I am at a point in my magical journey in which I am trying to find just who my character really is. I love cards and mentalism and really have deep admiration for coin magic and coin magicians.

But some how I can't really see myself doing coin magic on anybody except myself. I love learning coin sleights and tricks, but when it comes to perform them I really can't see myself doing them.

I really brought up this topic for one reason. While working on an act for an upcoming contest. I want to use Henry Evans Chinese Miser's Dream for the ending. But I know I will only do the effect for other magicians and close up contests. So should I shell out 200 bucks on this effect?


Thank you already for the help,

Magically yours,

That's a lot of money to impress magicians who really won't be impressed.

Do it for yourself and an lay-audience then maybe it is worth it. (Use it for a return on Investment ROI and it really is worth it)

It it will win a contest, build self-confidence, and make you feel good about yourself, then again, it may be worth it. If it takes food out of the kids mouth, then it isn't worth it.

I make big purchases for effects that have powerful audience reactions, such as Wiz-Kote, & Pro Viper II.

As for character, that's a difficult topic for self-analysis.

We can look at others and tell if the character fits. We have a difficult time deciding who we are.

For instance inside me I am David Copperfield, but my outside says NO-Way. I had this discussion with Duane Laflin. Inside Duane want to be a comedy magician but outside and performance wise he is an "entertainer with class". I can't be an entertainer with class, no more than John Wayne, could be comedian. It requires a serious self evaluation with skilled friends who can really tell you who YOU are personality wise.

(An actor can be any one they want. A good actor can bring the best outt of a character if it matches their personality.)

Dennis is right, but most people can't see themselves as other people see them. Listen to what other people say. Perform in a variety of styles. One day people will come up to you and say that you have finally hit it, you really are the _________.

I was surprised to find that I was the pitchman.

Yours,

Paul

It is very hard to hear from other people about yourself but it is well worth it.

Now in my opinion this does not mean you cannot do what you think should be your character. It will be a lot of hard work and may never work out.

In order for that to happen it will take a lot of changes to the way you act mannerism and a lot more crtique from other people. May I also suggest that it not be only friends and family you need to find people new and see their reactions.

As Dennis said and it makes the most sense to me is
"(An actor can be any one they want. A good actor can bring the best outt of a character if it matches their personality.)"

Just remember whatever you decide you have to feel very comfortable and natural.

John B

I was always an Orson Welles-style bizarrist inside, but had to get older, grayer, and grow whiskers before it came out physically.

I can thank my wife, Andrea, for talking me into changing from my old, parted-on-one-side, young-man's hairstyle to the Peter Cushing/Christopher Lee combed-straight-back style, and growing a mephistophlean moustache and goatee.

Steve

You might naturally progress into character. I didn't try and develop my character directly, it just happened. Three years ago I was a more traditional close-up magician. You can see the change even on my website videos.

Don't worry too much, it will come.

-Christian

You shouldnt concentrate on impressing magicians, plus, that's quite some money for a very limited audience. My 2cents.

First - I never worry about impressing fellow magicians as that is not who I perform for.

Second - Character - great question. As has been said, so many magicians try to be what they aren't or try to be someone else. I have been trying to develop a more solid charcter definition, but mine now is a like your favorite uncle - likes to tease, be funny and do magic. I am not a serious magician, or a Jeff McBride type mystic, I have just found what works for me and my "look".

I was actually worried that after I starting shaving my head that the blad look might not be good for kids, but the personality comes through and it works.