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Fatboy New user 4 Posts |
Does anyone have any tips on how to get past that nervous feeling when someone asks you to do a trick? Once I get started it is hard to shut me up! I have gotten better with my performance but that feeling of a person busting me is horrible. I think that I have scarred myself for life from a few bad experiences. I think all magicians have had their share of bloopers or just plain bad crowds. I am just entering into the world of stage magic and it's not the same. Does anyone have any good suggestions on how to get rid of my phobia? Also, can anyone relate to my problem?
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rvigon Loyal user uk 266 Posts |
Just perform.
I'm not saying that fear will go because it will not, but you will learn to use it and pull all your energy from it. I bet once you perform the first trick you'll feel fine. If you ask many actors and performers about it they will tell you that they get it too, so don't worry, you are not alone. It was even said by some one whose name I can't remember, lol that as soon as he stops getting nervous before a performance he will know its time to retire Well I hope that helps and don't let your so called scares hinder your performance today. Just learn from them
"No brilliance is required in magic, just determination and relatively clean fingernails."
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Peter Marucci Inner circle 5389 Posts |
Nerves affect just about everybody at one time or other and pretty well everyone can relate to it.
Rvigon has it right, though: the only way around this is to keep on performing. It will get easier and it may even go away; or it may not. Sir Laurence Olivier used to be physically ill before a stage performance -- and he was one of the greatest actors of the 20th century! One thing that might help is focussing on something else -- warmup exercises, your breathing, whatever -- rather than performing, before you actually do it. No guarantees, however. So just keep on performing. |
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bilz New user Cornwall, UK 88 Posts |
I know exactrly how you feel Fatboy.
I get terrible nerves doing magic but you just have to deal with it and try to relax. I actually get shakes in my hands sometimes which people have commented on so I really do get it bad. What helps for me is doing something first off that you are really comfortable with and that there is little chance of you messing up. Then go onto something else. Once you've performed one effect ane your audience has seen one success you'll be able to relax a bit more afterwards - well at least it helps a bit for me! Hope this might halp a bit Bilz
Learn as if you would live forever...
...live as if you would die tomorrow. |
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Law New user 94 Posts |
Read this article by Kenton Knepper from the currect issue of Visions. I really like the first tip - rename what you're feeling from "nerves" to "energy" and try to get yourself into that mindset.
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cmwalden Regular user Cedar Park, TX 150 Posts |
One of the keys to overcoming nervousness is rehearsal. I don't mean doing moves in front of a mirror. I'm talking about real theatrical style rehearsal. It's hard, but think about it as though you were doing a play.
The other person's line is "Hey! Do a trick." Now, what is your line. How do you begin? What do you do next? How do you move into your trick? If you will begin to practice your magic not as just the effect, but coming into a performance and going out of a performance, you won't have to improvise. You'll still be nervous. Time in front of the audience is the only thing that will temper that. But you won't have to decide what to do next. You'll already know. I think you'll find this makes a huge difference for you.
"There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy."
- William Shakespeare |
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tedski Special user New Jersey 792 Posts |
As a former performing musician, I must tell you, nerves will come into play but can be managed:
1)practice your "piece" until you can do it without thought 2)make sure you breathe normally 3)go slowly, nerves tend to distort your perception of time causing you to rush - it makes it hard to follow your performance. Remember, you are doing this because you love it, and the feeling it creates in you and others regards |
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amazingboz New user 67 Posts |
We all start from the ground up. Get you family together and perform for them. Try to find a local magic club or group. Talking about your fears will help put them in perspective. However, be sure to know whom to talk to. As I always say, one cannot go to a graveyard and expect to find warm comrade there!
Keep coming back here as this is coolest place and family experience for magicians on the web! AmazingBoz aka Phil |
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Jaime Pirnie New user Tracy, CA 65 Posts |
I used to get really nervous when I'd do magic for people. Now that I think about it, I was nervous because I didn't want to get busted. Then when I got to the point where I did the tricks so well, I KNEW there was no way they could see anything the anxiety went away - that fear of being busted wasn't there. I still find myself getting nervous on some tricks because I don't have the confidence in knowing that I can do them without being busted. I noticed that I could only get so good at a trick when practicing by myself and then I got much better when I performed it over and over for people. There are some moves that I would do where I would be nervous about it and then later I find out I was doing them better than I thought. I guess just performing for people will ease your nerves since you'll know what works and what doesn't. Its hard to just go perform though. Right now I'm trying to figure out where I can get a fresh supply of people to perform for. I have to build up the confidence and just get out there and start.
Hope this helps.. -Jaime
-Jaime
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mrmagicman007 New user 2 Posts |
What happens if they figure out I've got a trick deck. What do I do?
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rvigon Loyal user uk 266 Posts |
Don't let them find out! What I mean by this is don't perfom the trick if you can't get it right 101 out of 100 times.
"No brilliance is required in magic, just determination and relatively clean fingernails."
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Alan Jackson Elite user Cardiff, UK 432 Posts |
You won't get rid of the butterflies, but with experience you can get them to fly in formation.
There are 10 kinds of people: those who understand binary numbers, and those who don't.
