Performing Your First Trick
Remember the first time you performed magic for someone? We can all
relate to that first little trick or routine
that sparked the
'penguin' inside of us.
You know, that time when you built up enough courage to perform magic for
the first time? We've all been there.
I know I have. It was that first trick that made me want to perform
again... and practice even harder than I did
the first time.
For some people, it was the first time they felt what it was like to truly
astonish someone. Or for many of you, like me,
that first trick went wrong in every way.
The first trick that I ever performed was Dr. Bob's Acrobatic Aces. It's
one of those packet tricks where the cards turn
face down one at a time... then there's a kicker at the end where the
backs all change colors. Anyway, the trick floors
people...
when performed correctly. I didn't have that luck! My hands shook, the
cards fell on the floor and the spectator wasn't
convinced at all. In a nutshell, I looked like a total klutz.
The first time is something that every magician has to go through. It can
be a rough experience, but with a few tips
from someone who's gone through it already, your first time performing
magic can be a blast... for you and the spectator.
Whether you're looking to perform for the first time, or a seasoned pro,
or somewhere in between, I'm sure you'll agree
that these tips will help out in a big way.
- Do a trick that you know. Nothing is scarier then performing a trick
that you're not sure about. It sounds like common
sense, I know. However, I've seen so many magicians make this mistake. I
know I have!
- Be patient and practice a trick until you get it down; as if it were
second nature.
This will help take care of those first time jitters! Everyone knows that
repition is the mother of skill.
In other words, practice makes perfect,or as I've learned over the years,
perfect practice makes perfect performance.
Don't be in a rush to perform any trick. Especially if it's your first
time.
- Pick a friendly spectator. Find someone who looks like they won't
tear your head off! This doesn't mean that
you have to perform for a family member or a close friend... they can
actually be you're toughest audience. Try performing
magic for someone you don't know, a class mate or someone you work with.
These people can definately give you an honest
reaction and help you get better. When it's your first time performing
magic, keep in mind that you're not trying to
prove anything. Don't think you're going to 'fool' someone. Just relax
and make a new friend.
The magic will come naturally!
- KEEP IT SIMPLE!!! You don't have to make an airplane appear out of
thin air when you do your first trick! Stick to
something simple in psychology and make it personable. You don't want to
lose your audience by confusing them, or seeming
as if you're trying to test their intelligence. Perform a self working
trick where you can concentrate on your presentation
rather than technique and handling.
- Remember: It's only your first time doing magic! You might not be a
big hit your first time, but you will get
better with experience and patience.
- DON'T SWEAT IT!!! Most people try a magic trick, it doesn't work and
they give up, never touching magic again.
They never give themselves a chance to improve like you. So
congratulations for sticking with it and having
faith in yourself.
For many magicians, that first trick means so much. It's the one event
that changed their life because they knew
that from that moment on they were hooked on performing. I'm sure that if
you consider at least one of these tips
your first experience performing magic will be a success. Get out there,
do the best you can, and have fun!
