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JonathanPDX New user 19 Posts |
Hi guys and gals!
I have been studying coin magic for over a year, doing small performances for people usually in bars and clubs. I've also done some for children and I really enjoy it. Lately I have been asked where people could go to see me working and a parent even tried to hire me as a professional magician for her child's birthday party! I feel like it's time to start really working at it, moving beyond just coins, and figuring out just what it *does* take to go from an amateur to the next level. I am not looking to quit my job and become a full time magician, and I have no illusions that I am anywhere near that level, but I do want to learn and improve. If someone watches my amateur performance and thinks (for whatever crazy reason!) that I am a professional, then I think I have a responsibility to build those skills up to that level. For close up performances, just what do you carry with you? What kinds of tools do you keep with you and what do you take to events where you are performing? Are you able to keep everything you need on your person? I understand you would need more tools to do a stage performance, but what about table-hopping? How many routines do you perform for your average close-up performance, and how quickly do you shift from, say, cards to coins? Is it best to go with a single theme and build your performance around it, or move through different styles of magic (cards, coins, etc.) for variety? Sometimes when I perform for children I feel like they want something to take away from it at the end and I find myself searching for a way to bring them into the magic. Any suggestions on a simple trick I can teach children, that don't reveal any deeper concepts? Teaching a trick to them feels like a good way to end the performance but I don't know what to teach. I'm just starting to study new books and styles and looking at how to move from "a guy who knows some coin tricks" to a "magician" Any advice? Thanks! -Jonathan |
John Heggie Inner circle Huntersville, NC 1805 Posts |
Hi Jonathan,
I would suggest narrowing your focus on what type of work you would like to learn. Just looking at this post it seems to me that you might have a knack for kids. That may be a great place to start. When you focus on one area of magic at a time you will get a greater appreciation for the art of that specialty in magic. A great place to start here at the Magic Café is the The Association of Family and Kidshow Performers forum. Guess what! You are now officially a professional magician. Since you were paid for the kid’s birthday party you are now a pro. Novice or expert, once you get paid you are now a professional. Everyone starts somewhere. Good luck. ~John |
Corey Harris Inner circle Kansas City, MO 1229 Posts |
Jonathan,
Do you want to work mostly kids shows? Or do you want to specilize in close up and do kids shows as well. Most guys that I know that do kids shows use a lot of props. A lot of kids cant follow cards or coins. don't get me wrong some can, I have had young groups at walk around gigs that go crazy over card effects. If you want close up in general, then I suggest you get some card books, more coin books, learn sponge balls, start using a TT. I have been doing magic for over 18 years. In a lot of ways I wasted the first half of that time with stupid stuff. It is good that you work with coins already. Just remember Close up will fit in your pocket. I think you are off to a great start. |
Jaz Inner circle NJ, U.S. 6111 Posts |
Quote:
On 2006-10-08 06:42, JonathanPDX wrote: Good Luck, |
Brad Burt Inner circle 2675 Posts |
Looks like you have great take on what you are doing. Very practical. I can tell you that this subject has been discussed at length and you may want to go to the search engine and try some search strings that address your question. Others might help me here, but:
just starting out becoming a pro how to become a pro professional magic how to routine an act routining Some of these may not seem right on target, but they come at the same subject in a kind of tangent that may be useful. Best,
Brad Burt
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abc Inner circle South African in Taiwan 1081 Posts |
Get yourself a copy of Mark Wilson's complete guide or encyclopedia of magic to build on your current routine.
I don't think there is just one book you can read on how to routine or what to do but search Brad Burt (above) and maybe soem other guys on the Café as they have some great essays that you can read for FREE and it will get you moving in the right direction. |
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