Hi,

Just had first ever performance... short 10-15 minutes with cards only on stage with maybe 40-50 people. Did mind-reading "see through mouth" effect, thought transmitter, and Lovell's card-in-mouth. Had a fun time.

But but but... jitters or butterflies or whatever... I noticed that I did not shake hands with two of the volunteers... and didn't escort one of them to the stage (which I think I should have). Everything happened so fast. Missed a few of my lines as well. Myself... didn't project the stage presence that I had prepared for (although normally a calm person).

Anyhow, I was wondering if there were any books out there for "behaving" on the stage. Thanks!

Well if this is only your first performance and you are already aware of those things I would not worry! You are miles ahead compared to some "more experienced" performers.
Ask names, make eye-contact, touch shoulders, shake hands ,smile, be sincere!
Have fun!

Oh a good read is the Ken Weber book Maximum Entertainment. Do a search on that!

"Strong Magic" Darwin Ortiz - not just for stage but examines the whole psyche of delivering magic.

Preforming magic is like a catch 22
you get nerves when you start to prefrom but only way to get relaxed is keep prefroming soon you will relaxe and can concintate on the preformence

Ken Weber - Maximum Entertainment thanks for the recommendation.
Have also been meaning to get Strong Magic since it got reprinted.

Yes... kind of like needing experience to apply for a job in order to get some experience...

Just two points to add if you use a member of the audience:

1. Ask their name and DON'T WHATEVER YOU DO FORGET IT! I've seen this in the past and it looks so naff asking the person "errrr what was your name again"?

2. See them off stage or the cabaret floor - I don't mean right the way back to their seat (unless they are sitting near the front). Also get them their applause AS THEY ARE WALKING OFF - it kills the few seconds of dead time.

One of the main things that has helped me is to HAVE FUN.

Seriously. I get the jitters too but that's because we're human. Make sure your opener and first 2 effects are solid - from there your confidence should settle in. Laugh, smile, tell a joke and the audience automatically becomes your buddy.

You can call them 'gang' or whatever. Be loose yet elegant.

Your best teachers right now are yourself and experience.

Take care,

Logan

[quote]On 2005-01-19 07:34, Canvey Card Sharp wrote:
Just two points to add if you use a member of the audience:

1. Ask their name and DON'T WHATEVER YOU DO FORGET IT! I've seen this in the past and it looks so naff asking the person "errrr what was your name again"?

2. See them off stage or the cabaret floor - I don't mean right the way back to their seat (unless they are sitting near the front). Also get them their applause AS THEY ARE WALKING OFF - it kills the few seconds of dead time.
[/quote
Paul Daniels is very sharp in this area as I went up on stage with him and after the show we met him and he remembered my name my sisters and other members of the audiences names

Always try to behave like a good host! Smile, be polite, respect them, do everything possible to let them have a good time.

Magixx

You mentioned the answer to your question in your question! Slow down, force yourself to SLOW DOWN! Things will stop happening "so fast, and you'll relate to your audienc more easily. The butterflies are normal, in fact expected. If you ain't geting them, you're probably way too cocky!

Best, PSC

Sounds like you're doing fine to me. Get as much stage time as you can; it gets better with experience. I speak not as a stage magician, but as a trainer and storyteller, although I often use magic to illustrate points. Nervousness is normal and, at least for me, hasn't got completely away despite years on the stage. I don't believe that it should. It means that you care about your audience and the impression you make upon them. Channel the nervousness into positive energy and use it to your advantage. If it's simply a matter of stage nerves, perhaps seek out an organization such as Toastmasters International - They act as (more or less) a support group for those aspiring to be public speakers and/or entertainers. You can get lots of "stage time" and a great deal of useable advice.

Keep it up and best of luck!

Anthony

Wow more advice. That's great. Thanks for all the help from experienced workers. Difference in this case is that I knew about 1/3rd of the audience. It'd be interesting if the whole group were complete strangers.

If the audience liked you then it was a successful performance... It sounds like you did a good job... Now get back there and do another show and you will get better with each show!!!

Magic And Showmanship - Henning Nelms.

You local magic shop or internet book dealer
http://www.magicbookshop.com

Another good sugestion would be to read Juan Tamariz's "The 5 Points of Magic".

Congratulations on your performance!

Was it filmed?
(as this can be of great help)

Ronnie Lemieux

Ah, more book recommendations. Thanks!

Did receive good comments from people... but then again it's rare to have someone come up to you and say "That sucked!". Need to eavesdrop or something to discover the real deal! Hope to do another show in the Spring that includes ropes, rings, etc.

Hey Ronnie - met you at the Jamy Ian Swiss lecture (sitting next to you). How's Montreal? I think it was filmed but haven't asked about it yet. That would help a lot.