|
|
teedpop New user Check out my 91 Posts |
I have been into magic for a long time now,(Not sure how long) and really wanted to get more involved in the magic community. All I have been doing so far is reading boks and practicing. Plus, a show or two at my school and for my family. I only (personally) know 2 magicians, one is a friend who's my age but is (sadly) drifting away from magic. The other is a retired professional, who I don't think really likes me. He taugt me a little and let me borrow a book, but I would hardly call it a mentor/apprentice relationship. I don't think he sees potential in me. I live in Northern Illinois and can't find anything remotly near me. I am getting bored with books and would like to perform more and mabye even compete! Only thing is... I'm not sure how to get out there into the magical world. Help?
-Teed |
pradell Special user Alaska 560 Posts |
You did not say how old you are. If you are a teenager, (and even if you aren't) you should check out a movie that is coming to theaters soon, and is available on DVD for about $15.00 called Make-Believe. Here's the review.
http://www.hitfix.com/blogs/motion-captu......e-review Every year teens compete at the World Magic Seminar in Las Vegas. This is a movie about them. This year Eric Gilliam from Anchorage Alaska won the competition. He, like the other teen magicians, has been at Lance Burton's home, met and been mentored by Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger, and other greats in magic. Those over 19 who are too old to compete as teens can go to the World Magic Seminar held at the beginning of each year, and see the teens and adults from around the world compete for cash prizes and other awards. The 2011 event ended recently. It is a great place to meet other magicians, watch excellent performances, and renew your interest in magic! :magicrabbit: |
Bob Sanders Grammar Supervisor Magic Valley Ranch, Clanton, Alabama 20504 Posts |
Join a magic club in your area. there are several good ones. Here is a list.
http://www.magician.org/portal/ibm_localrings/Illinois Bob Sanders Magic By Sander |
whiteoakcanyon Special user 899 Posts |
I agree strongly with the recommendation to join a magic club. In addition, try to create opportunities to perform for others. This could mean volunteering in the beginning so you can gain valuable experience and exposure. Magicians in the club will be able to guide you to opportunities in your local area. I hope this helps.
|
P.Synenberg New user Abingdon, Va 58 Posts |
I agree with whiteoak, you can practice anywhere! If you're a teenager especially, go to a park. There's always a bunch of kids running around generally with their parents, and there's always the teen misfits there. I do magic everywhere I go, even if its just one effect. At a restaurant, store, a park, everyone loves magic and will not mind giving you a couple minutes out of their day for you to bring a smile to their face.
I was with my kids at Chuck E. Cheese yesterday, and just walked up to a table of 6, the father favoring Kimbo Slice... A LOT! I don't mind telling ya' I was a little intimidated. As I handed him a sponge ball and asked "Have you ever seen one of these, a lot of people think it's a clown nose" as I moved it to my nose. He didn't look impressed. I carried on anyhow. When I finished 7 minute routine he was smiling and joking with me. In fact he say "Aye bruh! You good, you like tricks and stuff, I can get a picture with you? I like yo style! So I took a picture with the man and he was so excited, the smile on his face was priceless! The moral of the story is even though someone or a group appears to be a tough crowd. Approach them anyhow. Even if it doesn't turn out as my experience did, chalk it up as experience anyhow. Not every mark you have will be sunshine and butterflies!
-P.J. Synenberg
|
Mark Jarvis Regular user 172 Posts |
Agree with all of the suggestions above. Do not have much to add.
Perform every where you go, the mall, restaurants where you eat, kids in grocery stores and other places that you frequent. Being part of a magic club is a great place to grow and build a network. Follow the link that Bob posted and look for a club to call home. Have fun.
