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SamFrade 0 Posts |
Hi everyone. I'm rediscovering magic at the relatively old age of 27 after being inspired by a friend who's become a fire dancer after finishing his masters degree. I was into it as a teen, but I was strongly discouraged by religious fundamentalist parents who saw it as being somehow unfitting. How difficult is it to get to the point where I can perform in front of an audience comprised mostly of strangers? I've got the Mark Wilson book, Bobo's coin book, Royal Road to Card Magic and 13 Steps to Mentalism.
As an aside, how does one develop any kind of reliable ability in pencil, lip, sound and muscle reading? Everyone is different and you can't practice it without a partner. |
Mary Mowder Inner circle Sacramento / Elk Grove, CA 3659 Posts |
Welcome SamFrade,
Everyone is different but finding a Magic club or a few Magic enthusiasts you can perform for and get some feedback would help. Focus on one effect at a time till you get about 4 effects under your belt. I've seen some Kids jump in and do a credible performance after a couple of weeks. I was very nervous about performing alone (I was apprenticed and worked with my Mentor) so I was years before I was performing alone. Don't wait that long. Do what feels right and adjust from there. Good Luck. -Mary Mowder |
Dick Oslund Inner circle 8357 Posts |
There is a Masters Degree in 'fire dancing'?
I was a magician and 'fire eater' in a carnie sideshow in my teens (1940s). I never knew one could earn such a degree! Of course, I just 'ate' fire. I never danced in it. You have a good start on basic books. Now! don't spend any more $$$ on magic shop props, until you have a good fundamental understanding of magic! Read those books. Bobo was a friend for almost 50 years. He wrote what has become a classic. Jean Hugard was a retired professional performer, and he knew how to write. RRCM has also become a classic. I know professionals who have never bought another card book--and they do just fine! Mark didn't write that book. I believe it was ghosted by Walter Gibson, who wrote more magic books than anyone. I refer to the Wilson book (as I refer to Henry Hays "Amateur Magicians Handbook") as the "poor mans Tarbell"! "13 Steps" is also one of the classics. The "difficulties" of performing, naturally differ with every performer. Some have a natural talent, which just needs mentoring. Others, have a desire to perform, with little latent talent. --That person may have the desire, but, even with good coaching, may never quite "make it". I have visited and lectured in a number of magic clubs in Florida. I have met some fine magicians there!. Some are talented performers, others just enjoy being associated with magicians. If they really "love" magic, they are all "welcome" IMHO. It will be to your advantage to associate with magicians, but to gain the most benefit from the association, seek out and find a qualified mentor. No one can TEACH YOU MAGIC. A mentor can only HELP YOU TO LEARN. Because, LEARNING IS AN ACTIVE "PROCESS". SOPHOCLES SAID IT A THOUSAND YEARS AGO: "ONE LEARNS BY DOING THE THING!" BTW: "Practice makes perfect" is not really correct. "Practice, while being coached by a qualified mentor, can make perfect. READ! STUDY! those fine basic books that you have. Check out "Maximum Entertainment" by Ken Weber. There's not a single "trick" in it. It's written by a successful professional performer. You will learn things that you'll never learn in a magic shop!!! Doc Tarbell wrote a series of books 80 odd years ago, They cover history, philosophy, tricks. (The "patter" included, is archaic! Read the patter, and then "forget it".) It is way out of date, but the history, philosophy and most of the tricks aren't. When Karrell Fox (a phenomenally successful performer) died. He had sold off his large library, but kept THE TARBELL COURSE, and the Rice "Encyclopedia of Silks". THERE AINT NO SHALLOW END IN THIS POOL! Learn how to swim, before you dive in! READ READ READ! Find a qualified mentor! Practice with the mentor's coaching! Welcome! You are now a "First of May" in CIRCUS "argot". You can become a "Johnny come lately" if you are willing to work at it. --And, eventually, you can become a performing magician!
SNEAKY, UNDERHANDED, DEVIOUS,& SURREPTITIOUS ITINERANT MOUNTEBANK
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Jim Sparx Inner circle Far Out, Texas 1144 Posts |
Welcome to the Café
sparky
Et tu, Spartacus?
https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/chispadeelpaso.html |
SamFrade 0 Posts |
Mary, I will take your advice and not wait too long before performing. It seems to me that a big part of magic is bluffing and deception and that can be extended to presenting yourself as an experienced magician when you're just a snot nosed newbie. The audience doesn't need to know that the four effects I just presented area all I can do!
Dick, the masters degree was in mathematics. (Yeah, we're geeks.) It was inspiring because it shows me that you can literally do anything. He got tired of schooling, has wonderlust and decided to go in an unexpected direction. I won't spend any more $ on effects beyond Scotch & Soda which I bought years ago. I got a nice reaction when I performed Poker Player's Picnic and Telepathy Plus out of RRCM. They were friends and accused me of having calculated it using some sort of byzantine equations being that I'm a math guy. I ran with it. I also found ring45.com It's the local IBM chapter. I will check out their open meeting. |
Dick Oslund Inner circle 8357 Posts |
When I started first grade, the very first day, the teacher said: "2+2=4". I figured that was pretty easy, but the next day she said, "3+1=4", and I said, "Please! make up your mind!" She never called on me again.
Sounds like you're getting acquainted OK. Re: IBM. I've been a member since 1950. I haven't been able to find out how to 'get out'! Love your handling of the friends reaction to the Telepathy Plus and PPP. I only know one card trick. It starts with 21 card laid out in three rows of 7 and, oh nuts, I forgot what comes next. Scotch & Soda is a good bit. Leave the 'toys' to the little boys! When I glance over the ADS and see $50 for a card trick, I almost choke. If you can 'get along' with people, you'll have no problems. Welcome again. Do not be afraid to ask questions.
SNEAKY, UNDERHANDED, DEVIOUS,& SURREPTITIOUS ITINERANT MOUNTEBANK
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harbour Loyal user 283 Posts |
Welcome!
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Dr. TORA Inner circle TURKEY 1439 Posts |
Hi Sam,
Let me welcome you to our beautiful Café. As you have noticed it is one of a kind;unique.Absolutely the best the best place about magic ever.You will find this as a invaluable source that you can not buy even with money. The people are so friendly as well as being helpful.The Café is such a the unique place for Magic. It is ever expanding and has over 54.000 members throughout the world. It will make a great contribution to your magic perspective. Do not forget to post often. You will find many new friends and many new ideas here. I predict you will like the Café.Please grab a chair and begin to type your next post while you have a cup of strong Turkish coffee on my bill. We are glad that you have joined us.
Magically Yours,
OZLEN TUNCER /Dr.TORA Have you visited my new Website in English, yet? www.magictora.com or www.torasmagic.com |
Gromitron New user 5 Posts |
Hello Sam. Welcome! I had the same issues with the religion I was raised in... People would see my magic and would be scared! I sort of took it as a compliment.
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