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TheNightBringer89 Special user 766 Posts |
Hey Guys! I have been doing magic now for a little over a year, and I have 4 routines made, I have the technical aspect down pat, and most of my presentaion/patter worked out. My problem is that I'm home schooled and I don't get to go many places (I'm 14 by the way.) I feel I'm losing interest in magic little by little because I haven't had a performance in a year. Since I don't get out much I don't have good people skills and I can't build up enough courage to ask a total stranger to see my magic no matter how much I want to! Is there any advice you guys could give me? I REALLY want to perform just can't seem to find a spectator .
"Dreams are born of imagination, fed upon illusions, and put to death by reality."
It doesn't matter if you're right or wrong, If you're not like the others then you don't belong. |
Roberto Gee Regular user 106 Posts |
I started performing when I was eleven, so you're not alone. I joined the IBM back in the day (I was their youngest member, for awhile). I would find every chance I could to perform - first for family, of course, and friends. Grade school and church always had fairs of some sort, or shows, so I could always perform a bit at those. Then, in Jr. High, assembly and other school fairs and shows. I started getting booked at birthday parties when I was 12.
Since you're homes schooled, you probably won't have many of those opportunities. That's no criticism, by the way, since so many home schooled students excel way beyond public school standards. But it does seem to limit the daily chances for lots of social interaction. So it might be even more important for you to find local clubs and organizations to join and participate in, outside your home. If they don't exist (or if the TYPE of clubs and organizations you would like don't exist), then maybe you and/or friends could START one. There is no getting around the fact that magic is a social interaction. You can only perform in front of a mirror for so long. It's tough. By nature I'm outgoing and not shy, but not aggressive either. I learned some card sleights and coin sleights, since I could perform them anywhere, any time. Even some simple rubber-band effects, stuff I didn't have to carry with me, and could do at anybody's home, at church or wherever. I was lucky to have another friend at that young age (12) who was also into magic, and a local older magician who actually taught magic. So my friend and I became friendly "rivals" who used to do shows whenever and wherever we could - and we'd teach each other new effects as we learned them. If there's a local chapter of the IBM, by all means join it, and subscribe to the Linking Ring, if you can. Hope this helps a little. |
Chrystal Inner circle Canada/France 1552 Posts |
Hi,
I was really impressed with the advice suggested by Roberto. Great job! I haven't too much else to offer except to make mention of the fact that I know a young boy (age11) whom also has the same problem as you. I have mentored him a little since he showed an interest in magic. He lives on a tiny remote Island with only 30 residents. Although he does go to school daily via boat, he is the only kid living on his Island. I suggested visiting the Café to share ideas with others - which is what you are doing. However, this doesn't help you with your original question of where to find people to perform for. Have you thought perhaps to volunteer to do a magic show for your local library,day care or seniors home? All of which I am sure would love to be provided with entertainment. Of course it really depends on what kind of magic effects you have worked on so far. Young Children and Older People ( who may have limited vision) find it hard to follow card routines. I'm not sure of where you live but Roberto's suggestion of joining a magic Ring (club) is excellent. Please feel free to PM me and I can provide you with the nearest Ring closest to your home. Keep practising and take the opportunity to perform for family members if you are unable to find others to share your magic with. Perhaps have them tape your performance and offer critque? Although most agree that family members are usually not very biased in their opinions but still it's a start. Good luck and keep us posted! |
Emily Belleranti Veteran user Tucson, Arizona 349 Posts |
I also happen to be home schooled and I understand what you are saying about not having many outlets for performances.
I find that what keeps my interest at a high pitch more than anything is performing often, and I make sure that I don't go too long without performing. Chrystal's advice is excellent. I've performed for people at retirement homes several times, and they absolutely love having a young person come in and provide them with entertainment. Some of them may not be able to follow things well due to poor health, but they will still appreciate the show. And those that are in better condition will be very responsive and cooperative. Try performing at family get-togethers, as well. I've done a few shows at Christmas and Thanksgiving and my relatives (especially the ones I rarely see) really appreciate it. Good luck.
"If you achieve success, you will get applause, and if you get applause, you will hear it. My advice to you concerning applause is this: Enjoy it, but never quite believe it."
-Robert Montgomery |
eddieloughran Special user 942 Posts |
I'm from England and don't know about home schooling. Is there a sub-text I'm not aware of?
Performing I public is frightening at first but you will have to face it. Go out with a friend to a public place, a Café or something, and perform for him/her. Ignore the other people at first, just get used to it. Then you can get watchers involved. Chose easy stuff, that can't go wrong, and you can do with shaking hands. It gets easier as you get used to it, but you are right, you can't just work for yourself. At this time of year there are lots of places holding parties who will be pleased to let you do a short act. Old peoples homes and children’s homes and hospitals… You sound like you are ready to go out but the first time is always hard. Just go for it. |
TheNightBringer89 Special user 766 Posts |
Thanks for all your help guys. I'll try it this weekend at Knotts berry farm!
"Dreams are born of imagination, fed upon illusions, and put to death by reality."
It doesn't matter if you're right or wrong, If you're not like the others then you don't belong. |
Roberto Gee Regular user 106 Posts |
Hi EddieLoughran,
Since you're not familiar with "home schooling," it's quite popular here in the States. Basically, parents who are not satisfied with public or private school options, because of religious beliefs, drugs in schools, distractions from education due to rivalries among peer groups, poor education because teachers are distracted by rowdy students, etc. Those parents choose to school their sons and daughters at home. The students still have to pass state-mandated tests in order to advance and graduate. Sometimes, a group of parents will get together and decide which parent will teach which subject. Other times, one parent (or both) will school their children at home by themselves. The results are pretty impressive, actually. Older siblings can teach younger siblings things that the younger ones suddenly become interested in or show an affinity for, so that the younger sibling is learning things way in advance of her or his peers. The focus in home schooling is all about education, with none of the distractions afforded by public or private institutions. It may or may not be a "shortcoming" of home schooling that there is far less social interaction than at public or private schools. In general, that doesn't seem to be the case. Home-schooled students tend to advance more rapidly, have a much stronger focus on their education and their futures, win more scholarships, etc. The parent-child bond is MUCH stronger in these situations. It is obvious, without having to say so, that these parents LOVE their children wholeheartedly. Otherwise, they wouldn't forgo jobs and second incomes to be with them all day in the educational environment. Further, home schooling is much more PERSONAL than in a classroom with 40 misbehaving kids. I'm not home schooled, and I've done all right. But I certainly can see some advantages. Perhaps the one disadvantage is the one noted by TheNightBringer, namely, the lack of structured opportunities to perform magic at school functions, etc. But since he's planning to perform at Knott's Berry Farm (which is another large park in Southern California, like Disneyland), he's bound to discover an audience of peers who will relish his trying out his skills on them. A great start for him, IMHO! P.S. I REALLY like Emily Belleranti's suggestion about performing for retirement homes! These people LOVE younger people, and will be your most adoring and responsive audience of all, even if you fumble. And you MAY run into one or two retired magicians who can show you some effects or give you some pointers! Even the ones who may not be so responsive due to health will absolutely light up if you produce a paper flower or a coin or card from their hair, and make them the center of attention for a moment. Be sure to give, and get, plenty of hugs from these groups. Those can be the most "magical" of all. Thanks, Emily, for reminding us all of those retirement venues. |
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