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Doug Trouten Elite user Minnesota 471 Posts |
Ask a magician how he or she got started in magic, and you'll often hear variations on a single theme: somebody gave me a magic set when I was a kid. Based on your own experience and that of others you've observed, what's the best age for this to happen? When should kids start doing magic?
I realize that children mature at different rates, so your answer may involve something other than a number of years. Perhaps my question is this: How do you know when it's time to attempt to pique a child's interest in magic?
It's still magic even if you know how it's done.
Terry Pratchett |
WitchDocChris Inner circle York, PA 2614 Posts |
Around mid-twenties, I think.
Christopher
Witch Doctor Psycho Seance book: https://tinyurl.com/y873bbr4 Boffo eBook: https://tinyurl.com/387sxkcd |
Signet Loyal user 257 Posts |
I myself started at 44. I do wish I had stumbled on magic at a younger age. There's so much. To learn and so little time. I have been trying to get my 11 yr old son into magic. He does like cards and does a few tricks. We went to a couple of local magic. Meetings together. He couldn't stop talking about it for two days. Then he forgot about magic in favour of the computer. I keep telling him he could be really good at magic, if he starts now. I have all these props and videos, he could use. He has the chance to become much better at it then I ever could. Also it comes in handy no matter what you do in life. You can always earn a little extra money by doing birthday parties, ECT..
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Julie Inner circle 3936 Posts |
For me, it happened when I was around 7-8 years old. A classmate brought a small set of his older brother's Multiplying Billiard Balls to school and completely baffled me at recess on two different days. The worst part is he would not tell me how he did it!
Someone told me about the Magic Shop downtown and the next Saturday I was off on an adventure that would last a lifetime. Perhaps you can continue to baffle him and let nature take its course... Julie |
davidpaul$ Inner circle Georgetown, South Carolina 3086 Posts |
It depends on the individual. A six year old boy comes to see me every Monday with his grandparents at one of my restaurant gigs. It's been 10 months and they never miss. He is extremely interested. Other children come as well on a regular basis, but just to have fun. I got bit by the bug at age 37 and my enthusiasm and interest never stopped. You can introduce them to this wonderful art but I guess it all depends on them and personality make- up. You can lead a horse to water but.........
Most children get excited and want to do the impossible. When they find out magic doesn't really exist and they have to learn and practice the excitement withers. How many children practice the piano only to give it up. They have to have someting inside themselves that want to learn and grow. Imo
Guilt will betray you before technique betrays you!
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Wandering Man New user 29 Posts |
Quote:
On Oct 24, 2017, Signet wrote: I think kids either latch onto it right away, or they move on (and maybe come back when they hit their mid-40's or even 60's). My 12 year old granddaughter seems to have latched on to it. It's been about a year and card magic still holds her interest. Her younger sister, on the other hand, would rather learn to be a scientist. Hey, wait. There's magic in that too, isn't there?
Never argue with drunks or crazy people.
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Black Hart Elite user Scottish Highlands 475 Posts |
Quote:
The worst part is he would not tell me how he did it! No Julie, that was the best part! The Black Hart
Black Artefacts, manufacturer and dealer of weird, bizarre and psychic magic: www.blackhart.co.uk
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WitchDocChris Inner circle York, PA 2614 Posts |
In my opinion, which may be biased, people who get into magic a little later in life have already established their personality and have some life experiences. That lets them put those experiences and that personality into their performances, which makes those performances easier to connect to for the audience.
Those who start super early often end up substituting their personality with magic. No need to go through the possibly embarrassing exercise of learning to talk to strangers if you can always say, "Pick a card." You also tend to have more budgetary restrictions in your mid-twenties, so you can't go out and buy everything that looks fun. It forces you to work with more minimal resources and study what you have already instead of just picking up the next fun thing.
Christopher
Witch Doctor Psycho Seance book: https://tinyurl.com/y873bbr4 Boffo eBook: https://tinyurl.com/387sxkcd |
Julie Inner circle 3936 Posts |
Quote:
On Oct 24, 2017, Black Hart wrote: I think you're right! Julie |
willtupper New user 57 Posts |
To paraphrase what is apparently an old Chinese proverb...
the best time to pique a child's interest in magic was 20 years ago. The second best time is today. Or, if you prefer the Broadway music RENT, No other road No other way No day but today. |
Signet Loyal user 257 Posts |
It's hard to believe that before this time a year ago, I wasn't doing magic. It has really given me a wonderful distraction from all the troubles I have in the real world. I don't know how I would get by without it.
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Russo Inner circle So.California / Centl.Florida / retired Florida 1165 Posts |
I started when I was 10(now 80 and retired-TIRED) 1st with puppets-(then Vent - then MAGIC) a Womans club gave me $10.00 to do a puppet show for a christmas party - Lost my Dad and Mom was Ill-so was on State aid- the $10.00 helped a lot and made me think why not put an ad in paper for birthday parties - in the40's got $2.00 a party, gradully incressing to $200. in the 2000's- also State aid said 'never do Entertainment for a Living'- so didn't- Jobs paid for 'sick leave'-Vacations'- & Retirement' - Shows supplimented - sometime making more than the Jobs - but NOT always - Wife and I tourd for a season(1 month) with the Ken & Roberta Griffin Illusion Show - in the 60's - wish I kept a LOG - great experience - for OUR OWN ILLUSION SHOW. Ralph & Anna(russo)Rousseau
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1KJ Inner circle Warning: We will run out of new tricks in 4385 Posts |
I think age 8 is best. Show a trick that isn't too hard to an 8 year old and if they ask how it's done, challenge them to figure it out.
kj |
Terrible Wizard Inner circle 1973 Posts |
As with all things that require time and practice the best time is usually: Now.
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Terrible Wizard Inner circle 1973 Posts |
Will Tupper: that's a great answer! Like the proverb.
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MorrisCH Veteran user 393 Posts |
Use a quote from real estate investor
Today is good Yesterday is better Tomorrow is late |
Terrible Wizard Inner circle 1973 Posts |
Another good one
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jimgerrish Inner circle East Orange, NJ 3209 Posts |
The dilemma I face is when should I quit; before I die, or a few years afterwards? Don't break my wand at my funeral, in case I need it again.
Jim Gerrish
magicnook@yahoo.com https://www.magicnook.com Home of The Wizards' Journals: https://magicnook.com/wizardsTOC.htm |
Terrible Wizard Inner circle 1973 Posts |
Ha!
Being a cosmic optimist, I'm gonna say you'll always be doing magic ... |
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