My friend and I, both magicians for about 5 years, have been performing birthday parties together and we are about to perform a stage show for a fairly large audience. We have always had problems with this but I believe it will become more evident if we do a stage show. The problem is us switching off tricks. I don't want to do a trick then stand back and watch him do his trick. Now we do interact with each other's patter however, do you guys have any suggestions for tricks or routines that constantly involve both of us? Sorry for the long post.
Thanks,
Kevin

What type of effects do you do now? It may be possible to involve both of you in the presentation.

Don't stand back and watch. Develop a way to interact with each other. There are very few successful duos in magic, simply because most magicians want the spotlight for themselves, or they don't know anyone else with their passion.

Look at some of the duos: Penn and Teller or Sigfreid and Roy (pre-attack). What makes them great? Their ability to play off of each others strengths. You and your friend should look for the commonality you share.

Are you both funny? Try adding some slapstick ala Stooges or Laurel & Hardy. Is only one of you funny? Maybe one could be the straight man while the other plays for laughs.

In other words, try to find a way to work together. A magic team could be highly entertaining, while two seperate magicians might just make for a long show.......

you could always interact and then go behind the curtain or backdrop till he is finished and then have him repeat slightly differently

Try a little mentalism in it. You could have it where a spectator is up on stage and while one of you is turned around, the spectator chooses something (say out of a choice of 5) and you guys would have to develop some type of way to reveal/communicate the chosen object w/o the audience catching on. You could always switch places afterwards and re-perform it, but differently since there are so many methods. It's a simple routine that I have had other 13-16 year old's learn and perform effectively.... and in just minutes.

Thanks guys, for the replies. Yes, we do use some comedy between us. We are still working on the show to make more interaction occur. Any suggestions on interactions during my Amazing rope trick (Comedy in its self, rope comes out sleeve, both pant legs, and then my boxers come out with the end of the rope.) This is about the only kink left in the show I was planning on it being the closer ( oops gotta go, put my boxers back on ) But what do you guys think. Thanks again for all the help, It is very appreciated.
Kevin

The rope trick is a nice closer. What if you were to do a simple cut and restored rope and you stage partner said once it was done HEY, I SEE HOW YOU DID THAT, IT IS UP YOUR SLEEVE!
This could bring a little fun banter by play with the both of you. Then your partner asks the audience how many believe it went up your sleeve... this now involves all of them... He/She then goes over to you and starts to pull the rope from your sleeve, to the other sleeve, to the pant leg, to the other leg and finaly the boxers out. This final trick would involve the BOTH of you and the audience laughing and applauding.

Thanks Khuldrin that is a great transition into the trick. I will really consider adding this into the show. Thanks,
Kevin

Do a D'lite sequence

watch penn and teller and you will find ideas

Hey guys, I thought I would give you an update. The show went off completely successful and my friend and I had a blast. Khuldrin, your idea worked really well and was the perfect transition into my effect. Thanks again for all the input,
Kevin

You can do a very funny "mentalism" effect. Have your friend pretent to be an audience partner then do all this mentalist stuff, then at the end of this little routine announce that hes your friend in some way. Be creative!

Grats on a well done show. Am also happy that the effect worked well for you on the rope. BTW have a safe holiday.