I just wanted to see what all the magicians feel are the top three things that make up a successful act. I would like to hear your views about the most important elements for the business side as well as the technical side.

Only 3 wow that's tuff....LOL

1. Entertainment Value
2. Marketability (spelling)
3. Originality

My wife agrees...LOL then again when I asked her if she agreed to shut me up or did she meen it she said....BOTH...LOL......

Off the top of my head I would say:
1) Connection with the audience- this would include a personal connection as well as plot or theme of the routine(s)
2) Logic and Motivation of the magic itself.
3) Consistancy of the overall style and delivery. Some magicians have strength as an Illusionist, Manipulator or Close-Up. I think you should be strong in all categories if you choose to perform mutiple categories. I must add a VERY GOOD Speaking Voice is incredibly important. Any style is great but it must be confident with vocal dynamics and style.
Just my opinion as there are so many aspects that are important that limiting it to 3 is rather difficult.
Take care,
Chance

Ok Let's make it the top five elements most important to a successful act..............

4.promo material
5.goal setting

This is still tuff as there is always room to improve and create that is what I believe we do create.

1) Customer service - go out of your way to make your customers feel good about hiring you.
2) The Disneyland Effect - give your customers just a little bit more than they are expecting - always exceed their expectations.
3) Really enjoy what you are doing, and stop when you're not.

David.

I think that number 1 should be entertainment value whether you are performing a highly skilled sleight of hand routine, illusions or a comedy routine the audience wants to be entertained.
Number 3 would be a balanced act that has manipulation (making things appear), Transformation (Changing colors shapes etc), cut and restored or just restoring (fixing what is broken) Places?(making things travel) Levitation (making things fly) there are two more that I cant recall now but balancing an act nicely adds to the number 1 which is entertainment value.
I once heard a quote that went Do what you love and get so good at it that people are willing to pay you to do it then you will never have a job.
That has to be number 3

Great stuff! Anyone else?

1) Make the audience like you, (your personality)
2) Understand what will impress and entertain an audience. (good choice of material is critical).
3) practice/polish the act until its seamless.

Hi Tony

I would say the top 5 things are;
1) Be entertaining (after all that is the primary purpose of magic - to entertain)
2) Memorable (give 'em something to talk about later on in the pub)
3) Varied (Someone was commenting in one of the other areas that some stage acts can be like a succession of 'box tricks' - sadly true, and for close-up it can be like a cardfest)
4) Professional/slick (amateur/semi/pro - no excuses for second rate attitude)
5) Value for money (Circumstances permitting - give 'em a few minutes more than they paid for - and be ready to start dead on time)

Cheers - Melty

Good Ideas!

May top 5 would be:

1.) Develop a great act and find the niche to which it can be marketed.(Comedy, Illusions, Close up etc.
2.) Be enthusiastic and endear yourself to your audience when you perform. Make them like you!
3.) Entertain them and fool them without being arrogant.
4.) Perform only your strongest and best material, being as original as possible with a well scripted patter or movement
5.) Videotape your perfromances, and be open to critique

1. Have fun,thats what its all about if your having fun ,your crowd will have fun.

2. give your crowd a good show, a good value for their hard earned dollar!

3. try to do effects that are new and that really grab them! Do that and they will talk about you for a long time and ask you back!

1)Presentation
2)Personality
3)Patter

The 3 P's.

I know full well that one must determine their own definition of "successful". There are financially successful acts which are marginally entertaining at best. There are also phenominal acts which are no where near as publicly and financially successful as they could or should be (in comparison to those marginal ones).

That said I venture forth the following:

1) Having a vision/concept for your act.
2) Being able to change, adapt, and grow while staying commited to your vision.
3) Perseverence. Stick-to-it-tiveness. Commitment.

Cheers,

Tom

All very good ideas. The Three P's is a fun one because it is easy to remember. I would put Personality in the # 1 spot.

1. Attitude... Performing a show is work "Choose the right attitude at work"

2. Fun........ Make your work fun and play with the audience at work! Engage them in your fun! Time will fly by

3. Make as many folks in your groups feel special...Include them in your fun with the right attitude....at work! "Make their day!"

4. Acknowledgment..... Don't get so caught up in your work during the show and forget to acknowledge the folks in your groups....Look at them and address them personally as much as possible!

5. Humility (self-expl.)

This is only the essence of what I've found that works best for my personality and my work if you will?
Thanks to Tony and everyone who's been gracious enough to create their own list! Good Stuff Gang!
rr

Paying attention to your audience is key. It not only keeps them involved, they sometimes feed you some great lines or ideas. Some of the best moments in my show came from someones remark during the show. You have to be interested in others if you want them to be interested in you.

1) be professional
2) Have fun if you are haveing fun they are haveing fun
3) involve the audience
4) Be amazed at your own effects no one will think its real magic if your pulling coins from the air or cards with a big goofy smile on your face. If you were really doing so you would be just as amazed as they are
just imagine a person's reaction if they reached up and really pulled a coin from the air they would be shocked and so should you.
5) leave them wanting more (to ensure that they will ask you back)

Very good!!!!