Whenever I do a show, I arrange effects in order and print it out in large print so I can know on stage what comes next. The props are packed up in a suitcase in reverse order and arranged on tables ready to go. I save the list of effects on the computer, with the title being the date and place of the performance. In case a spectator, especially at a private party, books you for a new show, you know what NOT to repeat (e.g. an effect with the same force words, etc.)

Why are you afraid to repeat material for an audience?

I know it is one of the rules of magic to never repeat magic for the same audience, but come on.

Here's me... Develop a character, write a script, learn it word for word, and don't diverge from it. Tell a story, and let the story determine what magic you perform, not the client. After all, your clients should hire you for YOU and your story, not for your tricks or props. And if you do this, then you don't have to worry about who has seen what and when, because it doesn't matter. They want to see you, they want to know your story! And they'll want to see you again and again.

That's my story and I'm stickin' to it...

Yes but if I have seen you 2 or more times then I am not as impressed with the effect because I know what the end result will be.

That does not mean I do not enjoy your performance and want to see it again but the surprise is gone.

I think that the surprise or awe is just as important to the effect as the patter.

Just my two bits.

Yeah, you never should repeat it. Especially if you have enough effects to do a completely different show. Just because they enjoyed you and want you back doesn't mean they want the same exact effects again.

Unless they just want to figure them out.

-Christian

Like Chanor said, it is especially important to use different forced words, cards, etc. I sometimes do as many as six shows a day and many times people will come in to see my show multiple times. Sometimes I have 2 completly different shows and I will also change the routines around. If I do a force of some kind I make sure to repeat it with a different one in the next show. I used to do a card routine and I had a different force card for each show, six in all.

Regan