misdirection,
You will have help as you are about to start, The adrenaline will kick in and you will be "on".
Illusionist, Illusionist consulting, product development, stage consultant, seasoned performer for over 35 years. Specializing in original effects. Highly opinionated, usually correct, and not afraid of jealous critics. I've been a puppet, a pirate, a pawn and a King. Free lance gynecologist.
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magicman491 Veteran user 326 Posts |
Hey guys, I did it...
my first table hopping gig tonight, absolutely fantastic, one person called me over to do a trick(because I showed him the previous night and he loved it), all the people around the table were asking me to do a trick for them, then another table nearby invited me over. Was a bit nervous at the start as it was my first time, but by the end I was having a blast. It is a great way to meet new people and have good conversations. Thanks to all of you here for encouraging me and giving me confidence and tips. Thanks |
magicman491 Veteran user 326 Posts |
At the start, I was a bit shaky and some of my double lifts split, so I just cut the deck, and started again, not making a ig deal, and they didn't care either.
Also once I flipped a double I had two face up cards, now when I was trying to flip both (as one) back over to normal, I accidentally did a triple, showing one faceup card, I didn't make a deal, I put that in th deck, did a double, then carried on |
Blindside785 Inner circle Olympia, WA 4541 Posts |
Great, when I started out I was doing the same thing. Learn from your mistakes and praise yourself for your accomplishments.
Hint: since you may have problems relifting that double, work on injogging or out jogging the card so you can relift without the extra effort. |
MikeTheKid Veteran user vancouver 329 Posts |
Do what you do best, once you see their surprise face and laugh, yhe nerve will be gone
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Magic is a performing art that entertains an audience by creating illusions of seemingly impossible.... www.mikeliumagic.com |
Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
Good for you.
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
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