|
|
Strange Tasting Fish Sticks 1988 - 2013 The Big Brother is watching you 1095 Posts |
Doug, thanks so much for being here. If you could give only one piece of advice for young magicians who aspire to follow their passion in magic professionally, what would you tell them? what helped you? Was there time where you doubted yourself? thank you so much. Kevin
|
doug brewer V.I.P. 1142 Posts |
Hey Kevin: I'll kind of answer your questions in reverse and then we'll get to your biggest question about doing magic professionally. My best advice for what helped me improve would be to have a group of fellow magicians around you that are willing to give honest critique of technique and presentation. Often we are blind to what others can see - both the good and the bad. Nothing helps more than feedback that moves you forward, as opposed to people (usually relatives or non-magician friends) who say everything you do is great. We know that can't be possible - something must need improvement, especially when we are new. Never ending positive feedback actually has the reverse effect of making us stagnate. That's another reason why a mentor is great to have. They can focus what and how to practice and should give constructive criticism on how to improve. Finding a mentor, however, can be tough to do, especially if they live far away. I really like what Joanie Spina does in Magic Magazine with her critique of stage technique. This one-on-one advice is crucial to improvement. My friend John George and I have a two-man act called The Magical Misfits. We hired a director from Disneyland to critique our show and offer "direction" where he thought we needed it. This was one of the best things we could have ever done for our show and really sharpened our characters and performance/motivation within the show.
Have I ever doubted myself? Oh, yes. I remember my first restaurant gig - I would be shaky nervous for at least the first couple of tables, then I would calm down and be okay. I used to dread that first table, but would force myself through it. I would sometimes wonder why the heck am I doing this to myself? But I have to tell you, I really loved performing, specifically performing magic. When you want something (and I really wanted to be a magician - that is - a performing magician) you just are willing to do whatever it takes to make it happen. I have a peculiar habit of being nervous the first time I perform a trick - regardless of how easy it is - even to this day. After the first burn through, I'm completely fine - even if I'm in front of hundreds of people. Now about becoming a professional. This is personal and will be different for each person. Do you want to do it full time? Or just part time? I've done both and each has their advantages. You will need to assess how what you offer is a viable product people will be willing to spend money on. In other words, is your product commercial? I'm actually quite happy being a part-timer right now especially in this rough economy. But . . . if I was younger and not encumbered with responsibility tied to my family I might be willing to take more risks to achieve the dream of being a full-timer. |
Strange Tasting Fish Sticks 1988 - 2013 The Big Brother is watching you 1095 Posts |
Thanks doug. I'm fortunate to have a mentor already. I'm open to feedback and take it, when I fail a trick I always go back and ask myself what I did wrong. But finding other magicians friends in my area is difficult. My dream is to perform professionally. I have a huge problem with fear.. people say I'm very good with my coin magic, but I get so nervous even attempting to get a gig. Thanks doug.
|
doug brewer V.I.P. 1142 Posts |
Keep performing in front of people as much as you can. The fear (a form of stage fright) will eventually subside. I get wound-up or anxious before a big show, but I don't get nervous anymore. And definitely not for strolling or behind the bar. I couldn't say this when I was starting out.
|
Pete Biro 1933 - 2018 18558 Posts |
My Dad was a vaudeville performer and when I was staring out I had "stage fright" (nervousness). One comment he made changed it.
He said, "What are you worried about? They come to see you perform, not to shoot you."
STAY TOONED... @ www.pete-biro.com
|
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » The April 2012 entrée: Doug Brewer » » On Tips on magic » » TOPIC IS LOCKED (0 Likes) |
[ Top of Page ] |
All content & postings Copyright © 2001-2024 Steve Brooks. All Rights Reserved. This page was created in 0.02 seconds requiring 5 database queries. |
The views and comments expressed on The Magic Café are not necessarily those of The Magic Café, Steve Brooks, or Steve Brooks Magic. > Privacy Statement < |