So, you want to be a magician. Magic can be a fun and rewarding hobby, pastime or even a money making career. Almost all of the famous and successful magicians began performing magic as young kids, some began as young as six years old
Magic can even be therapeutic, for many years it has been use to help kids and adults overcome shyness.
It is not necessary to have special equipment to perform magic. You can use common household objects, such as coins, paper, rope, playing cards, ETC. You may want to get a magic kit which contain a variety of tricks and props. We have selected kits in various price ranges avail in our Magic Prop Store.
Follow the steps below to become a magician, work hard, learn, but most of all, have fun.
The First Steps
If you have decided that you are ready to take on the challenges and demands of becoming a magician, talk it over with a parent. Explain to them that you will be spending many hours learning and practicing but you will not let it interfere with school, homework or other responsible activities.
Learn as much as you can. There are many good magic books available for children, you will find a list of recommended kid's books in our bookstore. Your local library can be another good source of information.
Try to attend a professional magic show. Observe what tricks are performed and how they present it. Listen to what they say and how they introduce a trick. If you are unable to attend a show, there are many videos available online of magic acts. Learn from what you have seen, but don't try to imitate another magician, create your own style and patter.
There are three magic words that make a successful magician, they are: practice, practice, practice.
Your First Show
Develop a routine, start with a good trick and end with your best trick, your audience are more likely to remember your first trick and your big finish rather than those tricks in between. Stick to your routine, don't haphazardly just do tricks. Rehearse your routine over and over.
Decide if you want to do comedy magic or serious magic and develop the patter for your performance (How will you introduce yourself? What will you say with each trick?).
Although it is not necessary to have a special costume for your act, it is always a good idea to wear clothing that set you apart from your audience. After you have decided weather you will do comedy or serious magic think about what you will wear. Maybe a jacket and tie if you want to be serious or oversized clothes and a floppy hat for comedy. Either way second hand or thrift stores can be a good source of wardrobe.
The lights have dimmed, the curtain has opened and the spot-light is on you. You're ready for for your first show. Good Luck.
Glossary
Words You Should Learn, Magic Slang
BACKDROP: A curtain or scenery behind the magician.
ILLUSION: Usually refers to a large stage prop.
MISDIRECTION: Causing the audience to focused on one hand while you do something with the other.
PATTER: The words you use in your act, often humorous.
PRESTIDIGITATOR: A magician
PROP: The device or apparatus used in a magic trick.
SLIGHT-of-HAND: Manipulating cards, coins or other objects with your hands.
STOOGE or STICK: A person in the crowd working with you, but appears to be a member of the audience.
VENUE: The place where you put on a magic show. |
