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The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » New to magic? » » When is the right time to perform ? (0 Likes) Printer Friendly Version

Zac Vee
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Hi everybody

I am quite new to these forums, and to magic itself. Ive been learning some effects , and increasing as time goes by. It all started when I saw the reaction in ppl's faces, I only knew two effects a few years a go , and I wanted to show them to ppl all the time, now I have 20 or so effects and I practice them quite a lot , the effects are cards, coins, cigarette , notes and any object. I am more interested in close up magic, and street magic.

I have never performed for large group of ppl, the maximum amount I have performed for it was 10 ppl, but now after some ppl enjoyed the magic, they asked me to perform in some parties, and I am not sure how to do it. I just want to know, how to begin the performance, what effects goes first , how much time should leave between each effect and so on.

Any advise for first time performer will be great.


Thx in advance
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calexa
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Hi,

that´s a difficult question. I think it will depend on your party. For example, when I´m at a party, I often do some tricks for people around me. It´s not that I was announced as "The Party Magician". I just had some cards and coins in my pocket, and I used them when I saw a chance. Sometimes people remember me and say: "Hey, can you show us a trick"?

Magixx
Optimists have more fun.....
Zac Vee
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Hi ya calexa , thx for replying.

well, I think that way would be easier , but when everybody is expecting you to do stuff, its a bit wierd for me as a biggner. So I am thinking to say to ppl who invites me , not to tell their gusets that there will be a magician , so it can be surprise, on the other hand if they say there is a magician , then more ppl , might come to their party. so I think I will tell them to keep it secret untill I start to show effects and will see how it will go.

;-)
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pbg739
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This is an excellent question. Before you show anybody an effect, you should feel comfortable performing it. this is common sense. The trap that many magi fall into is feeling obligated to perform everywhere they go. I used to share this mentality. I had noticed my friends inviting me to less of their events. The reaosn is, if you are always the guy who does magic, then people will feel they can't talk to you unless they want to see magic. Magic should enhance you as a person, not be you. This was a lot more articulate in my head.

If you are going to a party, don't have the host mention there will be a magician. And you in turn, should not bring your whole case of effects. Bring a few items if you need them (a deck of cards, etc). But if you know impromptu effects using borrowed objects, then it will not bog you down with gimmicks, and you can come and go as you please.

I hope this helps somewhat, if you want some more help, pm me.

P'ze
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Jaxon
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Hmm. Some good advice has already been given but I'm going to go a different route in my suggestions.

Quite often they'll want to tell there friends that they'll have a magician to entertain them at their party. They might say something like, "We're having a party. We'll have drinks, a DJ and a magician. Stop on by." Or for kids shows it might be ice cream, cake, games and a magician. They'll want to tell there friends that they are doing there best to make it a fun time and they hope people will join them.

So I don't think having them not mention that you're a magician is the right thing to do. If you're not getting paid to be there then they can just say that a friend who is a magician will be there and he'll do a few tricks for us.
If they are paying you then don't charge to much until you're use to it. Just charge enough to go out to dinner or something. Keep it casual but they'll give you a little something in appreciation. There's nothing wrong with this and it'll be a little less pressure on you.

When you perform for a group just think about the fact that you're there to have a good time with them. Not to force them to have a good time. Professional show or not it's best to keep it as casual as possible in a living room type party. I'm known to sit on the floor with the kids. Or just sit around the table with the adult and do some tricks.

At the same time try and put yourself in the entertainer state of mind. It's not trying to be better then anyone. It's trying to make them feel a little better. To share a laugh or two. To show them something neat and unusual. To be the life of the part but not the ruler of the party. Just have a good time.

If you're standing in front of the group you'll feel some pressure. You always will. For this reason your first trick should be funny, visual and easy to do. Here's how I suggest you plan your show.

Start with something that will draw the attention of those who want to see it. Something that establishes that you're a pretty good magician. Another important thing about this opening act is it should get them to like you. Once they like you then it's very easy to keep entertaining them. If I where to suggest one opening routine it would be something like the Sponge balls from the mouth. It's easy, funny and pretty visual. on top of that you don't have to say anything until it's over.

Next have a collection of other tricks you can do. Make sure you have everything you need to do them. Then perform what ever feels right. Maybe do a few card tricks. Then a few coin tricks and so forth. If you need to have a "cheat sheet" in your case that lists all the tricks you're prepared to do. That way if you're ever stuck on what to do next you can glance at it and pick one.

Finally, figure out what the last trick is you're going to do. A closer. Something that tops everything else you've done. Something that gets a good reaction so you end with a bang.

Doing it this way you really only have to plan what you'll start and finish with. Between those routines you'll just have fun with them and show them a few of your tricks. This really will relieve a lot of the pressure.

You'll find that over time you'll feel more comfortable up there. YOU WILL MAKE MISTAKES! When you do just move on to something else. try not to dwell on them. And also remember that they won't always react how you hoped they would. Don't worry about this either. Quite often the thing you felt didn't get a good reaction is the very thing they talk about later when they discuss what you did.

It's a strange business but it can be rewarding.

Keep it fun!

Ron Jaxon
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After regaining my ability to hear after 20 years of deafness. I learned that there is magic all around you. The simplest sounds that amazed me you probably ignore. Look and listen around you right now. You'll find something you didn't notice before.
calexa
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Very good advice Jaxon. It was also helpful for me.

Magixx
Optimists have more fun.....
BlackShadow
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If you perform for small groups Zac, you've probably already seen that some people just don't enjoy magic. It's only 1 in 5 maybe, but a small group could easily contain one or more of this kind of person. If they start acting bored or making lots of smart comments/explanations of how they think the trick was done, that's not the right time for me to perform. I finish that effect, and just start chatting if it's a social gathering. When the unappreciative person leaves the group, quite often another person will ask me to do some more magic. But, don't cast your seed on stony ground, if you have a choice.
ToPher
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Somewhere
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That's some good advice above I would also like to add find a mentor theres a few heavy hitters in your area an if you show them your dedicated they may show you the way.Also maybe join a local magic club to meet other magician, most the time they can be helpful also.
GeorgeSantos
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San Diego, CA
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It depends on the situation. If the party is for kids, then the tricks you should perform should be for their age level. If it is a party for adults, then you can choose your tricks accordingly. Dan Harlan has many effects and videos out there that are very useful.
"David Roth is the greatest coin manipulator in the entire world.."

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Zac Vee
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Hey ,, Thx Jaxon for ur input, I will take ur words on broad , as they r great advice. Smile

and yes everybody else, thx for ur reply and advice. ;-)
peace, love and kindness.. no terms and conditions

1001 Magic Nights Blog
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