i performed magic at my high school with some great success. get into a sponge ball routine is my advice, for 2 reasons: 1) it is close up magic that will fool anyone; and 2) people like to ask you "do you have your balls?" i dont know why, but people ask that all the time. they will start bringing their friends to you saying "look what this guy can do with his balls" its just fun. also, try to stay away from gimmicks. do tricks with ordinary decks of cards, instead of svengalis or invisible deck. although the effects might not be as good, you have a distinct advantage: the spectator can handle the deck and inspect it. bill thru quarter is good to use, but you have to be careful of the angles and make sure no one peeks behind the quarter. i got my reputation at school doing sponge balls and the arm twist, and that was it. i would bring out a deck and people would say "you do cards too?" get 2 or 3 really good reputation makers that you can perform over and over, and that way when you do something new, it catches the spectators completely of guard. i hope this helps, and if you have any more questions email me at
jrufl@yahoo.com