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Jaime Pirnie New user Tracy, CA 65 Posts |
You probably shouldn't start off showing people some tricks with a trick deck. I found that when I first started and was showing people tricks they always wanted to see the cards. Now that they know I can do things with a regular deck they never ask to see the cards. Now I could probably whip out a trick deck and they'd never ask because I've shown them the cards in the past and they know its just a regular deck. Also because they know that I am capable of some sleight of hand. I haven't done it myself, but I've heard of people saying to start off with a regular deck and then doing a deck switch later after people have examined the deck. If I'm wrong or this advice isn't correct someone please correct me.
-Jaime
-Jaime
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cmwalden Regular user Cedar Park, TX 150 Posts |
I'd agree with this advice 100%. The point is that if what your doing is based on you, then you have more control. If what you do is based on your props, then the props control you. Starting with some basics and building your performance skills will allow you make good choices later.
I don't have a problem with gaffed decks or stacked decks, but before you make good use of them, you need to have command of the situation. The things you learn don't have to be very difficult, either. MOST people haven't really seen a magician up close. Your audience probably does not know what to expect. But you have to present yourself as a magician, not as Uncle Harry saying "Hey, check out this card trick!" (Although the Uncle Harry character could be fun if done on purpose...)
"There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy."
- William Shakespeare |
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what Special user Lehi, UT, USA 643 Posts |
I have to agree with the above two comments. When doing impromptu magic as a new magician, It is difficult(if not impossible) to perform beyond suspicion. Having examinable props will make the magic much more convincing and it gives the performer confidence that there is nothing to hide. Besides, an impromptu situation with friends is more fun when they can touch the props and feel involved. After all, they know that it was not real magic. They will more impressed when the magic was done with everyday objects.
Magic is fun!!!
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Emily Belleranti Veteran user Tucson, Arizona 349 Posts |
I am nervous before every performance I do, but most of it goes away after the first few minutes into my act.
The above advice is great, and I learned a few things from it. Something that I suggest is to routine your act so that the first few items are technically very easy. Start out with the easier stuff and move into the harder sleights and moves later. You should know your act inside and out. You'll find that this will help to eliminate a lot of your worries and jitters. I think that every performer, no matter how experienced, still gets a little nervous before their performances. Being nervous before you perform means that you care about what you're doing,and that's a good thing. I hope I helped! Emily B.
"If you achieve success, you will get applause, and if you get applause, you will hear it. My advice to you concerning applause is this: Enjoy it, but never quite believe it."
-Robert Montgomery |
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magician_carter New user 79 Posts |
I as well get very nervous when performing. You usually cannot hear it in my voice, but if you look at my hands, you can see it. I think you have to decide what you are nervous about. Are you just nervous of being infront of a crowd, or are you nervous that someone will catch you, or both? I can tell you after about 3 minutes infront of the crowd and you are getting a good response, the nerves will subside. If it is being caught, a wise man once told me that the world will not end if you are caught, it happens and just to be more careful next time. Like everyone else has said, only do what you are comfortable with and practice, practice, practice.
Without Magic, Life is Boring.
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jcards01 Inner circle Waterloo, IL 1438 Posts |
I think as others have said, try and get an opening effect that you can do without thinking. That will help you settle down. Practice everything else so that all the moves flow.
I know when I first started I was nervous even performing for family and friends. After a while those same tricks became second nature and I never thought about performing them and the moves and patter just happened without the hands thinking about it. It never ends though. I was into card's for over 10 years when I met Ed Marlo. I was asked to do something for him and I could feel those same jitters starting all over. I did something that I knew very well and his reaction made me feel better and I eased up a bit. I still get that way when lecturing or performing for other cardmen, but not as much. I do what I do and they either like it or they don't. Can't please everyone! Jim Molinari
Jimmy 'Cards' Molinari
www.jimmycards.com |
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Poof-Daddy Inner circle Considering Stopping At Exactly 5313 Posts |
Always be ready to perform your favorite effect - the one you are best at. Ask "How can I be nervous doing something I love to do and I am good at?" After you blow them away with the first, your confidence will build and you will do fine.
Never let um see you sweat
Cancer Sux - It is time to find a Cure
Don't spend so much time trying not to die that you forget how to live - H's wife to H on CSI Miami (paraphrased). |
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Mago Mai Elite user Venezuela 485 Posts |
I think there is nothing wrong with feeling nervous. What is bad, is to be afraid to perform magic.
Sometimes, I might fell nervous some days before I even have my gig..... ...When I have to perform in front of a camera and I know that it is going to be watch by tons of people. or When I perform for other magicians. Some other times, I encounter the same situations(new gig, TV contest) and I feel great. I didn't understand why this could happen to me. Why sometimes I fell fine or just a little nervous and some other times I felt real bad. Now, When I come to a situation that I start feeling nervous before a show, I know it is because am afraid of failure. Most of the times it is when I add to the routine an effect I just though about it or that I haven't practice enough. I bet, we all know an effect we can perform under any conditions, even with one hand in our back. That is the one we should start our magic show, routine, act or when asked for just a trick. If I am asked to perform a trick, I start always with the one I fell the best. This will probably lead to applauses at the end of it. This will make me fell even better and there is nothing to worry about now. Mago Mai
I invite all of you to share some of my magic on videos.Please, CLICK HERE
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