Mark Jarvis
The Magic Of Magic Solon, Ohio The Magic Is In Your Hands http://www.themagicofmagic.com |
rsylvester Loyal user Trying to learn to BP a duck in 269 Posts |
I agree: Join the IBM and link up with a ring (bad pun). Is there one on that list near you? Or how about Indiana or Wisconsin. If there's one within and hour's drive, it would be worth attending their meetings once a month. If you can get across the lake, Abbott has an annual convention, the Get-Together in Colon, Mich. I've always wanted to attend that. Also, you'll find some good support right here. Just stick with it.
|
3M New user Los Angeles, CA 59 Posts |
Agreed with all above. Join a S.A.M./IBM Ring, it will never do you wrong. They are also great places to meet a potential mentor! Never let anything get you down. If you can dream it you can do it! Best wishes and good luck to you!
Cheers, Fred
Semper Magus
|
Earful New user A Magical Place, CA. 29 Posts |
These are all great suggestions! I would add, however, especially for the younger set, joining a S.A.M/IBM ring is prohibitively expensive. Some of us cannot afford it. There are other alternatives like the ECM, which is done live on the web. don't forget Skype for meeting and performing. I have many ideas, but alas, am also currently searching for another mentor.
---------
"live and let Amaze" |
sleightlysilas New user 29 Posts |
Here's an odd philosophy I embraced. Youre thinking of how to get into the world of magic, I believe however, that you should instead think of making YOUR world magical. I'd think of every social interaction as an opportunity to amaze people.
It doesn't even have to be a formal routine. Make something disappear out of the blue. You'll be amused at how miraculous that really is for a person to witness something Just fade from existence. Maybe a guy asks me for a pen, maybe I have one embedded in my pantleg. Maybe as I hand it to him it vanishes! Maybe I pull I out of his ear! Maybe I should change my dollar bill into a fifty before paying for dinner. That IMHO is what it truly is to be a magician in every sense of the word. So when you're out there in the world, just think.. What would Gandalf do? Hope that helps!
Sleightly Silas
Magician|Hypnotist|Visionaire www.SleightlySilas.com "...a little bit of magic, with a lot of something else..." |
teedpop New user Check out my 91 Posts |
Thanks guys!
WWGD? (What would Gandalf do?) -Teed |
sleightlysilas New user 29 Posts |
That's right. WWGD!
Best of luck
Sleightly Silas
Magician|Hypnotist|Visionaire www.SleightlySilas.com "...a little bit of magic, with a lot of something else..." |
55Hudson Special user Minneapolis 984 Posts |
Quote:
On 2011-03-19 08:35, Earful wrote: I'm surprised that you think SAM and IBM are expensive. The cost benefit compared to gaff tricks is very good. Every meeting is an opportunity to learn something new for free, make new contacts, and get leads for nonprofit or paid gigs You also get the subscription that provides new routines every month - some of the best money I've spent is on IBM and SAM. Hudson |
teedpop New user Check out my 91 Posts |
Quote:
On 2011-03-19 17:07, 55Hudson wrote: Some people just do not have the money period. |
Cyberqat Inner circle You can tell I work on the net from my 2209 Posts |
In many cases you don't have to join the IBM/SAm to attend a ring meeting. If you start being a regular, someone might bring it up, but I;'ve attended one as a guest now and again and all it cost me was the cost of the dinner at the (cheap) restaurant that came with the meeting.
Id find a meeting in your area and start going. If your joining really is a monetary issue, and it comes up, I'd just have a quiet word with the president of the local chapter about your situation and see if you can arrange something. I can't imagine *any* serious magic club that would turn away someone with a hunger to learn just because they are cash strapped.
It is always darkest just before you are eaten by a grue.
|
rsylvester Loyal user Trying to learn to BP a duck in 269 Posts |
Plus they do have youth specials. It may be you can just start out paying the local dues, which are usually cheaper. And as has been stated, compared to a good trick or book, IBM dues are a good deal. You'll get more effects and ideas just out of a couple of issues of the Linking Ring.
Which reminds me, I need to re-up my membership. |
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » New to magic? » » Getting Out There (0 Likes) |
[ Top of Page ] |
All content & postings Copyright © 2001-2024 Steve Brooks. All Rights Reserved. This page was created in 0.05 seconds requiring 5 database queries. |
The views and comments expressed on The Magic Café are not necessarily those of The Magic Café, Steve Brooks, or Steve Brooks Magic. > Privacy Statement < |