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jtb Regular user 121 Posts |
I have learned a lot from these forums and felt my first experiences in performing magic might be of use to newcomers.
I have been performing for middle school students in a small rural town. I am involved in special programs in Nutrition and stress management for Native Americans. The few magic tricks I do have made a big difference in the students getting involved in the program. My skill level has is slowing approaching mediocre. I KILLED with the Magic Coloring Book and Professor's Nightmare (using Native American themes for both) and them bombed badly by not practicing enough on the next few tricks that involved basic magic moves and not putting the magic trick in the context of the students' world. So I decided to try some gimmicked tricks. I found in that if I used gimmicks, I could focus on performance. As a teacher I know how to interact with an audience and tell a story. I have used things like Tenyo's Production Tube and Crystal Tube tricks to good effect. However,the students are quite suspicious of props and assumed they are gimmicked. One good thing, because these gimmicked tricks were successful, I gained the confidence that I could do (very simple) magical moves in front of an audience. I just did a card trick with a simple sleight that went over very well. The lessons learned so far in using magic with students: 1) I have to perform each trick 25 times cleanly before I do it before an audience. 2) Take it step by step. If you need to start with simple gimmicked tricks do so,but practice the moves of magic. 3) You will make stupid mistakes in front of your audience. It's a learning experience. 4) Tell (and sell a story) with the magic as the WOW factor. John B |
Cardician99 Regular user Maryland 158 Posts |
Very good thinking, John B. YOU are on the right track. It's not so much what you do, but how you do it.
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Father Photius Grammar Host El Paso, TX (Formerly Amarillo) 17161 Posts |
The technical aspects of any trick is entertaining to you, the only thing your audience cares about is your performance.
Good start, and excellent way of using magic.
"Now here's the man with the 25 cent hands, that two bit magician..."
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chidzuyo New user 37 Posts |
I agree with you!
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mrunge Inner circle Charleston, SC 3716 Posts |
Great lessons to share John. Keep up the good work.
Mark. |
JamesTong Eternal Order Malaysia 11213 Posts |
Keep up the good work, John. Congrats on your progress.
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mmreed Inner circle Harrisburg, PA 1432 Posts |
Very good path of progress. Your thought and philosophy are spot on!
There are a few good books that dig into the aspects of deception and making the magic more real... Beyond Deception by Tobias Beckwith is one. Theatrical Magic by John Pyka (John is a Café poster as well!) Both offer great insight into leading the spectators INTO the story vs just HEARING the story. When a person becomes part of the magic, it plays so much stronger.
Mark Reed
Wedding and Event Entertainment |
jtb Regular user 121 Posts |
Thank you for the mention of the two books. I had not heard of either of them.
I will check them out. I am thinking out my character and how I want to present my shows. |
Bob Sanders Grammar Supervisor Magic Valley Ranch, Clanton, Alabama 20504 Posts |
John,
Your "first steps" appear to be very well informed giant steps. Congratulations! Bob Sanders Magic By Sander |
jtb Regular user 121 Posts |
Bob,
Thank you. Your posts have been very helpful and illuminating especially in the area of silk magic. I look at some of the posts and posted videos and realize I have a long way to go. I am slowly beginning to move towards my first goal, becoming a semi-skilled magician. After that ???????? John B. |
mmreed Inner circle Harrisburg, PA 1432 Posts |
Quote:
On 2008-12-01 12:56, jtb wrote: After that you will need to get a manager ;-)
Mark Reed
Wedding and Event Entertainment |
jtb Regular user 121 Posts |
Mark,
Maybe my first gig should be to sell Svengali Decks at the Dollar store? Hey, I can dream. John B. |
mmreed Inner circle Harrisburg, PA 1432 Posts |
John,
All kidding aside, I know a few guys that make a TON of money pitching Svengalis at tradeshows and fairs. Your original post shows you are thinking the right way - keep it up... you are on the right course!
Mark Reed
Wedding and Event Entertainment |
Bob Sanders Grammar Supervisor Magic Valley Ranch, Clanton, Alabama 20504 Posts |
Quote:
On 2008-12-01 12:56, jtb wrote: John, Thank you for the kind words. As an old educator myself, I'm sold that magic is a great way to get students into a learning situation. (In advertising we called the magic FX!) Bob Sanders Magic By Sander |
phoogestijn New user The Netherlands 26 Posts |
As I am very new to magic, I want to ask a question about number 3 of the list: You will make stupid mistakes in front of your audience. It's a learning experience.
What do you do when you blow up a trick in front of your audience, will you just move on, as if nothing happened?? Even when your spectator could have seen "the secret move" ?? |
phoogestijn New user The Netherlands 26 Posts |
As I am very new to magic, I want to ask a question about number 3 of the list: You will make stupid mistakes in front of your audience. It's a learning experience.
What do you do when you blow up a trick in front of your audience, will you just move on, as if nothing happened?? Even when your spectator could have seen "the secret move" ?? |
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