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phil_n New user Sheffield, UK 28 Posts |
Hi I'm Phil from Sheffield in the UK.
So I always loved magic, regularly watching Paul Daniels on the TV back in the eighties, when I was knee high to a grasshopper. I never really moved beyond self working tricks and Svengali decks though back then. Then came university, finding work and the other parts of life - I never moved beyond being a spectator. So 30 odd years later I find myself wanting to learn how to do magic, a complete beginner at (ahem) 40. I've been practicing a few tricks, cards mostly. The problem I have is one of confidence: I don't want to show a trick unless I've got it nailed; but part of knowing that is nailed requires showing it to people. Maybe I shouldn't overthink and just try it (but that's me, I overthink everything)! I've been lurking here for ages, figured it's finally time to say Hello! |
1KJ Inner circle Warning: We will run out of new tricks in 4385 Posts |
Phil,
Welcome! I felt the same way you did years ago. I am a very analytical person. I think that putting yourself into certain situations where you just have to perform can be helpful. For me, many years ago my oldest daughter wanted to do a magic show for her birthday. She and I put together a show for her friends. It was a big hit and everyone had a good time. Another great place for this is attending an IBM Ring or any other magic club in your area. I don't know if you have one nearby. My ring is all about performing, and I started performing on just my second visit (my first visit as a member). It's not a requirement to perform there, but they create a safe environment to perform. If you don't have a magic club of some sort, then I would suggest you try to find someone who also has an interest in magic. Another suggestion is to find a few card tricks that are easy to do, but really powerful. A couple that come to mind are: The opening card trick that Mark Mason did on the Penguin Live lecture. So easy, yet it had the magicians in the room stunned. This requires a tiny bit of preparation to the deck. I do a variation of his routine, using the two jokers. That leaves the deck clean for other routines. Aldo Colombini's oil and water. I'm not sure where you would find that one, perhaps on one of the World's Greatest Magic DVDs. I love his routine because it is so easy to get into from any unprepared, shuffled deck. I don't think he explains how to get into it from a shuffle deck, but I'm not sure it needs too much explanation. It is as simple as cutting the deck once to put a combination of two cards to the top of the deck the way I do it (you just need any two cards that are red and black on top). KJ |
DrMidnight New user Arkansas 10 Posts |
Hi Phil,
You and I have a lot in common. Welcome. |
leonardo_t New user 9 Posts |
Hi Phil. I have been magic for only 2 years, but I have found that you can build confidence by performing for random people. If you mess up, there are 7 billion other people for whom you can perform.
Welcome! |
Mary Mowder Inner circle Sacramento / Elk Grove, CA 3659 Posts |
Welcome phil_n,
Just do it. Be prepared to take your licks, be nervous and get embarrassed. So what? A few scary encounters may be the price of admission but not being willing to try will keep you out forever. You may be surprised and just amaze them. Practicing a lot before performing is a good thing (practicing forever without performing, not so much). From personal experience I've found that people are very supportive and they want you to succeed. Start with your family. They are more supportive (but harder to amaze and perform for). Next friends, then co-workers. By the time you work for strangers (the easiest to perform for and amaze), you'll be all set. Leonardo_t has a point about the 7 billion others. I'm still nervous in some situations but it does get better. There is nothing like sharing wonder with someone who needs it (and we all need it). Roller coasters are scary and people pay to stand in line for 'em. Give yourself a thrill. -Mary Mowder |
Kbuck54 Veteran user 343 Posts |
Welcome to the Café, Phil.
Enjoy the magic. Keith Shazam
SHAZAM!
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phil_n New user Sheffield, UK 28 Posts |
Thanks for the kind words, good advice and encouragement.
I'll try to stop the over analysis and just go for it! |
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