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Bill Citino Special user Doylestown, PA 837 Posts |
Hey Marc,
What is some advice that you'd give to younger performers? With regards to new performers, is there anything in particular you'd tell them to study/do? You've been a tremendous influence on my magic, as I hope you'd know by now. A lot of the things that I do in my magic and with my routines are influenced by things that you've taught me. The biggest thing I think is how to "direct attention" and not to "misdirect" it. In the beginning I didn't realize the difference when you first brought it to my attention and as a few years passed I finally did realize the difference. And it is a huge one. I know Tommy Wonder discussed it, in depth, in the Books of Wonder, but is there anything you would say to younger performers who may not see the difference? I guess something that may help them see what the difference is, if that makes any sense lol. Thanks so much for all of your help over the years. I look forward to hearing your response! -Bill |
Marc DeSouza V.I.P. Wayne, PA 161 Posts |
Hi Bill,
Thanks for the great questions. As you know, these are issues that should be discussed over time. To give the short version as a starter, one must design routines that constantly direct the audiences attention in compelling ways. It can be through stronger movements to cover softer movements, often stated as the big move covering the little move. It can be by directing attention to one spectator with a question. I always want to direct the attention through the entire effect to make the accustomed to this direction. That way, I don't have to try to suddenly command their attention at a crucial moment, which is difficult and often requires some strange and unnatural movements. As for advice for young magicians, or neophytes of any age, I urge you to study the classics. My personal favorites include Stars of Magic, Classic Secrets of Magic by Bruce Elliot and The Amateur Magicians Handbook by Henry Hay for tricks. For theory, The Fitzkee Trilogy, Our Magic by Maskelyne and Devant, and The Books of Wonder by Tommy Wonder. The Tarbell Course is great, as are Modern Coin Magic and The Royal Road to Card Magic. I could go on like this for weeks, but get a grounding in the basics of sleight of hand. Learn "the scales". And for God's sake, if you participate in a forum, learn to listen and digest what you read. The final "words of wisdom", get out there and perform for real people. Learn six tricks and learn to present them well. If you sit at your keyboard all day and read or talk about magic, you are not a magician. If you buy everything that comes out and do not learn to perform magic, you are not a magician. If you write books or make videos of your new version of a trick that's been out there for years, yet you only perform it in front of your webcam, you are not a magician. Magic is a Perfromance Art. Marc |
Bill Citino Special user Doylestown, PA 837 Posts |
Marc,
Your final words of wisdom, I couldn't have said better myself. For those that don't know, I've practiced magic for the last 13yrs at this point. I've only performed for lay audiences for the last 5yrs. I def don't claim to know it all, if anything lol, but it's interesting to see how much one learns in their first performance. Anyways... Since you brought it up I must ask: I've read a fair amount of the books you've listed. The one that jumps out at the moment is the Fitzkee Trilogy. I read them a few years ago and find myself wanting to go thru them again. I've read a few threads on here a while back and heard other speak of the trilogy. Some think that this series is "outdated." I cannot disagree w/that more. Granted the Trick Brain was a tough read, but after reading all 3 I started looking at my magic in a different way. Do you have anything to say in regards to those thinking the books are outdated? Or do you think it's just more of a preference kind of a thing for some? -Bill |
Marc DeSouza V.I.P. Wayne, PA 161 Posts |
I think some of it may be considered outdated due to the changes in performance standards. I think it would be difficult to present magic in the manner of those days, but the underliying principles are still very valid. For each thing that could be accused of being outdated, there are at least 20 things that are not. They should still be required reading for all magicians.
Marc |
Cody Comet Loyal user Louisville, KY 201 Posts |
Mark, your advice is excellent advice, especally since I'm 14 and have been doing magic for 5 years. When I started out, I studied up on the classics and got a correct start in magic. And right now, I'm preforming as much as I can in front of real people, especally since I'm starting to do my first few paid gigs. I do kids show magic and walk-around magic, which means I'm getting a lot of public preformance time, Thanks for your great advice and good luck with your magic!
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magic4u02 Eternal Order Philadelphia, PA 15110 Posts |
Hey Marc,
I just wanted to chime in here, and like most others, express my thanks to Marc for what he has done for youth in magic. I have been deeply involved with the Society of Young Magicians for over 15 years now both locally here in Philadelphia and on a National level. Marc has always been there for the SYM members and has always given his time to talk with them, show them things, critque, review and offer assistance to any of the young members in our club. He certainly never had to do this or take as much time out as he does. But he is a very gracious man who loves to give back to magic what magic has given to him. So thank you Marc for helping shape the future stars of magic. It is greatly appreciated. Kyle
Kyle Peron
http://www.kylekellymagic.com Entertainers Product Site http://kpmagicproducts.com Join Our Facebook Fan Page at http://facebook.com/perondesign |
Marc DeSouza V.I.P. Wayne, PA 161 Posts |
Hi Kyle,
Thanks for that. You and Kelly and Arlen have been so supportive of the SYM program for so long. I like to help out when I can. I wish I had more time to work closely with some of the kids that show a real spark for magic, but the regional and national conventions seems to be a good place to reach a lot of them at once. Marc |
magic4u02 Eternal Order Philadelphia, PA 15110 Posts |
Thanks Marc. Your help over the years has been so wonderful and we greatly appreciate it. Thank you. =)
Kyle
Kyle Peron
http://www.kylekellymagic.com Entertainers Product Site http://kpmagicproducts.com Join Our Facebook Fan Page at http://facebook.com/perondesign |
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » The December 2007 entrée: Marc DeSouza » » Mentoring Younger Magicians/New Performers » » TOPIC IS LOCKED (0 Likes) |
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