Nope. I don't do magic on command. Never have. I plan my shows -- even strolling ones for maximum effect.
Want to see magic? Come to my shows; better magic, better door, better for everyone.

CW

Not everyone is a pro. We amatuers would never get to show our stuff following your personal rule.

CW,

I get your point and many will agree with you. I disagree, however, on some points. I don't agree that impromptu performances equals "magic on command." Magic ANd SHowmanship and other sources offer theatrical structure for impromtu performances too, where the entertainer better controls the situation. You also seem to imply that impromptu demonstrations are not planned. While the situation may not be expected, impromptu routines should be planned, blocked, practiced and ready to go. In my never humble opinion, if you're after maximum impact, true impromptu with everything borrowed multiplies impact because they know there are no camera tricks or tricky props. Then also, many have credited impromptu performances for getting booked for more formal shows. And if you enjoy doing magic for people, it's just fun. Finally, especially since Max Maven release Nothing, many have pondered the wisdom of being able to perform if the taxi driver drives off with you suicase/props, or if you are at some social event with no props, the scheduled entertainer has projectile vomiting and you are asked to fill in unexpectedly by a desperate entertainment committee. Pros especially should be prepared for any contingency.

http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......forum=41

Surely you do some impromptu for family and close friends...? Or do they have to come to the show too?

I personally love impromptu magic. planning is great, but when it comes down to it Mr. Murphy hates me quite a bit, and loves to punish me to the full extent of his law. So the more I can do with what I can find in the immediate area the better.
as for presentation, it all depends on who is asking. If they're asking nice, or I like them, I'll go ahead and do a few tricks, but if they're snapping at me like I'm a trained monkey they can go sit and spin for all I care.

I always have something ready. Makes it exciting.

Regards,
Mike

Magic should not look prepared, but it should be prepared. If you want to be seen as a genius of technology and dexterity, do present your magic as planned.

I personally want magic to look like, real magic. Something that happens as a coincidence or by accident. I use props that, though they are gaffed, rigged and gimmicked, they look natural and everyday. Nothing high tech.

Magic rests it's success on surprise! A presentation that is presented as a planned event may loose that element of surprise.

A complete routine or series of effects needs both Anticipation and Surprise in balance, methinks -- all surprise without building expectations can loose the 'magic' and just become a skill demonstration. But 'planned' and 'well practiced' are different functions -- and giving the appearance of being spontaneous can be the most practiced art of all. I used to enjoy passing out a basket full of objects and allow spectators to decide what I would use for the next effect. Thus, nothing was 'planned' but I had dozens of practiced effects I could do.

I suppose the beauty of magic is that it CAN be performed on demand. You wouldn't ask an artist, for example, simply to paint you a picture on the spot!

I agree with CW. I just tell them I don't have my wand. Of course, that has gotten me into some interesting conversations...

IT DEPENDS-

MANY YEARS AGO WHEN I SMOKED AND WASN'T SUPPOSED TO I WAS WORKING AS A STOCKBOY IN THE BASEMENT AND I WANTED TO BE A SALESMAN UPSTAIRS.

THE MANAGER CAUGHT ME AND ANGRILY TOLD ME "HEY KID - MAKE THAT CIGARETTE DISAPPEAR FAST!"

I PUT IT INTO MY LEFT HAND, WAVED MY RIGHT FINGERS OVER MY LEFT HAND AND - AND - THE CIGARETEE WAS GONE -

AND I WAS OUT OF THE BASEMENT AND A SALESMAN UPSTAIRS.

It's funny how people react to finding ou that you are a magician. I think the gut reaction "show me a trick" is just a defense mechanism to make you say no. If you do say no, then magic has been reduced to tricky apparatuses and people don't feel so bad about being tricked. That's why, whenever someone asks me to show them a trick I say "well what do you have on you" and try to figure something out with that. However if I randomly decided to do magic for someone, I have something on me. Preparing myself in this way has saved me a lot of trouble when thinking about what I should bring with me when I leave the house.

I like it best when you haven't done any trick, but have helped a person solve a problem they considered "impossible." Rather than admit that you might just have more experience or knowledge they ask, "Are you a magician?"

This has happened to me so many times that I am hesitant to claim knowing what a spectator actually thinks about a magic effect. The amazing part is that in spite of seeing so much poorly performed magic they still crave more.

Some magicians are "on" all the time, ready at the drop of a hat to do twenty minutes. Some pros are like that, but most I've met do shows and are extroverts on stage and introverts off.

Not all of us have the need or desire to perform on demand like trained animals

http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/03b6d2c......id-girls

One of the first things I was ever taught in being a magician was be ready to do magic at a moments notice. and by the way CW then how was it that you made it to stage magic? we all have to start somewhere and its usually impromptu street magic

Surely when someone introduces you as 'a magician' the situation is usually unusual enough to warrent the request to 'prove' yourself.

I always carry something that I can 'show' if required, but am also armed with lots of 'impromptu' stuff that I have learnt over the years.

I don't know if I'm alowed a plug, but if you visit http://HowToBeMagic.com you'll see where I put down lots of these ideas.

The odd 'impromptu' bit can sometimes lead to a paid gig.

I love doing magic at a moments notice it has that kind of on the spot feel that I think fans really appreciate

Live and breathe magic. That's my take. Money? Well, it's great, but I just enjoy spreading wonder wherever I go. I guess I have had too much Doug Henning in my boyhood.

Carry a blank contract!

SgtNewlon