All,

I can do the tricks mechanically just fine but when it comes to performing them I am having a hard time. It justloks like I am thinking about the trick. Any ideas of how I can improve this. Thanks.

Patrick

I have said it many times before...PRACTICE, PRACTICE and PRACTICE even more, in youre case PERFORM, PERFORM and then PERFORM even more. you'll see, that soon you feel more comfortable performing those tricks. BTW! You have to practice so much, that you don't have to think about the sleights, they must come naturally.

There is also a difference between practicing and rehearsing. Practicing, for me, is making sure that I can execute the technical aspects of the trick perfectly. Once I have that down, I move on to rehearsing.

Rehearsing is doing the trick exactly as you would for a spectator, including patter, gestures, dress, music, microphones, possible problems etc. I rehearse everything from what I will say to find a volunteer, asking their names, introducing them to the audience, thanking them after the trick etc. Talk out loud when rehearsing so you can hear what the performance will sound like and the tempo of your patter.

Magicians often talk about a routine maturing through many performances. Some of that can also be accomplished through propper and realistic rehearsals. Throw yourself some curve balls too, see how you could handle them in real life.

Just my two cents.

Thank you. I will do that. You guys helped me out more than you know.

I've always encouraged our clients to use a video camera when working a new trick. Obviously, you then see what the audience sees. However, we also have found that some magicians are intimidated by the camera. Good luck Patrick.

I will second he video camera after you are done in the mirror because. if you get to used to the mirror it will be hard to tfo the tricks without seeing yourself doing them.

Too true. I will try everything/anything to improve. Thanks.

PaxMentis, Video Camera is alsothe device, that I use. This gives you, chance to analyze yourself later. I also record often during live performances. I let my so called Camera Crew to record from different angles and positions. This is the video, that is not ment to catch peoples reactions and ovations, but my performance.

BYUDAD,
I have been performing for well over thirty years and only just learned a year or so ago HOW TO PRATICE. Yep, read that again if you wish. All I can truly say is that I invested in a book by the name of:THE OSTRICH FACTOR - A PRACTICE GUIDE FOR MAGICIANS BY GERALD EDMONDSON. It was this book alone that changed my life. Honest! I have read hundreds of books on study and magic and it wasn't until I read and developed a true pratice routine with this book did I suceed. My entire magic world has changed and my magic has IMPROVED so very much. I perform fulltime and I am so very happy that I descovered this gem.
Take a moment and check out this link: http://www.geraldedmundson.com/tof1/bookorder.htm
It truly is a great peice that can only benefit you.
Magically,
Ken Winters

Thank you. I will get one.

Patrick

Ken,
Thanks for the great comments. I’m glad the methods in The Ostrich Factor are working for you. Keep up the good work!

Regards,

Gerald