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satellite23 Elite user 424 Posts |
I started out a few years ago just as any aspiring magician would; ignorant, excited, and a master card handler...at least, a master of playing 52 pick-up. I gradually progressed, learned many basic tricks, showed them to my family and friends. I eventually mustered enough courage to talk to a professional who then invited me to perform close-up at a festival.
I was immensely nervous during the month that I had to wait. I had no clue what I was doing. I threw together a sloppy ambitious card routine and thought I could get away with it. As we were setting up our booth at the festival, the pro asked to see my routine. I brought out an entirely new deck of cards. Brand new. I tired a fany flourish, they fell all over the place. I picked them up, tried again. Got half way through my routine, the wind blew them all over again. I was so frustrated. Thankfully the pro was nice and gave me encouragement and advice throughtout the day. The real performances went pretty well. But I couldn't attract and hold decent-sized audiences. Why was I so incompetent? I felt frustrated again, but I never gave up. Now, almost a year later, I finally realized why, and I am gradually learning the solution to that problem. After almost a year of practicing, trial and error, and just messing around, am finally beginning to realize why. You see, after almost a year of hiding, I finally gained enough courage to start performing again, and I mean actually performing. It started on June 25, when I did close-up for some kids at a charity event. I had a 15-minute act planned out. This day taught me so much about performing. How to get kids and adults involved. How to make them laugh. How to make them...well, one lady gave me a ten dollar tip and I also got some free movie passes. Success!!! Then I performed at a library for a Haryy potter event. Kids loved my show, I think I know why. I'll explain later. Now, I'm getting numerous offers from libraries, my next show being a walk-around gig on August 13. I have numerous walk-around routines planned. Svengali, sponge ball, ring and string, and a comic routine that I like to call the "pesky card" routine....almost the same as an ACR but wih a bit more flair. Anyways, I am beginning to realize why I was so incompetent.....I wasn't performing. I only focused on the tricks and mechanical side of magic. I didn't realize that magic is all about the entertainment. I have been gradually learning that. For instance, I found out one thing kids love. My friend George. George is a plastic skull that I found last Halloween. I decided to implement him in my recent shows. Kids love him. He apparently "talks" to me, but nobody else cuz he's shy. However, kids swear that they heard him say something before. George is a perfect balance ot me. I am the comedic, clumsy guy; George is a punk, a rebel. He "exposes" my tricks, makes crude humor out of everything, and is always looking to make some friends in the audience. It's a perfect comedic balance! Kids love George! He's so funny! George is a figment of their imagination, something that they can relate to. Something that they may have created in their own minds. I think about George a lot. It is tough creating my own persona on stage, and it is even tougher creating a believable persona for a plastic skull on stage. But it all pays off. For me, magic now is about tapping into my audience's imagination. But when I can actually bring their imagination to life, I feel special. Anyways, I have been unlocking the secrets to entertainment. It's all about the small things. Making a wierd face when something strange happens. Making a big act out of just opening up a box. And saying to your audience at the end, no matter what,"Thanks. You guys have been a wonderful audience." Powerful words. It's all about the little things, especially the comedy. I realized that today when I performed my pesky card routine for my 5-year old sister. There is a part in there that I kinda stole from Bill Malone where he makes the cards dance. I added my own flair to that and made it uniquely funny. My sister just started dying with laughter. I looked at her and I did too. That's why magic is so awesome for me, I can make myself and others laugh. That's the secret to magic. |
Weisszach New user Manchester, UK 70 Posts |
Hey good story. It's good to hear everyone has the same problems I am having. All the best for the future.
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DWRackley Inner circle Chattanooga, TN 1909 Posts |
Excellent story. It really sounds like you’ve discovered a key. Congratulations!
...what if I could read your mind?
Chattanooga's Premier Mentalist Donatelli and Company at ChattanoogaPerformers.com also on FaceBook |
Wes65 Inner circle I've said very little in 1219 Posts |
You nailed it.
Having mechanics down is like knowing where the cluch, gas, brake, shift and steering wheel are. You've got to learn a lot more than that to be a NASCAR driver. I've seen a strong performance overcome weak mechanics but I've never seen strong mechanics overcome a weak performance.
Wes
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Mike Maturen Inner circle Michigan's Beautiful Sunrise Side 2726 Posts |
Amen, Wes!
Mike Maturen
World of Wonder Entertainment The Magic and Mayhem of Mike Maturen 989-335-1661 mikematuren@gmail.com AUTHOR OF "A NEW DAWN--Weekly Wisdom From Everyday Life" member: International Magician's Society |
ThinkThurston New user 66 Posts |
I agree. I'm amazed at how some street magicians perform very simple effects that absolutely slay their audiences. These magicians nail their performance.
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